Minami no hanashi : Yume - Prelude

-(Kobanocchi) Alright, Katayama, it's your turn.

"Katayama" steps forward to the board.

-("Katayama") My name is "Katayama Minamiii~" delighted to meet you all! I love staying in my corner and reading books in the library! Because I don't have any friends! So, I hope we can all get along!

-(Kobanocchi) Mmh...

The teacher sensed that something was off. But a voice rose in the class: "Hey! Viper! If you could stop spewing your venom! It'll give us a break!" It was Tsuka who stood up, pointing at the girl pretending to be Minami.

Amidst the chaos, young Katayama stood up and spoke.

"Madam! Ignore them. Can I introduce myself?"

-(Kobanocchi) Uh... Yes, go ahead. Katayama, you can return to your seat.

-("Katayama") Yes, yes!

Minami faced the students, preparing to speak up.

"My name is Akane Ayemi. I'm 16 years old. If you have something to ask me, you'll have to go through my two slav— uh... friends. Oh, and I'd like to stand out, but I'm not sure how to go about it. So please don't blame me if I burst your eardrums, that's all I know how to do! Thank you for your attentive ears. Which won't be in a few weeks because of my incessant screaming."

Minami turned to Mrs. Kobanocchi, ending this pathetic role-play: "By the way, madam, my name is Katayama Minami. She lied to you so I took the liberty of introducing her in her place. I tried to stay as close to reality as possible."

The so-called 'Katayama' clenched her fists in anger. The teacher was starting to lose patience.

-(Kobanocchi) Stop!! So... If I understand correctly, you are Katayama Minami. And you? Your real name?

-("Katayama") Akane Ayemi.

-(Kobanocchi) Both of you, come see me at the end of the hour. Alright! Next! Yano Tsuka, and... Oh, Yano Taiya.

-(Tsuka) We'll introduce ourselves together.

-(Taiya) Two birds, one stone.

Minami turned to the window with an evasive look, as if she didn't want to witness this scene.

The twin sisters were positioned at the back of the class, one on the left and the other on the right. They suddenly started moving with uncanny synchronization, weaving between the desks, gradually approaching the board. Ironically, Mrs. Kobanocchi wasn't really bothered by this spectacle; it was the first time students were so involved in a presentation, so she let them be. Tsuka passed by Minami, who pretended not to know them, feeling embarrassed and hiding her face from this ridiculous spectacle.

"How can they do that??" she wondered.

The twins finally reached their destination.

Tsuka and Taiya in front of the board.

-(Tsuka) Hi! I'm Yano Tsuka!

-(Taiya) Hi! I'm Yano Taiya!

-(Tsuka, Taiya) We're twins and we radiate joy! I hope we can all get along! Don't hesitate to come talk to us!

-(Kobanocchi) Alright, thank you girls. Hm? Well, let's forget about the order. The next one will be...

She looked at the students and pointed at one of them: "You!"

The boy steps forward to the board with... style?

"My name is Rikiza Jukugo..."

-(Kobanocchi) Is that all?

-(Rikiza) May I speak frankly?

-(Kobanocchi) Yes, of course.

The young man adjusted his tie in a distinguished manner and puffed out his chest:

"I don't know by what misfortune I ended up in this class. I must admit I was very disappointed by the childishness of my two classmates. Anyway. I come from a noble family. And I will be the heir to my family's prestigious legacy. My parents insisted that I come to this school, otherwise I wouldn't be here. However, my personal convictions led me to come here. So, in order to ensure my personal space, don't get too close to me. Your weaknesses could be transmitted to me. And so–"

-(Kobanocchi) That's enough!!! We get it! Go back to your seat.

-(Rikiza) I haven't finished yet.

-(Kobanocchi) Yes, but we understand. The next one, it'll be... you.

In front of the board.

-(Kobanocchi) We're listening.

"I'm Hayashi Ryo. I prefer to be alone. Don't come talk to me."

-(Kobanocchi) What's going on in this class?...

-(Ryo) Can I go back to my seat?

-(Kobanocchi) Because you're done? Fine... Go back to your seat. You're up next.

"I-I'm Tengu Harumi... I-I'm 6- hum, 16 years old... And-"

-(Kobanocchi) Calm down! Take a breath, and start again calmly.

Struggling, young Harumi tried with difficulty to catch her breath. Eventually, she succeeded through sheer determination. She had been preparing for this day throughout the entire vacation.

-(Tengu) ...My name is... Tengu Harumi... I'm 16 years old, and I hope we can all get along well!

As soon as she finished, she hurried back to her seat.

-(Kobanocchi) Now... Ah! You there! It's your turn!

"Uh-Hello... My name is Kazuhiro Yukisada! I-I'm 16 years old! I like literature and... um... that's it..." he said, lowering his gaze.

Smiling nervously, Mrs. Kobanocchi replied, "Thank you." She quickly moved on, saying, "So! It's... you over there who seems to be chatting! Come on, introduce yourself."

"No need to introduce myself! Everyone already knows me."

-(Tishiku) But I don't know you, I'd like to get to know you! He said, looking amused.

-(Kobanocchi) See? Come on! There are probably others who don't know you!

The boy looked disdainfully at Tishiku.

The chatterbox sauntered lazily towards the board, taking his sweet time. Finally reaching it, he turned to the students and began to yawn. Mrs. Kobanocchi was becoming increasingly desperate seeing this troublesome student.

"For the idiots who don't know me, I'm Arata Kurou, I'm the ninth son of the very prestigious mafia family- Anyway. All you need to know is not to mess with me. I'm done, ma'am."

At the back of the room, a boy stood up and started applauding.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

-(Kobanocchi) You, who's applauding, come introduce yourself.

"Heh! Allow me to introduce myself! I'm Tadao Nao! Most people know me, but I'll introduce myself anyway! I'm the deputy chief of the Chika-Bankaa! Led by Arata Kurou himself! As you just heard, you'd better not mess with us because the consequences could be very serious!"

Just as he finished his presentation, Mrs. Kobanocchi stood up from her chair and stood beside Nao. She turned to her students, wearing a threatening expression.

Tension filled the air...

-(Kobanocchi) Listen to me carefully. My wish for this year was to be more lenient with my students... But strangely, that wish has suddenly vanished... So I'll be clear. The next person who gives me a presentation as chaotic as those two, I can promise you a disastrous future for the entire year in my class.

Silence...

-(Kobanocchi) Well, that's better already! She said with enthusiasm.

-(Takumi) I knew something was off with this teacher...

Clumsy as he is, his words reached his teacher's ears. So Mrs. Kobanocchi stared at him, and he quickly lowered his head, hoping not to face repercussions for his comment.

-(Takumi) Damn... I really need to shut up.

-(Kobanocchi) ...Alright? Next? You!

"Hello. I'm Hoshi Tutsomu, I'm 17 years old, and I'm passionate about manga."

-(Ayemi) Ew. She shuddered.

-(Hoshi) What? You say 'ew' but you know nothing about it. Your deep disgust proves your ignorance! It's not my problem if you prefer to stay trapped in that illusory world.

-(Kobanocchi) What did I say earlier...

"I'm introducing myself!"

-(Kobanocchi) Come on.

"My name is Minori Daisuke! I'm the fervent assistant of the great Hoshi Tutsomu!"

The latter sighed upon hearing these words.

-(Minori) I cannot accept your words filled with hate and slander!

-(Kobanocchi) Okay, Minori Daisuke, you can take a seat. Ayemi, we can do without your comments. Next.

"Hey everyone! I'm Nemushi Jouka! I'm 16 years old and got all my teeth! People say I'm funny, amusing, entertaining, whimsical, picturesque, cheerful, humorous [...]"

-(Minami) That means the same thing... she thought with exasperation.

-(Nemushi) Alright! Let me illustrate! I have a pun about shops, but it's not "mallarious".

Nemushi chuckled at his own joke while the other students looked at him askance in silence.

-(Kobanocchi) Uh, y-yeah... Let's say... That was clever? Anyway, thank you! You can go back to your seat.

-(Sanae) Poor guy. She said quietly.

Just that simple phrase was enough for Mrs. Kobanocchi's gaze to shift towards Sanae.

-(Kobanocchi) Can you come up and introduce yourself?

-(Sanae) Yes!

When Sanae rose to approach the board, all eyes in the classroom were fixed on her. The atmosphere abruptly shifted; it was as if time had frozen. In a fraction of a second, calmness was restored...

-(Minami) Heh, exclaimed Minami, proud of her friend.

At the board

-(Sanae) Hello, everyone! My name is Mizuno Sanae. I'm 16 years old. I struggle a bit with people I don't know, but I hope we'll have the chance to talk and learn more about each other!

-(Minami) You? Struggling? That's false!

-(Sanae) I'm not really sure what else to add... She said, glancing at Kobanocchi.

-(Kobanocchi) You could tell us your strengths, weaknesses, or what you like and dislike.

-(Sanae) Oh, okay. I like cooking, hanging out with my friends, studying occasionally, watching videos, doing some activities, and also reading Minami's books!

-(Minami) People don't need to know that!

-(Sanae) And as for the rest... I can't think of anything. Anyway, thank you for listening to me.

All the students in the class, except for a few, applauded.

-(Kobanocchi) Great presentation! Thank you, Sanae! Now... it's your turn!

"Hello. My name is Emiko Haru, and I'm 16 years old. I'm here to listen and open to all the students in the class. Don't hesitate to come talk to me if you have any personal difficulties or issues with the administration. And finally, I'm already presenting myself as a representative of the second years."

-(Kobanocchi) Wow! That's very good! If all the students could be like Sanae and you, it would save me from having murderous thoughts every time I listen to your presentations.

Silence...

In this silence, a young boy with an athletic build stood up and walked towards the board.

-(Kobanocchi) Oh, a volunteer?

-(Takunomi) Yes. Allow me to introduce myself! Takunomi Asayoshi! I am the vice president of Unmei's sports club! I have nothing else to say about myself.

-(Kobanocchi) Oh? Well then, you may return to your seat.

-(Takunomi) No! I'm not finished! Now... it's time for our class's ultimate goal! To win the Sports Festival! I hereby invite each and every one of you present in this class to join the sports club and abandon your activities... No! I compel you to do so! We cannot afford to lose this festival! I'm not comrades with losers but with winners! Let's be winners! Good day, and have a good semester.

-(Kobanocchi) ...We–Well... Did you hear him?... It's important.

-(Takunomi) Very important, madam!

-(Kobanocchi) Yes, that's right. She said, sounding desperate. Next? Any volunteers?

"Can we go together like twins?"

-(Kobanocchi) Yes... She said suspiciously.

"My name is Miyashita Saki!"

"I'm Ueda Kana!"

-(Miyashita) Should I say it or not?

-(Ueda) No! I want to do it!

-(Miyashita) Then go ahead!

-(Ueda) If there's anyone handsome interested in chatting with us, don't hesitate!

Ueda looked at Ryo, the young boy. He looked back at them, so Ueda gave him her best smile. But Ryo ignored her and turned his head to look out the window.

-(Ueda) Hey!

-(Kobanocchi) So... is that all you two have to say?

-(Ueda, Miyashita) Yes!

-(Kobanocchi) Well, go back to your seats. Did you hear the boys?

-(Hoshi) Girls in 2D are worth more than girls in this world.

-(Ayemi) Why am I sitting next to you!? Madame, I can't stand this pervert anymore! Change my seat!

-(Kobanocchi) Watch your language!

-(Hoshi) Your mind is filled with prejudices, poor girl. Manga is not synonymous with perversion!

-(Kobanocchi) Quiet, both of you! Ayemi, you'll sit over there.

-(Minami, Ayemi) Huh?

-(Minami)...

Sensing Minami's reaction might cause trouble, Sanae whispered to her:

"Shh! Don't draw more attention to yourself! Just ignore her."

-(Minami) I wasn't going to say anything.

Ayemi moved slowly, glaring at Minami. She eventually sat down without saying a word.

-(Kobanocchi) Alright! Let's move on to the next one!

In Front of the Blackboard

This time, the student standing in front of the class was even more nonchalant than the previous one.

He yawned and then began to speak.

"Hi, I'm Musamara Tetsuo" he yawns again, then continues : "... I spent the whole evening and morning playing video games. So, a little message to the troublemakers at the back of the class: Don't bother me because either way, I'll be too tired to respond."

As if he stopped mid-sentence, he locked eyes with young Ryo Hayashi. Ryo looked back at him with an unexpressive face, as if he was bored. Seeing that this staring contest was leading nowhere and was too draining, Tetsuo turned to the teacher.

"That's it, I'm done," he said, returning to his seat.

-(Kobanocchi) Alright, let's move on!

"Hello, my name is Akira Katsuro, I'm the newest member of Chika-Bankaa! I'd like to respond to Musamara about his remark calling us troublemakers. Well, know that we're not troublemakers but executives of an organization."

Proud of his retort, he looked at the concerned party. Unfortunately, he had already fallen asleep.

-(Katsuro) But how!?

-(Kobanocchi) Okay, thank you, go back to your seat. Next.

Suddenly, the atmosphere abruptly changed. A murderous aura settled in the classroom. Because yes, it was Makoto Kiyoshi's turn to introduce himself. One of the most feared students in the school.

-(Kiyoshi) Hello, I'm Makoto Kiyoshi and I'm part of Chika-Bankaa. I hope everything will go well between us this year. He said menacingly.

-(Kobanocchi) Perfect, you can return to your seat.

While Kiyoshi returned to his seat...

-(Ayemi) Who does he think he's scaring? She exclaimed, chuckling.

-(Kiyoshi) What did you say?

The voice and the gaze of the fearsome Kiyoshi instantly put Ayemi in her place. His simple reply sent shivers down her spine.

-(Ayemi) No-nothing. She said weakly.

Kiyoshi then returned to his seat.

-(Minami) If you're sitting next to me, don't draw attention to yourself. Although it will be a bit difficult with your character. But I don't want anything to do with these guys.

-(Sanae) Shh!

-(Minami) Yeah, right...

"Sora Kaori. Nice to meet you."

-(Kobanocchi) Is that all?

-(Kaori) Yes, I won't hog the spotlight like Minami did earlier.

-(Minami) You have some nice henchmen, Ayemi.

-(Sanae) Minami!

-(Minami) Ugh, fine!

-(Kobanocchi) Alright, next. Wait. Are you chewing gum?

-(Kaori) Absolutely.

-(Kobanocchi) Spit it out!! And next!

"Hi, I'm Hiromi Rikka, I'm 16 years old, and I'm happy to meet you! Except for a few people..." she said with a radiant smile. "But I won't dwell on that."

-(Minami) It would be better for you.

-(Kobanocchi) There are only 2 left. Come on, it's your turn

"Hello, my name is Sharitsuo Konibuku. I'm part of the journalism club. And I know absolutely everything about everything. Or rather, everything about you. With one exception."

An awkward silence ensued.

-(Konibuku) Don't worry. I just like to be informed about things around me. Ah, and finally, madam, surprise quizzes don't work on me.

-(Kobanocchi) Hmm?

-(Konibuku) I'm done. he said, returning to his seat.

-(Kobanocchi) Alright, the last one! Atorisuta!

"Hello everyone, I'm Atorisuta Kiyo! I'm passionate about plastic art, visual art, and cinema!" He suddenly took a photo of the class and immediately put away his camera. "There, it's done."

-(Kobanocchi) Where did you get that? It's prohibited!

-(Kiyo) Madam... How can you not understand my intention? This photo will allow me to reproduce it on canvas to give students a thirst for art! Thus, they will have the same feeling about art in general as we do!

-(Kobanocchi) Ohh! That's a very good idea! I'll help you paint if you need it! She said, getting emotional.

-(Kiyo) Don't worry. I'll take care of it. He replied, laughing.

-(Minami) Did she really fall for it?...

-(Rikka) I don't care about art so you can delete the photo now.

-(Kiyo) And I don't care about your opinion.

-(Kobanocchi) Atorisuta... I appreciate the effort you're making, but if she doesn't agree then–

-(Kiyo) She's saying that now because she doesn't even know what a canvas looks like.

-(Rikka) I don't care!

-(Kiyo) You'll decide after seeing the result. He said, returning to his seat.

-(Rikka) Damn artist.

-(Ayemi) Let him do it, Rikka. We'll see if he's a good painter. If he fails, he'll become the laughingstock of his art club.

-(Rikka) You're right!

-(Ayemi) Truthfully, I'm just curious to see how it turns out. No one has ever painted me!

-(Kobanocchi) You underestimate Kiyo's talent.

-(Rikka, Ayemi) Hmm?

-(Kobanocchi) His works have been selected more than 7 times in the inter-school competition.

-(Rikka) Seriously!?

-(Kiyo) Hmpf.

-(Kobanocchi) Anyway! We look forward to your painting! Now, for the few minutes I have left, I'll give you a brief overview of what I expect from you this year.

END OF CHAPTER