I decided to wait for Maizono to catch up with me and head down to the opening ceremony with me. We lost sight of Principal Kirigiri, who we planned to follow at first, but soon found our way to where this event will be held. The gymnasium, of course.

The two of us squeezed our way through the crowd, causing confusion that turned into understanding because of Maizono's reassuring smile. Eventually, we found empty seats in the front row but were unfortunately separated. "It's alright," Maizono mouthed to me, giving a nonchalant wave. She smoothed out her uniform skirt and took a seat beside a ginger haired male. His piercings were giving off a punk rock attitude, but he didn't seem so intimidating. I located a seat in between a silver haired girl and a guy with a serious face and...unique eyebrows. Both of them seemed really intelligent and must take their work seriously. I folded my hands in my lap in my attempt to make an impression on them. Neither budged.

The lass beside me also had an addition to her attire. She wore these dark gloves with what looked like rhinestones at first glance. I quickly observed those all around me; there were few wacky hairstyles, blazers that weren't even buttoned all the way, and such. I suppose everyone has their own style. Finally, Principal Kirigiri made his entrance from the rear and took the stage. Behind the podium, he tapped on the microphone to test it before he spoke on behalf of the students.

"Ahem," the confident man cleared his throat. "It is of great honor and dignity that I, Principal Jin Kirigiri, speak on the behalf of our newly enrolled students of Hope's Peak Academy." Both persons to my left and right listened intently. The guy leaned in forward and gave Principal Kirigiri his full attention. The gal folded her arms and tapped her index finger of her right arm on her left arm. Is it me or she already growing impatient of his speech?

"As you may know," the principal went on, "you are all talented in your own ways. I would like for you to somehow use your talents to help others, such as the less fortunate, in the world. Sitting before me are beautiful and handsome young adults who I hope would befriend one another and enjoy each other's company. Thank you very much for your time and congratulations Hope Peak's 78th class!" At the end of his speech, it was such an amazing moment. Sixteen of us... Sixteen talented kids stood up and cheered. The clapping was extremely loud yet I loved every second of it. I watched as Maizono jumped up and down, and some other girls join in a celebratory circle with her. The boys even rustled each others' hair and had such a great time. However, there was someone I noticed stood out. Two, even.

It was...

Her?!

I spun around and glanced at the diva herself beside someone whose resemblance was striking. It was the fashionista, Junko Enoshima. I didn't recognize the other gal right away, but I figured she must have some connection. I scurried over towards them, and kind of wish I hadn't.

Both looked about five feet, seven inches tall. They towered over me by a mere four inches! It was as if I were a mouse and they were two giant cats with a killer intent. Yes, cats. They'll probably think I'm loony for describing them as that. The dark haired girl whispered, "Hey. He's looking right as us." Enoshima somewhat rolled her eyes as if the latter girl was pointing out the obvious. I have to admit that she pretty much had been.

"I can see that, Mukuro," the strawberry-blonde model responded. "Looks like a shrimp." She sort of giggled upon saying this. Had I not known this was coming, I wouldn't have even tried conversing with them. Except, that's seemingly impossible for Little Naegi. I have an urge to befriend everyone. It's just as Principal Kirigiri said in his speech.

As for Enoshima, I didn't bother dignifying her insult with a response. I knew I'd just irritate her, so I decided to leave her be. To Mukuro in particular, I told her, "Well...see you later, then." I turned away from the two, not looking forward to seeing their faces. Instead, I decided to mingle with the guys. From a distance, I swear I heard Enoshima sigh of disappointment.

Most of the boys were all huddled up in a gang besides Strictly McEyebrows and another lone wolf who drooled while drawing comic strips of a magical girl. One guy had an insane hairstyle that reminded me of corn on the cob. Another was the ginger that sat besides Maizono. I figured the clairvoyant male was the one holding the crystal ball. But what was up with his hair? It stuck out in practically every direction; how does he even sleep like that?

There was also a blonde, bespectacled individual who had his back towards the group, but turned toward them and bluntly answered their questions. From a distance, I could see another bespectacled being eyeing this princely fellow; her face was all red and she awkwardly stood there, hoping to get his attention. I wasn't sure how she was going to do so, and honestly, I can't picture the two paired up. But... if it was possible... Would it look adorable or just downright creepy?

Next, I decided to see what the girls were doing. Two tan ladies, an extremely intimidating, muscular one and an energetic, slim one, were chatting amongst each other about something. A tiny, brunette showed off her laptop to an elegant lass who violated the dress code. Instead of wearing her uniform, she had a black and white, lolita dress, dark twin drills, bell earrings, and other vintage accessories.

I continued to look around a bit, received a smile from Maizono, and finally spotted the mysterious, silver haired gal speaking with the principal. They chatted for a little longer, maintaining poker faces. Subsequently, the bell rang, indicating it was time to move on to first period. I hadn't spoken to anyone that time besides Enoshima, who rejected me, and Maizono, much earlier. The principal also doesn't count. As for the Mukuro gal, all I said to her was "see you", which she didn't even respond to. I felt myself finding Maizono to be my one and only friend, if no one else wasn't interested in me.

When we all entered class, we were soon greeted by the principal once again. He stood in front of a teacher's desk at the front of the class, and with a push of a button, it transformed into a podium. Many of us watched with awe as were silently gave this man all of our respect. "Fellow students," he started, "allow me to reintroduce myself. I am your teacher, Jin Kirigiri. Please refer to me as Mr. Kirigiri when we are in the classroom, and Principal Kirigiri in my office or elsewhere." He bowed. The rest of us did the same. I was somewhat confused. The famed Hope's Peak Academy...has one teacher who is also our principal? He did mention other staff members, but...

"You may be thinking why I'm taking on two roles here," he added. "It's because our staff is so busy dealing with the school itself that none of them have the teaching training. I, myself, am a bit rusty, but bear with me." That's when Strictly McEyebrows, who I regret not knowing his name, bowed with courtesy, and replied that he will serve our teaching principal as long as he is a member of Hope's Peak. Surprisingly, no one muttered about him being a teacher's pet. However, it does explain why he seemed to listen to the opening ceremony speech so intently.

Mr. Kirigiri nodded in appreciation, then told us we were to have assigned seats. A few groans traveled through the room, but it was understandable. "It goes by last name; A to Z in the alphabet," he told us. "The first row, from the windows to the wall near the door, is Aoi Asahina, Junko Enoshima, Chihiro Fujisaki and Touko Fukawa." I watched the tan, slim lass, the fashionista, the laptop-carrying brunette, and the awkward, bespectacled female proceed to their seats. One thing for sure, Fukawa and Enoshima didn't seem to be too fond of their seats.

"The second row," Mr. Kirigiri continued, "is Yasuhiro Hagakure, Mukuro Ikusaba, Kiyotaka Ishimaru, and Kyouko Kirigiri." The fortune-teller with the dreads, Enoshima's dark haired sister, Strictly Mc- er, Ishimaru, and the silver haired maiden. Wait a minute- Kyouko Kirigiri? She shares the same last name with the principal... So when they were talking...

"Third row," the teacher went on, "is Leon Kuwata, Celestia Ludenberg, Sayaka Maizono, and Makoto Naegi." Redhead, lolita, Maizono and myself. I guess I can't complain about my seating if I've got Maizono beside me. I made my way to my seat, returning another smile from my sapphire-haired friend and waited for the other names to get called. Our lolita peer turned towards us, saying she prefers to be called "Celes". Kuwata glanced at Maizono, smirking.

"And finally," Mr. Kirigiri said, "fourth and last row is Sakura Oogami, Mondo Oowada, Byakuya Togami, and Hifumi Yamada." The muscular lass, cornhead, princely figure and large, doujinshi artist. When Togami noticed who he had to sit near, he immediately refused to be assigned there.

"This cannot do," he folded his arms and stood still. "I simply cannot allow myself to sit beside this disgusting creature." Togami glared at Yamada, who was quite offended. Before he could speak, the blonde held up his hand. "Don't even think about replying to me, peasant." Is this guy's talent being a huge jerk?

"Now, Togami," Mr. Kirigiri started, "I'm sorry, but the rules are the rules." He sighed. "The insults are a bit too far, as well."

"Hmph," Togami responded. Reluctantly, he pulled his chair back and sat at his desk, putting his hand to his face in irritation. He mumbled for Yamada to scoot over, to which the intimidated fellow quickly obliged to do. It was clear that overall the complaining male didn't like being beside Oowada or Oogami, but he somehow found them more tolerable.

For the next several minutes, we were given a lesson on classic literature. Celes answered few questions with sophistication. Ishimaru's hand shot up most of the time, but to be fair, Mr. Kirigiri let others take guesses. I wasn't sure whether to sit there and take notes or just watch as everyone reacted to Ishimaru's craving for knowledge. "Hey, lackey," Oowada called from the back. "you itchin' for attention? Put your hand down for one damn second."

Ishimaru straightened himself, ignoring the guy. Here's to thinking we're the most unlikely bunch.

Soon, the bell rung and we had history. Then maths. English. Break time. Lunch. Physics or art. And 15 minutes of either studying or talking amongst ourselves. The day sped by surprisingly fast, despite the dragging of maths. Now, it was officially break time. I wasn't sure what to do during this time, so I decided to ask one of my fellow classmates, who I figured I needed to introduce myself to eventually. I quickly found my target; the girl who I've been meaning to talk to, Kyouko Kirigiri.

I wanted to ask what was her relation to the principal, but I knew she'd give me a look that'd say, "Are you that dense?" Whatever. I still wanted to talk to her. I haven't heard her say a single word all day; well, not with anyone besides the principal. Kirigiri got up from her seat, as well as others who exited the room, and was making her way out as well.

"K-Kirigiri!" I practically yelped, stopping her in the middle of her tracks. It was so embarrassing... How was I to talk to a girl I've sat behind in class most of day and next to during the ceremony? She didn't really seem... inviting.

"Naegi," she responded. I was surprised. She knew my name... and she said it so casually! "Do you need something?"

"W-Well, actually," I gulped, nervously. Kirigiri looked so calm and composed, but I felt as if I was wasting her time. "I was wondering just where does everyone go to for break time?"

She raised her gloved index finger to her lips as she pondered. "I would say exploring the academy floors. There's a pool, library, recreation room, and several other places to be. Though, some of those are part of class. I have not yet traveled to the fifth floor, and as far as I can tell, it's blocked off for now."

"Oh," I replied. "In that case, where are you heading off to?"

"The library, of course." Ah, right. Good job, me!

"O-okay, then!" I had already made up my mind; I was going to the recreation room. I've heard of that type of room before. It should be a pretty interesting area to spend by break at. I wonder if I'll be able to bond with others there. Kirigiri then told me she was setting off, and I nodded.

Let's see if anyone else wants to befriend the average Naegi!