So, I missed something earlier. In the December 28 strip, Rusty greeted two friends, one being named Robbie, who is Rusty’s rival. I thought his name had not yet been mentioned. But maybe I only saw it subconsciously when I came up with a possible Rob Bettancourt-Mark metaphor. Still, I would have made the connection anyway, it was so obvious.

I dunno though, from his exaggerated expression in panel 3, Rusty seems more interested in the girls in the front row applauding him, rather than the general class appreciation. Would that mean Robbie is merely jealous of Rusty’s growing popularity?