So, she elegantly smiled at everyone and naturally sat down next to Asagi, becoming his deskmate. Asagi glanced at her, then no longer paid her any special attention. For a beautiful girl like Shiina Mahiru, if he showed too much enthusiasm, she would likely see him as just another admirer, an NPC like everyone else. If he confessed outright, he would definitely be rejected.
As for why there had been an empty seat next to him... he also couldn't figure out who he had offended; the boys had deliberately avoided sitting there, which had been a bit awkward. Now it was fine. The awkwardness was gone, replaced by the envious and jealous gazes of the boys in the class. They all wanted to be deskmates with Shiina Mahiru!
By the way, next to Shiina Mahiru was Hina Ebina. In a sense, Ebina was a very... unique woman; she enjoyed observing and fantasizing about friendships between boys—BL, to be precise.
"Alright, everyone, listen to me for a moment." The handsome blonde, Hayama Hayato, saw that everyone had found a seat and stood up to speak. His brilliant smile made Yumiko Miura's eyes next to him brighten. The few boys sitting around Hayama also showed expressions of envy and admiration. These people likely knew each other from junior high and had moved up to Soubu High School together.
Hayama Hayato talked on, quickly taking control of the atmosphere. Simply put, he suggested everyone do self-introductions since they would be classmates for the next three years. Yumiko Miura naturally strongly supported Hayama, the boy she had secretly admired since junior high. With the two of them leading, the self-introductions began.
First was Hayama Hayato himself. He said he wanted to get along harmoniously with everyone and become friends, stating that they could come to him with any difficulties. His hobby was soccer, and he planned to join Soubu High School's soccer team. A classic, warm-hearted blonde boy.
Besides Hayama Hayato and a few of his followers, like Tobe Kakeru and Yamato, not many others were particularly memorable. Watching these familiar anime characters appear before him, Asagi found it increasingly interesting.
While he was pondering, it was his turn to introduce himself. He stood up, cleared his throat, and calmly began: "Hello everyone,I am Asagi Okashisai. I like light novels and anime. Please take care of me from now on." After speaking,he sat down. Hayama Hayato led the applause.
Next, it was Shiina Mahiru's turn. The girl stood up elegantly, and her clear, pleasant voice rang out. "Hello,everyone. I am Shiina Mahiru. I enjoy reading and cooking. I hope to get along well with all of you. Please take care of me." Well,this introduction was quite standard. But with the halo of a beautiful girl, it perfectly conveyed her friendliness and instantly drew warm applause from her classmates.
Shiina Mahiru and Yukino Yukinoshita's entrance exam scores were tied for first in their grade, which was why both had spoken as freshman representatives. On a side note, Asagi was second in the grade, and Hayama Hayato was third.
The classmates introduced themselves one after another. Even Hachiman Hikigaya completed his self-introduction very smoothly. But Asagi's mouth twitched as he listened because Hachiman said he liked light novels and anime—a complete copy of his own self-introduction. However, it wasn't a big problem. Because of the morning's incident, Hachiman and he were already acquainted. If they had common interests, the chances of becoming friends were even greater. And with Asagi's apparent combat prowess, becoming his friend meant that even if Hachiman was an unnoticed presence at school, he likely wouldn't be bullied. One could only say that Hachiman Hikigaya truly lived up to his nickname as the "8man" among netizens; his mind worked quickly, and he was clever.
---
After the self-introductions, everyone had a general impression of their classmates. They began to mentally categorize who they could become friends with; this was probably the embryonic form of future class cliques.
Soon after, a beautiful teacher in a white lab coat walked in briskly. "Everyone,quiet down!" Her serious tone brought the noisy discussions to an abrupt halt. The beautiful teacher, who commanded the room, grandly wrote her name on the blackboard. "I am Shizuka Hiratsuka.From now on, I will be your homeroom teacher. I also serve as the school's life guidance counselor. In short, you are all under my supervision now." "If you have any problems,feel free to come to me." "By the way,I teach Modern Japanese. From now on, no playing with phones during my class!"
The beautiful teacher was full of momentum, clearly having rich teaching experience. Her shirt and lab coat were stretched taut. It made Asagi think that she would definitely not let her future children go hungry.
"Alright, now I'll take attendance." Shizuka Hiratsuka quickly completed the roll call; this segment was mainly for getting to know the students. After attendance, she began the process of selecting class representatives. In Japanese high schools, there are usually two class representatives: one male and one female.
Upon hearing that class representatives were to be chosen, a girl named Minami Sagami in the corner seemed eager to try. "Alright,we need to choose one male and one female class representative. Is there anyone willing to volunteer and serve everyone?"
As soon as Hiratsuka-sensei's words fell, Minami Sagami was about to raise her hand. But the students immediately started chattering. "Hiratsuka-sensei,since it's a class representative, they should definitely take the lead in academics. I think it's better to let students with excellent grades take the position." It was Tobe Kakeru who spoke, and his words almost explicitly nominated Hayama Hayato and Shiina Mahiru for the roles. "Exactly,exactly!" "Shiina is so accomplished,she's most suitable!" "Hayama is not bad either,he's third in the grade!" Those who knew him immediately supported Hayama.
In the corner, Minami Sagami awkwardly lowered the hand she was about to raise; she felt like crying from injustice. Does not having top grades mean you can't be a class representative? However, the boy who suggested Hayama immediately drew a glare from Yumiko Miura. If they said that, and Hayama and Shiina Mahiru developed feelings because of their duties, what would Yumiko do?
Hayama Hayato quickly raised his hand. "Hiratsuka-sensei, I'm joining the school soccer team and will have practice. I'm afraid I won't have enough time to be an effective class representative." This was a good reason. Shizuka Hiratsuka nodded slightly in approval, then looked at Shiina Mahiru. "Shiina,everyone is recommending you for female class representative. What's your opinion?"
Shiina Mahiru stood up, bowed to everyone, and showed an impeccable sweet smile. "Since everyone thinks so highly of me,of course, I'm willing. I also have experience as a class representative in junior high. Everyone, as your class representative, please take care of me from now on!" "Very good,then it's settled! The female class representative will be Shiina!" Hiratsuka-sensei immediately made the decision. "Then,the male class representative…"
Just as Hiratsuka-sensei was about to ask, Shiina Mahiru suddenly pointed at Asagi and said: "I recommend Asagi-kun for male class representative.He is second in the grade, so I believe he can help lead everyone to improve their academic performance."
Asagi was utterly bewildered. No way? Me, a class representative? Shiina, you really know how to cause me trouble. Hearing Shiina Mahiru's words,everyone looked at Asagi in surprise. He was actually a top student, second in the grade? Hearing him say he liked light novels and anime, they thought he was just a handsome otaku. They didn't expect him to be an honor student too?
Shizuka Hiratsuka looked at Asagi, her eyes lighting up. "Asagi, what's your opinion?" As she spoke,Asagi could already feel the envious, jealous, and resentful gazes from the boys. After all, Shiina Mahiru had personally recommended him. Didn't that mean she thought very highly of him?
Asagi glanced at Shiina Mahiru, finding her looking at him with a somewhat expectant gaze. Helpless, he could only nod. "Alright.Since Shiina thinks so highly of me, I'll try my best as the male class representative." "Of course,if anyone feels they can do better, I'd be happy to give up the position." "Everyone,please take care of me from now on!"
As he finished speaking, it was still Hayama Hayato who led the applause. This good-natured person really was very considerate. "Very good.The male and female class representatives will be Shiina and Asagi. Both of you, come to my office after class; I have some things to discuss with you." "Yes." "Okay."
---
After class, as the other students began to disperse, Asagi turned to his new deskmate. With a half-smile, he asked, "Shiina, do you hate me or something? Why did you nominate me for this?"