Chapter 4- The Class Favourite
Three weeks flew by faster than an arrow and Kuroko could feel himself adjusting to the school environment even faster. Rising early in the mornings and doing homework in the afternoons seemed like second nature to him. These tasks kept him occupied, although he would much rather play with his toys than do school work.
Kuroko still ate lunch alone, but this did not bother him as it first did. It had become a private and peaceful time for him where he could be alone and think; relishing a break from socialising with his boisterous friends. Additionally, Kuroko secretly did not believe the activities the other boys played looked very fun. He had been convinced to join in on one of their hide and seek games and was forgotten, standing behind a large tree for the whole lunch until the bell rang. Kuroko began to feel self-conscience of his weak presence after that. Yet despite this, Kuroko started to grasp Kimura, Kobayashi, and Nakamura's personalities. Unfortunately, they had not grasped his nature yet, something Kuroko hopefully speculated would come from more exposure.
The class had regretfully discovered that although appearing like a kind old man, Mr Takeda was quite strict, especially on homework, and in his friendly and seemingly good hearted lecture, had given Kobayashi and those who hadn't completed it an after school detention.
Mr Takeda had then congratulated the students that completed the homework. Akashi, Kimura, and Kobayashi were the three people he knew from the list. Although Kuroko had finished the homework, he was used to being forgotten in similar circumstances. And also did not fancy the salty candy handed out by the teacher as a reward.
Kuroko watched Akashi placidly raise his hand to answer a question from the corner of his eye. The boy had quickly gained the respect of the old teacher, always answering the difficult questions flawlessly.
As Kuroko had been warned, the boy was remarkably intelligent. His superior intellect and pool of knowledge was far above the minds of the entire class. It was no secret that the red-headed boy was also rich. He did not flaunt this factor in an imposing way, however, he was dropped off and picked up by a hired chauffer and an expensive black car.
Despite the classes initial reluctance to meet Akashi, intelligence, wealth, and influence had drawn the students and teachers to him like a moths to a flame. Kuroko had overheard that the girl sitting in front of him had a crush on him. Regardless of the way they talked about him with Kuroko on the first day.
Mr Takeda's lesson about history drew to a close, and the school bell chimed repetitively.
"Oh before I forget." Mr Takeda said. "We will need to vote for class representive, I will choose the candidates from the class ranking." All eyes seemed to fall on the boy at the back. "Those who did not complete the homework, stay back, but everyone else is dismissed."
Did the teacher know Kuroko had completed the homework? He had put it on his desk when class began. But, he did forget to mention that he had completed it in front of class this morning.
Kuroko hesitated before rising to his feet and collected his bag. Why should he be staying here when he completed it.
Feeling somewhat nervous, Kuroko abused his weak presence by stealthy making his way out. Cautiously glancing at the remaining students, Kuroko's foot connected with the leg of a desk which made a louder noise than it should have.
Mr Takeda curiously looked up from the paper he was reading, eyes landing on Kuroko for the first time. He had not seen the boy and wondered if he was in his class.
"Sorry boy. Did another teacher send you?"
Kobayashi who was watching the exchange laughed heartily. Kuroko's cheeks coloured slightly at the awkward exchange. "I'm in this class…sir." Kuroko mumbled.
The old man looked surprised. "Oh…well…Have you completed your homework?"
"Yes sir."
"Then you may go. Have a good afternoon…umm…son ." The teacher did not know his name.
Kuroko slid out of the classroom embarrassed. He had never exchanged words with the teacher individually before and was disappointed with himself that it did not turn out well.
The hallways were empty, and Kuroko marvelled at how quickly the school was vacated. The only noise was his footsteps against the polished floors. He made his way to the entrance, located his shoes, shoving his feet in and opened the glass door.
The afternoon air was pleasant and cool, there were young children accompanied by their mothers throwing a ball around and Kuroko walked around the building to walk home. He did not notice someone standing alone with a phone pressed at their ear. When he heard the familiar voice, he stopped at the corner of the building.
It was Akashi Seijuro. Kuroko could not stop his curiosity and listened.
