Chapter 8 - Introductions (2)
...
Teacher Thea cleared her throat to get everyone's attention as she spoke up again,
"So, the next one would be... Dawn Rosenberg."
"Yes."
A kind-looking long-haired girl stood up as she spoke softly,
"Hello, everyone. My name is Dawn Rosenberg. I look forward to making friends with you all. I am not from the Capital region, so forgive my sudden dialect use. I spend my time walking around the city, and tend to injured animals I find on my routine walks. My sibling now refers to me as a nerd, but I believe myself to be a dependable big sister. I used to do sports, but my health doesn't allow me to anymore. It's a pleasure to be of acquaintance to you all."
A few girls clapped, while some whispered to others about something with a weird look on their faces.
Wait, what was wrong with her intro? We had some weird ones till now, but Dawn's was perfectly fine. Rather, I think that she did a good job at introducing herself. Plus, she looks kind, polite, and helpful, giving off a 'kind big sister' vibe. So, why are they all treating her so formally?
Is not being from the Capital region that big of a problem? No, I must approach that kind and gentle lady and talk to her with sincerity. It's just too much to have such a good girl treated like that!
The teacher didn't care about my inner thoughts as she proceeded further,
"Good. Liz Gonzales. You are next."
"O-Okay."
A pretty-looking girl with below-average height and cute features stood up from behind me as she gripped her skirt with nervousness. Her dyed blonde hair swayed while her amber eyes looked around nervously as she spoke up,
"Yes, right. Well, I am Liz. Liz Gonzalez. I... am an only child in my family. I asked my mother why, and she said that she was scared of going through pregnancy again. So... ah, right! Um, I am not used to talking to men... I lack exp in that department... but, I'll d-do my best!!"
Yeah, right. Nice thing you were able to say everything, but good luck with achieving your goals. Unlike the case with Alice, the boys looked totally repulsed by Liz's open declaration. Maybe they didn't feel too obliged to become Liz's experimental partners for conversation.
Liz sat down quickly, burying her face in her arms, as if trying to overcome the embarrassment that came from saying what she did.
Hmmm, she kind of looks pitiful. I think she didn't have bad intentions when she said all that. Perhaps she just isn't used to expressing herself properly... just like me.
Damn it! I definitely don't want to mess up my chance.
"Michelle Stinson. You are next."
"U-Understood."
Michelle stood up from next to me as she calmly faced ahead and spoke,
"My name is Michelle Stinson. I am lucky to have the chance of being classmates with everyone here. My interests are in the tech industry, and I work part-time at shops near my home. I... happen to be diabetic, so I can't handle sweets well. I also like reading, but sports is not my strong suit. I do play badminton with my neighbours, but not too often. I picked up mobile gaming recently and am hoping to find friends to play with. Thank you."
Yup, Michelle is cute all the time. She would have been very popular if she had been in my previous world. Alas, this world functions too differently.
"Alright. Stephanie Wells, you would be next."
"Yes, yes."
The one who answered so energetically was another cute-looking girl with long blonde hair, but hers didn't look dyed, having natural-looking blonde hair color. Although short in height, she had a lovely smile as she continued,
"My name is Stephanie Wells! I was called Steph in my previous class, so call me that, please! My favourite thing is steak! I like them grilled, especially amongst the other varieties. I loved watching cartoons since young, especially the ones with the Black Duck! I don't like the one with the White Duck as much. Also, I like making friends with the same hair color as me! But, I won't reject those with the other colors. And, I like cute things, especially small animals! I was the ace in our Volleyball team last year, so please join me to play this year! Nice to meet you all!"
Wow... what a lively and spirited girl. She is somewhat laid back yet playful, a seemingly fun girl to be around. She sort of reminds me of my younger sister Dorie. But... yeah, my younger sister is cuter than Stephanie.
The introductions continued until it was my turn at last.
"You go next, Monica Gold."
"Yes."
Okay... it's alright. Don't worry, don't be nervous. Try to relax.
I could see Michelle cheering for me at my side, helping me to gather my spirit as I spoke,
"My name is Monica Gold. My hobbies are cooking for my family and reading. I also exercise frequently, so I am okay at sports. Although I don't know about the after-school clubs to join, I am open to suggestions. I would be happy to make many friends this year. Hoping for your kind guidance."
At the end, I bowed towards the teacher and sat down, hearing sparse clapping in the class.
Was that good enough? Did I do okay?
Michelle nodded at me approvingly, making me feel at ease.
Okay, my turn is over. Now, all that's left is to enjoy the remaining introductions.
...
"Okay, time for the last one. Clara Giles, you go now."
"Understood."
A long blonde-haired girl with a slightly mature look stood up, looking serious as she spoke,
"My name is Clara Giles. Although I am better at sports than at studying, I do well in both. I like reading historical literature and modern research publications. I have an older sister who is deeply into anime and games, but I don't find them enjoyable. I like playing basketball during my study breaks. Happy to be here."
Clara felt like a cool and serious-looking girl. Rather, she initially came across as cold, but she expressed herself well. A straight shooter indeed. But, I don't know if it would be easy to make friends with someone so rigid like her.
...