"Settle down! Settle down!" The walking talking blob without a neck attempted to appease the excitable third-years. To the Principal's non-surprised relief, only two particular students weren't gossiping enthusiastically over the revelation he had just announced. "Now, I know the prospect of a new teacher joining our admirable staff on the same day as a transfer student incites some excitement, but I ask you keep yourselves composed. We wouldn't want to scare our new friend off on his first day, would we?"
From her seat in the center of the room, Council President Makoto Niijima kept a calm expression with focused red eyes, staring straight ahead to the speaking Principal as the students began to quiet down second by second. From her desk by the window, a fluffy-haired garden enthusiast waited in open curiosity for the reveal to their new teacher.
"As you know, our last educator for this class was unfortunately let go after an unprovoked confrontation with the respected Mr. Kamoshida. So, this new face to Shujin Academy may raise a lot of questions." A wide grin emerged on Kobayakawa's Jabba-the-Hutt features. "But, we needn't despair. Our new friend comes all the way from England, and speaks in fluent Japanese. So please, try not to give him a rough time, despite appearances."
Appearances? Students traded curious glances. Kobayakawa cleared his throat, addressing to the open doorway.
"Mr. Edward, come in and meet your eager students."
Now, initial expectations of a new teacher would be a sturdy, glasses-wearing man in this thirties adorning a business suit, or a lean, tired-looking man with all life drained from his face wearing just as much an attire. So, imagine the priceless reactions to the students upon the young individual strolling into the classroom with a grin and glint in his hazel eyes inviting mischief behind those small glasses. Blue regular jeans and a black-striped shirt with no tie, a small silver suitcase in his grip and wild dark brown hair.
Even Makoto, though she didn't outwardly display it, was taken aback by the apparent face this young man, barely looking like he was reaching his mid-twenties, was going to be teaching a class of third-years for the rest the year and beyond. Students immediately broke down into surprised whispers and disbelief.
"That's our new teacher?"
"He looks about our age!"
"Check out that goatee. He looks like an evil villain from a comic book!"
"Is the staff really that desperate?"
Clearing his throat again, the composed Principal motioned to the shorter man standing beside him by the blackboard, stating with a satisfied air. "Now, as I said, initial reactions aside, Mr. Edward, would you please introduce yourself to the class?"
With a wry grin, the man's voice was just as youthful as his appearance. "Hello I'm here to teach. People graduating from university for this job are gonna hate."
That roused a few chuckles from the room. Makoto blinked, and Haru Okuruma barely restrained a tiny giggle under her elegant hand. The round Principal let out a hearty chuckle himself. "Hmhm. Yes quite amusing." And proceeded to speak for the 'teacher' again proudly. "Mr. Edward has graduated from several prestigious universities and received outstanding recommendations from Yale, Birmingham and many more. I assure you he will make a flawless contribution for your education."
"I'll do my best... Except on Mondays, no one does their best then."
More chuckles across the room. Kobayawaka let out a forced cough and waddled past the lean young adult. "I shall this in your capable hands, Mr. Edward. I urge the class not to make things too difficult for him." And made a swift departure, despite appearances, leaving a few seconds of silence as 'Mr. Edward' waited for the door to close completely before moving to his new desk, dropping the suitcase down and clasping his hands excitedly.
"So!" He began, gazing over the watching eyes of his new students. "Where to begin? Erm my name is James Edward... And I like to party. Any questions?"
One hand immediately stuck up. "Aren't you a little young to be teaching?"
"Well... Those prestigious places dear Principal Blob referenced beg to differ." Surprised gasps elicted around the room. Makoto's eyes narrowed and Haru blinked rapidly. Unfazed by the reactions, James shrugged and yawned slightly. "Blimey, gonna have to get use to being up early again... Now where's the chalk- Ah."
The new teacher proceeded to write down his name in wide letters... Followed with some other words that warranted further confusion/amusement from the class.
JAMES EDWARD.
OF LUNGBARROW.
ALSO THE ONLY TEACHER YOU'LL FANTASIZE AROUND HERE.
"I love vague references..." Setting the chalk down, the man whirled back to face his students, most already whispering hurriedly to one another and- "Please don't pass notes around my class. Unless they're love letters; those I will allow."
"Why's that?" A male student asked.
"Because who am I to interfere in young love?" The teacher placed a hand over where his heart was. "That's a lesson in itself. Now then." James composed himself, straightening with arms clasped behind his back. "I am your new educator, and here's how shit's gonna fly; for starters, despite my seeming laid-back attitude here, I take education seriously. I won't tolerate falling grades nor interferences in my lectures. Second, I am a man who values the well-beings of his students. So if you're ever having issues, in the school or just in life, whether you need advice or guidance, I'm here to help however I can. And third..."
Leaning forward against his desk, the teacher's voice dropped with an edge of a growl to it. Even Makoto found herself shuddering at the intense glint behind those blue-green eyes.
"Any negative gossip or hardships towards the transfer student in second-year, I will know about it. My first lesson is this, my students: Never judge a book by its cover." Then, pushing himself off the desk, James grinned with a brightened tone, "So, we're gonna start things off with making sure everyone's here. I say your name on the register, and you'll respond. Gives me the perfect chance to know everyone's names here. Now where's the damn register...?"
"You've made quite the impression. Not bad for your first day."
Glancing to the teacher by her desk, 'James' smiled in wide enthusiasm. "Thank you. I like to leave some kind of impression on people I meet."
"You certainly did so with the staff." Sadayo Kawakami commented with her eyes fixed on the screen before her, sounding positively weary. "We thought Principal Kobayakawa was joking at first when he introduced you to us as the new teacher for the third-years. No offence."
He shrugged, "None taken." Leaning against the side with folded arms and a knowing grin, he inquired after seeing the look on the other teacher's face. "Still hasn't arrived yet?"
"No." The young woman huffed, barely containing her frustration and rubbing her forehead tiredly. "And lunch is almost over. If he misses fourth period I might as well give up on waiting."
"Maybe he's lost." The new teacher supplied. "It's his first day, isn't it? Plus the trains have been delayed because of yesterday's accident." Kawakami almost missed the grimace from the corner of her eye. "Tokyo's a large city... Maybe Sojiro should've given him a map."
A curious glance. "You know Sojiro Sakura?"
"Not personally. Never been a fan of coffee." Standing tall, the man craned his next to the clock. "I better go and get ready for fourth period. Do me a favour and try not to be too harsh on the new student, will you?"
The tinge of concern in the man's typically playful voice incited further curiosity. "You don't... Happen to be acquainted with Akira Kusuru, Mr. Edward?"
"In more ways than one." Was the mischievous response, before the young man made his departure from the room. "Lovely chatting with you Miss Kawakami."
The teacher watched him leave in a brisk pace, eventually shaking her head confoundedly. "As if the troublesome student wasn't enough..." Even since his introduction to the staff a few days back, James Edward remained vague and elusive to his fellow colleagues, dodging questions with jokes and witty remarks, especially surrounding his history in several colleges and studies. Clearly, the man was hiding something.
But Kawakami, personally, had enough on her plate to care what some young new teacher was up to. She'll leave that to her fellow staff.
Now, what was taking Mr. Kusuru so long...?
Meanwhile, just upon leaving the room specifically accessed for staff members, one teacher in the hallway almost clashed into another making his way inside.
"Oh Jesus! Sorry!"
"It's fine! No harm done! Say, aren't you the new teacher for the third-years?"
'James' froze, immediately recognizing the strong voice concealing immense condescension and judgement. Forcing himself to grin sheepishly, he nodded at the well-built taller adult in the gym attire. "That would be me. You're Mr. Kamoshida... Yes?"
With a smile that wouldn't fool a cat, the big-nosed abusive asshat outstretched an offered hand. "Pleasure's all mine, Mr. Edward." Slightly reluctant, the shorter man met his hand and cringed slightly at the weight pressuring his own hand.
"Strong grip." 'James' commented, barely hiding the slight discomfort and pain from such.
Kamoshida neither noticed nor cared. "So, gotta say, most of us thought the good Principal finally lost it when he announced some kid was gonna be educating the youngsters. Third-years no less!" He shrugged indifferently. "Ah well. If he's got faith in yer, then I guess it's us who need to be convinced. Think you're up for the challenge, Mr. Edward?"
"I enjoy a challenge, Mr. Kamoshida."
"Glad to hear it. We need more enthusiasm among our staff." Then, leaning down enough to make the shorter adult want to flee, Kamoshida maintained his shit-eating grin. "You may not have heard yet, but there's a volleyball match happenin' in the next few days. You should come watch; see why Shinjin's got the reputation it rightfully deserves." Straightening, the abusive teacher swerved by the unnerved man towards the doorway. "Welp, see you around. Try not to get confused as a student while you're teaching here... However long that'll be."
James took the moment to scowl at the man's back, the obvious jab about his height made plain. And as he hurried to be as far away from that high-and-mighty rapist as possible, the teacher rubbing his sore hand thought with a hint of scorn.
How long before they change his heart? A week? Christ I should help make it earlier...
Something changed in the man's disposition. No one would take note of it by first glance, but Makoto did. Something in the new teacher's posture shifted during lunch break; the smile more forced this time and speaking occasionally through gritted teeth. Makoto wasn't sure whether to be concerned or deduce it's another trait of his peculiar personality.
Behind those blue-green eyes hid a glint of irritation. Years of watching detective movies and having a prosecutor for a sister honed Makoto's skill in reading people's facial features and gestures. A reliable trait especially when being the Student President of Shujin Academy. Makoto can read the behind the faux impersonation of a lively man; something's bothering Mr. Edward ever since lunch, and Makoto wasn't certain whether or not to pry later, if only to fulfill Principal Kobayawaka's wishes in making the new staff feel welcome in the school.
"And remember kids; orange juice is the sustenance of the Devil." The bizarre teacher concluded joking right after the bell rung, alerting that fourth period was over with. "Class dismissed. I expect a full written report over why I'm right and the bible is wrong by tomorrow morning. Oh, Makoto, if I could have a word before you go!"
Maybe I'll get my chance to understand the new teacher earlier than expected. The school president set her bag down briefly, moving over to the teacher's desk as the students filed out. But Makoto could already make out the accusatory whispers which sent a trickle of annoyance down her spine.
"Wonder why he wants to speak with her?"
"Maybe he's trying to get in the President's good graces?"
"Maybe they're having a secret relationship."
"On Mr. Edward's first day? First the delinquent now this!"
Some whispers, however, inflicted Makoto with a sense of worry. Could Mr. Edward be attempting to get the school president on his side for ulterior motives? He seemed genuine enough but... Makoto suddenly found herself very cautious, thought refusing to show it, as she approached the large desk.
Only one other student stayed behind too, reaching the teacher before Makoto. She recognized the other female as the only quiet student usually in the class, pulling out from her bag a... Potted plant? "Mr. Edward?"
"Haru." Makoto's eyes narrowed slightly at the lack of respect once again. It couldn't be helped, she supposed; perhaps he wasn't familiar enough with Japanese customs in how addressing others worked. "Is there something wrong?"
'Haru' shook her head, extending the small lovely-looking plant in her hands towards the curious teacher. "I noticed how irritated you looked right about now. I was going to give this to you as a welcoming gift; but now also as a way of expressing that I know you'll be an amazing teacher here at Shujin."
Makoto blinked, and was almost taken aback by the sudden stunned expression on the man's face, gently taking the supposed gift and examining it more closely. A bright yellow flower with the edges of each petal a snow white. "This is... Very thoughtful of you." A smile, warm and content, and once more Makoto found herself flummoxed... Despite smiling a little herself at the display. "It's very beautiful, Haru. Did you grow it yourself?"
"Mm-hm." The orange-haired student nodded happily, seeming pleased the new teacher adored her gift. "I just it's gonna to be fun having you for a teacher. Welcome to Shujin Academy sir."
"Haru..." He sounded... Choked, as though getting such a heartwarming gift was something new to him. Makoto could barely make out the brief emergence of water in the corners of his eyes. Then, his grin widened, blue-green eyes shifting to the waiting girl. "Thank you very much, Haru. I'll try my best not to disappoint... Thank you."
Haru smiled pleasantly, pulling up her bag and moving to leave the classroom, Mr. Edward observing her leave with a content expression. Makoto used that opportunity to examine the new member of staff more closely. The foreign features were certainly abundant; everything about him screamed none-Japanese, from his attire to facial features, not to mention the accent. Makoto had seen her favourite movies star some British actors here and there, but their own accents with more posh and pompous by comparison to his.
Mr. Edward sounded more... Sincere. Unafraid to show the real him. As if keeping up a reputation around the school through respected behaviour and acting by school conduct meant nothing to him. It was alien to Makoto... But, somehow, a change of fresh air compared to some of the, admittedly, stuffy teachers around the school.
"You're not... Really expecting written reports over your contradictions to the bible, sir?" Makoto inquired slowly, prompting the young teacher to look at the president with an amused grin.
"Nah. Give me more credit Makoto." Leaning back against his seat, Mr. Edward released a sigh of relaxation, his mood during the lecture - if it can be called that - uplifting with the little potted flower resting on his desk. "Anyway, reason I asked you to stay behind is because I have a favour to ask of you."
Of course. Makoto kept a neutral face. "I'm always happy to help a new member of staff grow more accustomed to his work station sir. How may I help?"
To her surprise, the man chuckled, intertwining his fingers with a lax expression. "I appreciate it, but this isn't for my benefit. It's for another." Another? Mr. Edward leaned forward then, resting his chin on interlaced hands. "We all know about Shunjin's controversial student. The 'delinquent' as the youngsters are now referring as."
"Akira Kusuru." Makoto nodded, hearing on him beforehand in the last meeting. "Are you concerned about his being here, Mr. Edward?"
"Quite the contrary, I'm actually concerned for his well-being." The playful tone shifted, an edge of seriousness to it. Makoto was now listening with apt attention. "Rumours are often a common problem in high schools. They inflict disruption, mistrust and misunderstandings; inviting conflict and heartbreak. Somehow, Akira's criminal record was leaked by an unknown factor to the whole school."
Makoto was intrigued, despite herself, nodded again with a hardened glint to her red eyes. "I'm aware. That information should never have been leaked at all. I can only imagine what the transfer student is enduring with this..." A soft sigh, before the school president composed herself and inquired, "Is your request in relation to this?"
"Yep." Was the unorthodox answer, the young teacher setting his mouth firm. "He's gonna go through a lot of hardships during his attendance, hardships undeserving. People will only see the criminal than the man behind it. Your job, as I understand it, as president is to ensure the well-being and care of the student body, yeah?"
"That's correct sir." It then finally dawned on her. "You're asking me to keep an eye on Akira Kurusu."
Mr. Edward looked pleased by the realization. "Moreso, I'm asking you to, say, befriend Akira. The last thing he needs is the school president also viewing him in fear and disdain. Approach and get to know him as a person; advise and reassure him. This is if, of course, you have enough time in your no-doubt busy schedule."
Makoto's answer came swift, without hesitation. "As you said, Mr. Edward, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students, even those was a criminal record." Straightening herself, the young student nodded in stern resolve. "I'll approach Kusuru-Kun when I get the chance."
A wide sincere grin. "Thank you Makoto. And before you go, I have an additional request." Red eyes blinked, waiting. And suddenly, the man's hopeful expression turned rather sheepish. "There's a piece of Japanese customs I'm still having trouble with. I was wondering if you could remind me of the meaning."
Makoto smiled lightly, finding the flustered disposition coming from a teacher, regardless how young he was, rather amusing to observe. "I'd be happy to assist."
"Thanks. It's how you address people in this country. What's the difference between 'Kun' and 'San' again?"
AN: Just gonna throw this out of the way: I will not be giving myself a persona. In fact, there will be no interaction between my OC and the metaverse... Well, for now anyway. We'll see should the story progress. Hope you enjoyed this not-really-a-retelling retelling of the game which introduced me to the franchise!
