Chapter 13: Chapter 3.1

It was after school, and the rest of the class had already left, including Tachibana. I stayed back due to receiving a message during class from a number I didn’t recognize.

This is a bit too nerve wrecking for me because one hate to be in situations such as this, however I'm still holding out hope that it’s a cute girl who happened to get my number because she wants to befriend me. The probability of potential situation is around .1% and I would consider that high enough for me.

As I slowly got up from my seat, a voice called out to me, "Kaneko-kun I am glad you decided to stay after all. I was getting a bit worried when you didn’t respond."

It was Imoto Shiba, my self-titled harem protagonist, and it is only being solidified by the fact that he actually has a girlfriend. What business would he have with a measly side character such as me?

"Uh, yes, I make it a habit to avoid replying to strange numbers."

Imoto sheepishly laughed at my statement and then apologized by giving a little bow.

"Sorry about that, but I got your number from Fukami-chan, but to be fair, she was reluctant to give it up."

Well, that is the only plausible way to get my contact information, so his story checks out. Still I’m slightly bummed out at the fact my .1% scenario didn’t happen.

"It’s not an issue, but what seems to be the matter?"

His body language screams nervousness which is different from all the times I’ve seen him ooze confidence.

While scratching the back of his head, he replied, "It’s about Tachibana-chan."

I wonder where this could be heading. I hope it’s not down the path of "stay away from her" so I can add her to my harem type of conversation.

"What about her?" I dubiously asked.

"I know you just arrived in class, but have you felt the tension among the different students?"

Since I arrived in this class, all I have doing is observing while attempting to get along with everyone.

"Do you mean towards Tachibana-san?"

"Yes, that’s exactly what I am speaking about."

Hopefully, he doesn’t ask me to try and fix anything, seeing that he possesses all the influence in our class apart from Fukami.

In an attempt to avoid being asked, whatever was on his mind, I replied. "There’s nothing much you can do about it; Tachibana-san’s personality and the others' don’t mix well; think of it as oil and water."

Not everyone can tolerate someone who doesn’t think one positive thing about their classmates. After all, Tachibana said it herself. She will get into the top 10, because getting to A-Class would be too frustrating due to our classmates.

In this dystopia called a school, nothing really makes sense in regards to working together and there are multiple routes to success. So she is just taking the most convenient one to her.

With a concerned look on his face, Imoto replied, "I’m aware of that issue, but do you think you can talk her into being more cooperative with the class?"

Unfortunately, I wasn't born in possession of the gift of gab.

"What makes you think I am capable of doing something like that? It's like asking me to wrestle a bear while covered in honey."

Imoto is asking me to do the impossible and I'm not a miracle worker, the most I can do is say a prayer.

"Well, if I had to be honest, you’re the only person I’ve ever seen her interact with since we started this school since…. She is a person who is closed off and distant from her classmates, for whatever reasons. Not even Fukami-chan can seem to crack that armor surrounding her."

Someone else managed to befriend her? I wonder what happened there.

Also why is he making it sound like I am the chosen one who can get through to her? This isn’t a romcom.

Burying my hands into my pockets and I replied, "Only Tachibana-san can choose how she wants to progress as a person, and if she so wishes, self-isolation partnered up with selfish decisions are all in her given right as a free person."

It’s the only right answer I can think of.

"That’s one way to put it, and I thought as much considering that you don’t look like the type to actively get involved in anything. You're not even part of any school clubs."

"If you have that information on me, can I be right to assume that you did some research?"

‘Yeahhh… I wasn’t sure how to approach you or what type of person you were, so I scouted ahead before sending the message."

I’m under the assumption Imoto is a cautious person or just wants to make sure that he didn’t potentially offend me in any way.

You are reading story My Simplistic Dystopia at novel35.com

"You’re correct about the school club bit."

Imoto folded his arms and replied, "Do you have any plans of joining one per se?"

I am unable to take part in any other club due to being affiliated with another one. It’s known worldwide as the "Go-Home Club," and it has garnered millions of members. Some say we are the number one choice for students and people with a seemingly uncommonly shared illness. "I don’t want to be involved with anyone or anything."

"None have sounded very appealing to me."

"You can always join the ice hockey club with me," insisted Imoto, who sounded like those religious fanatics who always find some way to try to get you into their activities.

"I will definitely take a rain check on getting bodied while attempting to get the puck; just thinking about it makes my body ache."

He looked at his smart watch before replying, "As the captain, I’ll accept that for now but just know that we always welcome new members."

Aside from Tachibana, there is one thing on my mind right now, so it’s time to swing for the fences right now.

"Imoto-san, I want to enquire about something, well, someone."

As if Imoto read my mind, he immediately answered, "It’s about Mikhailov-san, right?"

"Yes, it’s about him and his rank."

"Mikhailov Nikita is an anomaly among us students so nobody really knows much about him aside from his name and the fact that one of his parents is a world-class level athlete. However, when we first started this school, every year one was ranked by our entrance exam scores, interview, and the school’s personal evaluation. So when everything was integrated into the already implemented system, Mikhailov's rank was 20th until he challenged the 5th-ranked student and knocked him down to the bottom of the echelon.  So with that being said he has managed to maintain that placement ever since, only acting when it’s in danger."

"So, in other words, his cooperation is unattainable unless there’s benefit in it for him."

"That’s right, after all, he is known as Mikhailov the Opportunist to the other students in the top ten."

"The Opportunist?"

"Yes, all the notable students of this school earn a moniker, especially if they are in the top 10."

Given a moniker huh?

"What’s your rank right now, Imoto-san?"

"I’m ranked 80th, nothing too impressive seeing that Tachibana-san is ranked 78^th which is the second highest in the class.”

If Tachibana lost twice in a personal wager for a top 10 student’s rank, wouldn’t that result in a lower rank considering the penalty that comes with it?

"Well, you guys are way higher than me considering that I’m dead last and it’s not going to be changing anytime soon."

The conversation is cut short by the classroom door opening, and a female student walks inside.

It was his girlfriend, Yasuma Tori, and I have the sinking feeling that she isn’t fond of me considering that she scrunches her face every time she notices me.

If I had to count a total number of times that has occurred, it would be roughly around 14 times. Well it’s 15 now.

The same expected thing happened as she approached us, one can say it’s almost clockwork and I haven’t done anything to warrant that type of reaction from her so I’ll chalk it up to her being a bitch for no reason. After all there are a lot of people like that in the outside world.

"Imoto-kun, what are you doing here? We are going to be late for karaoke with the others." said Yasuma as she lovingly wrapped her arm around his,

She just decided to ignore my existence, and all I have to say is that two people can play this game.

Being the class leader who wanted to make me feel included Imoto said, "Do you want to join us, Kaneko-kun? This will be a good way for you to interact with your other classmates."

I decided to pass on the offer due to my anticipation of Yasuma’s sour reaction. In a funny way, it was technically dodging a bullet.

With a sorry look in his eyes, Imoto understood that I was passing to avoid upsetting Yasuma and him having to deal with it.

The couple left the classroom while I stood there with my hands in my pockets.

I am just glad that I don’t have to deal with her on a personal level because it would most likely result in me pulling my own hair out.

 

You can find story with these keywords: My Simplistic Dystopia, Read My Simplistic Dystopia, My Simplistic Dystopia novel, My Simplistic Dystopia book, My Simplistic Dystopia story, My Simplistic Dystopia full, My Simplistic Dystopia Latest Chapter