Back in their classroom, things were a bit calmer, since the only people there were the ones who hadn't stayed behind to watch the performance. At their school, most everyone knew about the Shimizu family, but for the most part, no one cared. Well, at least the third-years didn't care. Many of the first and second-year students were more captivated by the family's famous talents, whereas the third-years saw such talents as nothing more than simple entertainment. After all, at North High, Hiro was the star when it came to music, and even the world-famous Shimizu Aoi would be challenged when it came to who was most popular at the school. "Hey, do you think he'll be in our class? I hope he is. He's really attractive, right?" Hotaru nodded boredly. XX
Another fifteen minutes or so passed before the rest of the student body returned from the entrance ceremony, and Hiro's class lit up in conversation almost immediately. Most of the third-years at North High had been in the same classes together since Elementary school, and pretty much everyone knew everyone else. Their district was one of the smaller and lesser-known districts in suburban Tokyo, so it wasn't unexpected. "Hiro, what do you think of that pianist kid? I heard he's in our year." In response to the question, Hiro went on a light tangent about Aoi's music - and appearance, too. XX
"Leave it to Hiro to find someone like him attractive. Still though, if he's so rich and famous, he's probably a pompous prick." Natsuki, the boy who sat behind Hiro, frowned slightly at his own statement. Hotaru, who was sitting in front of Hiro, let out another sigh and scratched his temple. "You shouldn't make assumptions like that before you've even met someone. And besides, he's never shown any emotion in any of his concerts and he doesn't even speak at all during them, so I doubt that he's going to a 'pompous prick' or whatever you said." "That's right!" Hiro pumped a fist in the air above his head and grinned. "If we judge him right now, we'll never be able to learn what he's really like, and that's what I'm going to do!" XX
It was then that the classroom door opened, and in walked Shimizu Aoi, which only made Hiro grin even wider. "See? Told you he'd be in our class~" Unfortunately, Hiro had no time to speak to the blue-haired boy, as their teacher entered right after him and ordered the rowdy class to take their seats while he began roll call. Just like at the beginning of every year, each student stood to give a speech, though most of them were stupid jokes or random limmeriks to get on Sensei's nerves. Hotaru's speech was as plain and simple as ever, and Hiro made it a point to make up for what his friend lacked. Standing, he put his hands on his hips and laughed to himself, his classmates already anticipating whatever crazy scheme the small teen had in mind. XX
"Yo! Despite the fact that you've all known me since we were six, I'll introduce myself: my name is Tsuno Akihiro - call me Hiro - and I am the pride of North High! Not that I really wanted to be, but whatever!" The speech went on for another few sentences, and by the time Sensei made Hiro sit back down, the entire class was laughing. Hiro was a comedian, and always managed to make class more fun. As he sat down, he glanced toward Aoi and grinned brightly at him before Hotaru turned around to scold him. The rest of the speeches followed in the same joking manner until it was Aoi's turn, and contrary to what would have normally happened - anticipating silence, awkwardness, etc. - no one reacted any differently than to the other speeches. XX
After all, no one really cared that he was a world-famous pianist. To them, he was simply another member of class 3-A, a friend and classmate to all. XXXX