Nobody spoke to anyone else. They maintained a balance of mutual noninterference, almost bordering on indifference.
Lin Mu found this state of affairs incredibly comfortable.
It seemed that as long as he kept up this lazy, low-profile routine, his three years in Class 1-D might be more peaceful than he had expected.
He turned his head slightly and glanced at Airi Sakura, who was still looking down to his right. After a moment's thought, he took another milk-flavored lollipop from his pocket.
He reached over and gently placed it on the edge of the desk beside her.
The movement was quick and made almost no sound.
Airi seemed startled by the faint noise. Her shoulders jerked, and she cautiously raised her gaze a little, spotting the unopened lollipop on the corner of her desk.
She glanced quickly at Lin Mu. (He had already withdrawn his hand and was looking straight ahead again, wearing an air of calm that said, "I didn't do anything.")
Her whole face turned bright red in an instant, like a ripe apple.
She stared at the candy, her fingers twitching as if she were hesitating. After a long while, she nudged it to the very center of her desk, then lowered her head again. The blush at the tips of her ears lingered.
On his left, Suzune Horikita seemed to catch the scene out of the corner of her eye. She gave an almost imperceptible snort.
Her lips curled, and the chill in her eyes—and the air of "just as I thought"—grew stronger, but she still said nothing.
Lin Mu paid no attention to either of their reactions and continued savoring his grape-flavored lollipop.
No bothering each other. Good. That was exactly what he wanted.
The introductions finally came to an end, and the classroom regained some of its reassuring quiet.
The students who had been willing to introduce themselves had already finished. The few who remained were either shy and reserved or thought it was pointless and couldn't be bothered to join in.
With that part of the proceedings over, they each lowered their heads to fiddle with their phones, chat with new acquaintances, or stare out the window.
No one insisted that the rest of them participate. After all, not everyone enjoyed the performance of socializing. Some people liked a lively atmosphere, while others were used to keeping quiet.
With his nearly melted lollipop in his mouth, Lin Mu watched coldly as some of the Class D students gathered in small groups to keep chatting after their introductions.
All he could do was hope that Class D's mysterious homeroom teacher would show up soon and put an end to this long, boring pre-class session.
As if responding to his thoughts—and those of some of the quieter students—the classroom door was suddenly flung open with a bang.
A brisk, upright figure strode inside, radiating a cold presence that was impossible to ignore.
The newcomer was a woman in her late twenties, dressed in a simple dark gray business suit. Her long hair was tied neatly behind her head, revealing a pair of sharp, hawklike eyes.
Her expression was stern, and the corners of her mouth naturally turned down. There was no warmth in her face to welcome the new students; instead, she gave off the impression of someone conducting a routine inspection.
As soon as she entered the classroom, her gaze swept across the class, taking in everyone's posture and expression.
Then a cold voice, filled with unquestionable authority, rang out:
"Everyone, return to your seats and sit down at once!"
Though her tone was even, the students who had been chatting in the aisles or beside other people's desks hurried back to their seats as if pushed by an invisible hand. They sat up straight, and even their whispers stopped.
The only sound left in the classroom was the faint scrape of chairs and desks.
Chabashira Sae showed no sign of approval at how quickly the class had quieted down. She seemed to consider it only natural.
She walked straight to the lectern and placed the thick stack of papers she was carrying on the desk with a sharp slap.
The crisp sound of the papers hitting the desk rang out clearly in the silent classroom, adding to the pressure of her arrival.
She braced both hands on the edge of the lectern and raised her eyes, slowly and firmly scanning each young face below her, all still marked by nervousness or curiosity.
Then, in a steady voice with almost no emotional inflection, she introduced herself:
"I'm Chabashira Sae, your homeroom teacher for Class 1-D."
"Let me make one thing clear," she said, pausing to make sure everyone heard what came next. "This school has no system for transferring between classes midway through the year.
"You've been assigned to Class D. For the next three years, as long as you remain at this school, I'll be your homeroom teacher.
"I'm responsible for everything concerning you at school—your studies, daily lives, conduct, and, most importantly, your points."
Without waiting to see how the students reacted, she picked up the stack of papers from the lectern and handed it to the student in the front row, signaling for him to pass it back.
"These are copies of the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School Student Handbook. There's one for each of you. Read it carefully.
"Our school operates under a special system separate from the outside world. First, you need to understand a few basic rules."
With her hands behind her back, she paced half a step in front of the lectern. Her clear voice echoed through the classroom.
"First, this is a fully residential, closed-campus school. Students are strictly forbidden from leaving the school grounds without permission while classes are in session.
"You're also prohibited from privately contacting anyone outside the school in any way—including your families.
"All outside communications must go through channels designated by the school and will be subject to supervision."
"Whoa—"
Her words landed like a stone in a still lake, and a wave of stifled gasps and startled murmurs immediately swept through the classroom.
Many students looked shocked and incredulous, exchanging uneasy glances. Completely closed off?
Even contact with their families was monitored? For teenagers accustomed to the freedom of modern life, this was undoubtedly a bombshell.
Chabashira Sae paid no attention to the commotion, as if she had expected this reaction.
She stopped and added, "There's no need to worry too much.
"The campus is equipped with all kinds of facilities, from supermarkets, cafeterias, and hospitals to cinemas, gyms, and cafés. It even has some specialty shops.
"As long as you don't leave the campus, you can carry on with your daily lives as usual—in fact, everything is more conveniently located here than outside."
Her tone softened slightly, but remained cold. "Second, cash isn't used for purchases on campus. All payments are made with the Private Points in your Student Terminals.
"Points can be used to buy any goods or services on campus. One point is equal to one yen.
"On the first day of every month, the school will deposit points into each student's personal account."
At this point, she deliberately paused. Her gaze seemed to sweep over a few students who were still whispering, and they immediately fell silent.
Then she delivered the news that made every Class D student's heart race:
"This month's points—one hundred thousand—have already been deposited into your Student Terminals. You can check for yourselves now."
One hundred thousand points! The equivalent of one hundred thousand yen!
"Seriously?!"
"One hundred thousand? That's so much!"
"Check your terminals!"
After a brief silence, the classroom erupted!
Before you continue