Chapter 4: High School, New Classmates, Interesting Guys
Upon arriving at Toyogasaki Academy, Kaede went to his class, 1-C.
Toyogasaki Academy was considered a fairly large high school even within Tokyo. Kaede felt that it was much livelier than his previous junior high school.
"I wonder what kind of people I'll meet in this new environment. I hope I don't run into anything that spoils my mood."
Bullying, or something like that, is not uncommon in any country. The difference is that some people choose to resist, while others choose to endure silently.
However, Kaede didn't want to see either situation.
Two minutes later, Kaede saw his classroom and pushed the door open, walking in.
The expected lively atmosphere of a new school and new class did not appear; instead, it was extremely quiet.
"Emmm..."
Quite a few people had already arrived in the classroom, but after observing for a while, Kaede noticed that everyone was noticeably keeping their distance from one person, a boy.
He had short hair, and judging by his sitting height, he should be about the same height as Kaede. But those fierce eyes, which looked like he wasn't a good person, could his previous premonition really be coming true?
Moreover, this guy was even sitting in the seat Kaede originally wanted, the second-to-last row by the window.
With no other option, Kaede just picked one of the remaining unoccupied seats.
Although he said he picked randomly, there weren't many left, and quite a few were even seats very close to this boy.
Sitting in the last row, to the right-rear of the silent boy, Kaede thoughtfully glanced at the boy's profile, and then it clicked.
Isn't this the person he encountered at the convenience store on the way to the doujinshi event on the second day?
Although he hadn't seen his full face, judging by his build, hairstyle, and the situation he caused, it must be him.
But looking at him now, he doesn't seem like someone who likes to cause trouble, which is good enough.
About ten minutes later, everyone had arrived. The classroom door opened, and a well-dressed female teacher with shoulder-length hair walked in.
After writing her name on the blackboard, she smiled and said, "Hello everyone, my name is Koigakubo Yuri. I will be your homeroom teacher from now on. Please take care of me~~~"
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly felt a gaze from the back row. Looking over, she saw a pair of fierce eyes and immediately shivered, feeling quite scared.
This must be the student she saw on the roster earlier, he really looks scarier than in the photo... But today is her first day in this class, she can't be scared right from the start!
Koigakubo Yuri encouraged herself silently, then forced a smile and said, "Today marks the official start of everyone's high school life at Toyogasaki Academy. In this new class, let's all introduce ourselves! Then, while we have the time, let's elect a class president! If anyone wants to run for class president, you can mention it during your self-introduction!"
The arrival of the homeroom teacher also made the quiet atmosphere in the classroom lively again, and everyone began to introduce themselves in order.
Soon, it was Kaede's turn.
Standing up, Kaede said with a faint smile, "Hello everyone, my name is Asakura Kaede. My hobby is drawing, and I also know a little bit of tennis and basketball. Thank you."
Compared to the previous few who were running for class committee, Kaede's self-introduction was extremely simple.
However, fortunately, Kaede was good-looking. Having inherited his parents' good looks, he had already attracted the attention of many girls in the class. Even with a simple self-introduction, he still drew applause from the girls.
It must be said that besides male simps, females are no exception.
After three more self-introductions, it was finally the turn of the boy with the fierce eyes.
Under Kaede's slightly curious gaze, the other party stood up somewhat nervously and said, "My name is Takasu Ryuji."
Oh, so his name is Takasu Ryuji... Hmm?
Kaede's expression became strange. This was no ordinary name; it immediately stirred up memories deep within him.
It matched, didn't it? It matched!
Fierce eyes, looking like a thug, like a delinquent student, but having seen him twice, he never saw him doing anything bad; his behavior was even very proper.
So it was this fellow, no wonder. It seems his previous worries were all unnecessary.
However, although Kaede was no longer worried, after Takasu Ryuji began his self-introduction, a tense atmosphere once again permeated the classroom, rendering Takasu Ryuji's prepared self-introduction completely useless. After nervously speaking a couple of sentences, he sat down directly.
There was no help for it; his eyes were simply too prone to create an intimidating presence, and when he was nervous, that feeling became even more pronounced, leading to a further deterioration of the situation.
But fortunately, this situation didn't last long. After he sat down, everyone breathed a sigh of relief as if they had escaped a disaster.
And after Takasu Ryuji, another unexpected but reasonable person began their self-introduction.
"Hello everyone, my name is Kitamura Yusaku. Don't let my glasses fool you; I'm actually quite good at baseball. Also, I'd like to run for class president. I served as class president in junior high, so I think I can handle the responsibility."
Indeed, since Takasu Ryuji appeared, the possibility of this person appearing was not zero.
It seems that the next three years of high school life won't be too boring.
After the self-introductions ended, it was time for the class committee elections. Kaede wasn't very interested in these matters. He drew and doodled in his notebook while casting his vote for Kitamura Yusaku during the election.
Finally, this confident, bespectacled boy became the class president, and today's morning homeroom meeting concluded smoothly. Next, it was time to attend the school's opening ceremony.
Leaving the classroom and lining up, everyone proceeded orderly to the school auditorium.
Due to his height, Kaede was positioned behind Takasu Ryuji, both of them at the very end of the line. However, because of the order, the boy in front of Takasu Ryuji seemed to be walking three times faster than usual.
Looking at Takasu Ryuji, who was walking in front of him, clearly exuding a sense of dejection, Kaede patted him on the shoulder. When Takasu Ryuji turned his head, Kaede said, "Some things might be difficult at first, but as long as you put in the effort, I believe others will definitely see it."
Looking at the only person who came to encourage him with some surprise, Takasu Ryuji hesitated for a moment, then revealed a genuine smile.
"Thank you."