NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Anti-Social
(Saiki is sitting in class, staring out the window, clearly uninterested in what's going on. This new class, with new classmates, feels like a complete waste of time. He chose different subjects this year to avoid his usual crowd.)
Saiki (thinking): Why did I bother choosing different subjects? Now I'm stuck in this class where I don't know anyone. No Nendou, no Kaidou, no Teruhashi. And yet, somehow, it feels worse.
(The teacher, Mr. Taka, a old man with a forced smile, stands at the front of the room. He's been seeing Saiki for the past few minutes, noticing that he wants to leave the place and go home.)
Mr. Taka: Alright, everyone. Let's have a quick word before we move on.
Mr. Taka (smiling directly at Saiki): I've noticed some of you are a bit quiet. Saiki-kun, for example.
(Saiki freezes, knowing exactly where this is going.)
Saiki (thinking): Oh no. Don't do this. Don't make me the example.
Mr. Taka: Saiki-kun, I understand it's hard to be in a new environment, but it's important to socialize with your classmates. You can't always be by yourself!
(Saiki glances around the room. The other students are all staring at him, some whispering to each other.)
Saiki (thinking): Socializing? With them? No, thank you.
Mr. Taka: You should make an effort to talk to others during class discussions, group work, and even during breaks! It's a great way to grow as a person.
Saiki (thinking): Grow as a person? I'm doing just fine, thanks. The last thing I need is more people wanting help from me.
(The teacher claps his hands, still addressing Saiki directly.)
Mr. Taka: You know, Saiki-kun, you have a lot to offer! I'm sure your classmates would love to hear your thoughts.
Saiki (thinking): Thoughts? My only thought is how to get through this class without talking to anyone.
(The teacher gestures toward a group of students nearby.)
Mr. Taka: Why don't you join those students over there for today's group work? I'm sure they'll appreciate your input.
Saiki (thinking): İnput? No one appreciates my input. Trust me.
(The group of students, awkwardly looking at Saiki, wave him over. Saiki stands up and shuffles toward them.)
Student 1 (smiling awkwardly): Uh, hey, Saiki-kun! You wanna help with this?
Saiki (thinking): No, not really.
Student 2: We're working on the group assignment about environmental impacts. Do you have any ideas?
Saiki (thinking):(Thats why i hate extroverts i told him no,and yet he keeps talking).Anyway I have ideas, but none that involve talking to any of you.
(The group stares at Saiki, waiting for him to say something. Saiki sighs and writes a few points on the sheet in front of them, hoping that will make them stop.)
Saiki (thinking): If I stay quiet, maybe they'll forget I'm here.
Student 1: Wow, that's… really detailed!Thanks, Saiki-kun!
Saiki (thinking): Of course it is. I just want this to end.I hate long conversations.
(Mr. Taka watches from across the room, clearly pleased with himself.)
Mr. Taka (thinking): Ah, look at that! He's finally engaging with the class. Mission accomplished.
Saiki (thinking): Good grief. Socializing is overrated. If this keeps up, I might have to rethink my subject choices next year.