Our Ordinary Lives

Chapter 4 - Understanding Motives

Kiyotaka POV

Ai: "Ummm could I pass?" Did she just deny Hirata's request? She wasn't like this when I was talking to her just now. She adjusted her personality and mannerism just so she could influence the way the class saw her.

Ai's gaze remained fixated on the ground, deliberately avoiding eye contact with anyone in the room. I couldn't help but notice a distinct change in her voice as well. It sounded shaky and low, as if she was purposely trying to show her nervousness. Her body seemed to have a slight shudder, subtle enough for others to notice but not enough to raise suspicion or prompt more  questioning. It was a masterful maneuver, skillfully executed by Ai to create an environment where she could avoid revealing any personal information about herself. Her ingenuity was impressive and the way she effortlessly carried out this strategy implied that she had planned her actions before executing her introduction.

Hirata: "Oh uh... of course, ummmm could you at least tell us your name?" Of course everyone is convinced, it's impressive that she managed to fool so many people.

Ai: "S-sorry but I don't th-think that I woul-" She continues to act and even starts to put more emphasis on the stuttering. If I wasn't paying attention, I might have just overlooked her as a shy girl. Even now I find it hard to believe that she isn't about to cry, what are you hiding Ai Hoshino?

Hirata: "Well its fine then, no one is forcing you to do so."

Hirata quickly recovered from Ai's small outburst and kept his smile on. He looked genuinely worried, but he refrained from asking any further questions, instead turning to the next person. It was an intriguing finding. Hirata had an emotional intellect that reflected his outward appearance of kindness. He also managed to see the value of maintaining limits and knew when it was best to refrain from pressing things. I doubt someone like Ike would have had those limits. It was a deliberate action on his part, allowing him to keep the peace and suppress the intrest of the class at the same time. I thought it remarkable that Hirata had used such a level of detail-orientedness and strategic way of thinking just to make sure that no one was upset.

Hirata: "Well why don't you go next?" Hirata turned and looked at the black haired girl who previously had caused a scene with me and Ai. Well this is going to be a waste of time.

Horikita: "Fine. If it is so nessear-" I stopped listening to her, no point in making my head hurt with her self centered ramblings.

Even during other introductions murmuring among our classmates began to fill the room even after Ai's introduction. It didn't take long for judgmental whispers and snide remarks to circulate, predominantly coming from the girls in the class. I paid particular attention to one blonde-haired girl, i think her name was Kei Karuizawa, who seemed to hold a prominent position in Class D amongst the words. Her words carried open hostility and mockery, directed towards Ai's timid display. It was a display of ignorance from Karuizawa's part, I wouldn't be suprised if she knew that Ai could hear them. It was a stark reminder of the shallow nature of some individuals and their lack of consideration for others.

Kiyotaka: "Ai, why did you do that?" I turned my head and looked at her figure which was now positioned in a way that made her appear smaller than she actually was.

Ai: "What do you mean?" She titled her head slightly.

Kiyotaka: "You were a different person when you introduced yourself."

Ai: "Ah, I just did what you did." So she noticed.

Kiyotaka: "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ai: "Oh Kiyotaka you can't possibly think you can trick me with your acting. I must admit it is convincing, are you perhaps an aspiring actor?" As Ai continued to press the topic, probing into my thoughts and intentions, I couldn't help but feel slightly unease. While she was nowhere near the level of the White Room instructors in breaking people for information, her perceptiveness and ability to see through my facade were well above that of a regular person. I remained composed, maintaining my deadpan voice, and deliberately shifted my gaze towards the window next to me, avoiding any further clues she could potentially discover from my subtle mannerisms.