Making Friends Is Exhausting

The world was so peaceful that even he, a person with supernatural powers, found it a little boring.

So, most likely, the school's name and certain characters' names just happened to be similar.

Complicating ordinary school life with conspiracy theories was something only people with too much time on their hands did.

At any rate, the Hirata Yosuke standing before him looked like a typical good student: kindhearted, a natural leader, and fond of looking after others.

As long as he didn't come over and interrupt Lin Mu's slacking, trying to assign him some "class duty" or drag him into some "group activity," Lin Mu didn't care whether they interacted or not.

Going with the flow and keeping his distance was the best way to get along.

After introducing himself, Yosuke Hirata smiled at the class and said encouragingly, "All right, would anyone else like to come up and introduce themselves?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a cheerful figure sprang to her feet.

Kikyo Kushida wore a sweet, harmless smile as she briskly made her way to the front of the classroom. She stopped beside the podium, turned, and faced the class.

Her every movement seemed natural and graceful. She showed no hint of nervousness, and her warmth practically overflowed.

"Hello, everyone!"

She bowed slightly. Her voice was lively and sincere in a way that put people at ease, and her gaze swept over every face in the room like warm sunlight. Her eyes were filled with anticipation and friendliness.

"My name's Kikyo Kushida! The 'Kushi' in Kushida is the one in comb, and the 'da' is the one in rice field. Kikyo is the name of a flower.

"My hobby... Well, it might be a little unusual."

She gave a playful wink, successfully piquing everyone's curiosity before continuing in a dreamy tone:

"My greatest wish is to become good friends with every student at this school!

"Whether you're a boy or a girl, no matter which class you're in, I hope we can all get along.

"So, from now on, if you ever run into trouble—or if you just want someone to chat with or share something fun with—you can come find me anytime!

"I'd also be happy to introduce you to one another so you can make even more new friends! Anyway—please take good care of me!"

Her introduction perfectly matched the "social butterfly" and "warm ray of sunshine" persona she had displayed all along. She was enthusiastic and friendly, and her goal was clear: make friends with everyone.

Many of the students in the audience—especially those who were also eager to fit into their new environment and make friends—immediately felt drawn to her.

Applause rang out again, even more enthusiastic than the applause Hirata had received.

A few boys sitting in the front row even grinned and called out boldly, "Kushida, I'll definitely be your friend, then!" and, "I'm looking forward to it!"

(Anyone who's watched the anime should know what the masterpiece of the White Room said.)

Lin Mu watched from the back row as he popped a new green-apple lollipop into his mouth. The sweet-and-sour flavor made him narrow his eyes.

But inwardly, he muttered, I really don't understand why anyone would treat "making friends with everyone" as a "hobby," let alone a "life's ambition."

Isn't making friends pretty exhausting in itself?

You have to remember so many people's likes and habits, maintain so many relationships, and deal with potential misunderstandings, conflicts, or even betrayal...

Just thinking about it made Lin Mu feel tired.

Perhaps there really were people in this world who were born to enjoy and excel at navigating complicated social networks, who loved being surrounded by crowds and excitement.

As for him, he wanted no part of it. He'd rather keep his distance. For him, doing his own thing in peace and quiet was the way to go.

Kikyo Kushida had gotten things off to a good start—or, rather, set a tone of "warmth and friendliness"—and soon the girls began coming up to the podium one after another to introduce themselves with confidence.

Some enjoyed reading, especially literary classics;

some were good at playing instruments and had reached a certain grade in piano;

some loved drawing and had been learning watercolor and sketching since elementary school...

Everyone did their best to show off what made them unique, and now and then someone stumbled over their words from nervousness or made a cute slip of the tongue.

Their introductions drew kind laughter from the class, and the atmosphere grew more and more relaxed and harmonious.

Once most of the girls had finished introducing themselves, the boys took their turns at the podium.

Most gave fairly ordinary introductions: their names, the middle schools they'd graduated from, their hobbies—usually sports, games, or anime—and what they were looking forward to about school life.

Some spoke shyly and softly, some put on a hearty front, and some were completely unremarkable.

To Lin Mu, they were all much the same, like standard templates rolling off an assembly line. There was nothing worth paying special attention to or remembering.

He remained in a half-asleep, lazy haze the whole time, switching lollipops one after another—green apple, cola, strawberry milk...

It wasn't until two boys introduced themselves that he perked up ever so slightly, pulling himself out of his complete daze.

The first boy to step up was lean and wore the same uniform as everyone else, yet there was something strangely "blank" about him.

His expression was so flat it bordered on cold. His features showed little emotion, his mouth naturally turned downward, and an air of aloofness warned others to keep their distance, as if an invisible barrier surrounded him.

He stopped beside the podium without even fully turning to face the class. In a completely monotone voice, he said just a few words:

"Kiyotaka Ayanokoji."

He paused for a second, as though he felt obliged to add something, then said without a trace of sincerity:

"I don't have any particular hobbies."

He didn't even look at the class's reaction. He simply turned around and walked back to his seat at an even pace.

He'd said nothing extra, made no unnecessary expressions, and done nothing to join in the lively atmosphere.

He seemed completely out of place, like a bystander who had wandered in by mistake.

The boy who stepped up next was his polar opposite.

He was tall, with broad shoulders and long legs. Even in the standard uniform, he couldn't hide his flamboyant, outgoing nature.

Lin Mu recognized him. He was the guy from the bus who'd taken the priority seat, refused to give it up for an old woman, and exchanged a few words with Kikyo Kushida.

After stepping up to the podium, he didn't speak right away. Instead, he lifted his chin slightly and swept his gaze over the class with raised brows, as if inspecting and admiring a work of art. The corner of his mouth curled into a confident, almost arrogant smile.

"My name is Rokusuke Koenji."

His voice rang out, carrying an air of unquestioned superiority.

"In terms of looks, ability, and future potential—almost everyone here falls short of me."

He made the declaration without the slightest hesitation, then gave a few low, pleased chuckles. "Hahaha... For the next three years, I hope you'll all look forward to seeing my excellence up close."