Chapter Seven: Making Friends Was Exhausting

The world was so peaceful that even he, a man with superpowers, found it a little boring.

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

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

In any case, Hirata Yosuke seemed like a typical good student: kindhearted, good at leading, and fond of looking after others.

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

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

After introducing himself, Hirata Yosuke smiled at the class and encouraged them. "Now, would anyone like to come up and introduce themselves to everyone?"

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

Kikyo Kushida wore a sweet, harmless smile as she lightly hurried up to the podium and turned to face the class.

Every movement seemed natural and graceful. She showed no stage fright at all, and her warmth and friendliness practically overflowed.

"Hello, everyone~"

She gave a slight bow, her voice lively and sincere in a way that put people at ease. Her gaze swept over every face in the classroom like warm sunlight, her eyes brimming with anticipation and goodwill.

"My name is Kikyo Kushida! 'Kushi' as in comb, 'da' as in rice field, and 'Kikyo' as in the balloon flower.

"My hobbies... Well, they might be a little unusual."

She gave a playful wink, successfully piquing everyone's curiosity before continuing in a voice full of longing:

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

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

"So, from now on, if you run into any problems, or even if you just want someone to talk to or share something happy with, feel free to come find me anytime!

"I'd also be happy to help everyone get to know one another and make even more new friends! Anyway— I look forward to getting along with all of you!"

Her introduction perfectly matched the "social butterfly" and "warm little ray of sunshine" persona she had always presented: enthusiastic, friendly, and clear about her goal of making friends with everyone.

Many of the students below, especially those who were just as eager to fit into their new surroundings and make friends, took an instant liking to her and felt drawn to her.

The applause rang out again, even louder than it had for Hirata.

A few boys in the front row even mustered the courage to reply with a laugh. "Kushida, then I'll definitely be your friend!" "I'm looking forward to getting along with you!"

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

In the back row, Lin Mu watched as he unwrapped a new green-apple lollipop. Its sweet-and-sour flavor made him narrow his eyes.

I really don't understand why anyone would consider "making friends with everyone" a "hobby," let alone a "life's ambition."

Wasn't making friends exhausting in itself?

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

Just thinking about it made Lin Mu feel tired.

Perhaps there really were people in this world who naturally enjoyed and excelled at managing complicated social networks, and loved being surrounded by crowds and commotion.

In any case, he had no interest in that. He'd rather keep his distance. For him, being on his own, in peace and quiet, was the best way to live.

After Kikyo Kushida got things off to a good start—or rather, set a tone of "warmth and friendliness"—the girls began going up to the podium one after another to introduce themselves with ease.

One liked reading, especially literary classics;

Another was good at playing instruments and had achieved a certain level in piano;

Another loved drawing and had been learning to sketch and paint in watercolor since elementary school...

Each did their best to show the class what made her special, though some occasionally stumbled from nerves or made an adorable slip of the tongue.

Kind laughter rippled through the classroom, and the atmosphere grew increasingly warm and friendly.

Once the girls had mostly finished, the boys took turns going up to the podium.

Most gave fairly standard introductions: their names, the middle schools they had graduated from, their hobbies—usually sports, games, or anime—and what they looked forward to about school life.

Some spoke shyly and quietly, others put on a boisterous front, and still others sounded completely unremarkable.

To Lin Mu, they all seemed much the same, like standard templates rolling off an assembly line. None seemed worth paying special attention to or remembering.

He stayed half asleep and slouched in his seat, going through one lollipop after another—green apple, cola, strawberry milk...

It wasn't until two boys introduced themselves that he mustered the tiniest bit of interest and pulled himself slightly out of his complete daze.

The first boy to step up was slender 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. There was little emotion in his eyes, his mouth naturally turned downward, and an air of aloofness about him that warned others to keep their distance, as though an invisible wall surrounded him.

He walked up to the podium without even fully facing the class, standing half-turned as he uttered a few words in a completely flat voice:

"Kiyotaka Ayanokoji."

He paused for a second, seemingly deciding he had to add something, then tacked on a completely insincere remark:

"I don't have any particular hobbies."

Without even looking at the class's reaction, he turned and walked back to his seat at an even pace.

He had said nothing more than necessary, shown no unnecessary expression, and made no attempt to join in the lively atmosphere.

He was completely out of place in the classroom, like an onlooker who had wandered in by mistake.

The boy who went up next was the complete opposite.

He was tall, with broad shoulders and long legs. Even in the uniform, his flamboyant, outgoing air was impossible to hide.

Lin Mu recognized him, too. He was the boy on the bus who had taken the priority seat, refused to give it up for an old woman, and exchanged a few sharp 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, raising an eyebrow with the discerning air of someone 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, brimming with a sense of superiority as though it were only natural.

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

He declared this without the slightest restraint, then let out a few low, pleased chuckles. "Hahaha... Over the next three years, I hope you'll all look forward to seeing just how exceptional I am up close."