Chapter 9.1. Homeroom Teacher

“New students, enter! Everyone, please rise! Let’s welcome them with applause!”
Under the direction of what seemed to be the vice principal, the entrance ceremony began according to the program.
Amidst the applause, the front of the line of nervous new students stepped into the hall, the venue for the entrance ceremony.
I followed suit and entered along with the line.
Even among the seated current students, Mina’s silver hair stood out, so when I glanced over there, Mina, “Congratulations!” said the words and then flashed me a radiant smile.
However, being surrounded by so many peers of the same age after several years felt refreshing to me, making school seem like a somewhat novel place.
Despite being of the same age, the nervous expressions of the new students beside me made them seem fresh and innocent.
After the national anthem and guest speeches, the principal’s address and the ceremony proceeded smoothly.
Takami-san’s speech was long and boring, as usual, since his days as the squad leader.
“That concludes the entrance ceremony. Next, we will proceed with the opening ceremony.”
As the host’s voice switched to the next event, signaling the end of the lengthy entrance ceremony and the transition to the next one, the atmosphere became more focused.
The military school’s discipline and coordination were evident around this point.
The following opening ceremony also proceeded without any issues.
Although this academy is unique in many aspects, the entrance and opening ceremonies are relatively standard.
Oh, the next part of the program seems a bit special.
“Next, we will proceed to the announcement of the top student of each grade and the presentation of the commendation.”
At the host’s announcement, the previously relaxed atmosphere among the current students suddenly became lively.
“Top of the second year, Kohou Mina, please come forward!”
“Y-Yes!”
So Mina became the top student. Sorry, Suo-senpai.
Even I could tell that there were several jealous and resentful glances directed at Mina from the second-year students’ seats.
Although the recipient herself couldn’t possibly be unaware of such malicious looks, Mina seemed to completely ignore their existence as she ascended the stage and received the badge of the second-year top student from Principal Takami.
As she descended from the stage and passed in front of my seat, I took the opportunity to congratulate her in a voice meant only for her ears.
“Congratulations, Mina.”
In that moment as she passed in front of me, I paused my applause and spoke words of congratulations to Mina in a voice intended only for her to hear, and her lips curved into a slight smile.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇