Disclaimer: I do not own KHR, it is owned by Amano Akira

Chapter Eight: Teaching

"Sayaka, your skirt is shorter than dress code!"

I spot a flush of rosy red cheeks, hidden behind a mass of curly hair, as the second year exclaims, "You're such a stickler for the rules nee-chan!"

As I set down my chopsticks I send her an admonishing look through narrowed eyes. I'm still trying to perfect my scolding teacher face with, lips pursed and hands running through my ringlets in exasperation.

Well sorry for trying to follow the rules, it's what usually keeps me out of trouble. I had moped around for the whole month of March after receiving my letter.

Today was the day, the very big, very important, first day of school.

Also known as the day I finally start to begin my career as a teacher.

Also known as the day I was probably going to run into a bunch of people I had been trying to avoid all month, after moving into Namimori.

Also known as the day I finally face my fears.

So yes I was a bit antsy and wanted to follow the rules, horrible things generally don't happen to goody too shoes.

So yeah sue me, I was being a total stickler.

"Well I wouldn't be a very good teacher if I didn't respect and follow the rules, now would I?"

"You'd be a great teacher, actually!" I receive both a thumbs up and a cheeky grin from the middle schooler as I try my best not to roll my eyes. "Hey, onee-chan?"

Suddenly serious, with her grin wiped off her face, she peers at me with chocolate hued orbs. "Yeah?"

Looking off to the side she begins scratching her cheek, a nervous tic she's had since she was five. "We don't know each other okay? It'd be lame if my friends found out the new teacher and I were cousins!"

"What," The omlette falls from my chopsticks as I sputter. It's my turn to turn red from embarrassment, as I protest, "I am not lame!"

I'm lame?

LAME?

Why? I mean I'm not trying to be the cool teacher everyone likes, but lame?

Is that how she sees me?

I guess I have turned more straight laced. I mean I was trying to emulate Midori when she was a student. She would get excited at ridiculous things like stationary and shiny covers of books, and she'd be the homeroom leader when no one volunteered.

But I guess I understand, it's always nice getting new things and being organized. Oh man and the smell of new books; the freshly printed untouched pages and crisp feel of smooth paper under your finger tips. Also kids are so lazy, it's not so bad being in a leadership position. Don't they also feel bad for the poor teacher who doesn't want to become a jerk and select some unwilling student because no one volunteers?

Actually now that I think about it, I knew someone like that in high school. She was always such a try hard, doing everything for everybody when no one really liked her.

Gosh there was this one time I was wearing a high skirt and tights and she scolded me because it was just slightly above dress code. Ugh then she told me to yank it down. She was so la-

Oh god.

Oh my god.

I'm lame.

"I'm lame." I say with a mix of shock and horror.

"Er, well," we're both red at this point, cheeks flaming and shoulders slightly hunched.

Glancing at the clock and letting a horrified screech of alarm escape, the teenager quickly chomps on her food, rice grains flying everywhere due to her rush. "Seeyah, don't wait up for me after school either! I have tennis club stuff."

"You! Hey don't forget your lunch!"

But her lunch pack is already in her hand and she rushes off. All I hear is a slam of the front door and the screech of the gate before I'm sitting in silence again.

I have to hand it to Sayaka, for a middle schooler, she's great at making quick escapes out of awkward situations.

-x-v-x-v-x-v-x-

The chatter of excited and nervous preteens dies down as I walk into the classroom. I used to be able to do presentations just fine back in undergrad as Cassidy. But there is just something utterly nerve-racking and completely terrifying being the center of attention of thirty seventh graders.

"Hello my name is Harada, Midori. Starting from today I will be your homeroom and biology teacher. I hope we all get along well and I look forward to our following years together."

I refused to look in the direction of a tan, white haired kid in the front of the class.

"Well now then, let's conduct role call."

As I called each student's name I stared at them for awhile, etching their faces into my mind. As their homeroom teacher, I was essentially in charge of them for the next three years of their lives. They were my responsibility, and I was going to take my role seriously.

Even when a canon character was in my class, and I had this feeling of foreboding that he would cause an exhausting amount of trouble in the years to come.

I didn't even so much as hesitate or flinch as I said his name.

"Sasagawa, Ryohei?"

"HERE TO THE EXTREMEEE."

I finally got a good look at his appearance. Short shaggy white hair contrasted with his tan skin, as he swung his hand in the air wildly in attendance. I spotted a light scar running across his left eyebrow towards his temple. Suddenly he stopped moving and as he set his arm down he sank in his seat. Blinking at the abrupt halt of his exuberant actions, I felt an awkward tug of my lips.

He was such a weird kid and I expected nothing less.

Score! First hurdle, successfully passed.

As I finished role call and a round of introductions from the students I asked, "Are there any questions for me?"

Immediately hands shot in the air, stunned I picked the girl sitting closest to me.

"Sensei, where are you from?"

"Tokyo is my hometown, I recently just moved to Namimori."

There was a slight buzz among the girls as they exchanged glances among each other.

What did that exchange mean? Was I really too old to even remember what any of these interactions conveyed?

A boy's hand shot up this time, "Sensei! How old are you?"

Crud, I was hoping they wouldn't ask that.

"Twenty-two." The class let out a hum of excitement as the boys grinned and the girls looked at me with wide eyes. I smiled sweetly and tried my best not to let my irritation show. I couldn't help but let my inner Cassidy think, you better not think I'm a pushover 'cause I'm new and young, you brat.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" I couldn't catch who had shouted it but, the whole class seemed to lean in to hear my answer.

I flushed as I thought of a certain blonde italian man. I wonder if I texted him during lunch if he would respond.

I was interrupted by an excited squeal, as a chestnut haired girl exclaimed "You do!"

"Oh well, we're not together exactly." I said on reflex, too used to denying Riko insinuations. I covered my mouth in horror, shit shit shit. Of course I would start screwing up the moment I started thinking about Alessandro.

At the same time the class let an, "Awww." The girls said it in slight adoration, whereas the boys sounded disappointed.

No way don't tell me-

Nope, nope. Don't even want to go there. Younger guys are one thing, boys who were seven years younger and my students is just weird.

I steered the conversation in a much safer direction; what were the best places to visit in Namimori? Where were the best eateries? Thankfully the bell rang for first period, as I gathered my books I tugged on a ringlet. It wasn't as smooth sailing as I thought but honestly, that could have been a lot worse.

I didn't notice how Ryohei was silent the entire time.

-x-v-x-v-x-v-x-

TO: Riko

FROM: Midori

I hope your first day is going well! There were some awkward parts but it's mostly good. The only drawback is that my supervisor Nezu (the rude one I told you about) is making me switch out with him last minute! Now i'm teaching one of his second year classes and he's teaching one of my first years. Some of the other teachers whispered good luck, and I'm kind of worried. Hope you're doing well ^^

.

TO: Midori

FROM: Riko

Dying x_x homeroom is full of too cool for school eighth graders who also hate history.

.

TO: Midori

FROM: Akaya

Missing you already, mom and dad send their best wishes! They still argue about how you should have taught art or English, so you better bring back home some cool stories about your science lessons. I hope your first day at work is awesome. You can do it and remember I'm proud of you!

.

TO:Akaya

FROM: Midori

Thanks Akaya-nii, it means a lot to me. Tell mom and dad that they should've just became teachers instead of stuffy office workers then! Also can you pick up Riko today after work? I think she might be starting off badly :(

.

TO: Midori

FROM: Akaya

Yes sensei! Thanks for the heads up.

;)

.

TO: Alessandro

FROM: Midori

Already have a lot to tell you, are we still on for later? Looking forward to hear about your antics with Borin-sensei again! Maybe I should use his teaching methods too?

P.S. Don't die before we get to talk tonight!

P.p.s Can't wait to hear your voice :)

.

TO: Midori

FROM: Alessandro

Yeah, I'll call you in six hours, I've got a lot to tell you too. Please don't petrify your students by being like him, they might actually die. Hope you're having a wonderful first day.

-x-v-x-v-x-v-x-

Today was going for the most part smoothly, until Nezu-sensei decided I should for some reason teach his second year class about earth science. "It's to test your skills when you're under pressure! Also I have a stomach ache, I've got to go home!" What a load of bull.

As I walked into the classroom I immediately noticed the grim atmosphere.

Everyone was oddly still, as if they hadn't just had lunch the period before. No one was talking, no one was moving, it was eerie.

It wasn't me was it?

Their faces pasty and fearful, lit up slightly as they spotted me. However at the same time no one made a move, some glanced to the back of the room only to look back at me in apprehension.

Trying to not look confused, I stood in front of the class and said, "Hello my name is Harada, Midori. I will be replacing Nezu-sensei for today's lesson. If you would all take out your books."

Confused, I stared as the adolescents moved slowly. As if they were trying to minimize the amount of the noise they were making, to prevent scaring a small animal.

I spotted a mass of long curly hair in the back. I would have grinned at my cousin, because she was trying to avoid me the whole day, but I paused as she didn't even bother taking out her book. Actually the whole corner in the back room didn't even move.

Spotting a boy in the corner sleeping I frowned, "Can someone wake him up? We're about to start the lesson."

The whole classroom froze as the students stared at me in disbelief.

I felt the sides of my lips tug downwards, seriously what was up with these kids?

Walking up slowly to the side of the corner, I pursed my lips as Sayaka started to shake her head in a frantic way.

Ignoring her, I rapped the sleeping boy's desk lightly with my fist. "Student, it's time to start class now."

As he slowly raised his head, raven locks fell across piercing grey eyes. I almost wanted to scoff as he practically glared at me, who did this punk think he was?

Resident bad boy with a tough stare? The kids were probably terrified of him, maybe he was some sort of violent delinquent? Minus the ridiculous dyed blonde hair of course.

I started out tough, "The lesson is going to start, bring out your books."

What if you're just misunderstanding something, you don't know what he's been through. You don't even know his name, whispered my inner Midori.

"But if," I started to say without realizing, "you are feeling unwell. You may go to the nurse's office."

Staring at me with indifference, the black haired boy merely reached for his bag.

Sayaka's sharp intake of air startled me as I stared at her confusion. But she sighed in relief when she saw the boy take out a textbook.

This whole class was seriously weird.

At the end of the day, several teachers came up to me and all but hugged me when I said there was no trouble.

What is wrong with this school!?

-x-v-x-v-x-v-x-

"You know, you're different."

It was uncharacteristic of Sayaka to speak to me after dinner. Tugging at the hem of her shirt, she flushed at the quizzical look I sent her.

Flushing a light pink she exclaimed, "A good different!"

She ran into her bedroom as she said in a hurried rush. "Sorry for calling you lame, all my friends think you're actually cool for standing up to Hibari like that. But I'm still walking home by myself!"

Aw gosh, she's kind of a cute kid. Being a tsundere like that.

Anyway of course I'm cool, I'm not lame. No sirree, not lame at all. I can stand up to Hibari any day-

Wait, what?

Raven hair, steely grey eyes, a boy who induces fear among his peers and even teachers.

Hibari, Kyouya.

Oh.

Ohhhhh.

Shit.

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

AN: I'm baaaaaaack. I cringed at writing the flirting attempts, i'm sorry if you cringed too.