The air in the classroom buzzed with a low hum of anticipation as the notification chimed, a digital echo announcing the arrival of the monthly point allocation.
My gaze, fixed on the window, mirrored the reflection of the setting sun, a dull orange mirroring the unease that settled over me.
The notification, a stark white box against the black screen of my phone, displayed the stark reality: 1,300 points added to my existing balance. 166,000 points.
A grim satisfaction curled my lips.
My initial investment, a mere 80,000 points, had already yielded significant returns. Osamu Wakura, the notorious point lender from Class C, was now a reliable source of income, her fear of exposure a potent motivator.
The classroom door creaked open, and Miss Hoshinomiya, our homeroom teacher, entered, a serene smile gracing her lips. She carried a stack of papers, a subtle air of authority surrounding her.
"Good afternoon, class," she greeted, her voice a gentle melody that seemed to lull some of the students into a sense of false security. "I trust you all had a productive week?"
A murmur of affirmations rippled through the room, a chorus of "Yes, ma'am" and "I did my best."
Mako Akimura, ever the eager beaver, piped up, "Miss Hoshinomiya, we noticed our points this month are lower than we expected. You mentioned 100,000 points, but..."
Miss Hoshinomiya's smile remained unchanged. "Mako, I never promised you a specific amount. I merely explained the system." Her gaze swept across the classroom, landing on Ichinose. "Perhaps Ichinose-san can enlighten us."
Ichinose, ever the perceptive one, rose to the occasion. "I believe Miss Hoshinomiya was referring to 'class points.' Our individual points are likely influenced by the overall performance of our class."
Kanzaki, his brow furrowed in concentration, added, "If our actions as a class contribute to our class points, and our class points influence our individual points, then it's safe to assume our individual points are derived from both our personal merits and our class's collective standing."
Miss Hoshinomiya nodded approvingly.
"Excellent, Kanzaki-kun. You've grasped the concept."
The class erupted in a flurry of whispered conversations, students grappling with the implications of this revelation.
I, however, remained unfazed. My calculations had been correct. The school wasn't simply handing out points; it was subtly manipulating student behavior, rewarding cooperation and penalizing disruptive behavior.
The board behind Miss Hoshinomiya displayed the current class rankings:
* Class A: 940 CP
* Class B: 650 CP
* Class C: 490 CP
* Class D: 220 CP
Class D languished at the bottom, a stark reminder of our collective shortcomings.
"Are there ways to increase our class points?" Mako inquired, his voice tinged with anxiety.
Miss Hoshinomiya smiled enigmatically. "Of course, there are opportunities to improve our class standing."
I'm just not feeling it anymore and i just wanna go back to my room, with a cup of coffee and....
"Lloyd.... are you from Japanese?." I really hoped that i won't stand out when am attending here. But with this question Hoshinomiya shot me, i would bring attention to my self.
"Um.... am not Japanese"
"Oh we have foreigner in our class what a surprise of this year's bunch" sensei sounded a bit alluring with her words.
"Seriously you're not from Japan, that's so cool!!" Mako said in excitement.
I haven't even revealed my Nationality of origins, but the room was already filled whisper's filled with my name.
" Oh my he's a hotty"
" Sure he's a cutey"
" i know right "
"So what country are you from? Lloyd kun"
"Um, please I'd rather not say... sorry"
"No, it's we that should be sorry. We asked a sensitive question, what needed to ask is how do find Japan?"
"Uh... Nice culture and people"
"That's great, i hope you enjoy your stay in Japan!!" Sensei said in excitement.
"You know,Inquiring of one's Nationality isn't a sensitive question"
"Shut up Mako" Sayo bites back at Mako's words
"Well then if you have any questions feel free, to ask and don't forget to study" sensei concluded.
Hoshinomiya sensei finished the explanation of the point system, and everyoneade their way out of the class.
I dodged a bullet and succeeded in not telling them my Nationality....
i mean It's not like i can tell them my country dropped a Nuke on them killing millions.
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Ichinose Honami POV
while heading to the cafeteria. i saw Kushida sitting with girls from other classes maybe another year and she had a laugh with each other. I had to admit she is just good at socializing than me, that's for sure.
I waved her and she did the same with her smile.
Once i took my seat, when Sayo suddenly appeared on my side.
" Ichinose what ya got there"
"Just some....."
"Nevermind, am really curious about where Lloyd comes from. have any ideas?" Sayo being Sayo just cut's me off sentence
" I really don't think he will appreciate us snooping into his background. If he wants to talk about it, then he will" I said as i went for my order at the counter.
" I guess you're right, it's kinda mysterious and i think that's sexy."
" Sayo, that's..... well..."
"What Ichinose? it is true though, i mean Kozue already got Lloyd on her radar and that's saying something"
She noticed it too huh, it was obvious though.
"So you noticed?"
"Yeah, it was kinda obvious"
"Should we help her out" Sayo teased.
"I don't know it's not cool to say someone likes the other cause they stare"
" I think so too, but you know me i gotta get my entertainment by teasing the two of them"
I just sighed and i reflected back at the school's point system and class D being in the last. That would be pretty rough.
I started digging in when i saw Lloyd walking around looking for a seat, with his usual bored look.
But there was someone behind him with a purple pigtails.
" Isn't that Kozue?"
"Yeah..." i confirmed Sayo's suspicions
"But what's up with her following him around?."
"Maybe they're searching for a seat. Am gonna let them know there's a seat here."
"Kozue san, Lloyd kun!!!" we called out to them and they caught a glance from us.
They made their way to our table, and took a seat.
"Um... thanks for the assist i was really considering eating in class" Lloyd expressed his thoughts.
" No worries, at least now i can ask you brimming questions in my head" Sayo said in a sly manner.
"If it's about my country, No i won't be telling you that it's also very easy to guess. And if you're wondering if am single then also No, am not considering been in a relationship"
"Wow, i didn't even ask and you're already on point" Sayo pouted.
"Aren't you guys thinking of making a study group for the mid terms?"
We turned around to see Kanzaki with his disciplined looks. Although Lloyd did not turn to see who was speaking.
" Well Kanzaki, i was about to propose making a study group for students with low academic accuracy" Lloyd could tell it was Kanzaki without looking at him. Simply drinking his coffee.
" Am relieved to see someone in our class has a priority in the betterment of class B." Kanzaki remark was a bit harsh but it was great that Lloyd was participating in class activities.
" Kozue" Sayo snaps Kozue out Lloyd's trance.
"Oh.... what is it?"
"You were out of earth" Sayo said in a worried expression, Lloyd just kept drinking his cup of coffee.
" Was i ? .... sorry if i weren't paying attention" She apologized for nothing actually.
I was really worried for her though.
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Kozue POV
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Flashback last month
It was a Friday when i got a call. My room was really messy, i kept looking for my phone cause the clothes i bought are now in heap so thought sorting them out will make the room appear more free, but in the process, i misplaced my phone.
I found it at the top of the shelf, so i looked at the caller and it was Lloyd.
I picked up the phone and answered the call.
( Lloyd): you finally picked up huh?
( Kozue): Am sorry i misplaced my phone.
( Lloyd): Just wanted to inform you of the 20,000 points transfer.
( Kozue): 20,000!!!..... that's too much!!! i never needed that much you helped me by lending half of your points and i appreciate it.
(Lloyd): ... Am sorry, i forgot to mention that i was going to help in getting you the total points you were scammed of.
( Kozue): are you for real?
( Lloyd): is there a problem, i thought that's what friends are for.
( Kozue): Yeah it's not like am complaining but...
( Lloyd): then there is no discussion, i promised in helping you, i will take care of your financial needs.
( Kozue): Oh.... that's good..... but what about you.
( Lloyd ): no need to worry about me.
Cuts phone call.
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End of flashback
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Lloyd was ... a mystery. His change in attitude in my room last month was surprising, on the surface in class he always looks through the window not really paying attention to Chei sensei teaching's.
Now that i think about he is some what attractive, his silver hair and his signature bored look and sleepy eyes with ash pupils, was all i needed to identify from afar.
I don't know him but he is not a normal guy...
Or maybe am just thinking about it too much.
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Okay see ya in the next chapter.