4/11
A cloudy morning on the way to school. A boy with dyed blonde hair wearing a Shujin uniform, albeit incorrectly, made his way to the train station. The people he passed gave skeptical side eyes as he made his way to the terminal. The kid gave off a punk vibe and everyone could tell.
Ryuji Sakamoto ignored the gazes. He just wanted to go to school and get this over with. Attending Shujin Academy was a nightmare in itself. 'Ughhh another day of school. I can't wait to get out of here. If it wasn't for that bastard Kamoshida..' His thoughts drifted off as the subway car arrived.
Exiting the tunnel, the cloudy morning turned to a rainy one. "Ah shit! Gonna have to book it!" He sprinted down the street. No sooner had he started, a sharp tension formed in his leg. 'Damnit. Why'd you have to act up no!?' The boy slowed his pace. The rain started to let up a bit.
As he walked further, he noticed a blonde haired girl getting into a man's car. The young blonde was very attractive, easily turning the heads of whoever she passed. The man in the car had very prominent features, especially in his jaw.
Looking at them, Ryuji saw red. He charged forward despite the pain in his leg and tried to catch up. He had to stop the girl from going with him. But it was to no avail. He came to a stop in front of a shop with a small cover. "Damn pervy teacher!" he muttered out.
A dark haired boy with glasses stood under the shop's cover. He repeated the words into the phone in his hand. "Pervy teacher?"
This caught Ryuji's attention. Seemed like this kid was out to get him, recording stuff he said and what not. "Yea Kamoshida. You gonna rat me out to him or somethin'?" He approached the teen, trying to look as intimidating as possible.
The boy with glasses just cocked his head to the side with a puzzled look. "Kamoshida?" He spoke, still holding his phone up in front of him.
Sakamoto was quickly thrown off. "Umm yea. That was Kamoshida...do you not know who he is? Everyone at Shujin does."
The boy smiled at him. "Oh I'm new here. Today's my first day."
"Huh? No shit?" Sakamoto smirked at him. "So you really don't know Kamoshida?"
The dark haired boy shook his head.
"Well he's some pervert asshole that thinks he's the king of the castle." Ryuji went on. It felt good to be able to express this to someone else.
A small sound rang out from the new kids phone. It was too faint for Ryuji to make out. A sudden pulse of some kind reverberated in the air. Sakamoto felt like he had a headache, kneeling over a bit to grab his head. The second he thought it subsided, a second pulse feeling occurred and the headache got even worse.
"Are you ok?" The glasses wearing kid reached his hand out to help stabilize him. "Should you go to the nurse."
Ryuji shook his head from side to side. "Ah umm nah dude. I'm good." He took the guy's hand. It took a moment for his vision and senses to return to normal. "Oh yea. Haven't introduced myself. The name's Ryuji Sakamoto."
The dark haired boy smiled at him. "Ren Amamiya. Nice to meet you Ryuji."
"Yea dude." Sakamoto looked up to the sky, seeing the rain had nearly stopped. "Yo we better get a move on. I know a shortcut so no need to worry." He gave Ren a thumbs up and a big smirk.
The two made their way down the alleyway. It was dark and dirty, several puddles were littered with trash.
"So what class are you in?" Sakamoto asked, trying to make some conversation.
"I'm in 2-D. You?" Ren quickly replied.
"Ah Kawakami's class. Good luck with that. She doesn't seem to care much so you can probably get away with all kinds a shit." Ryuji let out a chuckle. "Me, I'm in 2-E. Ushimaru is my teacher. Dude is a total hard ass."
Ren smirked. "Guess I better stay away from him then."
As they reached the other end, looking up the pair saw Shujin Academy.
An older man with glasses was waiting on the upper steps as students entered the building. "Hurry up. School's about to start!" The teacher yelled out to the crowd. His eyes drifted to the duo. "Sakamoto. No surprise you're almost late. Hurry up and get to class! That goes for you too."
Ryuji scowled at him. "Speak of the devil." He muttered "Yea yea I'm goin'. Cool meetin' ya dude. Guess I'll see you around." The blonde waved as he headed up the stairs into Shujin.
The school day seemed to pass like any other. Ryuji barely focused during class. Then again, most people seemed distracted today. Some new rumor going on about a new transfer student with a criminal background. Somebody posted it all over the student forums. The news spread like wild fire and new more ridiculous ones sprouted up from everywhere.
"I heard he beat a guy within an inch of his life for just looking at him funny."
"They say he stabbed his roommate in juvie so he could have the room to himself."
"He once fought off a whole gang by himself. Apparently it was a total blood bath."
"I heard that he kidnapped like a hundred dogs and sold their pelts to some rich lady to make into clothes."
"Dude I'm pretty sure that last one is from a movie..."
Ryuji sighed. 'This is getting insane. Seems like a chill enough guy. I don't know. I'll just see for myself I suppose.'
Looking around the class, he noticed a couple of people on the volleyball team. They had a few bandages all over the place. One stood out though. A dark haired girl in a white hoodie.
Ryuji stared off into the distance. 'Been awhile since I talked to Suzui. Wonder what's going on with those bandages. Practice can't be that tough. Then again, Kamoshida is the coach. probably got them doing some crazy shit.' A frustrated look crossed his face. "I need to go for a walk."
The blonde got up and left the class. Shiho turned her head and gave a concerned stare before returning to packing her things up.
Making his way down the hall, he noticed Kawakami talking to Amamiya outside of the classroom. 'Oh this can't be good.' The boy thought as he approached.
"So you should stay away from students like Sakamo-and here he is." Kawakami pouted as she turned to him.
Ren nodded his head. "Sup."
"Just another day in paradise." He spat with heavy sarcasm. Leaning in closer to the messy haired boy, he whispered, "Come to the roof when you get the chance."
Ryuji felt the glare from Ms. Kawakami as he made his way up to the rooftop. The blonde had been up here before. Several times actually. The teachers and janitor always forget to lock it. It's more of used for a storage space if anything. There is a garden up here too but the club never seems to use it for much.
Taking out his phone, Ryuji hops up on top of a desk and starts scrolling through social media. 'Man nothin' but those mental shutdown things. I miss when everything used to be fun.' His thoughts drifted as he waited to see if the new guy would show.
And just like clockwork, the roof door opened up about five minutes later. Out came the transfer student.
"So you wanted to talk?" Amamiya said as he approached, hands in pockets.
"Sup dude." Ryuji put away his phone and quickly eyed him up. "Heard a lot about you all day." He chuckled. The messy haired boy looked away a bit awkward at that. "Nah don't worry about it. I doubt even half of that's true."
He quickly turned back, giving a kind smile. "Really?"
"Yea man. They used to say all kinds of stuff about me. I mean no way all of that's true...right?"
Amamiya attempted to hide his laugh. "I don't know. That elephant tusk trafficking business paid really well."
There was a pause. The two stared at each other for a moment before busting into laughter.
"Your pretty funny dude. So, how you likin' the school so far?"
"I mean it's not the worst thing. As long as I keep my head down." He rolled his eyes. "Not like that's going to happen."
Ryuji hopped off the desk. "I know whatcha mean. So much bullshit goin' on, its hard not to be on someone's shit list." The blonde's tone turned serious. "Just try to stay away from Kamoshida."
"You mean the pervy teacher from earlier?" Ren questioned.
"He's bad news. Trust me." He glanced down at his leg. "You don't wanna cross him."
Ren seemed to be studying Ryuji's expression. After a moment he finally responded. "We'll see how it goes."
"Don't say I didn't warn you man." A sudden idea popped into his head. "Say if your not doin' anything, wanna go hit the arcade? I'll show you where all the fun places are around here." Sakamoto couldn't help but put on a big confident smile.
Amamiya laughed at that. "Sorry, not today. A bit busy with something. And my guardian doesn't want me out too late." He hesitated a moment as he took off his glasses to look Ryuji in the eye. "But tomorrow might work. I should be free."
Ryuji was a bit surprised, looking into Ren's grey eyes. They seemed so wild and fierce, like he's seen some things. It was almost like looking into a void. Regaining himself after a second, the blonde just waved him off. "Hey its cool dude. I feel ya. No rush, I'll be around."
Ren put his glasses back on and took out his phone. "Wanna exchange contacts?"
"Sure man." The two traded info. Before they parted, Ryuji turned to him. "Oh and call me Ryuji. No need to be formal and shit."
Ren smiled. "Can do Ryuji. Just call me Ren."
A grin grew on Ryuji's face. "Gotcha. Later Renren!"
Ren immediately stopped. He turned and with an intense icy glare, glanced at Ryuji. The look would have stopped anyone in their tracks. The blonde almost felt like he was paralyzed by his gaze. "Just Ren." He stated before turning back and walking down the stairs.
Ryuji paused for a moment. "Okay he is definitely more intense than I thought."
Heading home, Ryuji took a quick stop down Central Street. A nice way to unwind, he headed towards the Gigolo Arcade. Figured it would be a nice way to unwind.
Passing by, he saw a few Shujin students walking down an alleyway. 'Huh. I wonder what their up to?' He thought as he quietly tailed behind them.
Around the corner was a man in a gaudy shirt talking to them. He took out some envelopes and handed them to the kids. The students looked uncomfortable but were handed some Yen for their troubles.
"Oh shit!" Ryuji whispered to himself. 'Is this a drug deal? Eff this! I'm out!' Swiftly, Ryuji moved back to Central Street and continued to the arcade.
After a few rounds of Gun About, Sakamoto decided to head home.
4/12
"Crap crap crap!" Sakamoto yelled as he was booking it down the street. "Why did I have to sleep in?!" School started in a few minutes. His leg started to hurt but he pushed on. 'Damnit! I would be there by now if it wasn't for this leg...' He thought to himself.
As the gate was closing, Ryuji slid in just in time for the bell.
"Safe!" He shouted out.
The guidance counselor gave him a disgusted glare. "Hurry to class Sakamoto."
"Yea yea I'm goin'." He replied.
As soon as he made it to the stairwell, he noticed he had an IM.
Ren: Waited for you out front
Ren: Must be running late
Ren: Got a favor to ask you later
Ren: Meet on the roof at lunch?
A smirk crossed the blondes face.
Ryuji: Sure dude! See ya then!
He slid his phone back into his pocket and headed to class. Ushimaru was already beginning when Sakamoto walked in.
"Expected to attend tomor-" his eyes shot daggers at Sakamoto. "Nice of you to join us Sakamoto. Take your seat. One more time late and you'll be seeing me after class."
Ryuji scowled and sat at his desk.
"Like I was saying, everyone is expected to attend the rally tomorrow to support the volleyball team on their upcoming match." Mr. Ushimaru finished.
From across the room, Shiho seemed upset. She tried to hide it but didn't seem to be looking forward to whatever this rally entailed. She hid her head in her arms as she rested on her desk.
The blonde had no interest in attending. If anything, he was gonna find a way to skip out. 'Maybe Ren will wanna skip. Not like he's interested in the volleyball team.'
"So I'm interested in the volleyball team." Ren mentioned as the two met on the roof with lunch.
"What about 'em?" Not sure where the new kid was going with this. 'Does he want to join or something? Doesn't look like the type.'
"I've...heard some rumors." He began to explain. "Some stuff about injuries and Kamoshida abusing the team. I wanted to see if they were true."
Ryuji eyes widened at that. "What?! Like the same shit he pulled with the track team!?" His voice began to raise and his temper flared up. "That bastard! Why do somethin' like this to his own team?!"
Amamiya cocked his head. "Track team?" He questioned. "I thought he coached volleyball?"
Ryuji sighed. "Its a long story. Short version is he got the track team disbanded after some abusive practice and shit." Hurt coated his face.
Ren reached out and placed his hand on Ryuji's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he pays for this." He said with a genuine smile. "So do you know anyone on the team?"
Sakamoto paused for a moment as the new kid removed his hand. "Not really. Only one that comes to mind is Suzui. She's in my class."
A dark look crossed Amamiya's face for just a split second. 'What was that?' was the only thing to cross his mind.
"Think you could get any info from her? Maybe confirm if its true or not?"
"I can try." Ryuji paused. "Why do you care so much anyway?"
Ren was silent for a moment. Hesitantly he began saying. "I've experienced something like this before and don't want to see it happen again. So I'd like your help if your willing."
"Yea man why not! I'll go ask Suzui at the end of the day." Ryujia happily agreed. "Well lunch is almost over. See ya later bro!"
Ryuji and Ren headed back down to the second floor before splitting ways. The blonde noticed a look from Kawakami as she shook her head in disapproval. 'Ah who asked you!'
After school, Ryuji hopped up quickly from his seat and headed towards Shiho.
"Yo Suzui! What's bonkin'?" He asked as she was getting up from her desk.
The dark haired girl looked puzzled, completely thrown off. "Umm bonkin'?" She cocked her head to the side in confusion.
"Eh just somethin' new I'm tryin' out to see if it catches on." He pointed at himself with pride. "But yea what's up? Been awhile."
"Oh." She giggled. "Just practice." Her mood suddenly tanked. "Speaking of that, I should probably get going."
Ryuji walked next to her. "Hey. Can we talk for a minute? I just need to ask you somethin'."
A few nearby students gasped and immediately started gossiping.
"Is Sakamoto asking out Suzui?"
"Oh my god! A confession from the delinquent to the volleyball star!"
"She is way out of his league."
"Hey screw you man!" Sakamoto chimed in at the last one.
She stopped at the doorway. "Sure. I could use a drink." She smiled.
The two headed to the small alcove with the vending machines. Sakamoto ordered two drinks and handed one to Suzui.
"So what did you want to talk about? Rare for you to call me out like this."
"Yea since middle school.." He drifted into thought. "But that's not what this is about. Can you tell me about the volleyball team?"
A dark look of horror began to spread across her face. "Umm what...do...you want to know?"
The blonde punk took a deep breath. "Its about Kamoshida. I heard a bunch of rumors about him abusin' students and shit. And after what happened to me..." Glancing down at his leg. "I just wanna know if he's doin' the same stuff to the volleyball team."
Shiho began growing more and more uncomfortable. "Umm...I...don't know what you're talking about." She hesitated, obviously hiding something.
"Come on." He insisted. "Could you just tell me? Somethin' fishy is goin' on and I'm just tryin' to get to the bottom of it."
After a moment, the girl spoke up. "There's nothing you can do about it. Just leave it alone. Its for the best." Her mood falling deeper and deeper in despair.
"So its tru-" He was interrupted by a tall blonde girl storming onto the scene.
"Sakamoto! What are you doing with Shiho!" She demanded.
"Ann." Shiho immediately turned, raising her spirits slightly.
"Takamaki." He swallowed. "Just askin' some questions. You wouldn't happen to know anything about Kamoshida would ya?"
Ann glared at Ryuji. She radiated an aura of intimidation. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
"Jus...Just if any of those rumors are true or not."
"Well don't believe everything you hear!" She retorted. "And don't bother Shiho before practice. Especially with a big match coming up!"
Ryuji's expression turned to that of pissed. "Fine. I'm goin'." He started to walk away and mumbled to himself. "Just wanted to see if you were okay."
Before he could get to far, Suzui called out to him. "Umm Sakamoto...Even if what you heard was true...everyone already knows. There's nothing you could do." She looked about to cry as she sat next to Ann on one of the benches.
Ann gave him a final glare, encouraging him to leave.
He turned and stomped off. 'So it sounds like it was true. Guess I should message Ren.'
Ryuji: So that's what happened dude
Ryuji: Looks like the rumors are true after all
Ryuji: That piece of shit teacher!
Ren: Calm down
Sakamoto looked at his phone. 'Calm down? How the hell am I supposed to calm down after something like this.'
Ren: He'll pay for his crimes
Ryuji: Whatever you say dude
Ryuji: Takamaki seemed pissed though
Ryuji: Rumor has it her and Kamoshida are close...like really close
Ren: Don't believe everything you hear
Ryuji: Whatever you say dude
Ren: Hey could you do me another favor? Could you watch over Suzui for the next few days?
Ren: Like stay after school and make sure she's okay?
The blonde stared at his phone confused.
Ryuji: Why?
Ryuji: You know somethin I don't?
Ren: Just a feeling
Ren: I'll owe you one. Buy you some ramen maybe?
Sakamoto licked his lips at that. "I mean he did offer Ramen..."
Ryuji: Why not. Just a couple days right?
Ryuji: Can do bro!
Ren: Thanks!
Ren: I'm gonna try to talk to Takamaki
Ren: I think she's somehow involved
Ren: Gotta go. Thanks again!
Ryuji: Later dude!
Putting away his phone, he sank onto the floor in front of the television. "Man...what does this guy got goin' on? He's been here two days and already gettin' involved with a bunch of stuff.
He sat up and shook his head. 'Still. Seems like a cool dude. Maybe he's down to chill this weekend? Gotta cash in on that ramen some time!' The boy looked back towards the kitchen. "Speakin' of ramen..." Ryuji got up and pulled out an instant cup of noodles and made some dinner.
Thanks for reading chapter 2. Hope you enjoyed. Its a lot of fun to write as others perspective for the story. Makes me think a bit more as to what they are doing in the background. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, feel free to let me know. I'm torn on who the next chapter's perspective will be from. Will definitely be a female character though. Got 3 in mind. Anyway, I'll try to do a minimum of one chapter a week (famous last words). See ya!
