Monday. The third week.
Pov Arthur.
Arthur: Aaaaaah…
I slept so much today that I'm not sure if I fell asleep at night. I had such a good dream that I live in Japan, but the whole world was a British protectorate. Wow, right? And I'm some kind of prince of the British royal family, but I went to Japan. A strange dream, isn't it?
While I was thinking how such quirks could be dreamed of, I quickly put on my clothes and left the apartment.
While I was waiting for the elevator, my mind took over thoughts of Sakayanagi. She never called, did she? Apparently he doesn't want to play chess. Well, okay, I hope she will teach me this interesting game.
The elevator had already arrived and when the door opened, there were two girls there. Kushida and... . Are you sure she's a high school student? A girl, a beautiful face, like some kind of celebrity. Bright, cheerful smile, long pink hair up to her hips. And two extraordinarily beautiful blue eyes. What kind of look is that? The longer I look at her, the more I want to chat.
Arthur: [Я проснулся и нарушил закон, да?] (I woke up and broke the law, right?)
Girl: …
She looked at me with a modest look, as if trying to figure out what she had done wrong. It looks like the first impression failed, well, Kushida should help, right?
Kushida: Arthur, good morning!
Arthur: Yes, good morning, Kushida.
I got between her and the wall to avoid talking to that girl, but Kushida had her own plans.
Kushida: You probably don't know each other. Arthur, this is Ichinose Honami, she's from Class B. Ichinose-san, this is Arthur, he studies with me. He also came from another country.
Ichinose: Nice to meet you, Arthur-kun!
I looked at Kushida, as if asking if she did it on purpose? But she just tilted her head in disbelief. Uh, good morning, yeah.
Arthur: Yes, nice to meet you, Ichinose. And yes, please, just Arthur, without kun.
Ichinose: Oh, good. Did you come from another country? Which one?
The elevator stopped and we got out of it. Kushida immediately said goodbye and quickened her pace to her friends. And I was left alone with Ichinose. Is it necessary to talk after all?
Arthur: Yes, I'm from Russia. Recently moved to Japan. And by the way, about the hitch in the elevator, do you have natural hair color? It's just that they are rare in our country. Basically everyone is dyed, but they have short hairstyles.
Ichinose: Yes, it's natural, but I sometimes dye the tips. Are you from Russia, Moscow or another city?
ARTHUR: And? Do you know the capital? Few people are interested in our country, but yes. I'm from the capital.
Ichinose: Well, I was interested in different countries at the time, and Russia was one of them. Tell me, is it true that you have bears walking down the street?
Arthur: Cough-cough.
I even choked on it. Bears? Down the street? Do they think they're like pets there? Although… We often have men from the north with bears on a straight leg, and they run through the streets of some cities. Hmm, in fact, she's not wrong. Bears often run out into the streets, but not in big cities, but closer to Siberia.
Arthur: Listen, if you take the European part, then almost none. There is the same probability as in Europe. Escaped from a nature reserve, zoo or during transportation. But if you take the rest of it, then yes, they often go.
She stared at me with wide-open eyes and immediately asked the next question.
Ichinose: What about people? Do you have a lot of people drinking a lot of alcohol there?
What was she interested in about other countries? Bears? Alcohol? Did she have nothing else to look for in the search engine? For example, about clothes, fashion, music, and so on. But in answer to her question… We have a lot of booze. Very much. But I'm not sure that it's much more than in another country.
Arthur: Listen, they drink like everywhere else, it's just that it's somehow more widely publicized and not despised. Answer my question. Have you searched every country for information about bears and alcohol?
Ichinose immediately blushed and looked away. It looks like she was very embarrassed, maybe she shouldn't have spoken so sharply? But still, does she know nothing about my country except stereotypes? Is this called "information retrieval"?
Ichinose: I-I'm sorry. Did it hurt you, Arthur?
Arthur: Don't worry, it just became interesting, do you really know nothing more about my country?
Ichinose: Well, I also read that you even have military training at school there…
Arthur: That's enough. Yes, they do, it's called an NVP lesson, initial military training. You can say from middle school to high school. But let me rather talk about my country, your questions... they're kind of... strange. Were you seriously interested in this?
Ichinose: N-well... it was just written there…
I have to find this "Author who knows Russia like the back of his hand" and talk to him. What is he doing to the minds of high school students? The horror!
Arthur: Let me give you an example, we have such a musical instrument as a balalaika and an accordion…
***
After a full course on Russia, which I told Ichinosa, we came to the school. After exchanging phone numbers, we went to classes.
Lessons are also taking place, Sudo has come to the second lesson, the guys are still talking loudly, and the girls are discussing all sorts of nonsense. By the way, has Karuizawa started dating Hirata? A strange couple. I'll talk to you later, maybe.
Horikita: You still haven't made any friends?
I heard Horikita's voice. Did she say Ayanokoji? Will their communication last like this until graduation? I feel sorry for them.
Ayanokoji: It hasn't worked out yet.
And so they continued the whole change. Are there no normal people here? Who are sitting not far from me. I turned to my right and saw a girl who was looking at her desk? Pink hair, glasses, looking down. Strange. Eh…
***
The third lesson was about to begin, a history lesson taught by our classroom. Yes, here she is, walking in with the same serious face.
Chabashira: Guys, please keep your voice down. Today we have an unusual lesson.
Ike: What do you mean, Sae-chan-sensei?
What's the nickname? Haha, if we had such an attitude towards the teacher, then maybe someone from kun would turn into chan.
Chabashira: The month is ending, so there will be a small test. Give it back," she handed stacks of papers to the students at the front desks.
Ike: Oh, I wasn't listening to anything. I don't want to write it.
Chabashira: Calm down, this test is just for an interim check. The results will not be reflected in the report card. There's nothing to risk, so relax. But cheating, of course, is prohibited.
I looked at the test and it turned out to be average. There are tasks that are mega easy, and others so difficult that hardly anyone here will solve them.
Okay, I'll solve it as usual.
***
After the test, Chiaki came up to me. She had the same playful mood and beautiful smile.
Chiaki: Arthur, how's the test, did you write everything?
Arthur: Well, yes, I did what I had to do. And you? Was it difficult?
Chiaki: Well, yes, it wasn't particularly difficult or easy, except for those last questions. By the way, do you want to come to the Mall with us today?
Arthur: Why not, I'm interested that you're already telling me that a new cafe means it's worth going.
Chiaki: Hehe, I won't recommend anything bad, so we'll wait after school. I'll give you some time.
She turned around and went back to her seat. By the way, Horikita has already arrived and she stared at me with her sharp gaze.
Arthur: Is there something you want to ask, Horikita?
Horikita: No, I'm just wondering how it happens. On my left is a loner who can't normally say hello to another person, and on my right is a man who calmly makes new acquaintances. How does this happen? How different are you? He's very weak, but are you strong? Is he smart and are you dumb? Or how does it happen?
Arthur: Haha, if Ayanokoji were here, he would definitely get a shock from the fact that you talk to someone there a lot. As for communication, I just talked a lot before and with different people, so it's natural for me to find a common language with someone, of course, if I want to continue the dialogue. And he was probably just estranged, I have no other explanation. Could it even be that there have never been any friends?
Horikita looked at me in surprise, she never seemed to think about this question. After thinking for a couple of seconds, she continued.
Horikita: Maybe because he's always talking about finding friends, he wants to… Although I don't care. His life doesn't concern me, so I won't think about it.
Arthur: Horikita, may I ask you a question?
Horikita: If it doesn't touch anything forbidden, then ask.
She looked up from her book and looked at me. Is she so interested in my questions?
Arthur: What would you choose, to be able to fix one mistake you've made over the past year, or to know about a mistake you can fix over the next year?
I looked at her with a serious look. My smile was nowhere to be seen, and my body straightened up, leaning slightly towards her. I said it in a low voice so that the right person wouldn't hear.
Horikita: ...!!!
Arthur: You don't have to answer now, think about it. A day, two, a week, a month. We've been here for three years. Just remember the question and answer it when you find the answer.
She opened her eyes wide and looked at me as if I had asked a question that could change her life. Well, who wouldn't? I leaned back in my chair, returned to my usual appearance and began to wait for the lesson.
***
I'm going to the Mall now, where Hirata and the girls are waiting for me. On my last outing, I bought a Black Polo Ralph Lauren T-shirt, a beige cap, beige loose sweatpants, a black small bag and black New balance. I also took a black mechanical watch from home. The kit seems to be great, but still… I wouldn't have worn this before, but now I don't think anyone will mind.
As I approached, I saw them walking in front of me, along the same path. Hirata, Chiaki, Karuizawa and another girl from our class. Karuizawa, as if sensing my gaze, turned around and saw me.
Karuizawa: Oh, Arthur! After all, you weren't lying when you said that such a set of clothes would suit you. You look good!
As she spoke, everyone else stopped and looked at me. Did this strange girl blush slightly? Huh, such clothes can give extra trouble to a hike.
Arthur: Thank you, Karuizawa. By the way, you look good too, this blouse suits you.
Karuizawa: Heh, thanks.
Arthur: …
I looked at Chiaka as if to say, come on, tell me who she is.
Chiaki understood my look and introduced the girl. Her name is Mori Nene. We greeted everyone and moved on.
From afar, I saw Kushida, and she came up to us.
Kushida: Hello everyone! Are you going to the Mall? Would you like to go with our company? They're all from our class too!
Did she get straight to the point? She seems to really want us to go with her. Hirata seemed to understand this too and agreed. So we headed to the shopping center, where we saw a wonderful trio. It seems even Kushida has a limit of patience?
Ike: Eh? Kushida-chan? Y-you didn't say you were coming with someone!
Yamauchi: Y-yes, Kushida-chan! Didn't we agree to go with the four of us?
Are they serious? Three boys, two of whom read hentai in class, and the last one can't say anything to the first and is usually silent, and one girl who is one of the most beautiful in the class, perhaps the school. I'd be surprised if anyone here agreed with that. Okay, we would have gone for a walk without any problems, just if anything, it would have been worse for the guys, but not the point.
Hirata: If there are any problems, of course we can leave, but Kushida-san called us, do you mind?
They started whispering about something, I think they're solving a global problem. I looked at Karuizawa, and she seemed to understand my motives, that it was dangerous to leave Kushida alone, and decided to act.
Karuizawa: If you don't mind, then why are you whispering there?
Ike: M-we're not talking about anything. It's okay, let's go.
So we headed to the shopping center, finally the new meetings were over.
We split into mini groups, Hirata, Karuizawa and Kushida walking in front. Ike and Yamauchi followed them. Chiaki and Mori walked in front of us, and I walked with Ayanokoji. Yes, a great conversationalist.
Arthur: Listen, Ayanokoji, have you ever walked around the mall with your friends?
Ayanokoji: No, I didn't really like going out to places like this. And you?
ARTHUR: Me, right? Well, it happened sometimes, but the experience was not pleasant.
Ayanokoji: Why? Do you have other shopping malls in your country?
Well, how should I answer him? We have young people in the shopping center, from 10 to 18 years old. They occupy all the places on the food court and behave... not in the best way. The police arrive there consistently four times a week, and every day the Rosgvardiya. Should I say that the atmosphere is pleasant? It's better to forget this unpleasant experience.
CHIAKI: Oh, by the way, Arthur. Have you talked about shopping malls in your country, what are they like there? Is it the same as ours?
Also Chiaki, are you so interested in learning about this rabble? Hm…
Arthur: Well, listen, we mostly go there in winter to keep warm. A group of friends come in to eat, but mostly families go shopping, so we don't have the kind of party you have. The trading cent is used in a completely different way.
CHIAKI: Oh, I see. By the way, about the cafe, we'll go to it at the end. And now we're going to choose clothes.
ARTHUR: All right. Ayanokoji, would you choose to go to the mall with friends like here or like in my country?
Ayanokoji: Well, I prefer a quiet shopping trip. Just sitting in one place is not for me.
Arthur: I see, it's a quiet hike, right?
Passing through several shops, we still went to a cafe and ordered food for ourselves. Well, like food, mostly sweet. We took our places, Chiaki on my right and Karuizawa on my left. It's a good start.
I started talking to Karuizawa in a whisper so as not to stand out from the rest. She took her eyes off the phone and looked at me, but realizing what I was saying, as unobtrusively as possible, she went back to... flipping through the tape? Okay…
Arthur: Listen, a girl who fell in love in three weeks, can I ask you a question?
Karuizawa: Ask, but why…
Arthur: What is a place to do in a girl like you?
Karuizawa: Ah!? What did you say? I didn't hear you.
Arthur: I'm asking why a girl like you, who was having conversations with me about romance and seemed to understand, decided to start this relationship?
Karuizawa: Um, well, I liked Hirata, and he liked me, and that's why we started dating. Could there be any problems with this?
Arthur: …
Karuizawa: …
We looked at each other for a second before I broke the silence.
Arthur: Are you sure you're making a choice for yourself?
Karuizawa: !?... What are you…
*Zvin*
At that moment, I received a message on my phone. I watched it and turned off the phone.
Arthur: It doesn't matter, you'll answer later.
So we continued to eat in this new cafe, no different from the others. Yes, what a shame.
After the meal, we started walking towards the hostel. But I decided to separate from them and go to another place.
Arthur: Okay, thanks for the evening, I'm going to the store, I have to buy something home. Good luck!
Without waiting for an answer, I turned around and walked away from them.
***
Now I'm going to the school library, where one particular person is waiting for me. While I was moving through the dark corridors, by the way, even though the sun was just setting, the corridors were still not illuminated, in front of the entrance to the library I saw a girl with a stern look, similar to Horikita, but not so hard. The girl with purple hair looked at me and came up to me.
Girl: Are you Arthur?
Arthur: Yes, and you...
girl: Come on, she's waiting for you.
Arthur: [Жесткая, но не заниженная?] (Tough but not understated?)
She looked at me with one eyebrow raised, but didn't say anything else, turned around and went into the library. Is this some kind of boss guardian? It's a strange situation, okay.
While I was following her, I saw several students doing their homework. Passing through the rows of bookshelves, we reached the table where Sakayanagi was sitting.
Sakayanagi: You took your time, Arthur. I already thought that you had forgotten about the meeting.
Arthur: No, it's just that I was walking around the Mall with my friends, so I just couldn't leave them when I made an agreement with them earlier.
Sakayanagi: Fu-fu, mostly in Japan they apologize for being late with a girl, but it seems you don't accept it if there is a weighty excuse?
Arthur: Well, no. We apologize, of course. But just… I could tell this situation some other time. Did you invite me for chess? I see more checkers here, so I think maybe we can play them later?
Sakayanagi: Yes, no problem. Can you play? Or do you at least know how the figures walk?
Arthur: Yes, I know how the pieces move, but no more. I'll learn as the game progresses.
So we started laying out the first batch. Chess? An interesting game, to be honest. Sakayanagi seems to be a master at this game, she moves in such a way as to block the pieces from my attacks. How long has she been playing them? Our dudes have thousands of hours in some computer games, but still some consider them weak. Does she have ten thousand hours in them? Who was she playing with at least?
This lasted for three games. And all these games I... lost. An exciting game, clearly more difficult than checkers, although checkers are more like tactics, and you can come up with a strategy God forbid once every 10 games, but chess… They are completely focused on strategy.
Sakayanagi: You did a good job, Arthur. Are you sure this is your first time playing?
Arthur: Well, maybe the second one, but either it never happened, or deep in childhood, where chess was soldiers, haha. But yes, you can say that for the first time.
Sakayanagi: I wonder if you're an interesting person, Arthur. Let's play checkers then?
Arthur: Come on, I don't mind.
We put away the chess and laid out the checkers. We started the first game, the second, the fifth. Yes, they are going faster, and Sakayanagi is playing well. Well, yes, it's easier than chess, you can easily learn.
Sakayanagi: Amazing. I haven't won a single time. Your victims are infuriating sometimes. Fu-fu-fu
Arthur: Haha, well, I probably play checkers as much as you play chess, so naturally the result will be diametrically opposite in relation to different games.
Sakayanagi: Yes, it's exciting, I hope in the future we will play more and when you learn how to play chess, you will become a worthy opponent.
Arthur: Yes, I hope so too. But Sakayanagi…
Sakayanagi: Yes?
Arthur: Why are you so attached to chess? It's like playing football when I saw Ronaldo on TV.
Sakayanagi smiled sweetly and slightly looked away, pressed her small hand to her chin and gave me an answer.
Arthur: [Мило!] (Nice!) – сказал я себе под нос.
Sakayanagi: Maybe I'm waiting for my dream by playing them.
Sakayanagi: And you, Arthur? Why did you play checkers like that? And maybe backgammon?
Arthur: [Выжить] (Survive)
Sakayanagi: Please repeat?
Arthur: Because it's interesting. An interesting game.
Sakayanagi: And chess? You liked it, didn't you? Why didn't you play them?
Arthur: Let's just say there was no one. My social circle wasn't interested in them and in the end I wasn't interested.
Sakayanagi: ...
Arthur: Okay, I'll go, it's late. Should I walk you out?
Sakayanagi: No, thanks, Kamura-san will guide me.
I got up from the table and gave her my hand so she could get up. Huh, her intriguing look is like what are you hiding? She gave me her hand and stood up. Later, the so-called Kamura came up and they left together.
ARTHUR: Places, right? Damn it, does everyone at this school have a story that affects their whole life?
After sitting for a minute, I also headed to the dorm. Chess, right? I hope no one finds out, you never know what will happen.
***
The next day, I went out at the same time and saw Ichinose, who was also in the elevator. I smiled at her and started a conversation.
Arthur: Good morning, bear lover and alcohol lover!
She immediately blushed, raised her arms in the form of a cross and immediately began to panic.
Ichinose: I-I-I'm not like that! I already explained that this is the same site! The website! I wasn't looking for anything like that on purpose!
Arthur: Haha, don't worry, I won't tell anyone. This will be our little secret~~
Ichinose: Arthur! I'm serious! Don't tell anyone!
ARTHUR: Yes, yes, I promised. And now tell me, what is the national dish of Russia?
Ichinose: Dumplings!
Arthur: That's right! And what are the packages stored in?
Ichinose: In packages!
Arthur: Well done! And now let's talk about the secret culture.
While we were talking, we had already left the dorm, and Ichinose was looking at me with sparkling eyes, as if I was telling her the secrets of the universe.
Ichinose: Seriously? Are you seriously celebrating the New Year twice?
ARTHUR: Yes! And yet, every Russian boy, aged 4-6 years, should try to steal a glass of vodka from his grandfather, because ...
So we walked to school, where we parted. Ichinose went all red for some reason. I probably shouldn't have said that every person after a shower, if there is someone else in the apartment, congratulates him on this.
Come into the classroom, Horikita was sitting strangely at her desk and writing something down in a notebook. When I sat down at my desk, she immediately looked at me and, as if she wanted to say something, abandoned the idea. She turned to her notebook and continued to take notes.
I looked at her in surprise and decided to ask her what she was doing. Leaning towards her, I asked the simplest question.
Arthur: Horikita, are you recording something that cannot be shown to others, even under threat of death?
She immediately shuddered and, closing the notebook, looked at me with slightly flushed cheeks.
Horikita: I'm just taking notes for my studies. Why such questions, Arthur?
Did you even stumble? When she gets caught red-handed, she immediately forgets how to lie.
Arthur: Well, I just wanted to ask for notes, it's just that the material is complicated, can you lend it to me later?
Horikita: Of course, but then, these notes for past topics, I'll give you new ones!
Haha, look at this cute creature. Maybe later she'll realize that I'm teasing her, but now we can't miss this chance.
Arthur: [Живем один раз] (Live once)
Arthur: So I'm talking about the past, why do I need new ones? The lessons have not started yet, I do not know what topics there will be, and even more so, no one has notes about them yet.
Horikita: I-I'll give you later, these more…
ARTHUR: Oh, good morning Ayanokoji! The weather is nice today, isn't it?
Ayanokoji, who was passing by us, cast a curious glance at Horikita. Looking at me, he seemed to be wondering what you had given her to drink so that she would behave like this?
Ayanokoji: Good morning, Arthur. Yes, the weather is good today.
ARTHUR: Yeah, I hope it will be like that later.
Horikita, who had already come to her senses, gave me the sharpest look she could, probably only Ayanokoji was honored with it, snorted and turned to her notes.
Ayanokoji, seeing this, nodded to himself and sat down in his seat. What? It was as if he was convinced that he alone was honored by such an attitude from Horikita! That's it!
But before I had time to worry in any way, the teacher came, um... drunk? I can easily see a drunk person, and she's definitely drunk. Okay, have a drink last night, but catch up in the morning yet? Only the physical education teacher and the teacher of works indulged in this. Sometimes together, sometimes separately.
***
During the lessons, I cast glances at Karuizawa, trying to get her attention. But it looks like she didn't have eyes in the back of her head. I was about to take out my phone when she looked at me. I jerked my head towards the door, and she nodded. Wow, the Romanov surname suits her. Well, we're waiting for the lunch break.
When lunch started, I left the classroom and went to the stairs. After waiting a couple of minutes, Karuizawa came to me, clearly in a bad mood.
Karuizawa: If it's not something important, then I'll just ignore those looks next time.
So she noticed before that? But why is there such an atmosphere from her? An irritated look, hands under his chest and a talking facial expression, come on quickly, I don't want to stay here. Is she defending herself on a subconscious basis?
Arthur: Are you afraid of someone? Why are you so tense? I'm not trying to hurt you in any way!
Karuizawa: Of course, if you throw such looks at me, plus it brought me to a place where few people go. What else did you want?
Arthur: …
No, this is not a normal reaction. The one she exposes herself to, no, the one she shows herself to, you can't be so restrained. It's like a lion hiding in a corner, clutching its paws to its head.
Arthur: Relax, I thought I'd just talk about my question. But if you feel uncomfortable or afraid of something, you can go to your company.
Karuizawa:…
She exhaled and just leaned against the wall. Wiping her forehead slightly, she looked at me, tired, and answered.
Karuizawa: Yes, you're right. Sorry. I'm just a little angry, that's all.
ARTHUR: Yes? What upset a girl like you?
Karuizawa: What can it be… Oh, well. These idiots have been reading their "New super manga" all day, where a girl with blonde hair, active and sociable begins to communicate with a classmate and all sorts of relationships arise there. And they've been comparing me to this all day, I'm just tired of fighting with them, idiots…
Arthur: I see, I see. By the way, this brings me to the question I asked yesterday. Will you answer?
She lowered her head slightly, remembering, and when she realized, she abruptly raised her head and spoke in a softer voice.
Karuizawa: What did you mean, that they make choices for themselves? I'm almost one hundred percent sure that I wanted it myself.
Arthur: Are you sure? I just thought it was some kind of forced situation. Tell me, did Hirata do anything to them, those idiots who read manga?
Karuizawa: No, he just told them not to piss me off and gave up on it! How infuriating!
Arthur: …
Karuizawa: Is that all? Is that all you wanted?
Arthur: I'm probably in too much of a hurry, so yes, that's it. Let's talk about it later.
Karuizawa: Fine, then I'm off.
Arthur:…
Karuizawa had already left, passing through the corridors and apparently making her way to the dining room. I decided on my own, didn't I? I hope that's the case. If it was an ordinary class, I would just watch everything, but... the team is for three years. You can't, you can't.
I looked after her and remembered Dostoevsky's words.
Arthur: This deception will be our suffering, because we will have to lie.
With that, I went to the dining room.
***
After lessons, I decided to continue checking the school building. Maybe I'll find something interesting or something where students can't go?
After walking around the school for about ten minutes, I came to the entrance to the roof. After opening the door, our teacher was standing there smoking a cigarette. So she's one of those, huh?
I approach her slowly, trying not to attract attention. Thin? Ugh, women… Why do they like thin ones so much. And? With a button? God, your fancy ones… After a few thoughts, I decided to talk to her like this, after all, this is our first personal conversation, it's been about 20 days, right?
Arthur: Teacher, would you treat me to one?
Chabashira: !!?
She barely jumped, quickly turned around and took a couple of steps back. Haha, I'm afraid I did something bad.
Chabashira: Smirnov! Don't do that anymore! And what kind of cigarette are you asking for? Do you understand what you're saying?!
Arthur: Haha, teacher, I just asked for a cigarette, I'm not going to smoke it. Why are you reacting like this?
Chabashira: Then why do you need it? No, don't answer me, though. I won't give it to you anyway.
It looks like she doesn't trust me, well, we'll fix it soon.
Arthur: Teacher, why are you smoking here? I think you can't smoke on school grounds.
Chabashira: No one forbade it on the roof. So why are you doing this?
She narrowed her eyes, as if trying to figure out if I had come here as her partner?
Arthur: Actually, I'm just studying school, maybe the teacher wants to help me and tell me more about the school, maybe even some stories from his teaching experience?
Chabashira: My responsibilities do not include such needs. So I'm sorry, but I think I'll decline.
She turned away and continued to smoke, looking into the distance. The teacher's duty?
Arthur: Teacher, you are talking about a duty, but your initiative is not suppressed by school rules, is it?
Chabashira: Ha, an interesting question, but it depends strictly on the teacher.
Arthur: So if I ask another teacher and if she agrees, then there won't be any problems?
Chabashira: Yes, there shouldn't be any problems…
She suddenly turned to me, and I stood there with an innocent smile. She seemed to understand who I meant.
Arthur: If so, then perhaps I will call another teacher, maybe she will teach something else to an interesting student of this school.
I turned around and was about to leave when suddenly the teacher's stern voice called out to me.
Chabashira: What do you want, Smirnov?
Arthur: Me? Nothing special. I just want to know one thing.
I turned to her with my serious eyes and face, as if the question would have weight, not only for me, but for her as well.
Arthur: Teacher, were we assigned randomly?
Chabashira: !!!
She was surprised, but quickly regained her composure. Any answer she gives will be regarded as an answer that means yes or no. You can't get away from him.
Chabashira: I can't answer…
Arthur: Thank you teacher, so that's how it was done.
I turned around and left, not paying attention to any of the teacher's words. I got the answer and I'll just wait. Maybe it will all work out someday, but for now... it's better to enjoy these days.
A/h
That's all. A little more than 4.5k words, I think it's okay. Yes, much less than the previous one, but who is living well right now? He painted more interactions with others. Perhaps he was in a hurry somewhere, but later he will explain why it was so. As for Arthur's questions, I don't just throw help at him out of nowhere, he just asks questions that you can perceive as characteristic of each character.
For example, Sakayanagi. At the first meeting, she asked about the game of chess, then Arthur saw her masterful game and logically asked why she plays them so much. After all, in his experience, focusing on something is mandatory under certain circumstances.
Or, for example, Horikita. He asked strictly in order to understand her character. This is not related to her brother, because they have not communicated over the past year, but simply for his better understanding of Horikita's character.
And Karuizawa, because of her inexperience and punctures, he saw this forced connection between Hirata and Karuizawa, then something objective would come up, but a question for the concept of her actions.
So if you're going to beat me, I ask you to hear my last words)
And yes, about the attitude towards exams. He won't do it just for class. It will be like Koenji, just for yourself, but with a small caveat.
If there are mistakes in the story or words, please write, I will answer or change, if it is objective. Thanks for reading!