Different
By Alecto Perdita
Rating: PG
Based on the flavors provided by the 52 flavours community on LiveJournal
Posted: November 19, 2008
Email: alecto . perdita (at) gmail . com

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh is the intellectual property of Kazuki Takahashi, and is being used in this fanfiction for fan purposes only. All situations, opinions and characters not belonging to Kazuki Takahashi are the intellectual property of Alecto Perdita.

- Freedom 90 –
26. the strong and ephemeral

Kaiba seemed different these day- different in a way that everyone, including Jounouchi, just couldn't ignore. He commanded their attention as an audience, like an expert musician playing his instrument of choice.

Where he had previously attempted to fade into the background, making as little commotion as possible, he now stood out like a peacock among ostriches. Where his expressions had been previously closed off, he now viewed everyone with unveiled arrogance and full confidence.

And the girls at school loved it for some reason.

Honda and he were sitting outside the school, waiting for the first bell to ring. It was one of those rare occasions where they had arrived early. Other students passed them as they made their way to the gate, greeting the teacher on duty and subjecting themselves to scrutiny.

"And so Sempai came home with a motorcycle, and you can probably imagine the way Miyuki looked when she saw it." Honda chuckled.

A limo came to an abrupt stop in front of the school gate. Funny, because Kaiba usually arrived as late as they did. A few heads turned to look, but most people had gotten used to the sight now.

Jounouchi did his best to concentrate on Honda's story, while watching the chauffer step out from the driver's seat and open the back passenger door. Mutou stumbled out, looking slightly red in the cheeks. The boy kept his head low and made a beeline for the gate.

Then Kaiba stepped out… There was silence for a moment, and then a collective squeal erupted across the yard.

Jounouchi's jaw dropped.

The brunette dusted some non-existent dust off the lapel of the long, white trenchcoat. He didn't seem bothered by the weight of all those stares. The black turtleneck and leather pants drew everyone's attention to the boy's slim hips and long legs. Jounouchi was sure there were a number of girls drooling in the crowd.

Everyone's eyes were glued on Kaiba as he approached the gate after Mutou.

Kazuma-sensei, the phys ed teacher, had managed to pick his own jaw off the floor. "Kaiba-kun, that," he pointed at the outfit for emphasis. "Doesn't conform to uniform regulations."

There wasn't a reply. Kaiba just folded his arms across his chest and raised his eyebrow at Kazuma. He seemed even taller than he already was.

Mutou looked like he was about to die from the embarrassment.

The teacher was unnerved by the brunette's gaze and the growing commotion of the students entering the school. Girls were starting to push each other out of the way in order to get a better look. And students already inside the school were starting to pour out in small crowds.

"Just get inside and go to the principal's office." Kazuma barked.

Jounouchi and Honda moved over to the gate and watched as Kaiba smirked down at the teacher. Another round of squealing erupted.

The brunette dropped his arms to his side and began walking toward the school. His coat tail fluttered dramatically in the wind. On cue, the crowd began followed Kaiba.

Jounouchi turned to his friend.

"Holy shit, what the hell was that?" Honda exclaimed.

He shrugged, feeling just as shocked as his friend.

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