The question made them all pause. Even Max paused. Why did he suddenly care who Ken was?

Was it because all of them seemed so strange that he imagined he would somehow befriend the entire group? Maybe. Or maybe he was just curious.

Luke: Oh, him? You'll meet him.

Luke got his bag and prepared to leave.

Luke: Knowing him, he's already in class.

Tiffany and Rose both carried their bags.

Tiffany: Come on, we don't wanna be late.

Rose: Right!

As Luke and Tiffany got going, Rose smiled brightly at Max once again.

Rose: Come on! I'll take you!

Max didn't know what lesson it was, and so, rather than asking, simply took a random book from his backpack. He didn't care after all. It was just a lesson.

They all entered the class alongside the other students. They were low murmurs.

Max looked around for this, Ken.

For the moment, no one seemed out of order.

Rose then signalled to him to sit down with the rest of them.

They all sat in the corner, taking all the seats in that corner.

Rose signalled at him to pick a chair in that corner, right behind hers.

Tiffany sat next to Rose, and Luke sat behind a person sitting behind Tiffany.

He was a dark skinned young man with black hair and was of a somewhat slender build.

Following Rose's signalling, he sat right next to him.

Before Max could say a thing, the teacher started. She was a skinny and somewhat old looking lady.

Teacher: Good morning, students. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday.

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She spoke dryly. There wasn't a hint of enjoyment in what she said, and her voice shut up all the students all at once.

Teacher: As you all know, my name is Mrs Samantha Newman.

She proceeded to write her name on the board.

Name: Samantha Newman

Age: 40

Description: Really doesn't like her job.

Occupation: Maths teacher

Fact: Was apparently one of the best performers in her high school years.

Max, having heard her name, simply couldn't help himself.

He proceeded to whisper to Rose.

Max: Newman, more like "old woman."

Rose blushed and closed her mouth with her hands, Tiffany, having heard it, retorted in a whisper.

Tiffany: Max!

And the guy seated next to Max let out a chuckle, to Max's happiness. His joke was indeed funny.

Samantha: Is something interesting going on there?

All the students turned to look at Max.

Vince scowled at him, as did the teacher.

Samantha: Ah, the new student. So you're already a troublemaker.

The class started to laugh at him, especially Vince.

Vince: First day already, huh?

Samantha: Since I was already about to have a roll call, why don't you come up in front and introduce yourself?

Rose turned worriedly towards Max, only to see him walk to the front of the class without the slightest shred of hesitation.

This wasn't Max's first rodeo.

Max: Alright.

The class's laughter slowly died down as he walked to the front.

The teacher turned to him.

Samantha: Now, now. when I say introduce yourself, I also mean that you should tell us a little about yourself.

The class went OOOOOOOOOOOHHH!

Max: Alright.

The teacher was only slightly perturbed by the teen's relaxed reaction.

Max: My name is Maximillian Hunter. I'm 15 years old, and I like video games.

There was a mixture of shouts and OOOOOOhs.

Samantha: Oh, really? And anything other than video games.

Max: Oh yeah. I also skateboard.

There was yet another series of shouts and OOOOHHHs.

Rose: He's so cool. He's got nerves of steel.

Tiffany simply silently watched him.

The one behind Tiffany spoke.

Guy: Not so fast. This is where it gets interesting.

Rose: (gasp) You're right. (whisper) You've got this, Max.

Samantha: And how about your dreams and aspirations. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Max visibly put some thought into it.

Max: I wanna be an astronaut.

There was a silence before a massive boon of laughter and shouts before the teacher silenced everyone.

Samantha: Thank you, Max. That will be all.

She was not pleased, and neither was Vince, who scowled at him as he walked back to his seat.

Rose clapped for Max as he returned.

Rose: Max, you were so cool.

Max: (cockily) Hmph. Naturally.

Guy: Most impressive.

Max turned to look at the unnamed guy only to see him smiling at him.

Samantha: Silence!

That order was for the corner in which Max was seated. After that, the whole class was silent.

Samantha: Alright then, let us begin the roll-call.