Ichinose Honami : Route D

Chapter 1.3 : Gaining Influence II

1st April, 2023. 11.25 a.m.

Ichinose Honami

"Hello, hello! Do you want to go shopping with me on our way back? Let's go shopping!" someone suggested.

"Sure. With this much money, we can buy anything."
"I'm so glad I got into this school!" exclaimed another bunch.

When sensei left, everyone became restless with their newfound wealth.

I noticed Hirata-kun looking at me from his side, and I knew what he was trying to say. He was suggesting that I should start what I was supposed to do. I stood up and called out to class after taking a deep breath.

"Could you please listen to me for a moment, everyone?" Everyone's attention was drawn to me as a result of this.

"We're all going to be classmates starting today. As a result, I believe it would be beneficial for us to introduce ourselves and become friends as soon as possible. "What do you think?" I said.

"Agreed! After all, we still don't know anything about each other, not even our names," Karuizawa-san said, encouraging others to speak up, and soon everyone agreed on the plan.

Because it was my idea to require everyone to introduce themselves. How should I introduce myself now? I can't make a joke, and they already think I'm weird because of the previous incident. I should just introduce myself as gracefully as possible so that no one misidentifies me as a clown.

Ahh, why did I have to do that in the first place?

After all of my self-pity, I began with my introduction because making them wait would annoy everyone in class.

"That's fantastic in that case. I'll begin with the introductions. My name is Ichinose Honami, but you can call me by my first name if you prefer. Academically and athletically, I am above average. So, please contact me at any time if you require assistance. Because I was on student council in middle school, I intend to join student council again. I can't wait to get to know you all better and have a great three years as a class." I smiled as I finished my introduction.

My introduction appears to have been acceptable, and everyone has now accepted the idea of introducing themselves. Following that, I encouraged everyone to begin introducing themselves.

"Because everyone is going to introduce themselves, we should do it in alphabetical order. So, if it's okay with you, we can start with Hirata-kun," I said, looking at Hirata-kun, who seemed to like my proposal and began introducing himself.

"Hello, Good day everyone. My name is Hirata Yousuke. Many people called me Yousuke in junior high. Please use my first name. Sports are probably my hobby.
I enjoy sports in general, but soccer in particular. I intend to play soccer here as well." "It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Hirata-kun had introduced himself to the class with ease. He'd also mentioned his love of soccer! His popularity must have increased two, not four times in the girls side of the class.
Is that a strange glint in Karuizawa-san's eyes?

If someone like Hirata-kun became the linchpin of our class, I am confident he would keep everyone honest and motivated until graduation.

The girl at the front of the class appeared perplexed, but she quickly made up her mind and stood. She'd been pressured, in response to everyone's attention that was now on her.

"M-my name is…Inogashira Ko-Ko…"

Inogashira-san appears to have frozen during her introduction. Was she blanking out, or had she not planned what she was going to say? She paled as her words came to a halt. It was unusual to see someone become so tense.