[So... Where should we begin our study session and when should we start?] (M.A.)

[🤔🤔] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[Why don't we study together in the classroom? Hirata-Kun and Kushida-Chan's group will also be present there. The more the merrier, right? ┐(´ー｀)┌] (Nenechi)

[Actually, I can't concentrate very well in a crowded environment. Sorry for being an inconvenience (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)] (SakuraAiri)

[That's fine Sakura-San! No need to apologize really! I can relate to your situation since I'm a bit of an anti-social person myself 😎] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[I don't think that's something you should be proud of...] (M.A.)

[Shut up Miyacchi ಠ_ಠ] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[Okay ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ] (M.A)

[He's right you know?]

[Nah. I'm pretty sure he's Miyake. Not right 😂😂] (NotHasebeHaruka]

[Shut up Hasebe (눈‸눈)] (M.A.)

[I'm just kidding LMAO 😅] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[What does LMAO stand for again?]

[Laughing My Ass Off. Jeez, Ayanon. How can a teenager not know something as simple as that? 😓] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[That seems very illogical. It should be nearly impossible for a person to laugh their arse off.]

[It's just a simple form of expression, Ayanokouji-Kun. No need to take everything so seriously (◠ᴥ◕ʋ)] (Nenechi)

[Okay then... I apologize for my ignorance. LOL -_-]

[You do know what LOL means, right?) (M.A.)

[...Yes?]

[That's a lie isn't it?) (M.A.)

[...I'm not obliged to answer that.]

[Anyway, back on topic. If the classroom won't do, then what location should we pick. Do any of you have any suggestions? 🤔] (Nenechi)

[What about going to the library? The place isn't too crowded, and they play classical music, which makes the atmosphere of the place quite soothing.]

[I'm down for it. What about you, Miyacchi?) (NotHasebeHaruka)

[Eh, sure. Why not? What about the others?] (M.A.)

[I wouldn't mind studying in the library, I guess. I haven't gone to the library at all, but it would be a nice change if I did. Plus, I heard that the place had a very pleasant vibe there.] (Nenechi)

[I can vouch for that.]

[How about you, Sakura?) [M.A.]

[I guess the library is okay. But what time should we gather there?] (SakuraAiri)

[What about precisely after school? In the afternoon at around 3 p.m? How does that sound?] (Nenechi)

[Yikes, no can do. I have club activities ranging from around 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. sorry lads (─.─||] (M.A.)

[Oh, you're in a club Miyake-Kun? What kind of club are you a member of?] (Nenechi)

[The archery club 🏹] (M.A.)

[Seems pretty boring ngl...] (Nenechi)

[PFT ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[BRUH WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY THAT?! It's really not that old-fashioned and tedious as people claim it to be (ノ｀Д´)ノ彡┻━┻] (M.A.)

[Okay grandpa ಠ◡ಠ] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[I swear to God this woman... (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ] (M.A.)

[Chill out Miyacchi, it's really amusing to watch your reactions when you're being teased ▼・ᴥ・▼] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[Ugh, whatever. The point is I won't be available then. Is it possible to reschedule for another time?] (M.A.)

[Why don't we meet at 5.30 p.m.? After his club activities, Miyake will have 30 minutes to recover, and I believe the library is open until 8.30 p.m. Does that appeal to all of you?]

[Sounds good to me! ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧] (NotHasebeHaruka)

[That would be fine with me] (M.A.)

[👍] (SakuraAiri)

[I was planning to hang out at the mall with several of my friends at 5.30 p.m. but if it's for something as vital as this, I guess I could meet up with them some other time.] (Nenechi)

[Great! Then it's settled! Everyone will come together at the library at 5.30 p.m. don't be late y'all!] (NotHasebeHaruka)

———————————————————

The time was exactly 5.00 p.m. Since thirty minutes ago, I've been here. While I was waiting for my study partners to arrive, I decided to go to the library early on and read a few novels.

'Farewell, My Lovely,' was the book I was reading at the time. A great work by the late Raymond Chandler, who died on March 26, 1959. May he rest in peace.

Surprisingly, the library is vacant after school. We can't hang out with our friends or do any other frivolous things with them due to the fact that we can't chat too loudly in the library. Only a few individuals appear to be here right now, thus it appears that I'll be able to return the book without difficulty.

"Since I'm already here, I might as well borrow another book..."

After all, whether I borrow one or two books, the burden of returning them will be the same. I suppose I'll hunt for another book I'm interested in reading before returning this one.

I went over to the Mystery corner while holding 'Farewell, My Lovely' in one hand. I might as well borrow a couple of detective-themed novels since it's going to be this way. I'd prefer to borrow another one of Raymond Chandler's works.

I noticed a lone female student upon arriving at the Mystery Corner. She was having trouble reaching out with her arms to fetch a book that was higher on the bookcase than she was. The book is at an odd height, where she can reach it one second and then can't the next.

Since she looks to be able to reach it, She appeared to be hesitant in whether she should utilize the step stool supplied. I guess whether you're a male or female, It's the same...

The novel she was attempting to get a grasp on was 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë. It is a well-known literary work created by the Bronte sisters. No, despite the fact that the premise suggests it's a mystery, wouldn't it have to be romance? I stretched out to take the book "Wuthering Heights," which the girl was also trying to get her hands on.

"I may have done something unnecessary, but..."

I realized that I recognized the female student that was standing beside me.

"You're... Shiina Hiyori for. Class 1-C, right?" I asked.

"Ah, yes, that's me." She confirmed. "You must be... Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, if I'm not mistaken. I'm surprised you even know my name, let alone my existence."

"I've already etched every student's name and face from our year in my mind."

I am now able to identify people and judge their abilities much more quickly thanks to the OAA app that Vice President Nagumo Miyabi built. You can also send direct messages to someone even if you didn't have their contact information with the app.

According to the information I've gathered about Class C, she appears to be among the smartest students in her class, with an Academic Ability of A- (85) and an Intelligence of A- (84). Her athletic ability and cooperation in class, however, appear to be inadequate. Her social contribution, on the other hand, appears to be above average, indicating that she is one of the few responsible and well-behaved kids in a class full of misbehaving delinquents.

She and Ryuen would undoubtedly be a problem in the future, and we'd have to be on the lookout for them.

"What's the matter, Ayanokouji-Kun?" She cocked her head to the side. "You look as if you're endeavoring to analyze me." She giggled playfully at my actions.

"It's really not like that. To be honest, I was just taken aback by how beautiful you are." I instantly concocted a plausible explanation.

She was very attractive when I had a closer look at her. Rather than the gorgeous and pulchritudinous feeling that most ladies at this institution exude, her allure stemmed from how adorable, sweet, and likable she looked. If she had a personality akin to Kushida or Ichinose, she may possibly compete with them in terms of popularity.

Her looks and figure resemble that of a heavenly angel if you ask me. That is, at least, how she appeared to me.

Then again, I spent much of my adolescent years alone in the white room. It's possible that I may be exaggerating when I say that every girl I saw was stunning, given that I've only seen and chatted with a few.

"I-I see..." She swiftly diverted her attention from me and shifted her glance downward. I also saw that her face was flushed with red as if she was embarrassed by my compliment.

Oh crap, did I make a blunder? Did she think I was hitting on her? Was she going to call me a creep or shitty virgin? Would I now be labeled a womanizer or a playboy? I don't want this to be the reason for my peers' possible disillusionment with me in the future.

"A-ah, Please accept my apologies if it appeared that I was attempting to flirt with you. I genuinely didn't mean any harm with my statement." I purposely stuttered and rubbed my head in guilt to make it look like I was sincere. She meekly nodded as a response to my apology.

"Yeah. For the time being, here..." I handed the book to her.

"Thank you so much," Shiina expressed her gratitude by bowing slightly.

"Is it to your liking? Brontë, I mean."

"Personally, I have no favorites or dislikes. However, because the book was in the wrong genre, I simply decided to move it to its proper location "she replied.

"Ah, I see." It seems she was trying to do the same thing I was. "By the way, isn't the book you're holding 'Farewell, My Lovely? The book is certainly a work of art " She gave her two cents. Shiina's eyes seemed to light up as a result of this.

"I was able to borrow it today since I arrived earlier at the library and found it at the bottom of the bookshelves."

"You're in luck because it appears that Raymond Chandler is quite popular among 2nd-year students, and there has been a long-running dispute over this book. I've been wanting to read it for a while, but I couldn't find it here either today." She continued.

"I seem to have done something bad. Monopolizing it" I informed her with a tinge of shame in my tone.

"That's fine with me. After all, I've already read it before. Plus, I was fortunate enough to come across another book while looking for that one. This school's library appears to have a substantial amount of book collection. I may not be able to read them all before I graduate "she replied, somewhat chuckling and holding the Brontë book.

"I see, that may be so." I narrated.

Indeed there were quite a number of books in this library. You can simply kill time in here even if you don't read a certain book. I'm not sure why this location is so unpopular amongst my peers. However, everyone's tastes vary, and most teenagers my age are incapable of appreciating and enjoying the true wonders of literature.

"Are you perhaps looking for a new book to borrow by any chance? I'd be happy to lend a hand if it's just to find a book to read. Wouldn't it be more convenient to borrow another book while you're already here?" As she moved closer to me, Shiina inquired.

"I figured I'd postpone it until later—what are you up to?" I had approached her with my question. Shiina had already shifted her gaze away from me and was perusing the library's mysterious nook.

She asks me, "Have you read the Dorothy L. Sayers series?"

"No. Christie is one of my favorite authors, but I haven't read Dorothy yet."

"How about 'Whose Body,' if that's the case?" It's something I'd strongly recommend. Also, the Lord Peter series, if you read one of it you'll surely want to complete the series too". Saying that, she pulled the books off the shelves and presented them to me.

"Umm..." I was perplexed by the quick change. I was stumped as to how I should answer her.

"I'm sorry if I irritated you by speaking out like this." She apologized with sad puppy eyes on her face and a worried tone in her voice.

I wasn't very intrigued, but I couldn't say no to her. Moreover, renting a book is free, so I'll probably go along with it.

"Sorry. Right now, I'm a little surprised. But, since I'm already here, I suppose I'll borrow them "I took the books she offered me.

"If you want." I'm not sure what she meant, but Shiina asked with a delighted grin on her face. "The library isn't going anywhere anytime soon. If it's okay with you, would you like to read with me?" She extended a friendly invitation.

"Eh?" I suddenly blurted out.

From book recommendations to an unexpected turn of events. Rather than a fortuitous meeting, I believe she was sent by Ryuen with instructions to spy on me. Whether I decline or accept her offer, Shiina will have the same opinion of me. Whatever direction I took, she would always perceive me as a threat to her class.

"No one in Class C likes reading novels, so I don't have anyone to chat with" Shiina whispered, perhaps because she couldn't tolerate the silence.

"Won't this be a problem?" Ryuen and I are currently at odds with each other. I just imagined you wouldn't be permitted to contact anyone from Class D because he's the reputed dictator of your class."

"Please don't worry. Conflict and confrontation had never piqued my interest from the beginning. Is talking to me a problem for you?"

"No. If you haven't encountered any issues, neither do I. However, I will only be able to join you for a half-hour."

"That's great news; I'd hate for classes to feud over such insignificant matters. The most important thing, in my opinion, is creating friends."

Sadly, there's nothing you can do about it. From the beginning, the educational system was designed in this manner. Furthermore, the majority of students continue to communicate with one another in the same way as before.

Because students like Hirata and Kushida appear to be particularly well-liked, they will simply smash down your inner barriers in order to create 'friends.'

"So, shall we take a seat? It appears that time is slipping away from us." I then glanced at the clock in the library.

"Please be patient and wait until I've finished borrowing this book."

Who'd have guessed I'd be making such progress in the library?

———————————————————

"I had a lot of fun today than I have in a while, Ayanokouji-Kun!" Shiina exclaimed as our reading session came to a close. It was now 5.30 p.m. the exact time my study session would begin.

"I enjoyed the time I spent with you too, Shiina," I reply as I returned the books to their proper bookshelves. "If you'd like, could we hang out again some other time? I really loved spending my afternoon with you. Maybe tomorrow at lunch or after school? Would that be alright with you?" I took advantage of this opportunity to try to make friends with someone from the other classes.

Although I was a bit acquainted with Ichinose, I wouldn't specifically specify her as one of my close pals. After all, we've only interacted twice throughout our one month enrolling in this school.

"Ayanokouji-Kun, I'd be delighted to do so!" She eagerly clapped her hands as she accepted my invitation.

"So, I believe I should depart at this time. Ayanokouji-Kun, I'll see you tomorrow." Waving to me, she said her goodbyes. It could be my imagination, but I believe she seemed giddy with excitement as she hugged the book she was clutching.

She'd probably be one of my best friends if we were placed in the same class. She was easygoing and shared many of my hobbies. However, it's a pity that we were assigned to separate classes based on our evaluations. That isn't to say that we can't be on good terms though. Truthfully, with the brief time I had with her, I was able to have a lot of fun.

"Yo, Ayanokouji. It's finally time, huh?" Miyake greeted me as he and the rest of the members of my study group approached my seat.

"Good evening, Ayanokouji-Kun!" Nene yelled loudly

"SHH!" Miyake quickly tried to shush her up.

"Ah, sorry!" She scratched her head and stuck out her tongue in meek humiliation.

"Hey there Nene, Miyake, and Hasebe." As a little hello, I raised my palm. "Sakura, it's nice to finally meet you." I reached out my hand and attempted to say it in a welcoming way.

"I-it's nice to meet you too, Ayanokouji-Kun..." She addressed me gently in a reluctant tone.

"You may all take a seat now."

After laying down their notes on the table, I began to distribute a bunch of papers.

"These are the questions I've prepared for all of you. Based on the results, I'll figure out how I should teach you people. Please complete them honestly, and remember that cheating is not permitted. I'll scold you if I catch any of you trying to peek at one of your partner's replies." They had been warned by me.

Their pens danced on top of the paper I gave them as I listened to Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G Minor. They submitted in their test papers after the 25-minute mark and prepared themselves for my assessment.

"It's extremely remarkable... Miyake and Hasebe's ratings on each subject are nearly similar..." I told them about it.

"Huh? Seriously?" Hasebe inquired, her face baffled.

"Yeah. Both of you scored above average in the sciences, but below average in language and history. Even the same questions were answered correctly and incorrectly..." I explained myself.

"Yikes, considering the second half, I'm not sure if I should feel glad about that," Miyake replied, his tone uneasy.

"But, Miyacchi, isn't that insane? We have a lot in common." As she crossed her arms over Miyake's head, Hasebe made a remark.

"You both didn't conspire with each other, right?" I interrogated.

"What nonsense!" Hasebe said as she playfully put her palms on her chest to appear offended. "I swear to God and every holy being that I did not cheat whatsoever." She playfully crossed her arms and pouted.

It was adorable.

"Well, I guess I don't have any proof to hold you two responsible." I grudgingly surrendered.

"Your marks are evenly divided, Nene. You're not particularly awful in any of your subjects, but you need to improve them all at once." I clarified the situation.

"Yay!"

"That's hardly something to be proud of, baka," I reprimanded her while I chopped the top of her head humorously.

"Ittai!" She groaned as she massaged her temples.

"Now, moving on to Sakura," I ignored Nene as she whimpered in pain. "I've got a bit of bad news for you." She gulped anxiously after hearing my statement.

"Your academic performance is... To say the least, it's not looking good. There are numerous areas in which you need to improve on, and I am confident that I will be able to assist you in doing so. All I want is that you put out your best effort in your studies." Despite the grim news, I tried to encourage her.

"Oh..." Sakura reacted meekly to my evaluation. "I-I'll try my best..."