Taking my seat in the classroom, I observed the teacher's demeanor as he began the lesson with even less enthusiasm than usual. It wasn't surprising given the absence of many of the students. As for me, it didn't make much of a difference. I sat like usual, simply waiting for the lesson to finish.
"Eh, aren't you overreacting to it?"
"No no no, I'm just being real!"
"Did you hear…"
"That…"
As the chatters grew louder, it seemed like the teacher didn't hear the chatters as he kept explaining. Honestly, I didn't care much for the commotion as I was more focused on my own thoughts.
Eventually, the teacher ended the lesson and walked out of the room, leaving the students to their own devices. I stood up slowly, taking my time to gather my things, and made my way out of the classroom.
"Mizuhara."
A voice called out to me, interrupting my thoughts. I recognized the voice; it was Hamasaki, she was ranked fifth in the class - just one spot above me at sixth.