First Contact

I turn accordingly to my right where the voice came from.

The owner of the voice is a girl with a quite cheerful and captivating face. Obviously, she wears the same school uniform as mine. With light blue hair flowing down to her waist and bangs on each side, she sports a rather well-endowed body with a visible beauty mark on her left eye. It's obvious that she will become a femme fatale in adulthood.

"Hello..."

I return her greeting with a tone as warm as hers, accompanied by a joyful smile.

'In the novel, Kōenji was an eccentric character who didn't care about anyone and was very narcissistic. This had earned him isolation from his classmates. Looks like that's not my case here. I was right to resist taking out that mirror... Darn it, don't think about it, or you'll risk succumbing.'

Apparently pleased with my response, the girl seems much more confident in approaching me. Her greeting a moment ago was indeed a test.

If my memory serves me right, based on the illustration of her in the novel, she must be Hasebe Haruka. A plain girl and a supporting character, but later one of the main character's group of friends. Normally, she should be an introverted girl, so I'm quite surprised that she took the initiative to approach me. I feel really flattered.

"I'm Hasebe, Hasebe Haruka. And you?"

"Kōenji Rokusuke. Nice to meet you, Hasebe-san."

"Likewise, Kōenji-san."

Knowing her reserved character, I know that if I do nothing, the conversation will end there.

To reward her courage in taking the first step, and the fact that she's the first person I've approached in this school, I decide to take control of the conversation.

"Ready for the resumption of classes?"

Still flashing my charming boy smile, I bring up a topic of conversation with Hasebe.

For a moment, she seemed surprised. Most likely because I'm taking the initiative this time. The sparkle in her eyes indicates that she's delighted.

"Ah, not really. And you?"

'I see. For now, she's testing the waters before opening up completely. In that case, I shouldn't be too casual. Respond tactfully without saying too little.'

"As for me, I have some apprehensions. This school is known for its unique teaching methods. I admit to feeling eager to find out why."

'There, concise. Not too little, not too exaggerated. With that, she should feel more at ease now.'

"It's also true that I'm eager to see how this school works. I must say, it's already huge in itself."

'Good, those sentences became longer now... Wait a minute. What's happening to me? Since when do I analyze everything?'

"We can tour the campus together after the welcoming ceremony. What do you say?"

I propose.

Don't get me wrong, it's just a simple invitation to get to know each other better later. Although I'm in a teenager's body, I'm over forty. Hasebe looks more like a nice little girl than a potential conquest. Also, I do plan to tour the school later, but it's much better accompanied than alone. Now, it all depends on whether she accepts. I know my proposition might seem abrupt, but if we stick to the fact that she was impressed by the campus's expanse, a thorough visit should be in her plans too. Let's just hope she wants me as company.

"Uh, if you don't mind, why not."

Although initially surprised by my request, she quickly calmed down and accepted.

'Great. If all goes well, I'll end this day with at least one friend in my circle.'

Despite knowing the true purpose of this school, I don't intend to be an individualist. My life experience has shown me that cooperation prevails over individualism. Therefore, throughout these three years ahead of me, I plan to make friends and form partnership relationships. Of course, this means getting noticed.

I was about to continue my conversation with Hasebe, but, with perfect timing, the first bell rang. Almost at the same time, a woman dressed in a suit entered the classroom.

Her appearance screams "teacher" and seems to be of the strict type. She looks to be around thirty, and her long hair is tied in a ponytail.

She steps forward and stops behind the teacher's desk. Then, in front of a now silent room, she begins to speak: "Good morning, dear new students. My name is Chabashira Sae."