So You’re Telling Me I’m in My Popular Phase!? - Chapter 4: An Unexpected Question!?

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Question!?

The chime rang, and a little later, the teacher entered the classroom.

English, huh… English is the subject I’m worst at.

I mean, I’m Japanese, so studying foreign stuff is just stupid.

Do foreigners study Japanese in their compulsory education? They don’t, right? In other words, shouldn’t we not have to do it either?

“Right then, Ichikami, answer this.”

I averted my gaze from the teacher to avoid getting called on as much as possible. But, as if it were a matter of course, he picked me.

…Why is it that when I think I’m bad at something, I get picked?!

“Yes. It is ~~~~.”

Even though I was depressed, I answered clearly.

“Yeah, correct. You look like you’d be dumb, but you’re surprisingly smart. Why is that?”

What does he mean “Why”? What kind of question is that? Is he picking a fight? Wait, is it wrong for me to be smart?

“That is… for the sake of my future.”

Well, the real reason is because I want to be popular.

You know how they say smart guys are popular? That’s why I studied so hard.

“Hmm, that sounds like an old man’s reason. Well, whatever, I’m continuing the class.”

What the hell is that reaction? That’s too cruel. No, well, the real reason is even worse, so I can’t say anything…

In elementary and middle school, the necessary requirement to be popular is athletic ability. What is that? Athletics is just talent! It’s enough to make you cry that it’s decided from the moment you’re born.

But! In high school, academic ability speaks volumes! That’s why I’ll definitely become popular in high school.

To that end, I’ve put in all sorts of effort since middle school.

Studying, muscle training to improve my athleticism, doing household chores to improve my domestic appeal, and even joining committees so people would think I’m proactive.

Well, it was all meaningless, though…

“Hey, Ichikami. Are you listening to what I’m saying? You’re smart, but can’t you listen to people?”

“Eh, ah… I’m sorry…”

Did something happen while I was thinking about weird stuff? The teacher is angry at me. I can hear some people laughing quietly at the situation. Ugh, embarrassing.

“Quiet down.”

The teacher silenced those voices and continued with the class just like that.

After that, the class proceeded as usual. Maybe because I focused properly, the chime rang earlier than I expected.

If I remember right, the next class is Science. I like Science well enough, so I’m happy.

I finished preparing for class during the break and did some review.

Class started, and unlike English earlier, I raised my hand myself and presented answers many times.

“Say, Ichikami.”

While I was doing that, the teacher suddenly called on me.

I tilted my head, worried that I had made a mistake somewhere.

“What is it?”

“Ichikami, you’re really… You look like you’d be dumb, but you actually prepare and review properly. It’s admirable.”

I’m telliiiing yoooou. Why do I look like I’d be dumb?! Eh, do I really look that stupid?

“Th-thank you…?”

I didn’t know how to react, so for the time being, I bowed.

Then, the people around me laughed quietly again. I’m done with this…