You may be wondering...
Since the last time, about ten or some days ago, I haven't yet updated and I have a very reasonable explanation for that.
First reason...
Rewrite.
I expended my time in rewriting the flashbacks parts since I felt that they were too fast (though you will probably notice that it will nonetheless) and I decided to rewrite them!
Second reason...
I felt absolutely tired.
Not in the sense that I'm feeling tired or getting fed up in continuing this story, no! Don't you ever think of that! It's more of a result from me sleeping in different time intervals since starting school, with all the school work catching me of guard and I know that's bad. So in turn, whenever I start typing after school, my eyelids keep closing for some reason like what happens when I'm in school in general, which has some relations with my last reason.
Last reason...
That's just it. School work, homework, projects and attendance that I have to manage in a daily basis, whether I'm bored and lazy I have to do them, so it kinda messes up my chance to make another chapter.
On another irrelevant and unnecessary side note, I'm what you call as a lazy person in general.
Anyways, I hope you can understand my reasons in me failing to update often and the story itself, which is a completely another discussion.
I apologize if the following chapter may not include Yu and Nao since it's a flashback and the days of childhood by our good friend Takajo. In the anime, I don't think they got in depth of Takajo's side of the story, which I know the story did focus on the abilities more than the background of some characters.
In this story though, I wanted to portray each character's past which I once stated that it would be slow and steady and I wanted this to be a very long Charlotte fanfic unlike the others, not that I'm ridiculing the other works but it's more about the horribly long and convoluted chapters that I am really trying hard to make with numerous grammar errors that I weirdly keep missing.
Speaking of the chapters, I always maintain them above seven thousand (7k) words, which is probably another reason why chapters take a while to be created and I don't know if that's normal for a chapter to be that long, but I will continue to write it within or above that number nonetheless.
And of course, I am not garnering thoughts of ever stopping this story, even though some of you may doubt that, which I honestly can understand. So if you have noticed that a chapter is taking long to be posted since the last one, I may just be in the process of making it or hadn't yet started it as all, but I will continue this fic so don't worry.
This chapter may be just the same compared to the last one but I did change after about half, I think.
Well, now that's out of the way. I won't trouble you any longer with my author's notes of a horrible story such as this with obvious disbelieving reasons that I listed above, so let's start reading!
Disclaimer: I don't own Charlotte, and its characters belong to their respective owners.
Operation: {Type F}: [Boring]
Unknown Time
Park
[Play: Kizuna (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
The sun was about to set as grown-ups and children alike where getting ready to go home, as they planned to prepare dinner and have sleep afterwards to a rest from the day filled with work and fun.
The playground was painted in the color of orange as the sun made it its canvas while seemingly having two shadows that overlapped its rays.
"I've decided!"
A sad boy's dark blue-gray eyes grew surprise as he saw a girl that had a jovial expression accompanied with a bright smile that was just in front of him.
The girl kept her smile as she watched how the boy in front of him was really surprised based on his expression.
"I'll just make you fall in love with me!" the girl exclaimed with a vivid smile as that expression highly complemented her hazel eyes as it was brightened by the sun rays, while her long blond vibrant hair danced guided by the wind.
The boy looked wide-eyed from her sudden declaration as he failed to answer immediately and as he was also a bit captivated by the sight that was in front of him.
"So I'll make sure to keep you in a more special place!"
The two stared at each other for a few moments as one was grinning while the other one had his mouth slightly agape.
End of Flashback
Present
Hoshinoumi Academy
As Takajo closed his mouth finishing what he just said, Nishimori who had been listening couldn't help but glance towards the ground as she adopted a sad smile.
[Play: Kokuhaku (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
"G-Girlfriend, huh" Nishimori said in a low tone as she heard what Takajo said.
She had stated that whatever would Takajo would say, she would face it head on and not show any kind of reluctance as she listened to his self-proclaimed boring story.
Nishimori then looked at Takajo's face that was adorning a smile that also indicated that he was probably thinking of that girlfriend that she was thinking about before she noticed that she was clenching her fist for some reason.
The idol then shook her head lightly, as she knew herself that Takajo may probably had some relationship in the past that she was unaware of and that was only natural as she, herself, can't deny that Takajo is a fine man himself.
'Stupid... Takajo' thought Nishimori as she turned to look at the ground and couldn't help but notice something watery on her eyes as she brushed it off quickly with her hands, not wanting to show any kind of weakness.
She didn't know why her eyes suddenly produced water albeit slightly from hearing him say that but she could conclude that it was probably of feeling a sense of sadness coupled with a little bit of what you call as something akin to... betrayal, as she knew that those two particular emotions that she had stated was so unlike her to express and feel as opposed to her usually jovial behavior, though she can admit that the feeling of sadness was natural for a person but, she was having a hard time managing her composure in feeling two supposedly similar emotions.
Why didn't he tell her that he had gone in a relationship already? Isn't she his friend? His comrade? ... His favorite idol?
Despite that though, deep inside she knew something that she didn't want to admit. The fact that kind of mindset was wrong and illogical, as she knew that even if she was a friend of him and his favorite idol at that, people always have their own personal lives that they wanted to be a secret, like she herself. So why was she feeling so... frustrated and bitter right now?
She had even stated herself that no matter how bizarre and unexpected it is, she would see through it until the very end but this...
"I say girlfriend but..." Takajo said as he scratched the back of his head. "I don't think we even established it officially, now that I think about it" he said as he scratched his chin making Nishimori flinch.
[Play: Deochi (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
*Clench*
Nishimori upon hearing that proceeded to lift her head and showed a smile that was really different to what she had earlier, which was noticed by Takajo.
"W-Why is your smile a bit scary Yusa-san?" Takajo said as he sweated, first time seeing the idol smile like that.
"What do you mean Takajo-kun~" Nishimori said in a really sweet tone, that made Takajo's teeth clatter from how she used a really similar tone of someone, with an honorific as she clenched her fist, as she had an urge... an extremely huge urge to punch something.
The feelings that she had earlier was currently erased, if not, almost all of it, as she heard that Takajo didn't even know if the relationship with his supposed "girlfriend" was official, though the feeling of frustration is still felt by the idol... though with a little bit of intensity.
Takajo, seeing his favorite idol smile so... horrifyingly, could only show a nervous smile as he didn't know what to do and didn't even know why she had acted so.
He was just answering her question right? What was wrong with that?
Takajo then coughed as Nishimori's... intimidation continued before he spoke.
"S-So what did you want to ask again Y-Yusa-sa-" Takajo tried to say but he failed when Nishimori suddenly interrupted.
"I want to punch something" Nishimori muttered as she still kept that smile making Takajo gulp, really unused to seeing his idol like this.
"H-How about I tell you what I was like before" Takajo said as he nodded. "And along the way how I met the girl that I was talking about" he added, unaware making Nishimori recomposed herself.
Nishimori hearing again what he stated, immediately calmed down as she straightened herself.
She had lose her cool for a minute there hearing what Takajo... corrected, knowing also that this was her chance to know a lot more about her friend.
And that was her primary focus as to why she had done all of this correct?
"Then tell me Takajo-san!" Nishimori said with an excited expression, it should have made Takajo happy that his idol had returned to her usual behavior but...
"W-Well, I may not look like it but..." Takajo shook his head to get rid of that thought as he spoke. "I was a bit of an asocial nerd back then" he said with a grin as he scratched his cheek nervously.
Nishimori didn't say anything as she waited for his continuation with a smile before Takajo sighed.
"Yeah... no reactions huh" Takajo muttered as he knew that person was right.
"Isn't it obvious?" Nishimori said as she tilted her head making Takajo slumped his shoulders.
"I'm a-*sigh*" Takajo sighed again as he didn't finish what he said before looking towards his favorite idol. "Hmm... where should I start?" he muttered as he nodded. "Okay then, let's begin when I was a measly ten year old boy..." he began talking about his past as Nishimori intently listened.
Nishimori, who was listening attentively, couldn't help but feel giddy herself as she continued to absorb Takajo's words, knowing that this was the chance she had been waiting for all day, though...
The idol looked at Takajo as he showed that similar expression, as he was talking earlier about his supposedly girlfriend, and those turbulent emotions that she felt earlier had returned albeit lesser.
... why did Takajo seemed so happ- wait...
Her thoughts then were dismissed, and now that she looked at Takajo with a clearer mind she can now notice small distinguishable... sadness within his features also.
Then does that mean that the relationship he had with whoever that was, was making him feel similar emotions like she was now but he was more attuned to hiding it?
Nishimori then tried to remove what kind of emotions she had felt earlier as it was not fair for Takajo if he himself had his own troubles while she was just feeling emotions in a spur of the moment. She still hadn't forget that she had promised to herself that she would see through this until the very end, she knew she could only listen to him now and just rearrange what she will feel for later.
Flashback
Seven Years Ago
[Play: Danran (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
The sun was shining as it radiated light throughout the earth with a few clouds in the sky making it a beautiful day. A few cars were driving in the road as some of the drivers went to work or even maybe was just casually driving. People with smiles on their faces walked the neighborhood accompanied with children that were full of smiles ready to go to school.
In a particular house, a certain familiar person seemingly a grade schooler, was fixing his own clothes which if you look at it closely was somehow weird seeing that another person was speaking towards him as he fixed his outfit.
"Joji-chan!" a woman, presumably the mother, pouted as she saw how his son was getting ready for school ignoring her. "Jojiro Takajo!" the mother exclaimed revealing the full name of the child in front of her which still ignored her. "You can let your mother fix your uniform, you know" she stated with a sigh.
"No need Okaa-san" the now named Takajo said not sparing a glance towards her mother as he straightened his uniform. "And don't call me 'Joji-chan', I'm not a child anymore!" he pointed out before feeling a flick that descended on his forehead. "*OW!*"
"You're just ten years old!" his mother complained while Takajo just rubbed his forehead. "You're clearly in your childhood stage mister, which means you don't have to show maturity" she lectured though Takajo just glance towards her before sighing.
"Maturity is not based on age Okaa-san, it depends on the choice of a person" Takajo stated as he patted his uniform. "And even I can fix my own clothes on my own, you know" he asked making his mother frown.
The mother knew that his son was, if not, showed signs of maturity and responsibility despite his age. She observed how he would clean his own room and other household chores including cooking, never, if not, rarely asked her for something he wants or even how he himself earns what he needs with his given allowance, which really makes her glad that her son had shown quite a responsible display when she had first noticed it and even praised him for it... which she was now slightly regretting.
Not that she wanted to stop him from doing all of those things, no, she was really proud of him. Though she couldn't help thinking like that as she also noticed something in that time alongside with Takajo's early signs of maturity...
"I'll be going now Okaa-san" the mother snapped out of her thoughts as Takajo called out to her before giving her son a small peck in the forehead as a temporary goodbye before said son headed out with a wave of his hand which she reciprocated.
...Takajo was also prone to show having no kind of interest in socializing and making friends in general. Knowing that, as her mother that had been by his side, had noticed that whenever they would go outside he would just read a book in silence and would want to be alone, and even if other children would invite him to play, Takajo would politely decline. And that didn't even consider how he was in school which he was a lot worse.
"Oh Joji-chan" the mother sighed as she wished anyone or someone can make her son a bit more social so that he can enjoy more of his childhood days.
Well as his mother even if she had raised him alone for a long time, she can only help her son and guide him. Though she knew that it was in his choice if he wants to socialize and she can only help to a degree.
Outside
[Play: Asa (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
Takajo, now prepared for school, closed the door of their house as he made his way to the sidewalk before walking as he picked up a book from his bag.
He can see that it was a really good day, as the sun was shining brightly and had been very glad that he had decided to walk to school as it was close by without any kind of transportation. He also couldn't help but noticed the newly rented house just beside their home indicating that someone had moved there unlike in the past.
"We'll whatever" Takajo shrugged as he passed by the house knowing that no matter who would move there, it wasn't his business at all.
He then continued to look at some schoolers that were just in front of him as he heard they're conversation before redirecting his view forward uninterested to what they have been talking about.
He was also slightly confused to how they can be cheerful while talking to each other with smiles on their faces and not get fed up with what they were doing.
He once participated in those kinds of display but has found it to be quite... boring for him actually. Always saying the same things over and over again, which he quickly realized that he preferred to read rather than to listen to the endless loop of chatter that they had been babbling.
"Really though" Takajo muttered with a sigh as he walked still hearing the chatter of children, that he could've sworn were talking about something quite similar yesterday.
Not that he was against to how they act, he was just slightly perturbed to how they can be so noisy and endless without being, if not, a bit of reserved and specific to how they talk with each other, knowing that talking can be done with the sufficient amount of volume alongside with changes of topic.
Takajo then stopped himself for thinking such thoughts; fully aware that he can be quite different and have a bit of difference in how he perceives life in general.
Maybe it was from realizing that he only had a mother that had taken care of him since he was born and had decided to repay her immediately by showing that he can be a responsible child that she can rely on anytime, he himself didn't know.
He can only guess that in that time he had realized more to life than joking around or taking it easy, he wasn't quite sure at all. Or it would simply be that he had found peace and quiet to be more inviting than loud and a more strident setting... maybe that was it.
Nonetheless, whatever the reason he had, he can gladly tell that he himself had chosen the correct path to follow, or maybe it was just his youth even though he had been showing signs of maturity.
Takajo then looked forward rearranging his thoughts. He wouldn't want to worry about such things anymore since it was his own opinion to think like that and knew that whatever the outcome is, he would gladly face it as he himself took this path.
Taking a deep breath as he saw school was now just a few distances away, he continued walking wanting to not be late for class.
Kiryuu Academy
Few Minutes Later
[Play: Danran (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
The whole school had a lot of buildings in view with some of them tall and also some facilities like gyms and fields, seeing that this was a school that offers elementary to high school education and furthermore a sign that said "Kiryuu Academy" just beside its huge gates indicating it's name.
The hallways of a particular building that holds elementary students were filled with students as some of them ran to their classrooms while the others talk animatedly with each other, a fairly joyful atmosphere were visibly seen as laughter of children reverberated throughout the halls.
A very comforting atmosphere filled with joy that would undoubtedly make anyone smile from how the people in a building can smile despite the fact that it can happen almost every day.
Takajo then observed the surroundings with half-lidded eyes as he passed by the lockers before getting in the hallways.
But for Takajo however, it was merely his normal every day that he get to see in the times he went to school and even in other places. Such as the park, the neighborhood, any place at all.
Smiles displayed that were either genuine or fake that people plaster on their faces to socialize with each other, which is actually needed in a conversation in the first place in order to function properly, to make it more presentable and know that they are happy even though some of them was undoubtedly bothered in the inside.
He may have joined in with the others, and the fact that he can tolerate and even ignore the genuine and fake expression that they may hide, more so from the adults, which makes the possibility more alluring but for him. Though all of that possibility was entirely dismissed by...
"Did you watch T.V. yesterday?"
Takajo heard one of the grade schoolers state just a few meters in front of him as he they were in a group and was probably talking with each other as he have seen.
"Yes I did! It's quite amazing right?!"
Another one of them talked loudly as if really fascinated from the talk that they were having as one of them spoke in response.
"Really? It isn't that great from what I saw.
The one who spoke had an unsure tone as he crossed his arms with eyebrows knitted.
"Then did you play that game that I lend you!"
The topic was changed by the first one who spoke first as he picked up something from his bag to show it to the others.
"Yes I did! It's quite amazing right?!"
Another repeat of one of them as his voice carried a tone of eagerness and excitedness.
"Really? It isn't that great from what I sa-
Takajo immediately ignored what they were talking about as he momentarily past them to continue on his way to his own classroom.
It's just as he stated earlier this morning. Their talks would become repetitive and continue until they didn't even notice that it would become a loop, and also, their topics aren't even quite interesting at all. They just repeat what they said the last time with a different subject.
He may be a bit biased, and there were probably some instances that they could be talking about something else, but in his first time that he had talked to the people of his age, he could remember he lasted for about five minutes till he got bored of their discussion before he left on the spot.
Takajo then sighed, as he can't quite figure out what was wrong with children nowadays and they seemingly have a cycle that they subconsciously follow as they converse.
Things like behavior, habits and friendship isn't even included in what he had said about their so called "Socialization" and he could foresee that he would be undoubtedly tired mentally in just listing or explaining all of those, so he avoided it.
Though when it comes to the grown-ups and adults, he could only say that they are not entirely boring to talk to, if you manage to get their attention, and then you should be able to get a decent conversation.
But when Takajo had practically been smeared by the children's "Socialization" he didn't even try to converse that much to the other adults and even his own teacher, and would only ask if he had any issues of school in general, except for his mother of course.
As Takajo was in his thoughts, he abruptly shook his head regaining composure as his sight finally found the room that he was looking for and quickly made his way towards it, unable to endure the constant talking around him.
Classroom
[Play: Asa (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
The classroom was filled with noise as schoolers were playing and some were talking in each of their own respective seats.
It was fairly normal, seeing that homeroom didn't start yet. So students got the chance to converse with their friends and classmates until the supposed hour of boringness approach them.
Takajo, ignoring the noise, made his way towards his own desk as he seated on his chair before plopping his bag beside him before opening it as he picked up a small book.
Despite his age, he had discovered the wonder's and joy of reading novels that were made by different authors across the world. And unlike other of his classmates that read only childish and fantasy books that were filled with fairy tales accompanied with easy words to read, he had been exposed to the difficult and sometimes confusing terminologies that took him a while to get used to, to enjoy reading.
Takajo then placed his book above his desk as he opened the bookmarked page as started reading, knowing that there was a lot of time left before homeroom started.
He then picked up a pair of earphones from his pocket before attaching it to both of his ear, using it as ear muffs to barricade the noise coming from the classroom as he turned the MP3 player that was inside the same pocket starting music.
It was also quite weird seeing how a grade schooler would act seemingly like a high school student, well that was what other grown-ups and especially the teachers would say when they notice Takajo act this way alongside how he carries himself inside and outside the classroom.
Takajo knew that of course, though he didn't quite get why it was so surprising to them. Seeing that, everyone can do these things if they have the right amount of interest within them.
"Takajo-san!" Takajo heard someone in front of him as he looked slightly over his book before uplugging the earphones in his ear, to only see a trio of his classmates that had those smiles in their faces.
'Great' Takajo thought as he placed a smile of his own that was not genuine at all. "How can I help you? He asked, though he suspected what they would say based only on the expressions they wore as one of them spoke in response to his question.
"Wanna play with us?!" One of them said unaware of Takajo's fake smile as the latter just shook his head for his question.
"Sorry" Takajo stated. "But class is starting soon and I just want to review some of the lessons we learned" he excused though in reality he had a novel in his hands that he had been thrilling to finish, before mentally sighing in relief as he saw the three had seemingly understood his reason.
"Okay then!" one of them said. "Just come to us if you want to play okay!" with Takajo's nod they just nodded as well before promptly leaving in front of his desk.
Takajo then sighed as he returned the earphone he held to his ear, congratulating himself for his so called "deception" and he wasn't even feeling any ounce of regret in dismissing them, as he knew that they would probably talked about their discussion of yesterday.
From his observation of course.
Giving another sigh before returning to what he was reading as he eyed the lines of words on the piece of paper which seemingly was way more interesting than children repeating their chatter which he could prove was really more conservative than getting out of there and just say whatever you like until it kept repeating.
Not that the fact that he hated them, no. With the constant reiteration that he practically could hear every day. It had just made him rather quite bored in their infinite conversation as he just decided to avoid them as many times as possible as he knew he would come to regret it afterwards.
As his earphones blocked out the noise from the classroom, he continued to read his novel with silence.
Few Minutes Later
It had been about a few minutes since Takajo entered the classroom and his classmates were still making noises accompanied with chatters from groups of children with their tables joined.
That was momentarily stopped when the door opened again, revealing a young woman about in her twenties holding a book within her arms.
Takajo, noticing the teacher had arrived, immediately pluck out his earphones whilst closing his book, not forgetting to put a bookmark of course, as he hid the two objects in his pockets to continue them later when the class reaches lunchtime.
"Quiet down now" the teacher kindly called out making the whole class stop their noise as they quickly returned their seats onto their original positions before seating. "Good morning class" she greeted as she reached her own desk in front of the class plopping her book filled with lessons for the day.
"Good morning sensei!" the whole class acknowledged her own greeting as they stood up whilst bowing before seating making the teacher smile and nod.
"Okay class!" the teacher said as she clapped. "Let's start with the lessons for the day" she stated making the class give sounds of agreement as they nodded.
Takajo, now with his full attention towards the teacher and approaching lessons that was about to come, couldn't help but groan mentally as he knew that the day would be boring like usual.
It wasn't the fact that he had trouble in his studies; it was actually the other way around as he was quite smart for his age, responding each questions and tests given by the teacher with right answers making latter proud by his rather smart mind for a ten year old.
Takajo was simply feeling bored, knowing that with the supposed easy lessons, he would undoubtedly feel uninterested towards the class in general. Just like what he currently felt towards his own environment itself.
Mustering up his willingness to learn, which he had learned was a very helpful technique in surviving for the hours under the tutelage of the teacher, he set his gaze towards the teacher as he listened with comprehension to what the teacher was saying.
Lunchtime
A Few Hours Later
[Play: Breaktime (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
As the teacher bid goodbye towards the whole class, with a response from the latter. Most students in the room immediately went outside to head towards the cafeteria to buy food, now that it is lunchtime.
Some students, who haven't left the room, retrieved each of their homemade bento inside their bag as they once again joined some tables for them to place their meal on.
Takajo stood up from within his seat as he had intended to leave the classroom to get to the cafeteria to get some lunch, knowing that he didn't pack lunches for himself.
He didn't particularly like bringing his own cooking or even if his mother cooked for him, in school. He had always made his way towards the cafeteria for lunch since he had stated himself that they may attract attention.
Said attention was when your classmates would ask what you have for lunch and even have a taste, thus starting a rather convenient conversation to erupt from a simple sharing of cooking place in a square, sometimes rectangular piece of tapper ware.
When his own mother had first heard of this, she didn't even laugh by his supposed "logical" reason, as he stated it, but was displeased by the part that he didn't want to draw attention and had urged him to bring his own lunch with that intended affect to happen to him.
With enough protests and whines from Takajo, the latter's mother just stopped then sighed before stating that he would never get friends if he kept up with this, which he promptly ignored.
Takajo, walking in the hallways, made a turn in the corner, as he remembered that particular discussion with his own mother.
When his mother was "lecturing" him for his supposed stubbornness about the matter, he had been only half-listening to her words as he analyzed what she had said.
Friendship was a term that happens to a group of individuals if they accomplish a certain requirement in order to familiarize themselves with each other, a definition which was made by Takajo himself after he had read the dictionary for its meaning, which he immediately disagreed with.
He also added the fact that if there was any kind of this "friendship" to become possibly stable. There should be a factor that the first group should hold something, either physical, mental, psychological or any type of subject, interesting for the second group to get their attention draw towards the first group.
A factor, which he had realized to keep the friendship stable and steady. Knowing that without any kind of interest within the connection, it would likely collapse and break magnificently.
That was also the thing that he often read from his novels, a crude example where some of the protagonist would get betrayed, and left or ignored by the other side characters since they had done their role or even had their treasures stolen to keep the group's company stable.
So adding the infinity of repeating conversations with the exact definition of the word friendship and multiply it with Takajo's supposed mature mind and intellect, we get the answer to the effort of making friends as...
"Boring" Takajo said as he plopped down to one of the seat of an unoccupied table bringing his sandwiches that he bought also.
It simply means that, if Takajo would just get boring reiterating individuals to get his attention without any kind of interest within them and the fact that they can't even catch up and get used to his supposed maturity, he would not even bother to make friends in the first place.
A philosophy that he had specifically stated clearly towards his mother that had an effect of a nod, a sigh and a muttering of "This is my son alright, always the high standards", an effect that only made Takajo confused on the spot.
Takajo, as he threw the plastic wrappers of his bought sandwiches towards the trashcan, made his way back to his room, knowing that there was plenty of time left until the afternoon session starts and also wanting to spend that time to indulge himself with the kind of literature that was filled with more interesting facts than the fact that society is boring which was called as novels.
As he entered the room some of his classmates glance towards him as he appeared, making him confused.
"Did I do something?" Takajo muttered as he scratched his cheek in confusion before shrugging as he continued his course towards his own desk.
He didn't particularly remember doing something that would garner such attention right? Knowing that he was practically the most quiet and silent person in class whilst he was stating his internal monologue.
With the stares that was still directed towards him as he was walking towards his seat, he couldn't help but sigh as he was now getting uncomfortable from the immense attention that he was getting.
He knew that this was probably some of the effects of being a practical and figural loner in class, which he still stubbornly refused to acknowledge.
"Is there something wrong?" Takajo amidst the intense attention finally summed up his courage to ask.
[Play: Shoubu (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
"There was a cute girl that approached your table earlier, and a placed a letter under it... again" one of his classmates said as he glanced towards the male, which Takajo could see had a glare on his face. "Though that weirdly makes me angry for some reason" he stated with a confused mix with low growl.
Takajo hearing the reply couldn't help but look towards the one who answered with a blank look.
"..." Takajo opened his mouth to describe him with a specific word before closing it as he considered the way all of the males nod in unison whilst having serious expressions on their faces, like the one that answered him.
He knew better to threaten the supposed jealousy of the male populace in this room of course, even if they were ten year olds like him.
Takajo sighed mentally before continuing his walk towards his desk, as he had an idea to what it was and had decided to give a piece of his mind to stop such... nonsense, from appearing further.
Once arriving, he seated before checking under his desk to only feel that there was something as he pulled it out discovering that it was a letter...
A love letter.
Groaning internally, he opened it before reading the content with a noticeable gulp.
{Letter Start}
[Play: Yuuki (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
Dear Jojiro Takajo-kun,
Good Day.
I, an innocent maiden of this institution, had once again been observing your magnificent and graceful acts amidst the occasional deafening and other times hushed room overflowing with knowledge.
Your sharp-like expressions, coupled with your analyzing and scrutinizing eyes that seemed to understand everything in the world, your stillness that deviates itself from the common. And the chilly yet comforting aura that you seem to emanate subconsciously.
As a maiden, I find those traits truly fascinating and could only hope that you would find my invitation, behind the gym, worthy enough to catch your fleeting attention, to express my adoration that had developed from you bearing in mind.
Good day once again.
From your secret admirer...
{End}
[Play: Shoubu (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
Takajo immediately ended his reading as he was a bit stupefied from how this girl was so... good paraphrasing her own emotions and feelings in a piece of paper, that normally children his age wouldn't be able to do so, before realizing that it was the girl again that he could've sworn he had "lectured" about this topic.
Even if this wasn't the first time that he got this letter with surprisingly good writing, that didn't mean that he can't look at awe about the content.
Takajo had concluded that she may probably had skills in the arts of literature, which was understandable, or just plain honest and true to her feelings to the point that she could convey it all in an ordinary piece of pape-
Which was unlikely right?
With another groan, he then placed the letter inside his bag as he retrieved his book that he had read earlier this morning before opening where he had placed the bookmark, as he started reading.
In his mind though, he was currently thinking of plans to "deny" the feelings of the sender of that letter with the utmost care, knowing that was a really well-thought and written piece of literature.
With a sigh, Takajo continued to read, somewhat aware from the intense gazes that he was getting from the classroom... more specifically the boys.
You can't call this normal right?
Takajo then remembered as to why he was getting directed by confused stares of fury and anger that seemed to burn his being.
Apart from his rather intellectual mind that he had not intended to show, Takajo belonged to the group of above-average looking students in the elementary section.
It could even be said that he was the most handsome one in the entire building, considering how "maturely" he carries himself with his rather quiet nature compare to the loud majority of the male students in grade school; a thing that Takajo had shook his head in disapproval from hearing one of his female classmate's utter occasionally.
Not that he was bragging; he just fixes himself in order to be more presentable in the society. He had intended to make himself look normal and typical for a grade schooler, but that had been disproven when he hadn't anticipated that he would get moderate and even high attention from the other gender.
Thus, it came to the point that some females would show him adoration; in the form of letters.
Takajo remembered one of the letters he got when the sender stated that, "I don't know what's happening to me but I feel warm and fuzzy about thinking of you". A phrase that would naturally come from a grade schooler since in that stage, puberty hadn't happened yet.
That was also why Takajo had stated that he would give a piece of his mind to stop whoever the sender from sending again or looking at him in that way, knowing that feelings like these are quite inappropriate for a child's mind, well that was what Takajo believed.
Aside from friendship, he hadn't even yet considered of having a crush or even feeling love when he was in his current young age, knowing also that those feelings would only be detrimental to his "mature" yet young mind, as he needed to apply that wholeheartedly on his studies.
So with that in mind, Takajo stood up in his seat, knowing that homeroom had now ended and as his classmates was now racing towards the door to either get home or hang out with their friends.
Gymnasium (Rear)
[Play: Danran (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
As students were now exiting the campus, as they head towards the main gate. Takajo redirected his walking as he made his way towards the gym, or more specifically behind it, to only see a female seemingly waiting and when the former made his presence known he was approached.
Takajo, seeing the smile from the rather cute girl right in front of him, sighed mentally before stopping his advance as the female stop right in front of him.
"I'm sorry again but..." Takajo began to explain.
An Explanation Later
"-and that is why you should stop from doing this any further" Takajo stated as he was looking towards the female who was seemingly lost in thought as she failed to reply.
"Okay then!" the female said with a smile before bidding goodbye towards Takajo, who just sighed again as he knew that the girl didn't quite get his point entirely, based on her reaction... again. He then picked up his things with home a destination in his mind.
Takajo had gave a very convincing explaining to the girl as to why having feelings related to love could be detrimental to the mind of a ten year old, that hadn't even reached puberty.
"This was about the fifth time that happened" Takajo muttered as he exited the main gate as he walked towards the sidewalk with a few cars passing the road.
Just as he said, that was about the many times indeed that had happened. It may have made one male happy from the attention his getting but, Takajo was different, with his supposed mature mind and considering his rather young age.
Takajo then shook his head to get rid of such thoughts as he focused onto his walking as he opened the front door of his home. "I'm home!" he called out before closing the door as he took of his shoes.
"Welcome home Joji-chan!" Takajo heard a familiar voice from the other room, which he knew was his mother.
[Play: Ihyou (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
"Don't call me Joji-chan!" Takajo shouted as he sighed entering the living room before plopping himself towards a couch as he placed his bag beside him.
"So how's school?" his mother entered the living room as well with a tray of cookies and a glass of juice juice, as she placed the tray towards the table. "Here you go" his mother gestured for him to eat as Takajo just nodded.
"Boring" Takajo stated as he took a bite from a cookie while his mother just frowned before seating herself in a couch as well.
"You didn't make friends again?" his mother asked while Takajo just scoffed.
"I don't need friends" Takajo reasoned.
"You're going to end up being lonely, you know?" the mother said while Takajo just looked away making the former sigh.
This was also a routine within the Takajo household, as Takajo would return; his mother would ask him if he had made any progress in achieving the connection between two individuals known as friendship.
"And I am not lonely" Takajo countered. "I just prefer being-" he was interrupted when his mother spoke.
[Play: Heion (ANANT-GARDE-EYES/Jun Maeda) Charlotte (O.S.T)]
"Isolated?" the female asked with a sigh before shaking her head. "You know what?" she stated. "It'll naturally come to you that feeling bored is quite normal for friendship" she added and as Takajo was about to open his mouth she swiftly interrupted. "And being interesting isn't just what builds a friendship in the first place" she said.
"Then what other emotions should you feel when you're not bored or interested?" Takajo asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It depends on your preference Jijo-chan" the mother said as she saw Takajo was about to retort, he was rudely interrupted again. "Aside from feeling interesting and feeling bored..." the mother said for Takajo as she knew that was he was going to say. "Happiness, liveliness and curiosity is also a very good example" she stated much to her son's confusion.
"I don't quite understand the first two, but curiosity?" Takajo tilted his head. "How is that any different from feeling interesting?" he added with a shook of his head.
The mother was about to explain again before stopping as she thought of something better.
"If you have friends then you'll eventually understand the difference" she stated. "But now seeing that you hadn't even made one..." she trailed off narrowing her eyes towards Takajo, who just returned the stare.
"I. Don't. Need. One" Takajo said firmly word by word but the only response her mother gave was a simple pat in the head much to his frustration. "Don't pat me like a child!" he complained but didn't remove the soft caressing of his mother, as the latter just smiled.
"Though if you still have a mindset like that" his mother said with a smile. "You'll be greatly surprise by the difference" she chimed much to Takajo's confusion.
"I'm still confused" Takajo said as her mother just smiled towards his apparent confusion.
"Come 'on" his mother said as she stood up. "Change your outfit to something more comfortable" she instructed as Takajo just nodded as he made his way upstairs towards his own room.
As Takajo wore his casual shirt and pants for the afternoon, his thoughts were currently lingering to his day in school earlier.
If one asked Takajo what was his opinion about today he would undoubtedly say the words...
"...This day is really boring"