Chapter 4 – Year Three
The first day of school started with a reintroduction to some of his old classmates in 3rd Year Class D. Even with the familiar faces, it was like starting anew. Was that Sakura only with a haircut or someone else altogether? Actually her name may have been Sayoko. He took a seat at the end of the class with no fanfare. There was no reason to be mouthy to the teacher who was calm, professional and normal in every respect.
He was privileged to be in one of the best private schools in the country. One where the only students that didn't get into Todai, Waseda or Keio were the ones who hightailed it overseas to study in one of the Ivies or other acclaimed institutions of higher learning.
There were no note passing or opportunities to smuggle the correct answer to a distracted classmate. Without exception they were alert, aware and engaged to make sure they did what was expected of them.
Here Souji had been only a top 5 student rather than the stunning ace and master of all subjects. The curriculum in Inaba had been a reprieve. There was no need for such rigor when most of the students would remain in the countryside working in small businesses. Even of those going to a college, it was accepted that most would end up in one of the small local colleges in Aichi. A few students each year ended up going to somewhat larger schools in Nagano, Osaka or Tokyo, but getting into simply a good enough school would suffice.
"Did you know the best American or British universities rank above Todai nowadays?" his father stated, out of the blue one morning in the few minutes between finishing his coffee and heading out the door for work.
"Not that Todai is… inferior…" his father said, pausing on the last word as if trying to be easier understood. He was making a point of using English during more of these conversations that Souji would nod along, understanding but seldom replying.
The best university in Japan would be good enough.
Attempts to engage in conversations were met with polite introductions and a few questions about subject manner. During lunch the roof was a cluster of kids buried in textbooks or brows furrowed going over index cards as they shoveled convenience store bento into their mouths.
After being rebuffed by several classmates, always in the politest terms with incredulous faces that said, 'you can't possibly have time either' that he found himself spending a bit more time on the Calculus text and polishing off as much homework possible to reduce what he would have to find time for after cram school.
He was on the train en route to his second day in Shinjuku when another text came in, this one from Kanji, 'Yo. How'd ya first couple days go? Bet you're already made friends with everyone. Miss ya.'
At first Souji tapped out the truth. That he was already too busy with cram school and everyone was in the same boat. 'A little lonely' was one descriptor that came naturally. Before hitting the send button his body ended up jostled by the mass of people getting on and off the train, nearly sending the phone tumbling to the floor. The message ended up deleted as he put it back in his pocket. It was inconsiderate to complain in public anyway.
As he entered the new classroom he went to turn the volume off but instead sent a shorter reply. 'it went well. Busy. Looking forward to Golden Week. Take care.'