Rukia walked quickly to her lesson. She didn't want to be late after all, and the penalty for not achieving perfect punctuality wasn't worth the risk.
She weaved her way in between students who were all at least a foot taller than her. Her small size made it easy to meander through the crowd but it was dangerous; she was so tiny that she could be knocked over at any moment. The English Department was in sight and Rukia hurried towards the door.
She entered room 1-06 and sat down in her seat at the back of the class. In all of her other classes she always took the front seat but Mr. Kuchiki intimidated her too much to sit there in English. She got out her books and pens, the pen Renji got her for her birthday pride of place. Speaking of Renji, where was he?
Rukia glanced around the classroom- the lesson was due to start anytime now. What would happen if Renji was late...? Rukia shuddered at the thought.
Byakuya Kuchiki glided through the door, a commanding air about him. His face didn't show any emotion, apart from his eyes which screamed authority, as if one false move would spell detention. The class, who were talking amongst themselves, sharing the latest gossip or discussing the hair of a popular singer, fell silent. Everyone slipped silently into their seats.
Mr. Kuchiki cleared his throat and wrote the title on the board. Turning around, his eyes skimmed the room. An eyebrow rose as he saw the empty chair then returned to teaching. Opening his mouth he said: "Today we will be st-"
He was cut off by Renji crashing through the door, panting and red faced. Byakuya met his eyes and announced: "Mr. Abarai... you are late."
Renji stammered. "U-um, a-about that... s-sir" he stuttered. Rukia felt complete sympathy towards her best friend; he was ultimately done for. She didn't want to watch, but Mr. Kuchiki's presence drew her eyes towards them. She chewed nervously on her thumbnail, looking on as Renji tried to back away.
"You know what the penalty is for lateness, don't you?" said Byakuya calmly. "You don't scare me!" boasted Renji defiantly; gaining a slight boost in confidence, but his face still looked terrified. "I can see that" Mr. Kuchiki said sarcastically. "Don't be an idiot Renji" Rukia muttered under her breath "You're only digging yourself a hole." She swallowed. Renji was too reckless; he was going to get in serious trouble if he didn't shut up soon.
"You'll see me after school and we will discuss your lack of respect to authority and the regulations of this establishment." Byakuya stated. His voice demanded obedience- fulfilling his wishes was compulsory.
Renji slumped into his chair, dumping his bag down and getting his things out. The expression on his face reminded Rukia of a naughty puppy who'd had his treats taken away.
"As I was saying, today we will be starting our Shakespeare module" said Mr. Kuchiki, acting as if nothing had happened. "For this part of the course we will be working with the Drama department." Rukia raised an eyebrow. Well, this was going to be fun... not. It was one of the schools worst kept secrets that Mr. Kuchiki was interested in the young, pretty Drama teacher. She didn't like the students addressing her with a title (she thought it was too old-fashioned) so everyone knew her as Hisana.
Rukia liked Hisana, but sometimes they really didn't see eye to eye, particularly when it involved Byakuya. Rukia was never too sure where she stood with her Drama teacher; sometimes Hisana praised her and was encouraging but other times she was shouted at. Sometimes Hisana could be too pushy.
Mr. Kuchiki turned towards the board and wrote a few words. As he did so, he announced "This lesson we will be analysing one of Shakespeare's many sonnets." The class groaned in unison; to them poetry was NOT interesting. Byakuya turned around sharply and silence fell.
"Right then," he said "let's begin..."
