"Haha.. they're really getting along"
Hitomi-san uttered in worry, yet was glad that everyone seemed to be getting along just fine.
Staring at the room filled with talks and laughter, Mocha-san can't help but think to herself that,
"The room has a really nice vibe going for it."
She unconsciously mutters, in admiration of the chattery atmosphere filling the classroom.
"What do you mean?"
Hitomi-san tilted her head, her chopsticks raised to her mouth, overhearing Mocha-san's unconscious mumbling.
Mocha-san didn't realize she had said that out loud just now. In a panic, she tried defending herself, heavily for some reason.
"Ah, n-no, i-it's just that ..back in my old school, not everyone get along so well like this. Ah-, b-but that doesn't mean they hated each other ..or anything! ...I-It's just that, it felt like there was some kind of a divide, amongst friend groups ..is all I noticed."
Is what Mocha-san nervously excused herself, waving her hand awkwardly, not wanting to sound like some kind of girl who throws shades at her former classmates.
'Wait, why am I being defensive?' Mocha-san asked herself, making he look guilty. Her words hit hard like a wall, as if implicating she didn't belong in any of those friend groups.
Hearing Mocha-san's observation just now, Hitomi-san cupped her chin, thinking deeply.
She then opened her mouth and said,
"I think what you're probably referring to is due to a phenomenon called the social hierarchy."
Is what Hitomi-san formulated, taking to account Mocha-san's past observation concerning her previous class's dynamics.
"T-The social hierarchy?"
Mocha-san parroted, cluelessly inquiring, "What's that?"
Hitomi-san nodded then proceeded to elaborate.
"The social hierarchy is this subconscious belief that one's social value can be assessed through one's looks, wealth, academic achievement, or their inner or outside power, a.k.a. connections."
"I'm not sure how to put this, but we could categorize one's social standing to three major categories. In a pyramid, those who sit at the top are the popular students, they are people who knows how to socialize, and people admire their presence either by their looks, athleticism, wealth, or even academic performances. Meanwhile, those who sits at the bottom are considered bottom tier characters, or also known as loners or social outcast. People look down on them due to their lack of circles and social life that is important on building connections. Some became loners by choice, but most became one from personal circumstances. And for those who sat in the middle are called normies/ordinaries. They are people who goes by their day with not much drama. Not too popular, but not too low either and still enjoy the mundane school life."
Is what Hitomi-san explained, adding that,
"Because of this subconscious perception of value, some students are reluctant to interact with students of higher social standings, fearing 'judgement' and 'rejection,' as people from our age's self image is heavily influenced by outsider's perception."
Is what Hitomi-san broke down and explain, concerning about this phenomenon called the social hierarchy.
"Haha, I see..."
Mocha-san can't help but laugh awkwardly in agreement, perplexed at how Hitomi-san gave a somewhat textbook explanation to her simple, spurt of the moment observation. Plus, Mocha-san has considered herself as one of the bottom tier characters, so 'That explanation, especially coming from Hitomi-san. It's just,' somehow feels wrong to her...
Hitomi-san, noticing this somewhat awkward expression on Mocha-san's face. She could probably guess what Mocha-san was thinking.
Putting on a sly smile on her face, Hitomi-san leaned closer towards Mocha-san, whispering with her words hidden behind her hand. She told her,
"By the way. I'm pretty sure i belong in the popular category." She chuckled, whispering to Mocha-san in a playful teasing tone.
Mocha-san just sat there, remaining silent, unable to refuse Hitomi-san's claims as it was very much true.
Fixing her expression, Hitomi-san then continued.
"Actually, it wasn't always like this."
She revealed, referring to the room's harmonious atmosphere.
"What do you mean?"
Mocha-san tilted her head, inquiring about what Hitomi-san could be referring to.
For what it looks like, no one seemed to be getting left out in this chattery atmosphere. No pretend sleeping or anything loner like happening on the background. So where could this hierarchy Hitomi-san is implying with went to? seeing how close everyone was bonding.
Wearing a soft expression on her face, Hitomi-san put her hands together, placing it near her chest. She answered,
"This peace could only be achieved thanks to Yukiya Saito-kun's efforts."
She revealed, with hints of gratitude to her tone as those words escaped her mouth.
"Eh?"
Mocha-san tilted her head, becoming more and more puzzled with this sudden revelation.
"Uhm, elaborate?"
Mocha-san was already aware of her master's capabilities, pulling the string from the background for his own entertainment. However, she was curious on how he could have pulled it off. As far as she knows, the boy named Yukiya Saito have been a social outcast not too long ago. So how could he, a problem child, manage to unify the classroom, and for Hitomi-san to be wearing such a grateful expression like that?
Hearing Mocha-san's question, Hitomi-san lips curled up, eager to tell the certain chuunibyou's endeavors.
"Just like you mentioned, you noticed that there was a some kind of divide in your former classroom. This class too was no different before you and Aria-san joined our section. Even right now, you could easily distinguished those who are close and belong in certain friend groups."
"There are visible circles such as the Weekend Hangout Study Group ("WHSG" for short; those who are primarily consisting of popular figures; athletes, academic achievers, and social butterflies. They even have other members and close acquittances from other sections.) The Gyaru Gal's Group ("G3" for short; consisting of three gals whose primarily interests are in fashion, love talks, and gossips.) The Backbencher Boys ("B3" for short; who's all about male bonding, goofing around, and chilling with their friends who laughs at their jokes.) There's the Otaku Gamers Artist Group (OGAG for short; common interest to list are anime, drawing, manga, and games.) Even in other classrooms, you could find variations of these groups consisting of similar personalities an interest members."
Hitomi-san then raises her finger, pointing towards Mocha-san.
"So, I ask you this, Mocha-san. Why do you think this groups don't usually interact in normal circumstances?"
Hitomi-san raises the question, asking for Mocha-san's philosophy.
Mocha-san then recalled what Hitomi-san mention just a little bit earlier. In a nervous and tentative tone, Mocha-san answered.
"J-Judgement, and rejection?"
"Exactly!"
Hitomi-san pointed and exclaimed, overjoyed that Mocha-san seemed to catch on what she was trying to get to.
"You see, us humans, as social beings, our brain evolved in a way that let us seek out companionship. Because for people back then, not belonging to a tribe is the equivalent of death. So for those who have failed to socialize are as good as gone in terms of their survival."
"A friend group could be formed through aligning interest, personality chemistry, or due to events and unforeseen circumstances. If you like anime, naturally you would be draw to other people who also watches anime. If you like to laugh, you'd naturally want to hangout with people of similar humor. Sometimes, you don't even know how the friendship started. Before you knew it, they had already became a natural part of you life."
"The building blocks of a friend group is essentially built out of trust, a foundation you can strengthen over time, yet can easily be shaken by the slightest of factors. A friend group is formed due to shared experiences."
Pondering for a second, Hitomi-san thought of how to best explain her small analogy.
"Hm, let's see ...Let's say you are in a duo, and your best friend suddenly introduced a new member to your group. At first, you were okay with them getting along with each other. But as time went on, the two of them became more and more closer. And suddenly, you felt left out, not being able to relate to their conversation as they now possess shared experiences at time when you are not present."
"Even if the persons involve doesn't harbor any ill intentions, discovering this new side of them you never knew, laughing at the joke you didn't make. Isn't that enough to make you jealous? Wouldn't that make you feel like your place have been threatened?"
"The same logic could also be applied in a larger setting. In every friend group there's a certain dynamic they follow, unique to them with unspoken barriers you should never cross. By introducing a new variable (member), you risk losing your group's established dynamics, so most friend groups prefer staying as they are, separating what's friend to close acquittances."
Taking the time for Mocha-san to process the information, Hitomi-san waited for Mocha-san's reaction.
"Hm, I see."
Mocha-san could just simply nod and agree, letting the information marinate in her brain. At the same time, in the back of her mind, she was thinking along the lines that, 'That's one hell of a long explanation!' she thought.
Actually, Hitomi-san was quite proud of herself right now. Everything she's explaining was from a research she conducted a little while ago, figuring out a certain chuunibyou's (my) intentions. However, I never had such deeper meaning behind my actions except for wanting to look cool if that counts.