"So you do realize that you're gonna need more members eventually, right." Hidaka was watching the little menace kiss up to Akiyama. The president of the club had invited the members to breakfast before class had started. This was something Akiyama and Benzai had done after homecoming festival when it was just the two of them. So they invited Fuse and Hidaka to join them this year.
Benzai placed down a tea set on the table and glanced over at Fuse.
"I know. We've thought about disbanding the student council when we graduate…" He let out a sigh, leaving the sentence hanging.
"But the little monster ruined that." Hidaka finished off the sentence in his own way.
"I wouldn't put it that way." Benzai's voice told Hidaka that he wasn't going to put up with him referring to the underclassmen that way. "But if Fuse really wants to continue the club, I refuse to leave him alone."
Benzai's eyes focused on the empty teacup in front of him. Obviously, this had been occupying his mind for a while. Seeing his friend was losing himself to his thoughts, Akiyama placed a hand on Benzai's shoulder. This shocked him back to reality.
"What's with the glum looks?" He exchanged looks between Benzai and Hidaka. He was holding the tray of freshly hot tea.
"Hidaka was just curious about the future of the club." Benzai answered.
"I see…" His eyes downcast. It was mostly his fault the club had no other members. He's so shy that he never bothered to actively reach out to other people to join. "It's nothing for you to worry Hidaka."
Hidaka felt a pang of annoyance when Akiyama said that. More and more, he had been using that statement to dismiss various things that Hidaka, and especially Fuse, had worried about. It was irritating him. Hidaka shot a look at Akiyama as if to say 'that's not a good reason'.
"Akiyama, I do believe it's in our best interest to do something about this. We either have to find more members or disband the club." Benzai said.
"What!" Somewhere during the conversation, Fuse had started to listen in. considering the topic they were talking about, it was obvious the young man was not going to be calm.
"I told you; I can handle it!" he slammed his foot down and sent a menacing look towards Hidaka.
"Fu-," Benzai's attempt to sooth the other was in vain as he wasn't able to finish the boy's name.
"And you choose to talk to him about it first!" Akiyama and Benzai couldn't get in any words to drive away Fuse's accusations. "I've been here longer than him! I have better talents! You 3rd years are all the same! You value seniority over actual skill!"
After his lengthy tangent, Fuse stormed out of the classroom. The slam of the door signified that Fuse's present here has ended. The group sat in silence, trying to wrap their minds around what just transpired.
"I'll go find him." Breaking the silence first, Benzai offered to go after the young man.
"No. If we after him now, it'll only push him away." Akiyama said. "Let's leave him be for now."
During lunch Fuse was still fuming as he told Enomoto what happened this morning.
"Can you believe them?" It was more of a statement than a question. He was practically stabbing at his food while telling the story.
"I believe you let your anger get the best of you, again Daiki." Enomoto gave his two cents about the situation.
Now that he was calm and actually thinking, Fuse reflected on his actions. "You're right."
That made Enomoto smile.
"I'm just tired of being looked down upon for no reason." Fuse said.
"Just remember, we're going to be seniors in two years." Enomoto explained. "We just have to wait."
They both shared a chuckle but that was soon stopped when someone called out to them.
"Hey! You little rug rats get out of here!"
The fun look on Fuse's face was replaced with his usual scowl along with pure disgust. "And what will you do if we don't?"
The two boys, who look alike with their hair being the only difference between them, were not happy with that retort.
"Is that how you treat your upperclassmen? Show some respect!" The one with brown hair, Akito, spoke up. His brother, Hayato, who had brown hair, put his arm in front of his twin.
"Why are you asking use to move? Go find somewhere else to eat at." Fuse said.
The café was full. Seeing as most students schedule gives them lunchtime around 12pm – 1pm, it's always a battle for a table at school. Right now, there were no seats left. So students would have to find someplace else to eat lunch at. Which could be further away from their classes depending on the location? When this happens the 3rd years usually start forcing out the younger students just because they are upperclassmen.
Fuse and Enomoto had just found this table and Fuse wasn't going to be pushed around anymore. Enomoto boldly tried to ease the tense air. "Daiki, it's okay. We can eat some-"
"No!" Fuse didn't mean to yell at Enomoto, it just came out. He turned back to stare down the two students in front of him.
Hayato let an exasperated breath, "First year's get on my nerves."
He reached out and grabbed Fuse by the collar. At the moment the sounds that were filling the café suddenly dulled down. "Listen brat. Understand your place and do as I say. You can't just defy what your seniors tell you to do!"
The air was tense, but Fuse was going to stand his ground. He managed to punch the taller boy's wrist and break out of his grasp. Fuse was about to say something when he was interrupted by a certain rash troublemaker.
"You really shouldn't treat your younger classmen like that." Hidaka spoke up. He walked towards the group looking Hayato dead in his eyes. "I don't appreciate you disrupting my friend's lunch. Besides, picking on younger students only makes you look weak."
Hayato glared at Fuse and back to Hidaka. He balled up his fist, ready to throw a punch. Hidaka watched him carefully, preparing to block an oncoming attack, but not getting into a defensive position.
"Hayato, we can't stay any longer." Akito stated, destroying the intense air that was here before. Hayato didn't ever let his eyes wonder from Hidaka as he relaxed himself. It seemed like he knew what his brother was talking about.
"This isn't over." Hayato delivered that clichéd line before him and his brother left the scene.
Hidaka let out breath of relief, "Are you two okay?"
Enomoto bowed vocalizing his gratitude. Although, Enomoto's grateful attitude wasn't shared with Fuse.
"Why did you interfere?" His voice was low and almost growl-like.
Hidaka was practically offended by this. "What! I was on your side! If you fought them by yourself you would've been a goner."
"I could've handled it myself! Ugh. Why does everyone always look down on me?" Fuse outburst was enough to shock Hidaka from saying anything further. Fuse grabbed his things and stormed out of the café.