Chapter 2
Welcome to Shuchi'in Academy (Ren)

Riding the train was something Ren hadn't seen himself doing in his life, or at least, for the time being. Sure, America had trains, but not many people used them. Especially where he lived. The metro was usually filthy, with garbage piling around and vermin lurking under the train tracks. Inside was no better. Usually, there would be a ruckus or something going on. Like people hosting fights, playing instruments, and all sorts of things, He shredded at the idea of riding a train back home.

Here in Japan was different. Everything was pristine clean and people actually behaved normally. Not to mention it wasn't particularly expensive and was far better than riding a bike to school or even worse, going with aunt Ruka in her cop car. He dreaded to think about what Kai was going through.

Chuckling to himself, Ren folded his arms and closed his eyes in his seat, waiting for the train to come to a stop. Still, he couldn't help but be concerned about what his new school had in store for him. He was fine going to a regular school and going unnoticed, merely becoming part of the common crowd. But now he was sure to stick out like a sore thumb. Going to a school full of rich kids where getting a scholarship is neigh impossible was eating at him.

But then again, this could help him. If colleges saw he came from such a prestigious school, they'd be more interested in him. It was a gamble, but in the long run, it would benefit him immensely. All he had to do was keep up his grades and get involved in clubs to make himself look better.

"Though Kai certainly worries me." He mumbled to himself, noticing the train was slowly coming to a halt at the station."But if he said he can handle it, I guess I have to trust him. Now it's all up to me."

As he had expected, the walk from the station to the school itself was sort of awkward. He got stares from other students, who probably realized that he was brand new to their school. Of course, he couldn't let that bother him. But he did feel out of place. He made sure to look presentable in his uniform, but he supposed that the hoodie under the jacket was a bit much. He couldn't help it. He felt safer with the sweater on as if it was providing him an invisible layer of protection. It was a good thing he had his AirPods plugged in, listening to some nightcore music.

It wasn't much, but it helped him ignore the whispers going around him as he walked, choosing to look down at the street. He took a peek at his watch, realizing that he had at least ten minutes before classes officially started. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure how he would find his homeroom. He was approaching the school and noticed just how huge it was, so finding his room while having no idea about the layout would be a problem. He stopped at the stoplight as soon as it turned red, cursing his luck since now he'd be even more late.

"Watch out!"

Ren turned on his heel, watching as a blonde student attempted to skid to a halt. The purple-eyed teen cringed at the sound of shoes grinding against concrete, and could swear he saw smoke coming out of the youth's shoes. He wasn't coming to a stop in time, however, so he used his last resort and used the breaks as hard as he could. Judging by his slim figure, this was a mistake, and the young man was launched out of his bike, threatening to land in the middle of traffic. On instinct, Ren jumped in the middle, catching the boy in his arms but slamming him against the light post.

"Ow..." Ren rubbed his head, feeling the bump appearing already.

"I'm so sorry!" The young man scurried back to his feet, offering a hand for Ren."Are you okay?"

"Yeah. But why the hell are you going too damn fast? You trying to break a record or something?" Ren took his hand, still hearing the buzzing noise in his ears after such a blow to the head.

"I was trying to beat the stoplight, but I wasn't successful." He lamented, clenching his fist."I can't be late. As the student council president, it would look bad on me and my title."

"Wait, you're the student council president?" Ren went from scornful to shocked in a second."Huh. What's the student council president doing riding a bike to school?"

"Well, it's cheaper than taking the train." He explained, grabbing his bike again but choosing to remain standing."And I don't have a license or a car to drive."

"No. I mean...whatever, never mind." Ren shrugged, placing his hands in his pockets.

"I don't think I've seen you before."

"Oh, right. It's my first day. Name's Ren Chikage." Ren introduced himself with a quick bow."A pleasure to meet you."

"Ah, you're the transfer student! My name is Miyuki Shirogane. The pleasure is mine." Miyuki returned the bow. The light turned green, and the boys continued their walk to school."It's a good thing I found you. I'm supposed to take you to your class and tell you all the essentials."

"Cool. To be honest, I was a little scared. I didn't know what I'd do by myself in there. I don't think I could ask for help. People don't seem too eager to see me."

"They just aren't used to having new people around. And besides, they aren't particularly fond of people like you and me."

"What do you mean?"

"You're here on a scholarship too, right?" Miyuki asked."Same here. My first week was hell on earth. But eventually, I managed to build up a reputation with hard work and dedication. Now people treat me like I'm someone they can depend on. I don't mean to boast, but I get asked for love advice quite often."

"I'm not surprised." Ren chuckled in amusement."You look like a ladies' man. Is it safe to assume you got a girlfriend already?"

"N-no. Not yet, anyway!" Miyuki stammered, his thoughts tracing to a certain red-eyed girl."You see, being the student council president is a big responsibility and I don't exactly have time for a relationship."

"Fair enough. A guy of your caliber must be focusing on achieving good grades to stand out and be at the top. I can't even imagine how much work that would take."

"I'm sure you'll be fine." Shirogane patted him on the back."I'd be more than happy to give you studying advice and help you catch up. We scholarship students have to stick together, right?"

"True. But I don't know." Ren scratched the back of his neck."I don't think you should be wasting your time on me. I'm sure you have more important matters to attend to and also focus on your own studies."

"Nonsense. As the student council president, I must make sure all my peers are perfectly comfortable and acclimating well to their school life." Miyuki shook his head."Besides, I genuinely want to help. I've been in your shoes before and it wasn't pretty, let me tell you. That's why I want to make things as smooth as possible for you."

"I...appreciate the thought, president." Ren accepted his gesture with a small smile."I'll take you up on your offer."

"Anyway, since we don't have much time to chat, I'll take you to your classroom and pick you up during lunch to show you around. Here, add me on Line."

"Uh, sure." Ren pulled out his phone, internally thanking his cousin for downloading all the necessary apps used in Japan. Normally, he'd asked for the guy's phone number, but this also worked."Hopefully, I won't have much trouble in class."

"Don't worry. You'll be just fine."

'I guess we you don't care about these things it becomes easier.' Ren stood in front of his class, giving them a bow."My name is Ren Chikage. Pleased to meet you. I'll be under your care."

"Good. Now take a seat behind Tanaka, the young man who is just sitting down after I specifically told him not to be here on time."

"Right, right. Sorry." The boy named Tanaka apologized.

Wordlessly, Ren made his way towards his seat, feeling the intense glares of his classmates as well as the gossiping going around. Once he took his seat, he scanned his surroundings, making everyone staring turn back to the front.

'Well. The worse has passed, I guess.'

"Excuse me. You're Chikage-kun, the transfer student?"

Shifting his head to the right, he noticed the young lady addressing him. She looked ordinary enough, except for her piercing red eyes."Yes. You got it."

"My name is Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president of the student council, a pleasure to meet you. I was informed today was your first day but I was almost late after one of my drivers got sick early in the morning. I hope you didn't have much difficulty finding our classroom."

"Oh, vice prez." Ren straightened up on his chair."Not at all. The Prez was kind enough to take me here. I ran into him on my way to school."

"Oh! You ran into the president, huh?" Kaguya seemed to lose her composure slightly."D-did he say anything to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, like did he mention me at all?"

"Mmm, no, not really." Ren shrugged, disheartening the girl."But I guess he just didn't have time. We were running pretty late, after all. Why, were you expecting a message from him or something?"

"Ah, well...I was just expecting him to drop by for a quick greeting. We haven't spoken since Friday and I was hoping he'd introduce me."

This, of course, was a lie, but Kaguya wasn't going to openly say she just wanted Miyuki to talk to her. But her crafty mind was coming up with an excuse to get the president to think better of her.

"Say, why don't I help you out today? Surely you will be having a hard time locating yourself around the school. I'd be more than happy to assist." Kaguya offered with a sweet smile.

"I wouldn't want to impose." Ren rose a hand."The prez already offered to help me study and give me some pointers. I don't think it's right for me to accept more help from you guys. I'm sure you got your own things to worry about, right?"

"While you might be right that we have our own problems, the problems of our classmates come first. I'll not take no as an answer, Chikage-kun. I will help you to accommodate your new school life. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask."

Ren's eyes widened slightly, shocked to hear heard words."Much appreciate, Shinomiya-san. I don't know where the cafeteria is, so..."

"Very well. After class, I'll give you a detailed map of the school." Shinomiya declared, mentally cheering for seemingly winning Ren over.'When the president sees him again, he'll tell him how useful I've been and he'll have no choice but to see just how kind I can be!'

"Kaguya-sama, do you know by memory alone every detail of the school? Furthermore, can you draw it?"

The one whispering in her ear was Ai Hayasaka, who had dropped something near Kaguya as an excuse to get closer to her without raising suspicion.

"Well...Could you help me with that?" Kaguya muttered back."But I have to be the one to give it to him."

"Of course. I'll have it done before class ends." Hayasaka nodded, returning to her seat and taking out a pen and pencil. Usually, she would be exasperated to do another one of her mistress's overcomplicated plots to get the president to confess to her, but since this time it involved a different person, it felt refreshing. It was a new experience and this motivated her to do her work diligently and efficiently, ignoring the ramblings of their teacher as class started.

"And that's pretty much what we'll be doing for the next two days. We'll begin discussing more details about this project in a few days, but just be aware of bla bla bla-"

And this is the point in the lecture where Ren's body simply turned off. Post-class announcements weren't as important, especially after a heavy lecture on something he was fairly unfamiliar with such as the topics of study in Japanese high schools. But something he retained was something about a group project, but that was not for a few days from now. He took a look at his notebook, going over the notes he managed to jot down. For his first time writing in Kanji in a long time, it wasn't too illegible. Sure, his handwriting could use some practice but he'd work on that later.

Two classes had gone down already, and few more to go for the day. But now, lunch was in order. And he was craving some food right about now.

'Now's my chance.' Kaguya was starting to get up from her seat until her phone began ringing."Hello?"

"Ah, Shinomiya. Good, you've picked up. I made some extra bentos today for everyone to enjoy so."

'The president is calling me to have lunch with him?!' Kaguya's eyes shot wide open.'But wait, he said "everyone". That means Ishigami and Fujiwara will be there as well. Clever. He invited others to avoid admitting he wanted ME to have lunch with him. But the new kid needs guidance...'

"Kaguya-sama. I finished the map you told me to draw." Hayasaka bent down to her level.

"Hayasaka! I have to go, there's an important meeting with the president so I'll leave this to you. Kay, thanks!"

With that, Shinomiya burst out of the room, leaving a flabbergasted Hayasaka holding the piece of paper she attempted to hand over.

"W-what...?" Hayasaka was dumbfounded.'What could have made Kaguya-sama bail out of the room like that? Whatever happened to helping the new kid around?'

Chikage looked around the room, frowning when he realized Kaguya wasn't in the room. Picking up his things, he decided to head out on his own.

'I wonder if he even knows where he's going. Well, it's not my problem anyway. I should go and see what Kaguya-sama is doing.' Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and with a swift motion she checked out a message notification.

'Please take care of the new student and make sure he gets to the cafeteria safely. I had a little emergency and the president requested our presence in the student council room. It was of utmost importance.'

"Great... She says that, but I bet something completely unimportant happened. For her to leave me to handless this is not out of character, however." Hayasaka bit her thumb."I guess I could show him around for a bit..."

"Hayasaka! Want to go have lunch with us?" One of the girls remaining in the classroom asked.

"I wish!" Hayasaka switched to her other persona."But I feel bad for like, leaving the new kid by himself. I'll make sure he doesn't get lost on his way to the cafeteria and then I'll be back."

"Oh~! You aren't interested in him, aren't you? He may be here with a scholarship, but he's not bad looking."

"Right?! And he looks like he works out! If only he was in the same social circle as me." Another one lamented.

"Don't tease me like that!" Hayasaka giggled."I don't think he's my type. Plus, can't I like be nice for a change?" She waved enthusiastically, skipping out of the classroom."Chi-ka-ge-kun!"

Ren halted in his track, turning halfway to nearly bump into the blonde girl following him. She hadn't expected him to turn so fast, so she lost her balance and threatened to trip. Ren quickly grabbed her by the shoulders, stabilizing her body.

"You okay?" He asked, raising a brow."Sorry. You startled me just now."

"Y-yeah...sorry, you surprised me there too." Hayasaka quietly bumped her head, sticking her tongue out."Silly me. I just wanted to catch up with you before you disappeared."

"With me?"

"Yup! I figured you would be a little lost, so I thought that I could help you out a bit."

"Oh. Shinomiya-san was going to take me to the cafeteria." Ren folded his arms."But I guess something must have happened. She bolted out of the room before I even closed my book."

"It's probably some boring student council work or something. Like, she always gets so invested in it that I'm surprised she herself isn't the student council president. So what do you say, care to let me show you around? The food here is really good!"

"Sure." Ren stepped aside."Lead the way. By the way, I don't think I caught your name."

"I completely forgot! Sowwy! I'm Ai Hayasaka! Nice to meet you!"

"Well, I introduced myself in class but I'll do it again. It's Ren. Ren Chikage." Ren extended his arm, surprising the girl a little."Oh, right. I forgot we're in Japan. I'm supposed to bow."

"I don't mind at all. You're a foreigner then? I honestly couldn't tell."

With that, the two students began their walk to the cafeteria, but not without a few students gossiping about them.

"Why is Hayasaka with the new kid? Don't tell me..."

"Maybe she's just showing him around?"

"He better not get any ideas. Hayasaka will be mine!"

"Shut up! Get in line."

'Damn. I didn't realize this girl was popular like that. Everyone has their eyes on me.' Ren clicked his tongue, hands in his pockets."I was born in Japan but moved to America when I was a kid. I've lived there until recently. Personal matters and whatnot. But my grandmother was born in America, so I guess that makes me a quarter American. Not that it really matters."

"What a surprise! I'm quarter Irish! That means you and me are foreign buddies!"

"Foreign buddies...?" Ren halted in his tracks, giving her a deadpan look.

'Keep moving. The faster we get out of the halls, the better,' Hayasaka thought, grabbing his arm and pulling him along."Totally! So, what part of America are you from?"

"New York. Lived there my whole life pretty much."

"So cool! I heard so many things about New York. Is it really as nice as everyone says it is?"

Ren snorted at that."Well, it's certainly something else. But don't believe everything they tell you in the movies. But I guess it's a good place for entertainment. Never a dull moment there, that's for sure."

"Sounds like you have plenty of spicy stories." Hayasaka glanced ahead, internally sighing in relief when she noticed they were almost at the cafeteria."Do you miss it?"

"No," Ren said without missing a beat.

Realizing he wasn't going to elaborate, Hayasaka grew curious. Sure, he wasn't very talkative unless spoken to first, but he hadn't given a one-word response before."How come? Don't you miss your friends?"

"It's complicated. Let's just leave it at that." Ren looked away. He didn't want to talk about his parents or his so-called friends. Much less about his criminal record. In a school like this, if word got out about it, it would make things much more complicated.

"I see." The maid nodded."Anyway, this is the place."

Ren faced the front, grabbed the door handle, and pulling the door open. As he had expected, the cafeteria was huge.

"So, what are you feeling like today? I can recommend a few delicious dishes and that would make you soooo dance in-"

"Actually, I feel like just eating ramen." Ren cut her off, smelling the familiar aroma in the air. One of the lines was serving good old ramen, though it wasn't as full as the others. For everyone else, they could eat ramen any day of the week. But for Ren, who hadn't had this delicious dish in quite some time, it was a treat.

"Ramen...? Seriously? That's sooo meh. You can literally eat anything else."

"I haven't had honest-to-God ramen in years." Ren began salivating, his eyes sparkling."Sure, we have ramen back in America, but nothing beats the actual thing. The difference between them is like night and day."

'That's...so simple.' Hayasaka's bubbly mask began to crack at his simplistic personality.'Though I guess he is just a regular student when compared to everyone else here. He's not wealthy. Just your everyday average high schooler. He did come here on a scholarship, right? But I can't help but think there's still something more to him than meets the eye. But I suppose it doesn't matter. Not like we'll talk after this. My job is complete."

"Sorry, Chikage-kun!" Hayasaka brought her palms together."I have to get back to my friends! But it was nice talking to you. Hope we get to spend more time together!"

"Sure, thing. The pleasure is all mine." Ren gave her a small smile, waving her goodbye.'Man, that girl is way too energetic. Nearly drained me completely just listening to her.'

'What an insipid young man.' Hayasaka thought, heading back to her classroom.'He didn't say a single nice thing to me or try to stand out at all. Was my personality off the mark today? No, that can't be. But still, not a single comment? Not even a tiny compliment?'

"I hope I don't have to talk to her/him any time soon." They both groaned in unison.

"President, I must say, you've outdone yourself this time." Kaguya used a napkin to clean her mouth.

"Ah, it's nothing special. I wanted to try out something new to make for dinner at home, so this is the prototype. How do you guys like it?" Shirogane asked the remaining members of the Student Council.

"It's so yummy! It's...it's...it's making me want to cry!" Chika burst into tears as she continued to wolf down her food.

"Stop doing that! You'll get tears in on my food and then I'll have to throw it out and when I throw out food I feel like I'm basically killing whoever made the dish for me!" Ishigami grabbed his plate, sitting on the opposite couch."Food made by someone is supposed to be enjoyed and eaten like it's the last food you will ever eat. Someone is putting their time and care into making you a meal and-"

"Anyway, I take it you know the new student?" Shinomiya decided to block out the screaming Ishigami.

"I knew I had forgotten something." Miyuki facepalmed."I completely forgot you guys are in the same classroom. I was so hellbent on making it to class on time that I forgot to give him that detail. I'll have to apologize for my clumsiness."

"Worry not, president. I made sure he felt right at home after introducing myself. I even promised to help him get to know the layout of the school better so he wouldn't get lost."

"Is that so? When is that going to happen? I'd like to be there as well so I can provide helpful tips."

Kaguya cocked her head to the side."What do you mean when?"

"I mean, you pretty much came in as soon as the bell rang." Miyuki squinted his eyes at her."And you're not the type to give half-baked advice or anything like that. Wait, don't tell me you le-"

"I didn't!" She stammered.'I totally did! But good thing I have Hayaka.'

"A classmate of mine was particularly interested in helping Chikage-kun out and making him comfortable." Kaguya smoothly explained without batting an eye as she took a sip of her tea."I offered to help, but in the end, my assistance wasn't needed. I am happy to see some classmates warming up to Chikage-kun. You know how they can be when it comes to transferring students."

"Don't I know." Miyuki grimaced upon remembering his first few weeks."Good to know he's in good hands. The principal gave me a rundown of what I needed to know but Chikage told me on our way to class that he's here on a scholarship, just like I am."

"For real?" Ishigami stopped in his tracks, setting his plate down."No way. You're saying there's another one like you?"

"Don't say it like that." Miyuki rubbed the edge of his nose."Makes me look like I'm weird."

"If he's here with a scholarship, does that mean he's just as smart as you?" Chika inquired, earning a shocked look from Kaguya.

"What? Is that true, president?"

"I don't know. For all I know, the requisites for the scholarship changed since the time I got mine." Miyuki elaborated, going over to his chair."Regardless, I was told he had good grades and a good GPA. Other than a conduct problem, he's a pristine student."

"Conduct problems?" Kaguya parroted, hoping to hear an explanation.

'Crap. I wasn't supposed to say that.' Miyuki groaned to himself, shaking his head."Never mind that. But I guess we'll have to wait and see what kind of student he is. For now, we should leave things as they are."

"I don't know." Ishigami didn't seem convinced."Transfer students often bring trouble to the schools they go to. And the way you don't want to say more about that conduct problem business is really shady."

"Look, why is that even important? He seems like an alright guy. I can promise you he'll be okay. So don't worry about it."

"Ishigami, you ought to stop reading too many of those mangas you read." Kaguya locked her hands in front of her, glaring at him."We can't deliver judgment on a student who hasn't committed any misdeeds. Not to mention he's just arrived here from America. The poor thing needs all the support he can get and we will be there for him if he needs us. Understood?"

Ishigami shut his laptop, pushing his plate of food towards Chika."I'm going home and not coming back."

"School day is not over yet..." Miyuki tried to stop him but he knew better."Great. Guess I'll have to pack his stuff up and give it to him later."

While Miyuki got busy cleaning up after Ishigami and Chikla continued eating, Kaguya began plotting her next move. But it wasn't one of the regular attempts at making Miyuki fall for her trap. No, this time was different.

'That comment he made on Chikage-kun...if he talked to the principal, he must know information that the rest of us aren't aware of. He must be just as smart as the president and if that "conduct problem" thing is true, then perhaps leaving him unattended isn't wise. I'll have to look into his background later and gather whatever information Hayasaka got out of him. I have to protect my friends from any possible danger.'

"Great. I got lost again." Ren grumbled, pulling his hair as he strolled around the now empty halls of his new school."I knew I should have asked but...if only I didn't feel shy about it. Then again, I doubt anyone other than that Hayasaka girl or Shinomiya-san would have been as nice as the rest. Should I text the president?'

In effect, people had given him even more of a stingy eye due to his earlier interaction with Hayasaka. No doubt rumors were circling around him.

"You look a little lost, pauper. Out of place in a school like this?"

Ren looked ahead from his schedule, noticing a pair of boys waiting for him by the bathroom. One of them had grizzly brown hair, curling enough to cover his forehead while keeping his sides shorter. He had fair skin, blue eyes, and freckles on his cheeks. He had a pendant with the shape of a gargoyle hanging from his neck and a ring with a school on his left index finger.

"Hey, he asked you a question." The chubby young man next to him pointed at him. He had short orange hair and looked as if his uniform was a little too small for him."When Kitakata-sama asks you a question, you answer."

"At ease, Kagami." The boy named Kitakata rose a hand, silencing his companion."Where are my manners? My name is Kaigaku Kitakata, second year and part of class 2-C. This here is my loyal assistant, Tohru Kagami."

"Oh." Ren said, resuming his walk and passing them by until a hand grabbed his shoulder, stopping him."What now?"

"No one dares to just ignore me like that." Kitakata tightened his grip, taking Ren by surprise. At first glance, he looked like your typical skinny classmate that thought he was better than the rest, but perhaps there was something more to him."But you know, I'll let it slide this time since it's a first. I know you. Ren Chikage. You're the nephew of Ruka Chikage of Tokyo PD. As it happens, my father is the Commissioner. Which means that he's the king while your aunt is a mere footsoldier. That also means I'm above you by default. You know what I'm getting at? So what is a mere peasant like you doing in a school like this, I wonder?"

"None of your business. And keep my aunt out of this." Ren forcefully moved out of his grip, feeling his hands clench instinctively.

"Hey, you don't do that to Kitataka-sama!" Kagami tried to punch Ren, but the magenta-eyed boy knew it was coming. He had deduced the wider boy had a short fuse and would resort to violence on the spot. He sidestepped, using his superior speed to deliver a punch to his belly.

"W-w-what the..." Kagami fell to his knees, clenching his belly.

"Huh. Here I thought your stomach was impervious to attacks and such. You do make a good punching bag." Kitakata grinned at Ren."So the pauper can fight. This ought to be interesting. It's not too late for you to show respect to your superiors. And I might let you walk away."

"And this is your only chance to stop now before you get hurt," Ren responded, sending chills down Kitakata's spine.

'What...? Am I...trembling? What's with this aura? He's just a bottom feeder like his family. No, I will make him submit!'

Kitakata rose his arms, striking what looked to be a martial arts pose. Ren, on the other hand, just rose his fists."What, that's your fighting stance? You're nothing more than a thug, as expected."

"I'd rather not do this. But honestly, I'm in a bad mood now since you made me be even more late." Ren grumbled, seizing up Kitakata."And for talking shit about my aunt."

"Know your place, pauper!" Kitakata and Ren lunged toward each other, winding their fists back.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Both boys froze, their fists inches away from each other's faces.

"What do you think you're doing?! This is a violation of the student conduct code!" A petite girl with brown hair marched up to them. What caught their attention was the yellow armband around her arm.

"Huh? Iino-chan. No, no. You got it all wrong." Kitakata let go of Ren, shrugging."We both tripped, that's all. We're not fighting. Not a scratch on us. Isn't that right, Chikage?"

"Sure." Ren decided to play along, mostly because he didn't want to be caught fighting on his first day."We were just dusting our clothes off."

"Uh-huh. And what's with him?"

They glanced down at Kagami, who was still down on the floor rubbing his belly.

"He's just hungry." Kitakata gently but rapidly slapped Kagami's cheek, forcing him to stand up."He's a big boy so he needs his food, otherwise, he can't function."

"Okay. Do you all have any passes? You're out here while school is in session."

"Right here." Kitakata reached for a yellow piece of paper in his pocket signed by a teacher.

"Seems like everything is in order." She nodded, returning it and shifting her gaze to Ren."And what about you?"

"Actually, I'm lost. I'm new so I still haven't gotten used to walking around the school."

"Oh, I see. You're the new transfer student. Very well, I guess it's understandable you're lost on your first day so I'll give you a hand. The two of you can go on with your business and business only. I better not catch you horsing around again. I'm letting you go easy today because I'm in a good mood."

"What the hell?" Kitakata cried out."Because you're in a good mood? That's just unreasonable, you dictator!"

"Just go already."

"Okay. But this isn't over. You hear, Chikage?!"

With that, Kitakata and his grunt took their leave, wobbling across the hallway.

"What's your class?" Miko asked him, taking a look at his uniform."You must be at least a second year, right?"

"You got it." Ren responded, stepping aside to give space for the short girl to take the lead."I'm in class 2-A."

"It's actually around the corner here. You're on the right floor but you missed your mark by a few meters." Miko gave him a side-eyed glance."You're not using this as an excuse to do some weird activities, are you?"

"Huh? Of course, I'm not. I'm clean." Ren rose his arms in defeat."What, you want to frisk me?"

"I'm not going to pat you down. That's weird." Miko narrowed her eyes at him."You can't trick me into doing any weird things to you, you pervert."

"Never mind what I said." Ren fought the urge to facepalm."So, what are you supposed to be? A hall monitor or something?"

"I'm part of the Public Morals Committee. My job is to make sure all students obey and follow student conduct and maintain order." She summarized."Hence why I stopped you and Kitakata from fighting."

"We weren't fighting."

"I highly doubt you were doing anything else. Still, why would you cover for him?" She asked him, not receiving a response."I see. Maybe it's because you don't want to get in trouble on your first day."

"I'm not a troublemaker, little lady," Ren grumbled under his breath.

"We will see about that." Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks, her cheeks flush."W-what did you just call me?!"

"Huh? Little lady." Ren easily responded, glancing over his shoulder when he passed her.

"You can't call me that! I'm not a kid!" She cried out, jabbing her thumb in his chest.

"But you never introduced myself, so what else am I supposed to call you?" Ren didn't seem bothered by her outburst."Besides, you are short. Almost as short as my cousin. Sorry, I just find it a little funny. But hey, that's not bad. A lot of guys are into short girls, so I'm sure you won't have a problem with that."

"H-huh?"

"I mean, sure, you're a little strict and all, but you seem nice enough. And besides, you also look like you're a hard worker and very dependable. All good traits."

Miko's anger vanished. Instead, she looked bashful and embarrassed. Ren quirked a brow at her reaction. He had thought that all his words would piss her off, but she looked conflicted.

"Well...when you put it that way, I guess I can overlook what you did today. Your classroom is right there." She continued walking, playing around with her hair."I hope you don't cause any trouble, new kid. Next time you won't be so lucky."

Ren bewilderingly watched her go. Somehow, he felt he had missed a bullet there. Despite trying to butter his way out of trouble, he had meant some of his words. Perhaps she liked to be praised and complimented. Whatever it was, she at least had gotten him back to his classroom. And he had to thank her for it.

"Thanks for the help...little lady." He added with a smirk, but that was his worse mistake.

"I said don't call me that!"

Hello everyone! Thanks for the support the story is receiving so far. Here's another chapter ready to go. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to leave a favorite or a follow as it motivates me to improve and continue this story. If you have any questions or critiques, please feel free to leave a review! I'm thinking of mixing the chapters with Ren and Kai shenanigans or I could also have a chapter dedicated for each of them. I'll let you know when I make up my mind. See you next time!