Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live or any of the characters other than the OC. This is made for entertainment purposes only.
With Otonokizaka Academy barely saved thanks to the idol group, μ's , the school board decides that in an attempt to get more students enrolled and to lessen the chances of another possibility of closure, an international student program will be established with great emphasis on the school's traditions and transform the all girls school to co-ed by the beginning of the next semester. After the news, Honoka becomes excited at the prospect of getting new students from other parts of the world.
"Hurray! Hurray! We are going to get more students by the next semester and they are from other parts of the world too! I wonder what the others are like? I can't wait!"
"Easy there Honoka, the fact that this school will also become a co-ed means that male students will also be present. We must be very careful in case some of them might be our fans. We also can't afford to get into any scandals so try not to get close to the boys if possible."
"I understand Eri-chan, but I am just so excited! I wonder if the new students will become our fans as well? Haaa...I love this school. Well, time for lunch!" Honoka happily walks away in the hallway, leaving a confused Eli behind.
"Seriously Honoka, that high energy of hers will get us into trouble with the new students if she is not careful." Eli sighs before walking away.
In the San Francisco International Airport...
A teenage boy, apparently Caucasian, with black short hair and blue eyes, dressed in a black T-shirt with a skull on it, is currently in the waiting room for his next flight talking on his cell phone.
"Yeah, I am currently waiting for my flight to Tokyo. We should be boarding in around 15 minutes. I know its going to be quite a change from my life here in San Francisco, but I will try my best in the new country. I know enough Japanese to pass by. Anyway, I will contact you when I get there, alright? Bye mom. I will visit in a few months."
The boy hangs up the phone. His male friend, apparently of Asian descent, sitting right next to him notices that he has a worried look on his face as he takes a deep breath.
"Yo Nate, you alright?"
"I am fine Ken. I am just worried with how well I will fit in with my Japanese classmates. I heard that the behavior of Japanese people are quite different from Americans. I wonder how many mistakes will we make before finally fitting in."
"Its the same for Japanese students here in the United States you know? I am pretty sure that the people won't mind your mistakes since your face will immediately show that you are a gaijin. In fact, it is expected that you will make mistakes once you are there."
Nate suddenly has a strange look on his face. "I don't know if that was suppose to make me feel better or more cautious."
"Anyway, I am pretty sure they will take it easy on us newcomers so let's just try to get along with them, alright?"
"Yeah. I wouldn't even be waiting here if I wasn't looking forward to this also."
After some time pass, the boarding time is finally reached with the two boys getting their carry on luggages to the plane. Once seated, Nate takes one last look at his home from the window seat.
"Don't worry. It will only be for a few months before you get to come back for a little while and who knows, maybe you will see Tokyo as a second home once more time has passed." Ken tries to cheer his already homesick friend up.
"I know. I am just remembering the concerts I used to play at in and out of my old school. Do you think that Otonokizaka Academy will allow me to play music on campus?"
"Probably in one of their clubs. I think they will let you play your guitar at some point. For now, let's just worry more about how our school is going to be instead."
"Roger."
Before their conversation continues, their plane starts to move to the runway.
[Ladies and gentleman, prepare for take off.]
The pilot said using the intercom of the planes. Within a few minutes, the plane starts speeding up and starts flying to the air. After the seat-belt sign was turned off, Ken suddenly takes out his Japanese textbook and put it on to Nate's table.
"I thought maybe we should practice a little Japanese first as a review. Let's quiz each other without looking at the book. Only look if you really don't know."
"Might as well."
Thirty minutes later, Ken and Nate are speaking English words and sentences to each other and have them translate to Japanese with both seemingly very proficient at it.
"Thank you."
"Arigatou gozaimasu." Nate responded.
"Alright, my turn. I love Japan."
"Watashi wa Nippon ga daisuki desu." Ken responded.
"Correct."
"How much does this CD cost?"
"Kono CD wa ikura desu ka?"
"Correct."
"Excuse me, where is the toilet?"
"Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka?"
"Alright. I think we did okay. Let's stop for now." Nate gives back Ken's textbook.
"Agreed. I feel pretty confident already about our Japanese skills."
"Just make sure not to be too overconfident. It takes more than just language learning to fit in Japanese society. We must learn outside the language."
"Yeah, I wonder what our apartments are going to be like?"
"I am settled since my parents already bought the room. Its just a matter of how well we adjust living alone."
"Nate, my family does not have any doctors like your father. I don't have the luxuries you do."
"Hey, its not like I am that rich myself. We just have enough to live a comfortable life. No more."
"Anyway, think we will be in the same class together?"
"I don't know. We will just have to get there and find out."
After an 11 hour flight, the plane lands safely in Narita airport. After getting their luggages, the two boys immediately called for a taxi to get to their apartment, finally going their separate ways.
"Well, see you in school man." Ken waves goodbye.
"Right back at you." Nate waves back as he gets into the taxi.
As Nate finally reaches his apartment, he notices that he is only several blocks away from the Akihabara district, much to his dismay, knowing that there will be a lot of noise during special events. As he enters his room, he finds his new home quite spacious with a western bed, a kitchen, a bathroom with a washing machine inside, and a flat screen TV right in front of him. After getting used to the room, Nate decides to head out to fill up his empty fridge.
"Other than tonight's dinner, I don't feel right eating out all the time so I better do some grocery shopping. I hope Akihabara has a grocery store nearby."
Luckily for Nate, he finds the Hanamasa grocery store in Akihabara and immediately fills his cart with condiments and fresh meat. After picking a few vegetables, he heads to the fruit stand only to find himself dismayed over the expensive prices for just one pack of grapes.
"Looks like I won't be able to get much fruit here, but I guess I should at least get some bananas and some juice."
As Nate started picking bananas, the store clerk notices that he was about to rip one of the bananas and stops him.
"Excuse me sir, but you have to buy the bananas in a bunch. We do not allow you to rip the fruit." The clerk said in Japanese.
"Are you kidding me?" Nate becomes a little more irritated and puts the bunch of bananas he picked up back before settling for another bunch.
After getting his grocery shopping down, Nate decides to get dinner near the train station. On his way there, he was knocked to the ground by a stranger, who is apparently in a rush.
"Excuse me!" Nate said angrily before picking his groceries up.
"Sheesh! People would apologize if they accidentally bumped into someone. Oh wait, this isn't America."
After dinner, Nate decides to head back to his apartment, where he sees that his school uniform has been delivered with a note reminding him that class starts the day after tomorrow. Already facing a little trouble adjusting to Japanese society, Nate becomes more unsure what the future awaits for him. In the meantime, he decided to contact his parents that he has arrived in Japan safely and his plans for school.
The day class begins...
Nate attempts to make it to the train, but finds most of the cars pack. He manages to find a car with smaller lines and attempted to get in, only to realize that it is only for women in the mornings, causing him to feel embarrassed, but relieved that he notices before entering the car and heads to a more crowded one. He then felt his body being crushed by the other passengers as the train moves. After exiting the train, Nathan found himself taking deep breaths.
"Note to self, buy a bike after you get off from school." Nate said to himself.
Once he arrived to Otonokizaka Academy, he became very impressed by the foundation and becomes even more excited when his friend, Ken, bumps into him.
"Hey Nate, nice to see you again. How is Tokyo so far?"
"It will take more than two days to get used to. I am experiencing a lot of culture shock at the moment."
"I am sure you'll be fine. Oh yeah, I checked our schedules and we won't have class together, but we can meet for lunch if you want."
"It would be more comfortable hanging out with someone I know so I will see you then."
"Then see you at lunch." The two friends waved back at each other before entering the school.
His teacher told Nate to wait before he is allowed to enter the classroom, since she has to introduce him first.
"Class, this is the first semester of Otonokizaka Academy being co-ed as well as having international students under the International Student Program. We have a new student under the program all the way from America who is about to join us right now. Please come in and introduce yourself."
Nate did as he was told.
"Please write your name on the board and tell us who you are."
Nate wrote his name in Japanese as instructed and turns around to face the class.
"My name is Nathan James Calaway. I was born in San Francisco, California and just recently moved to Tokyo to become a student in Otonokizaka Academy. Please take care of me." Nate bows out of respect.
"Very good Calaway-kun. You may take a seat next to Honoka."
"Thank you and Nate is fine since my last name sounds more like a hassle to say. No need to say my full name." Nate then proceeds to his desk.
"So that's the gaijin joining our class? He is pretty cute."
"I wonder how he finds Japan so far. Maybe we can help give him a tour."
"Do you think he has a girlfriend back home?"
Whispers were heard through his ears from the classroom that is almost entirely filled with girls.
"Alright Nate-kun, I know you maybe uncomfortable being the only boy in the class so far. Don't worry, more boys will join us within a few days so just wait."
"Yes sensei."
As the teacher continues her lecture, Nate is writing down notes written on the board, but notices someone staring at him. When he turns around, he notices Honoka's eyes were facing straight at him.
"May I help you?" Nate whispered.
Honoka snaps back to her senses. "Huh!? What!? No, nothing!"
"Honoka! Stop staring at the new student and pay attention!" The teacher yelled.
The whole class, with the exception of Nathan, begins laughing at Honoka as she covers her head with a book trying to hide her embarrassed face.
"Nate-kun." The teacher called out, forcing Nate to stand up.
"Yes sensei?"
"What year did Japan open routes for other countries and by who?"
"Japan opened its routes in 1853 by Matthew C. Perry, a Commodore of the United States Navy."
"And what methods did he use to end Japan's isolationist policies?"
"He threatened to use force through his Black Ships, which were greatly feared in Japan during the time due to their more advanced technology and grimacing appearance, which then contributed to the Meiji Restoration.
"Very good. You seemed to know quite a bit of history of Japan, but I guess that's why you are here."
"Thank you sensei." Nate sits back down.
"All right, let's continue..."
After another half an hour, class finally ends and some of the girls immediately surround Nate at his desk, asking him various questions.
"Is this your first time in Japan?"
"I've been here only once before for vacation."
"So where did you learn Japanese?"
"I took two years of Japanese language in my old school and hang out in San Francisco's Japantown a lot, talking to the workers there."
"There is a Japantown in San Francisco?"
"Yes."
"What do you do in your free time?"
"I sometimes play my guitar and sing on occasions. I also like going to movies, play games, and read modern literature."
"Really? What is your favorite book?"
"I have many."
"Do you have a girlfriend in America?"
"No."
Soon, the questions begin overwhelming Nathan until the teacher forces them to break up the crowd.
"Honoka, despite earlier, do you mind showing Nate-kun around the school?"
"H-Hai!" Honoka responded immediately.
Honoka then gives Nathan a tour of Otonokizaka Academy. Nate becomes very interested after learning the school's long history and different types of classes that are absent in American schools such as cooking class.
"Hey Nate-kun, how do you like the school so far?" Honoka asked.
"Its only my first day so I don't have a full opinion yet, but I like it so far."
"I am glad." Honoka sounds relieved.
"Really?"
Honoka immediately turns red upon realizing what she just said.
"I mean, I always wondered how a foreign student would view Otonokizaka Academy. To get a positive answer from you means that there will be more foreign students that would be interested. That's what I meant. Hehehe."
"Honoka!" A familiar blond figure stood in front of the two.
Honoka becomes alarmed upon her sight of Eli. "Eri!"
"What did I say about being with boys?"
"Its not like that! Sensei was the one who asked me to give him a tour around the school! That's it!"
Eli turns to Nate for the answer.
"Its true. Sensei assigned her to give me a tour and that's all she's been doing."
"I see. My apologies then. I am Ayase Eri, the student council president of Otonokizaka Academy. Nice to meet you. If you have any questions about the school, please come to me."
"I will. My name is Nathan Calaway by the way with Nathan as my first name. You can call me Nate though."
"Very well Nate-kun. I hope that you have a pleasant time in school. I look forward to seeing how well you fare here. See you then."
"Right, see you."
Nate then turns to Honoka. "Honoka is your name, right?"
"Hai! My name is Kousaka Honoka. Pleasure to meet you." Honoka bowed.
"Likewise." Nate bowed back.
"Thanks for the tour, but I am going to eat lunch with a friend. See you later."
"See you!" Both waved at each other before going there separate ways.
At the rooftop...
"Ah, so that's how your day is going so far. Seems like you became a little popular with the girls." Ken commented.
"I don't feel comfortable though. When I found out that one of my classmates was staring at me, she was made a laughing stock by the entire class."
"That should be expected. After all, this is the first time the school has foreign students so we are bound to attract some attention."
"I just hope that it doesn't last too long. I don't know how much I can deal with girls asking questions non-stop." Nate took another bite of his sandwich.
"I am having similar struggles as well, but try to endure it. You will find that there is a lot more in Tokyo than either of us could have imagined."
"Maybe, but I kind of missed the melting pot back home in San Francisco. Here is too homogenous."
"Same here, but lets make the best out of this. After all, we are not alone. I just met a couple more of our friends attending this school. Maybe we can hang out with them later to help deal with culture shock."
"Maybe. Right now, I just want to get used to the school first. Got any clubs you are considering?"
"Nothing come to mind yet. What about you?"
"The same, although I do like watching members of the Kendo Club sparring with each other." Nate takes another bite.
"Its only our first day. Just be patient. Once we get more used to the school here, the easier it will be to fit in. Anyway, lunch break is over, time to head to class."
"Right behind you."
Nate and Ken then heads back into the building.
The school ends the day without anymore incidents. Just as Nate is about to leave, he is stopped by a couple of girls.
"What is it?"
One of the girls handed him a broom. "One student is chosen to clean the school everyday and everyone else had already done their turn so its your turn now."
"A student is expected to clean up a classroom? Where is the janitor?"
"We don't have janitors in the school. It is the students who are responsible for keeping our classes clean. Don't worry though, you are only doing this for today and will have to wait another month before doing it again. See you tomorrow." The girls left, leaving an irritated Nate to do the work.
"It is just one thing after another. Is there anything that is like America in Tokyo!?" Nate furiously cleans up the dust and put up the tables and chairs before finally leaving the class.
Nathan collapses in bed due to exhaustion from the longer school hours and the after school clean up. Promising to keep his parents updated, he takes out his smart phone and calls his mother.
"Hello mom, its me, Nathan. Tokyo is not all I expected to be so I am still struggling to adapt. Please don't worry too much, because some of my friends are also attending the same school as I am. I promise, I will find a way to fit in more easily. I just wish that there could be something that reminds me of home so I don't always feel homesick. Yeah, I will try to make new friends so they can help guide me. Anyway, love you Ma. Goodbye for now."
Nate hangs up the phone and heads to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
"Guess I will make some pasta to feel more at home." Nathan takes out spaghetti sauce from his cabinet and warms up the stove.
After making dinner, Nathan looks out the window to see Akihabara flashing brightly. He then turns on the TV as he eats, watching someone getting pranked in a variety show. During a commercial, he then changes the channel and sees a Japanese rock band performing on screen. Nate gets a little excited listening to its music.
"Finally, something for me to enjoy."
After cleaning up his mess in the sink, Nate takes out his guitar case and picking up his Les Paul Custom guitar, performing a vocal and guitar cover of More Than a Feeling by Boston, although he was told to be quiet later on by the other residents, forcing himself to only play when in a park.
The next day in Otonokizaka Academy...
Nathan is currently spending his free period with his old friends from America after Ken manages to gather them when he suddenly heard music being played from the rooftop. Curious, Nate picks through the door window and is surprised to see Honoka performing with eight other girls as if they are an idol group. The girls are currently performing one of their most famous songs titled Snow Halation. Not wanting to disturbed them, Nate begins asking other students about the girls and finds out that they are actually an idol group called μ's, formed by the Idol Research Club in the school. He then meets back with his friends and becomes excited for some reason.
"I think I know how we can adapt a bit more easily here."
"What is it?" Ken asked.
"We must form our own club as a solace to the difficulties we have been experiencing in Japan."
"And what club do you have in mind?" Another friend asked.
"A club based on something we all have in common. Music."
"Music!?" All of Nate's friends became surprised.
"Yeah, a music club. For example; Jenny plays the violin, Mark plays the trumpet, and I play the guitar. With such variety, we can have a different theme every week such as country week, guitar week, or whatever. What do you guys think so far?"
"I guess it could work. It would be nice to feel at home in some way." Ken agrees.
"I kinda miss listening to country music or the blues. I am in." Mark agrees.
"We can help those who are still suffering from culture shock like we are. If only good can come out of it, I don't see why not." Jenny also agrees.
"Alright then, so its settled. We will form the International Music Club!" Nathan yelled.
"Yeah!" The rest of the students responded.
A sneak preview of my Love Live fanfiction, Shock to Comfort. I did not like how in some other fanfics, foreign male OCs were able to adjust immediately in a new society so I decided to make this story in response. I won't release another chapter until I finished one of my current projects. The main pairing will be my OC Nathan with Honoka, though depending on where the story goes, it might become a harem. I bought a book cover featuring Honoka and the OC, but considering I gave the artist some freedom, the description may not be entirely accurate. I will change it once the book cover is complete. The names Nathan and Calaway are references to my previous OCs from my Queen's Blade and Nanoha and Ben 10 crossover fanfics, but are not the same character as you can tell. Enjoy the preview.
