A Warm Welcome

The classroom was filled with the usual hum of students settling down for another physics lesson. As the teacher instructed us to open our textbooks to page 54, my focus remained on the task at hand. I was determined to absorb physics principles, dismissing any distractions that might hinder my progress.

"Hey, Takumi-kun, what do you think about this new guy, Kai Hachimura?" Hiroshi whispered, trying to engage me in conversation.

I shot him a disapproving look. "Quit whispering and do your work," I said firmly, my tone laced with annoyance.

Hiroshi smirked mischievously. "He seems interesting, doesn't he? Maybe he'll bring some excitement to this boring class."

Unfazed, I replied, "I doubt it. I prefer to focus on my studies rather than getting caught up in unnecessary drama."

Hiroshi persisted, challenging my lack of enthusiasm. "Come on, Takumi-kun. Where's your sense of adventure?"

I sighed, realizing that Hiroshi was relentless. "I have plenty of adventures in my life. It just doesn't involve making friends with every new transfer student."

Hiroshi chuckled, undeterred by my response. "You make it sound like you've made friends in the past, even though you don't have that many."

Exasperated, I muttered, "Shut up. You know what I mean."

Our conversation came to an abrupt halt as the teacher wrapped up the lesson. "And that concludes our discussion for today. Remember, there will be a quiz next week, so be sure to review the material."

As the class began to disperse, Hiroshi tugged at my sleeve, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Come on, Takumi-kun. Let's go say hi to Hachimura and make him feel welcome."

I hesitated, reluctant to partake in what I perceived as unnecessary socializing. "We don't need to do that. I'm pretty sure he already feels welcome, considering his desk is surrounded by  girls. There's no point in us welcoming him."

Hiroshi pouted, his playful nature shining through. "Aw, come on. Don't be such a sourpuss. And besides, it's no fun when you're not with me."

Sighing, I relented. "Fine. Quit pouting like that. We can both go by his desk and say hi, but just a quick hello. Then I'm heading straight home to study."

Hiroshi's face lit up with excitement. "Yay!"

As we approached Hachimura's desk, I couldn't help but question Hiroshi's motivation for wanting to introduce ourselves. Meeting new people was not my strong suit, and I had always been content with a small circle of friends. Hiroshi's encouragement to interact with others challenged my preferences, leaving me conflicted.

"Hey, Hachimura! We've seen that you're new here. Welcome to our class," Hiroshi greeted Hachimura with enthusiasm.

Hachimura looked up, surprised by our sudden approach. "Thank you! I'm happy to be here. And you guys are...?"

Hiroshi gestured toward me. "I'm Hiroshi, and this is Takumi. We just wanted to say hello and make sure you feel welcome."

Hachimura's gaze turned towards me, awaiting my greeting. I hesitated for a moment before responding with an air of indifference. "Oh, welcome to our class. There's no point in doing this considering we've already met and you sit right next to me."

Hiroshi nudged me gently, a smile playing on his lips. "Takumi, be nicer. Haha, don't mind him. He's just having a hard time meeting new people."

Hachimura chuckled, seemingly undeterred by my reserved demeanor. "It's fine. I appreciate the welcome, Hiroshi and Takumi. It's nice to meet you both. Let's get along, yeah?"

I shrugged, my response dismissive. "Whatever."

Hiroshi, ever the optimist, chimed in cheerfully, "Uh, yeah, sure. Again, it's nice to meet you!"

As Hachimura's gaze lingered on me, a faint blush spread across Hiroshi's face. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused such a reaction. Shaking off my curiosity, I redirected my attention to the impending end of the school day.

"Okay, are we done welcoming yet? Let's go home already, and-" I began, only to be interrupted by a classmate's loud voice.

"HEY, HIROSHI! QUIT DOZING OFF AND MOVE YOUR ASS!" the classmate yelled from across the room, snapping Hiroshi back to reality.

Hiroshi jolted upright, his playful demeanor quickly replaced by panic. "Oh, uh, right behind you!"

Rolling my eyes at his antics, I bid Hachimura farewell. "See you tomorrow, Hachimura."

Hachimura waved back, a smile on his face. "Bye-bye, Hiroshi. And I look forward to working with you, Takumi!"

I let out a quiet "tsk" before grabbing Hiroshi's arm and urging him to leave the classroom. "Tsk. Let's go already, Hiroshi."

Hiroshi chuckled, finally regaining his composure. "Yeah, yeah. I heard you the first time."

As we walked together, my mind briefly wandered back to Hachimura. "Hmm? Takumi Kitamura, huh? He looks interesting. I think I might like it here at this school," Hachimura mused to himself, leaving me curious about the connection that seemed to be forming.