[COMPLETED]
(Book #1 of 'The Clever Series')
There couldn't be two people more different than each other, but there couldn't be two people more alike, as well.
Perceptive eyes that notice everything.
Battle of wits, with intense romance.
But what...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Song: When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls
----------------------------------------
"Hi! My name is -." Nope. Too uncaring.
"Hello everyone! My na-." Juvenile.
"Hey every-." Geh. What are you, an influencer?
"Good morning -." YA, NO WAY. NOT A NEWS REPORTER, SURELY.
"Hello! I'm Shimizu Ren, and I hope to be in your care. Thank you!"
Sigh.
It still sucked, but at least it felt like it was much better than the first few renditions she'd been working on all week. Checking her wrist watch, she saw that she had some time before the first class began, so she decided she can rework her introduction a bit more. Because, clearly, this classified as a necessity.
There were fewer truths in life that left absolutely no room for debate, and according to Ren, this one was as good as gold:
"First day = Worst Day."
And if she didn't make an impression that was neither too positive, too negative, nor too neutral, she wouldn't be able to position her first stepping stone towards a lifetime full of satisfaction, on solid ground. So far, every introduction that she ran simulations of, in her head, seemed like she was willingly, stupidly walking into quicksand.
She mentally resumed her introduction rehearsal as she continued walking towards her new school. Despite all of her nervousness, somewhere, she did feel confident enough that she would eventually adjust to her high school life, but her greater goal mattered to her.
But before she could focus on the goal she would want to reach eventually, she had to focus on what was in her sights now and then work her way down the priority list.
That's how she decided that the perfect introduction would be the one where she didn't overwhelm her classmates with her sense of humour, bright or dark, on her very first day.
Yes, humour does tend to put people at ease, but there is always a good chance that someone may not understand it or even feel offended, so neutral-to-positive tone was the best possible course of action. In any case, she was prepared for every possible bad outcome. At least she comforted herself with the thought she was indeed prepared. Also what can go so horridly wrong with an INTRODUCTION. It was just that. It wouldn't be the end of the world. So, she knew she could do this.
Bring it! Hit me with your best shot Inarizaki High! She cheered herself, almost in a reassuring way that if anything, at least her "bring it on" attitude would allow her to sustain herself till she found herself on more solid bases.
And now, she was almost jogging further down the slope towards her new high school, before she forcibly dropped her momentum, turning to her left.
