Welcome to Freak Class!

One morning when she was little, Takamaru was sitting in the gazebo in the courtyard reading a book when her sister, Takamaru Yukiri, came over and snatched her book away.

“Hey, my hardworking sister.” Yukiri waved the book and spoke in a sarcastic tone. Takamaru merely answered politely.

Takamaru Yukiri was the daughter of her second mother. She was arrogant and looked down upon others. Even if the rest of the family didn’t like her, they would respond politely to her.

“So diligent?” Yukiri glanced at Takamaru’s book. “Botanical Encyclopedia, not bad.”

“Thank you for your compliment.” Takamaru replied politely but the other party seemed very dissatisfied. Yukiri threw the book back and turned to leave.

Takamaru’s diligence was inherited from her mother, who would read in her room and tell her stories. Many were dissatisfied with Takamaru’s mother’s character, thinking that she would steal her father away.

When Takamaru received a letter from Yuri Academy, her mother had encouraged her to go and study there. She was fine with that too. But when the others learned about it, they began to mock her.

“Chiko, don’t worry. Just stay in the academy.” She knew that her mother was doing this for her own good, so she agreed.

*Back at the academy*

Takamaru was on her way to the auditorium. Her appearance had been noticed by all.

“Um, Takamaru!” She was stopped by someone behind her. It was the famous playboy of the academy, Enomoto Shibata.

“What is it?” asked Takamaru.

“Um, Takamaru, please go out with me!” The people around them began to whisper.

“Huh?” Takamaru seemed calm on the surface, but in fact, she hadn’t yet fully processed the situation. “What did you say?” At the same time, she saw Yuu, who was currently yawning.

Enomoto repeated, “Oh, I said, please go-“

“I refuse.” Before he could finish speaking, Takamaru interrupted.

“Um, why?” 

“Because, you’re not my type.” She showed a big “X” with both her arms, then turned and left, leaving the group behind.

*In the classroom*

“Ah, Yuu. You’re late. You’re usually earlier than me.” Yuu turned in the direction of the voice and saw that Takamaru was already inside. He froze, the bag in his hand falling  to the ground. The girl before him seemed completely different to the one he had just seen outside.

“Takamaru, you walk really fast. You were just outside and now you’re here.” Yuu picked up his bag and walked to his seat.

“Oh, do I?” Takamaru asked with a smile.

“Well, luckily I made it.”

“Um, Takamaru. Are you the haughty princess type?” Sweat poured down as he asked. Takamaru bowed her head.

“Haha, you’ve discovered it.” Takamaru said in her other tone, “Can’t you tell I’m the haughty type?” Yuu shook his head.

“Wait…”

“Well, I’m not just a haughty princess after all. I’m… lying?” 

Yuu merely muttered, “Oh.”

“Do you know that Class X has many nicknames?” Takamaru asked. Yuu shook his head in silence.

‘Let’s change the subject.’ Takamaru thought.

“Class X is called the ‘Isolated Class’, ’Last Class’ and so on,” explained Takamaru. “But do you know what our other nickname is?” Takamaru leaned in and asked. Yuu shook his head again.

Takamaru stood up, walked up to him and said, “Welcome to the ‘Freak Class’.” Yuu gulped.

“Are you kidding?” He asked.

“No.” 

“But, the other students…”

“You just haven’t seen it yet, Yuu. You’ll find out later.”

“When you judge a person, don’t just look at their appearance, but the whole.”

-Takamaru Chiko