Chapter 1

"Okay everyone, we're going to be starting a new project today," my teacher announced in an annoyingly cheery voice. I groaned softly. When Kada-sensei adopted that tone, it usually meant he was going to assign us a long, boring task. This time proved to be no exception, as he continued, "Everyone's going to write a research paper about the history of a certain country, which I will assign to you. Remember, this paper counts as your final exam grade, so be sure to do a good job." With that, he started handing out sheets of paper to everyone, containing what I presumed to be the guidelines.

I looked across the aisle and caught the eye of my best friend Kouji. He rolled his eyes. I nodded in assent, and looked bleakly at the paper in front of me. I'd gotten as far as 10 pages minimum and at least 5 sources, at least two of which must be from a source other that the Internet, when I gave up and stuffed the paper into my backpack. "Fuck this," I muttered. I looked up and was greeted with the rather unfortunate vision of Kada-sensei standing over me.

"Ah...Kou-san," he remarked dryly, "I do hope you realize that doing this paper is essential for passing this class.

"Yea, whatever," I responded.

His eyes narrowed a bit. "I don't care for your insubordination Kou-san. Perhaps you should stay after school so we can talk about your attitude problems."

I sighed inwardly. Just fucking great. Not only did I have this damn project to work on, I also had to stay after school and listen to this asshole rant about how rude I was. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Kouji giving me a sympathetic wink. "Hai, Kada-sensei," I replied ruefully.

"Oh yes, and your topic is..." He paused for a second as he consulted his list. "China, Ancient Times." I nodded, and slumped back in my chair as he moved to the next student.

Finally, the class ended, and I eagerly followed Kouji outside. "Man," I complained, "I can't believe that bastard. First he gives us this damn project, and then he has the nerve to fucking give me a detention!"

Kouji laughed. "It's your fault you know. You're the one always pissing him off."

I grumbled. "Whatever."

"Hey look at it this way. At least it's not conflicting with tennis practice." I brightened a bit at that. Tennis is one of the things I really enjoy. I've always been fast, and tennis is all about being fast on your feet. Luckily, preseason wasn't due to start up for another few weeks or so. I'd have been twice as mad at Kada-sensei if his detention made it so I couldn't get to tennis practice.

I walked with Kouji to the outside picnic tables, where we ate with some of the other guys from the tennis team. I surveyed our picnic table. Saiheiti, and his girlfriend Ryuuen were sitting there already, wrapped up in each other as usual. I groaned as I registered the third person.

"GEN-CHAN!!!" she exclaimed as she nearly knocked me over in an overly enthusiastic hug.

"What the fuck, release me wench!" I cried as I tried desperately to detach her.

She giggled. "Oh, Gen-chan you're so funny. She dragged me over to the table, her arm still draped over my shoulder. Kouji favored me with another wink as I tried (unsuccessfully) to detach the blond girl who'd clamped onto my arm.

Her name was Kiyoko, but I though of her as simply the Girlfriend. It was through conspiracy of her, Ryuuen, and the rest of the ditzes they hang out with that I ended up going out with her in the first place. However, even though she was incredibly irritating, she did have one redeeming quality. She was incredibly possessive, and was very clear on demonstrating the fact that Gen-chan was all hers. Therefore, she kept the rest of the girls from bothering me. Seeing as I had no current romantic inclinations, I decided it was easier to not break up with her. After all, doing so would make all the girls bug me more, and I found girls in general to be quite irritating. I suppose that's what happens when you when you grow up with three sisters.

"Ki," I tried again. "I need to eat."

She looked at me with a pouty expression, but eventually let go of my hand. Breathing a sigh of relief, I bit into my sandwich.

"So, Gen-chan, are you busy after school?" she inquired, bouncy as ever. "I thought we could go to the mall with a few people..."

Translation: She wanted to drag me along to a giggling session with her girlfriends, and they'd be irritating as all hell, not to mention wanting to get me to put on makeup or make out with Kouji or something. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'd mind the latter or anything, but Kouji was decidedly straight and there was something irritating about doing stuff like that for the sake of an audience.

Then I brightened a bit. "Gomen Ki. Kada, that bastard, gave me a detention just because I don't like his fucking idea for a project."

She looked at me reproachfully. "Gen-chan...you have to stop provoking fights with everyone."

"Yea, I know, but he's just such a fucking asshole!"

She sighed. "Whatever." She was pouting again. Then her expression transformed into one I knew only too well. "Gen-chan...can I have a bite of your sandwich?"

"But I'm hungry...And don't call me Gen-chan! The name is Genrou!"

She didn't say anything, just stuck out her lip again. "Oh, fuck it, here." I handed her the sandwich.

"Arigatou Gen-chan!" She said cheerfully in between bites of my sandwich.

I sighed inwardly. Women!