With a bored tone, Horikita gives me permission to read her personality, and without delay, I dive in.
"Alright. To start, you're a serious and intelligent girl who rarely shows emotion and generally seems unfazed by most things. But that's just a facade, a mask you've put on. The truth is, you're still a little girl yearning for praise from the person you hold dearest. To achieve that goal, you've embraced an antisocial outlook. Yet, despite this dark self-image, you can be caring, even if you pretend it's for your own benefit in those moments. Academically, you're simply brilliant. Physically, you practice martial arts and have solid endurance, though overall, you're just slightly above average compared to Sudō-kun. That's the gist of it, Horikita-san."
Though my speech was lengthy, the class stayed silent and attentive. When I announced I was done, all eyes turned to Horikita.
She has the final say, confirming or denying my claims.
But as if unaware of the attention, she keeps staring at me. Her eyes, once full of arrogance and resolve, now show shock and dismay.
"H-how?! How do you know all that?"
Unable to handle the flood of emotions, Horikita explodes, standing abruptly and lashing out with her words.
"As I said, Horikita-san, I can read anyone with a single glance."
I respond calmly, maintaining my warm tone.
"Nonsense! That's impossible, absurd!"
Rejecting my words, Horikita shouts.
'It's odd seeing her like this, but I had to do it for my plans.'
"Should the class take that as confirmation of my assessment?"
At my question, she seems to realize we're not alone. Quickly composing herself, Horikita sits back down, retreating into her shell.
"That's incredible! Kōenji-san can really read people. Come on, do me next, Kōenji-san!"
Despite the tense mood, the fearless Ike speaks up, his boldness lightening the atmosphere.
"I'd love to, Ike-san, but that'll have to wait for another time. I hope you understand."
"Y-yeah, sure."
I look out at the class.
"With that said, are there any other objections to my proposal for study groups?"
I ask.
Silence answers me, which is a good sign.
"Great. Let me elaborate. There are forty of us. I suggest forming groups of eight, each with a leader. That makes five study groups and five leaders. Now, I'll name the eight people who'll oversee the groups."
I turn to Hirata.
"Hirata-kun, could you please take notes? If it's not a bother."
"No, Kōenji-san, it's no trouble."
"Thanks."
As Hirata grabs something to write with, I continue.
"For Group 1, Yukimura Teruhiko will oversee. Group 2, Hirata Yōsuke. Group 3, Kushida Kikyō. Group 4, Mei-Yu Wang. And Group 5, Kōenji Rokusuke, represented by myself. Any objections to the leader nominations?"
More silence. I glance at Hirata, waiting for him to finish jotting down notes before moving on.
"Good. Now, the group members.
Group 1: Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, Hasebe Haruka, Miyake Akito, Satō Maya, Horikita Suzune, Sotomura Hideo, and Kikuchi Rina.
Group 2: Azuma Sana, Inogashira Kokoro, Ichihashi Ruri, Kakuei Miyoko, Karuizawa Kei, Makida Susumu, and Mori Nene.
Group 3: Ijuin Wataru, Ishikura Kayoko, Kayo Miyoshi, Minami Hakuo, Minami Setsuya, Okitani Kyosuke, and Tanaki Koyasu.
Group 4: Onodera Kayano, Shinohara Satsuki, Matsushita Chiaki, Narihira Suto, Nishimura Ryuko, Takanobu Ritsushima, and Tomita Arisa.
And finally, Group 5: Hondō Ryotarō, Ike Kanji, Sakura Airi, Sonoda Chiyo, Sudō Ken, Yamauchi Haruki, and Miyamoto Soshi.
Those who didn't catch their names, please check with Hirata-san afterward."
I look at Kushida.
"Kushida-chan, could you collect everyone's contact info? Would that be alright?"
"No problem, Kōenji-kun. I was planning to do it anyway."
"I'd also like you to create a class chat group and another for the group leaders. This is to share announcements without gathering like this."
Kushida nods eagerly, not seeing it as a chore—typical for someone who wants to befriend everyone.
I turn to the rest of the class, eyeing each group leader.
"Group management is up to the leaders, but we'll hold occasional meetings to review progress. Any issues with what's been said so far?"
I hoped for silence again, but not this time.
A hand goes up.
It belongs to a girl with indigo hair tied in twin ponytails—Mei-Yu Wang, whom I just named leader of Group 4.
I nod for her to speak; she didn't need to raise her hand.
"Well, Kōenji-san, I-I…"
'I know what's bothering you.'
"I understand, Mei-san."
I interrupt, not to frustrate her but to help.
"As a foreigner, you don't feel comfortable taking on the leader role, right?"
Mei nods softly.
"But, Mei-san, believe it or not, you're in the top five most academically capable students in this class. As for leadership, I know you're a spirited girl. See this as a chance to find your footing. Plus, I'm here if you face any challenges. Can I count on you, Mei-san?"
I finish by bowing to her.
"No, no, no, Kōenji-san, you don't have to bow! I-I'll do my best!"
"Thank you, Mei-chan."
I straighten up and flash a smile.
Then I check my phone. It's 4 p.m. Time to wrap this up.
"Alright. Thank you all for your time. I declare this meeting adjourned."
With the meeting over, everyone scatters to their end-of-day plans. Most seem headed to the club activities kickoff ceremony.
Hirata volunteers to gather those going and lead them from the hallway.
I return to my seat, pack my things, and head out.
Hasebe, who waited for me, walks out with me.
"So?"
"What do you mean, Hasebe-chan?"
Her vague question prompts one from me to clarify.
"What's so important that you're skipping the ceremony?"
Her question catches me off guard. I wasn't expecting it.
'What can I say to get her to drop this? Got it…'
"Oh?"
I let out a surprised exclamation and flash a mischievous smile.
"What's that 'oh' about?"
Confused, Hasebe asks.
"Just that I didn't realize you'd gotten so attached to me, Hasebe-chan. I'm aware of my charm, but not *this* much."
Though laced with teasing, my words still embarrass her.
"Huh? W-what? Where'd that come from?"
Instead of answering right away, I step closer.
Our faces are inches apart. I can see my dear friend's cheeks flush bright red. Ah, youth!
"You know, Hasebe-chan, all you have to do is say you want me to come with you to the ceremony, and I will. Is that what you're saying?"
I throw in a charming look for good measure.
Her embarrassment hits critical mass, forcing her to back away a few inches from my face.
"W-who… Whatever! I was just asking. I don't need you to come with me. Do whatever you want."
With that, she turns her back and heads toward Hirata's group, signaling she'll go without me—exactly what I wanted.
"Hey, Kōenji-san, you not coming with us?"
Spotting Hasebe joining them, Sudō calls out.
I raise my voice slightly to answer.
Truth is, though Sudō asked, the whole group seems curious. So, I'm really addressing them all.
"I've got some important stuff to take care of, and I'm not joining a club right now, so fill me in tomorrow."
"Cool, see you then."
Sudō waves goodbye, and I return the gesture.
'Interesting. Does he already see me as more than an acquaintance?'
With nothing holding me back, I head off to my urgent business.
I leave the academic building and make my way to the eastern side of campus. After a few minutes of steady but leisurely walking, I arrive at a large building that looks like a shopping mall.
Indeed, it's the Keyaki Mall.
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