Chapter 6: A Simple Self-Introduction
"Everyone, can I have a moment of your attention?"
A boy with light brown hair, wearing a gentle and approachable smile, stood up from his seat as the classroom gradually filled.
He casually placed his hands on his hips, his decent looks and sunny personality instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"How about we do self-introductions to help everyone get to know each other and blend into the class? sensei isn't here yet. What do you all think?"
As expected, no matter where you go, there's always a normie-type character like this. His attention-grabbing presence reminded Hikigaya of some unpleasant memories.
'Yep, you're probably one of those all-around perfect guys who wants to help anyone in trouble, right? Normie No. 2—or should I call you Hayama No. 2?'
As Hikigaya internally mocked, the equally sociable short-haired girl raised her hand excitedly, flashing a fake smile and saying loudly: "I agree!"
Her approval prompted a chorus of agreement from the other girls.
"Sounds like a great idea."
"Yeah, we don't even know what to call each other yet."
"…"
It seemed this guy was not only popular among the boys but also trusted by the girls. Normies really should just explode.
[Hiratsuka Shizuka listened to the boy's inner thoughts with a headache, feeling a bit sentimental that her student hadn't changed one bit.]
[Yukinoshita Haruno elegantly sipped tea in the office, then responded with a mischievous smile: "He's not entirely unchanged, is he…?"]
[Hiratsuka Shizuka sighed immediately. Facing Yukinoshita Haruno, another former student, Hiratsuka Shizuka knew her personality well. Behind her sunny and approachable facade, she had no pity for things she wasn't interested in and would even destroy them herself. So, she shook her head helplessly: "You're still so shady."]
[Yukinoshita Haruno was very curious. If Hikigaya had realized at this school that his old self-destructive methods could no longer save those around him, what would he do in a different school with no companions or friends? How far could he go relying on his usual "self-explosion" tactics?]
"Thanks, then I'll start."
The boy placed a hand on his chest, confidently and generously introducing himself.
"I'm Hirata Yosuke. Feel free to call me Yosuke. I love all kinds of sports and plan to join the school's soccer club. I look forward to getting along with everyone."
'As expected, you and Hayama must've planned this. I get that you're the class's backbone and good at sports, but why pick on the soccer club? Is it because it's full of normies? Got a new piece of info—better watch out for the soccer club guys from now on.'
'The tennis club is so much better, especially with an angel like Saika.'
Hikigaya still propped his chin on one hand. He didn't want to come off as too antisocial—that wasn't his style. He just wanted to do the most with the simplest, most efficient methods. Even if he was antisocial, he'd still attract attention eventually. For someone like him, quietly rotting in a corner was enough.
"Next, I'll go. I'm Kushida Kikyo. My goal is to become friends with everyone here. I want to make all kinds of memories with you all, so don't hesitate to invite me out!"
With Kushida Kikyo's deep bow, the boys in the class erupted into cheers.
'She's a beautiful girl with a sweet voice, hard not to like. But that fake smile could use some work. Not everyone's so easily fooled. Gentle girls… Most guys think they're angels just because they're nice to them, but they forget that gentle girls are nice to everyone, not just them.'
From her exaggerated expressions and actions, Hikigaya instantly sensed the difference between her and Yuigahama. Yuigahama was genuinely naive, but this girl seemed to be pretending.
In any case, as long as he didn't get involved with her, there'd be no issues.
The boy slowly closed his eyes. Whether it was Hirata Yosuke or Kushida Kikyo, they seemed to have some unforgettable past that shaped them into who they were now. Honestly… from the moment he stepped into this class, he felt it—this class had an unnatural, almost pathological vibe.
It was as if everything was deliberately staged, like a fake existence.
'After all, the idea of getting along perfectly with everyone is written all over their faces. Being so fake is normal, right…?'
As Hikigaya was lost in thought, he realized the self-introductions were heading his way.
If this continued, it would soon be his turn.
Self-introductions at the start of a new class always determine one's position in the class hierarchy.
But that wasn't a reason for him to panic. From elementary to middle school, every time he switched classes, he faced self-introductions. Over time, Hikigaya had developed his own method—one that wouldn't make him seem like a bad person while naturally fading his presence. That was his place.
And in this high school, there'd be no class changes for three years, meaning he only had to do this once. That was fantastic—no class changes was truly a genius design.
"Hahahahaha…"
Laughter filled the classroom again, likely because the previous student's introduction was amusing.
"Next, it's this classmate's turn."
Hirata Yosuke's gaze landed on him, and Hikigaya knew it was time to play dumb.
"Huh? Me?"
This approach not only avoided some awkwardness but also let the class know he wasn't interested in their introductions, lowering their expectations.
'So smart.'
(End of this chapter)