"Simple. Takin' back the Marching Band." The blond kid, who Akira faintly recognized as the one he helped at the train, started to spread a toothy grin on his face.
That decision, however, he was starting to regret rather seriously.
The curiosity in his face quickly turned into confusion, "What the hell are you talking about...?"
Ryuji backed off from his desk a bit, his fingers fiddling with one another before he attempted to speak again, with Akira cutting him off, "You...last year...you were at Nationals weren't you?"
Ryuji dropped his eyes from Akira, looking down as he muttered, "...Yeah."
"So...why would you want the guy who helped blow you guys out, help you 'take back the band'?"
Ryuji started to scratch his head first, a few nervous chuckles coming out, "Right...I do have to explain everythin' don't I..."
"Let me guess...you got kicked out after your defeat, so you think bringing in a prospect like me will make you regain your position as the Percussion leader?" Akira rose from his seat, stretching while Ryuji looked at him as if he spoke gibberish. "If that's the case, then it's a definite hell no." He started to pace off towards the door.
Staring at him dumbfounded, Ryuji muttered under his breath, "T-This effin' bastard..." Finally realizing he was walking out of the class, Ryuji paced up behind him, still suggesting his course of action.
"Look, it has nothin' to do with me gettin' back in. I don't...I don't want that. Not anymore."
Pacing up the stairs, Akira spoke again, "If that's the case, then you wouldn't be wanting to retake the band, would you?"
Ryuji stopped in his tracks at the base of the stairs as Akira looked down upon him, a little irritated glare planted on his face.
This...this asshole...!
Shaking his head to rid himself of irritation, Ryuji stared Akira straight in his eyes, his glare fierce, "...Look, Akira, it's not like that. I—"
"Oh, really?" Akira slowly stepped down each stair, the smoothness of his voice starting to take on some hostility with each echo of the tile. For the moment, it seemed as if it was just the two of them as everyone in the hallways stared at the duo, "Then pray tell, explain to me exactly what the hell it is."
He stumbled on his words, his eyes not pulling away from Akira's. Shit...
A simple condescending scoff came from Akira, pivoting on his heel he turned back around, "I've seen so many like you, Ryuji. Who think they deserve a place at the table for no reason."
Anger started to fume within the young blond, but before anything could happen, it died down. He was a fool for thinking some kid who formerly his rival would instantly help out with one talk.
I don't want to be at that table...but I do want to prove why we should help those at the table.
His fist tightened up as he returned back to his classroom for the remainder of lunch. While Akira had other things to do.
One of which being his attempt to find his brother's classroom. While stepping up the stairs, thoughts coursed through his head.
The hell is up with these kids here? Everyone has a pissy attitude or something...or asking me things...
...That kid...whatever his name was...his eyes. That fury...
A few memories of a dormant past flashed in front of his eyes.
M-Maybe I should hear exactly what he's talking about...
Nah.
...It's not my business. Backfired once, not again.
Ahh, but maybe I was being too much of an asshole back there...
Akira winched in embarrassment, maybe following his father and uncle's idea of being a stoic badass wasn't the best approach to Shujin...
His fingers were shaking...light scaring on them. That's normal for any percussion member but...that..if he got kicked out then...
Stop it, Akira. It's none of our business. It's your first week, don't screw it over for yourself. Or Morgana. What did dad say...? Mind yourself, keep your head low, keep Morgana in line...and...ah, see how Tokyo women compare to Kyoto...?
Guess we really are his kid—wait a damn minute where's—
A voice popped up centimeters from his ear, catching him completely off guard as Akira flinched horribly, "Oi, Akira!"
Pushing his brother, Akira angrily scowled at him, "Goddamn it Morgana, what the hell?!"
Morgana started to double over from his laughter, "W-Well I had to get your attention someway! You were completely ignoring me calling you and almost walked completely pass my class!"
The two started to straighten up as sighs came from Akira's mouth, "I almost? Ah, sorry."
Morgana studied his brother's face, noticing the clear fact that something was on his mind, and that it was taking his interest considerably.
"What's on your mind, Akira?" Morgana gave his brother an inquisitive look.
Akira stared at him for realizing that something was off, "What makes you say that?"
"The look on your face, something's on your mind ain't it?" A cheeky smile appeared as Morgana tried to tease, "Lemme guess...it's a girl?"
Akira's face faintly took on a rose tint as he proudly muttered, "I-I don't have any interest in women, anymore brother. You...you should know this."
A sly smile formed on Morgana's face, "Ohoho, still thinking about her aren't you?"
Red spread more through Akira's face, "Please for the love of everything sacred, shut the hell up Morgana."
Morgana brought his hands up in defense as he chuckled, "A-Alright big brother, guess father's advice fell onto deaf ears, huh?"
Akira rubbed his eyes and started to check the time, seeing that lunch was almost over. "Crap, I gotta get back to class."
While scurrying off, Morgana spoke a warning to his brother, "Remember to tell me what's wrong when we go home, Akira. You did promise to stop that whole...brooding thing."
Flashing his brother a smile, Akira stepped back down to the second floor and quickly placed himself back into his seat.
However, Akira wasn't able to focus remotely. His mind, no matter how much he tried to tear away from it, kept launching back to that blond-haired kid.
...That kid...His eyes...maybe I should tell him off. Anyone with those eyes never has a fate worthy of them.
Wait...if he remembers me, then it's possible others in this school might too...
God, please don't let anyone hark on Morgana for last year...seems that everyone at this school is hella involved with the Marching Band spirit.
Who am I kidding? Our luck is horrible.
Focusing up from the pamphlet his teacher handed out about Calculus and the general topics for the whole school year, Akira narrowed his eyes to the person in front of him.
It was a woman, with blond hair?
How many blondes does this school sport? I-
As if Akira's monologue was broadcasted to her, she turned around and saw his glare at her. Had this been any other time, Akira would've been able to just play it off and pretend as if he wasn't staring at the back of her head long enough to drill a whole. This wasn't any other time.
Her beauty shot through Akira like a lance, paralyzing him as his eyes froze onto her skyline colored eyes. Her face baring an innocent expression. For a moment, it even seemed as if she was perplexed by Akira too. Then, with a snap of a finger, her face turned into a scowl.
"Do you need anything?"
Stumbling on his words, Akira was able to piece together, "Uh...uh, n-no?"
"Why are you saying no to me as if I'm supposed to kn—" Her words died out as her face changed once again, this time a look of slight familiarity. "Hey...don't I know you from somewhere, new kid?"
Ah, shit.
Pulling a page from his brother's book, Akira brought up his arms in defense, a nervous expression wracked on his face, "N-No! Not at all! I just have an ordinary face so people usually get me confused with—"
For the first time in months, Akira's luck worked out in his favor. Two things happened simultaneously, one: their teacher screeched at the top of his lungs getting her attention. Two: the bell rang.
Seeing his perfect opportunity, Akira burst out from the classroom and giving the girl little opportunity to realize he was gone before he got a safe distance away.
Moving so fast it seemed as if he teleported floors, Akira took a breather leaning against the wall opposite Morgana's classroom.
O-Oh Jesus.
A chuckle left his mouth as he pondered something.
Heh. My luck isn't so bad after all. That's the first good thing that's happened to me today isn't it? I guess the counter is balanced now.
Good Luck: 1
Bad Luck: -1
Er, wait...that kid...wouldn't he count as bad or—
"Oi, Akira? Are you zoning out again? And why the hell are you breathing so damn hard..." Magically, Morgana appeared, a slightly humorous and concerned look on his face.
Finally piecing together that his brother came, Akira gripped Morgana's wrist and dragged him along downstairs, attempting to stay out of sight of the girl and the boy...considering that it'd be a slim possibility of them forgetting their interest in him that quickly.
For the most part, getting to the base floor of Shujin was easy. Even if Morgana was whining in his ear annoyingly. However, once turning the corner for the final hall at the entrance, a girl stood in his way, as if appearing from nowhere.
A really...
Really...
Beautiful girl.
Even more beautiful than the girl in his class.
It felt as if her azure eyes were burning into his soul passionately. Although Akira lightly felt like a creep thinking this, he noticed that her fragrance reminded him of Kyoto badly. In his mind, he thought her auburn bob-cut was just...so aesthetically pleasing? Akira couldn't comprehend it in his head remotely.
Initially backing off from being too close to Akira's face, she took on a smile while Akira stood utterly dumbfounded by her beauty. Morgana, realizing that his brother was enamored with her, detached himself and walked to his side, whispering, "You're doing that staring thing you always do."
Hearing those words snapped Akira from his trance rather quickly, he hated doing that. Getting his words together, he attempted to speak, "Oh, sorry for getting in your face like that, just that I'm in a—"
"Akira Kurusu? Right? And the one with the bun is Morgana Kurusu?"
The two brothers simultaneously cocked their heads like dogs, with Akira feeling kinda hurt since she said their names as if she needed something from them...and wasn't genuinely smiling at him.
Plus...she barely knew which Kurusu he was...
Akira shook those thoughts from his head and answered, "Yeah, that's us? Why...?"
Her smile, which beamed so much happiness into Akira, brightened a bit more upon his confirmation. Nodding her head, she properly addressed the brothers, "Okay, well, I'm Makoto Niijima. And if you could be so kind as to follow me? I—"
Morgana interrupted her, his inner detective coursing through him, "Uh, sorry but, may I ask why—" Akira strapped his hands over his brother's mouth, shutting him up permanently. Bringing up his left hand for her to continue as he stuttered his words, "Please, we'll help with whatever you need!"
Looking at the brothers with confusion, Makoto nodded with her smile still on her face as she turned around, Akira following behind her like a lapdog. Morgana annoyingly muttered under his breath, "Jesus Christ, Akira...at least she seems to be an improvement." As he paced behind his brother.
Makoto turned around to face them as they approached the steps, a looming man standing at the peak of the stairs, "As I said, my name is Makoto Niijima but..." She raised a hand for the boys to stop as she positioned herself right next to the fairly built man, "I'm the Student Council President, I also play the French horn."
Any sense of enthusiasm drained completely from Akira's face, his smile dropping into something nonexistent as he stared off in the blank space.
Shit.
Makoto started to point towards her left, showcasing the square chin, curly black-haired man. A cocky and almost narcissistic smile on his face. "And to my left is Suguru Kamoshida, our Band Dire—"
Akira raised his arm in resignation as he spoke, "Ah, sorry but I'm not interested." Bringing his arm down, he placed it on Morgana's shoulder as he passed, "Let's go home, little brother."
Walking past, Makoto turned around, yelling in protest as Akira started to blend in with the other hundreds of exhausted and energy-deprived children, "But wait! You're such a great trumpeter—"
Barely audible, Akira replied, "Not interested in band anymore!"
A deep depressing groan flew from her mouth as she grumbled, cursing Akira under her breath. To her surprise, she saw Morgana still standing in front of them. Even Kamoshida was taken aback.
"You-You're still here?" Surprise pulled at her throat.
"Course, but not for long...our train is going to be pulling out soon. So, speak. Also, sorry for my brother's...attitude. Just somethings have been bothering him."
Makoto attempted to speak, "Ah, it's no problem just tell him—"
Kamoshida, for the first time spoke, his voice sickly with smoothness and charm, "Tch, forget about him. I'm enamored with you, Morgana than with your brother. An amazing trombonist to the point you were able to march with proficiency at Tachibana being in your final year of Junior High! I need someone like you with us..." It was as if he injected all of his charisma into that last sentence, the influence disgustingly flowing into Morgana's ears, making him feel uncomfortable.
Hearing talk of Tachibana made his expression lessen, something that Makoto took note of as Morgana scratched the back of his head, "Ah, well I was only able to do that because of the suggestion from Akira...his skills are the only reason why I got to play there considering I wasn't enrolled yet..."
Kamoshida slightly scowled at the mention of Akira, but placed the facade of innocence back on his face as he relentlessly sustained his compliment-fest for Morgana, "You know, it's a real...shame that you had to leave Tachibana before actually experiencing the school..."
"Yeah..."
Holding his hand out, "What do you say? Join us?"
Morgana cleared his throat, walking past his hand attempting to hold the band director to the utmost respect, "I'm sorry, Kamoshida-sensei, but I have to turn you down. Like my brother said, not interested."
As Morgana pulled a trick from his brother's book, he disappeared into the crowd as Kamoshida locked onto him, a glare fierce with anger. "Tch." Clenching his fist, he turned back around, leaving Makoto staring at the disappearing brothers absentmindedly.
Reuniting with his brother, Morgana muttered, "I don't know about you but...I really don't like that guy..."
"That guy, whenever I saw him in the halls would give me a stare. I didn't even know he was the Band Director. Thought it was creepy and weird."
Lazily cocking his head back, Akira spoke, "Well, now you're starting to get why I left, huh?" A toothy grin flashed itself as Morgana gave a humorless laugh.
"Haha, cute." Morgana, oblivious to Akira, mocked him from the back.
"You can't really say anything brother since you let that Makoto girl lead you obviously into—"
Akira angrily jerked his head back, his face beet red, "Please shut up!"
It was his turn to laugh at his brother, each chuckle sending Akira into a state of more annoyance.
"Guess that means you're not thinking of her anymore, huh?"
"Who said I was thinking of her in the first place, Morgana?"
"So...if I were to bring up M-"
"Oh for the love of God, look besides that, today did anyone ask you about the Marching Band?" Akira stopped at the tracks, turning around to see his brother reviewing his memory.
"Hm...well...besides this one Shinya kid asking me questions and all that just around myself in general, nobody asked. Why?"
"I knew that some of the higher band members would come and try to get us, but I didn't think it would be this quick...and...some blond came up to me, during the lunch hour."
Morgana moved to his brother's side, investigating his face as he contemplated his next words, "He was asking me about...helping him take back the Marching Band..."
Confusion welled up in his brother's face, "Wha—"
Akira distantly heard the train roar as it started to grind against the railings, a simple sigh coming from his mouth, "We'll talk about it when we get home, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah. Just remember what I said."
"I know." Casting his eyes down, Akira began to get lost in his thoughts again as he absentmindedly stepped onto the train. Soon enough, he was home.
Well, a temporary home.
A high-rise apartment complex named LeBlanc that he and his little brother would be living in for a while. It really was a generous stroke of luck, considering a friend of his uncle decided to be kind to them and loan them his free apartment, even if they couldn't actually explain why they needed to leave Kyoto.
Just another favor I'll eventually have swallow me up.
Stepping into the elevator, Morgana cleared his throat, "So, what's the deal?"
"We're still not technically home, relax."
"If we're doing technicalities, we're not home anyway, that lies in Kyoto."
A short snort came from Akira, "Smartass. The second we get in, I'll make us some food and I'll tell you. Be patient baby brother."
"You just...love calling me that."
"Of course." The elevator doors pulled themselves open as the two paced to their apartment door, Akira punching the card into the slot and it opened.
For being an 'insignificant' apartment, it sure was marvelous.
Even though the two brothers had been in Tokyo for almost a week at that point, it still was a pleasant surprise for Akira each time he stepped through the front door to be greeted with a high-rise view of the bustling city at large, something that was becoming a bit of a sleep aid for him during his restless nights.
To the left of the view was the living room, which sported two large couches, with a depression in the middle that led to an electric fireplace with a TV mounted above.
Morgana started to pipe up as Akira threw his bag on the couch, "Are you going to tell—"
Pointing directly behind him as he attempted to relax on the couch for a few fleeting seconds, Akira mumbled, "Turn the stove on in the kitchen, put a teapot on, and I'll eventually get around to telling you."
A simple roll of the eyes came from his baby brother, "Even outside of Kyoto...I'm still the slave huh."
"Of course!"
"I hate it here."
"Tough tits, we're going to be here for a bit...so, bitterly learn to love it here."
Flicking the TV on as background fodder, Akira took a glance at his phone.
Empty.
Well, his personal definition of empty.
Nobody, as he could clearly tell, wanted to call nor text him from Tachibana.
Honestly, it wasn't that much of a surprise in hindsight, his reputation and general aura extended far beyond himself to the point people avoided him. Still...there were a few stragglers who broke through all the preconceived notions about him, that were genuinely his friends and he cared for.
At least...he thought they were friends.
At the very least, seeing a message from his father made him feel a tad bit better.
POPS: Hey! I just wanted to text you and see how everything was going! I know today was your first real day at Shujin, so I just wanted to make sure you had your head on straight.
AKIRA: Course! Just now getting to the apartment, making some food for Morgana.
POPS: Are...you actually making food or is he piecing it together?
AKIRA: Uh...
POPS: Haha, good to know things haven't changed. Besides everything, I hope you're at least enjoying the change of scenery. Oh...and did you take my advice about the ladies?
AKIRA: Dad...It's only been one day.
POPS: And?! The indomitable might that is the sex appeal of the Kurusu clan strikes no matter what day it is!
POPS: Please just tell me you got one girl. Please.
AKIRA: Well...kinda...
POPS: Oh thank god, I'll take that kinda, your uncle owes me money now.
AKIRA: Did...did you bet money—oh forget it.
POPS: Ah, crap. I have to go. Your mom is trying to get these records in order. Remember what we talked about. Keep your little brother safe, okay?
AKIRA: Course.
Dropping his phone on the couch, Akira popped up and hopped into the kitchen.
Morgana was sitting at the counter table, his hands fiddling away at his screen, something that intrigued Akira.
"Who are you having fun texting over there?"
The younger boy eyed his brother as he chuckled, "Nobody really. Just...looking at something."
"And that something is?" Akira grabbed two glasses, placing them on the counter as he plopped tea bags into them. Annoyance started to faintly paint his face as his glasses became fogged from the steam of the pot.
"Well, that can be explained the moment we talk about this kid you met earlier."
Pouring the tea, an exasperated sigh slid from his mouth, "Fine."
Akira slid Morgana's cup across the table, his brother gripping it with ease.
"Okay. This blond kid waltzes into my class, completely out of the blue, while knowing my name mind you, and asks about taking back the marching band."
"Blond...wasn't—"
"Yeah, he's the one we helped at the train station. But, he was at Nationals last year. He was the percussion section leader I think."
Morgana took a light sip of his tea as he composed his thoughts, "So, I'm assuming after Nationals...he got cut or something?"
Akira's eyes became downtrodden as he revisited the light thoughts he had as he strolled the halls of Shujin, "Well..."
Curiosity tugged at Morgana's voice, "Well what?"
"I don't think so. Sure, he was vulgar and kinda easy to anger, but he was keeping that under wraps. It seemed he was coming from a place of sincerity. And..."
"And? Stop twisting my balls man!"
"The look in his eyes. It was pleading. Rebellious. Almost like—"
"You?"
Akira circled his finger around the rim of his glass as he quietly replied, his hair covering his eyes from his brother, "Yes."
The two sat in momentarily silence, the other apprehensive to state the next thought on their mind.
Eventually, Morgana took a deep breath and sighed, "You should check out his offer."
Taking a sip from his tea, Akira quickly replied, "Hell no." Though that quickness came to bite his ass since he partially burned his tongue.
"Why not?!"
"Because, hell no. I'm not doing anything again to put you in danger Morgana."
"Who says there's going to be any danger to me? C'mon, don't tell me the mighty frizzy hair is afraid?"
"When it comes to you? Yes. It's not affecting you so...why should I care?" Placing his glass back on the table, Akira grabbed the key card and walked towards the door. "That moral fiber got us in this situation in the first place."
Morgana opened his mouth as if he had more words to speak with a fiery temperament but held his tongue. Dejectedly, Morgana gave Akira an audible grunt of agreement as he glanced at him with a thinly veiled hint of disappointment and maybe...resentment?
Akira couldn't figure it out as he watched him shuffle off to his room. Like always, he couldn't argue against Akira. Or wouldn't.
Akira couldn't tell which one and wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
Mindlessly walking through the streets of Tokyo, Akira found himself in the middle of station square. It wasn't a purposeful effort, he just needed to get out before Morgana started sulking around.
He always hated that, ever since they were kids. It was the easiest way for Morgana to bait him into doing something. This time? He couldn't allow for his little brother to have his way. This...this was different. Serious. Too serious.
Why doesn't Morgana understand that? I'm not the asshole, am I? No, I'm not. I'm valid. Course I am. We make the same mistake as before and then what? No where else to go...no future...nothing.
It's not affecting him. So, I have no reason to care.
Idiotically, Akira bumped into a girl.
Ah shit.
"My apologies, my mind was wondering—" As if the fear of God was struck into him, Akira spotted a twirling baton clattering against the floor. With Shujin branded wrapping tape around it.
Oh no.
Hiding his face, Akira quickly turned around and started speed-walking the opposite way.
Yeah. My luck is bad. An auxiliary member? Today? Right now? And so...my counter is currently:
Good Luck: 1
Bad Luck -2
Ooh, well that's nothing new.
Politely, or as politely as one can be while brushing and stumbling into people, Akira slithered down into the underground mall.
I probably broke her baton. Shit.
Slouching against one of the pillars, he started to take a moment to simply breathe. Finally being free of his overthinking thoughts around Morgana, he deserved a simple breather.
Before Akira could even consider walking back home, another girl popped into his face. For a split second, he thought it was the girl from earlier since she had a baton too, but this girl was different.
Well, the look in her eyes was different.
She was somber. Tired, exhaustion and drained. Despite all of that, she met him with a sincere smile.
In all honesty, it made him a little nervous.
The girl began ruffling with her raven-colored hair, her ponytail a little mess as she attempted to seam words together, "Hi!"
"Uh...hi?"
"I just...wanted to talk."
Confusion stitched itself onto Akira's face, "About?"
"You're that transfer student right? The one from Kyoto?"
Quickly, a flat expression formed, "Yeah, yeah, what is it now?"
"I'm not going to try and have you join us or anything, I just wanted to know how your day was?"
An apprehensive glare stared her in the face, but Akira couldn't hold it for long. Her smile was too sweet and sincere, and besides all of that...he couldn't help but notice her wrists had bruises. It was as if someone kept gripping them as if to pull her towards something.
Please don't pay it any mind. Please.
Straightening up his posture, he spoke, "Well...it was okay. Course nobody wanted to talk to the 'trumpeter who helped boot Shujin from Nationals', but besides that, it felt like any old day."
That ending portion made her smile gleam even more, "Oh? Does Shujin actually compare remotely to Kyoto Tachibana?"
For the first time in a while, a genuine chuckle came from his mouth, "Oh, well you guys could do a little better when it comes to recruitment, but I'd say you might even be better than Kyoto."
"That's good..." Her eyes drooped for a bit as she paused, "I just wanted to say...this energy you have, it's good. I'm not sure why you came here, but I hope you cherish your experiences in Tokyo. And...no matter who or what may try to mess with you, keep your head up and stay strong."
Admittedly, Akira felt like this was an ominous warning, which harshly contrasted against her entire demeanor until then.
"Before I go...I just want to ask, what's your name?"
She perked up a little bit, "Little old me? Suzui Shiho. I'm a majorette, as you can tell."
As if on cue, a voice calling Shiho's name echoed through the underground mall.
"Ah, I can tell you're needed. But, Suzui-san...why—"
The voice before came close, a woman it belonged to, "Shiho you won't believe how some douchbag just ran off after making—"
And now;
Good Luck: 1
Bad Luck: -3
Pulling a page from when he helped the blond kid onto the train, Akira quickly dipped. Leaving Suzui a little confused as her best friend came up behind the pillar.
"Are you okay?"
Shiho snapped her attention back to her friend, Ann Takamaki, becoming a quick blubbering mess, "Oh—Oh I'm fine! B-But what were you saying?"
Ann eyed her with apprehension but continued on. Shiho was vaguely paying attention as her mind lingered about elsewhere.
Keep on rocking on, transfer student.
Akira annoyingly hopped onto a train back to Morgana since that blond girl blocked his usual walking route back. Trains and Akira never really got along, which is why he was incredibly thankful for the random path he carved out one day last week with Morgana.
They quite honestly made his stomach sick, while simultaneously striking the fear of God in him with each screeching halt of the breaks.
Usually, Akira would definitely use his phone to distract himself, but sadly his performative antics with his younger brother meant he forgot to grab his phone once he left.
Though technically, this would prove to be a blessing in disguise.
As he clutched his stomach with the strength of a thousand monks, a foot tapped against his. Catching his attention, Akira looked to the source of the tap to see a woman. Seemingly around his age, she had floofy auburn hair. Her legs were covered by these plain tights with a sporadic black flower design decorating them.
There were two things that caught Akira's eye, her Shujin uniform which sported a pink sort of turtleneck cardigan on top of everything else, and her face.
Though that Makoto girl's beauty was something genuinely unparalleled for Akira, this girl...she...she was close.
While Makoto's eyes had this sort of burning passion and intensity that both scared you and enraptured you, this woman's eyes were sobering. As if they would reach out to you whenever you were lost, and filled you with sincerity, happiness, and a love to remind you everything was truly alright.
Which was something Akira could've used a little more of.
She spoke first, "Sorry, are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah! Of course I am!" He gripped his stomach a little harder.
"Are...you sure? Your face is a little...green."
"W-What?!"
A giddy giggle came from her mouth, her smile genuine.
All of these adorable smiles today...maybe that Kurusu sex appeal is a thing.
Or maybe I'm just a blubbering pitiful idiot that women can't help but laugh at?
"I'm kidding...but I'm assuming you're new?"
"Oh...yeah, today was my first day."
A little disappointment flattened her face, "I don't think you understand, I was asking if you just moved to Tokyo?"
Akira felt a little flustered, Ah crap I am one.
"Right...yeah, I'm originally from Yamashina. Never really liked trains there, as you can tell it translated to here as well."
An inquisitive look came onto her face, her interest clearly peeved, "Yamashina ward? Hm..."
"Huh?"
Waving her hands, she continued, "I'm sorry, where are my manners? My name is Haru!"
"H-Haru? Wait but what's—"
"Aht! That's not important now! My name is Haru, and I'm a Third-Year at Shujin! So, I'd assume I'm your senpai correct?" Haru leaned on her final word, Akira finally catching on as this was meant to prompt him into saying his full name.
"Oh! Sorry, I'm Akira Kurusu and you are correct senpai, I'm a Second-Year."
"Kurusu-kun...it has a nice ring to it. But, you don't have to call me senpai, Haru is just fine."
Another sincere smile.
"Haru...that's nice."
Annoyingly, before Akira or Haru could continue their conversation, the train came to another sickening halt, signifying his time was coming to an end.
"Ah man, I'm sorry Haru, my stop is coming up. Maybe...maybe we can continue this tomorrow?"
"Hm...I'd love that, Kurusu-kun. You're...interesting. How about...the garden, after school?"
A giddy idiotic smile formed on his face Akira hopped up, "Interesting huh? The garden then."
Pacing rather quickly back towards the apartment, Akira's mind raced with many thoughts.
Interesting? Is that a good thing or—
For being an idiot, I did pretty well!
Unless...this is the infamous Kurusu sex appeal?! Father...you have much to teach me in the ways of wooing women with idiocy!
Though...again, she probably just finds that endearing and not actually...sex appealing...ish? I have no idea what I'm even saying.
Maybe...maybe Tokyo isn't so bad after all.
Ah! My dumbass forgot to get her contact information! Damn it!
Shuffling back into the apartment, Akira chuckled silently to himself, "Morgana! You won't believe the walk I just had!"
Turning around from closing the door, instead of being greeted by his annoyingly endearing little brother, Akira got a sandwich to the face.
"What the hell?!"
"You asshole! You were gone for two hours without your phone! I was worried!"
Chuckling like a blissful idiot, Akira scratched the back of his head as he apologized, "But that's not the point, I gotta tell you something!"
"What?"
"I have a little...meeting? No...hangout? Yeah, a hangout with this really, really cute girl named Haru!"
"Oro? Wait what?"
"Yeah, I met her on the train while on my way back. She's this third year apparently...wouldn't tell me her last name, though."
Before getting lost in his thoughts, Akira noticed his brother grumbling, "You okay over there?"
"Yeah, yeah. Damn it, I owe Dad 1.586 yen..."
"You can't be serious."
"I know right? Draining his poor son of—"
"I hate all of you." Akira started to pace off toward his room as he retrieved his phone, with Morgana lazily picking his sandwich off the floor.
"Really quickly, you gonna eat this?"
Perplexed, Akira turned around, "The dirty sandwich with a side of Akira Kurusu's face in it? Hell no!"
"Good. Besides, we need more food tomorrow...I'm starvinggggg. Especially for some sushi..."
Halfway inside his room, his voice started to rang out, "Yeah yeah."
Flopping onto his bed, Akira glanced at his phone sparingly. Yet again, he was greeted to the blankness of his UI.
Haru...
Just as he was planning on dozing off, a text from his father sent momentary waves of adrenaline through his body.
POPS: Before I rest up for the night, I just wanted to remind you of that little notebook I sent with you! To write down your thoughts all that, remember?
Propping himself up, Akira grabbed around on his work desk as he felt the notebook. Digging for one of his school pens, he began to date the first page.
April 12th, 202X - "Pretty simple day. Keeping true to Dad's promise. Having a meeting with a girl tomorrow for fun. Seems cute and sincere.
I'm not distracting myself. (Right?)"
Throwing the notebook aside, the fatigue quickly began to take place.
The counter should change now...considering Shiho too..and the train also...
Good Luck: 3
Bad Luck: -4
That's about right...
...I'm not, right?
Right..
Tuesday, April 13th.
Shujin felt...weird.
Weirder than yesterday.
Morgana didn't notice, or well, didn't want to notice. Akira on the other hand? It was apparent the second he stepped into Aoyama-Itchome. Frankly, it was making him feel pure unease.
Though that unease started to fade away when thoughts of Haru danced across his mind.
Today was going to be a good day, he just needed to remember that.
A simple sigh came from Morgana, "Akira?"
"Hm?"
"You gonna talk to that kid today?"
Oh c'mon, Morgana I was just thinking normally!
"And why would I do that?"
"I mean, even if we are declining every aspect of 'Operation Take back' from Blondie, you still have to be nice and do it formally after all. Be graceful, or else he'll think of you as a delinquent."
A short chuckle bursted from Akira as they reached the third floor, "I don't think he'd really care if I was or wasn't one."
Morgana stopped in front of his homeroom just as he spun around to his elder brother, "Look, all I'm saying is to present yourself with style and grace. We have a complete and full restart so...why not change your image? You don't have to still be that trumpeter from Kyoto with the menacing energy, after all."
A simple dismissive wave came from Akira as a tiresome yawn slid from his mouth, "Yeah, yeah."
"Just think about it."
Migrating toward his homeroom, Akira was left alone.
For some strange reason, he felt as if a million eyes were peering into his soul.
He hated that feeling. It was like Kyoto all over again.
But why would it be like Kyoto again?
As he paced down the stairs towards his homeroom, a few whispers stuck out to him.
"Didn't you hear?"
"He left Kyoto due an assault?"
"Word is he has a murderous rage in him if you let it get to that point."
"I heard he has weapons in his bag."
For a moment, Akira froze. From all the presences he felt on the second floor, there was a menacing one. Pure malice...pure lust and control.
Almost like—
Kamoshida.
Their eyes met as Akira stared at him.
Even though he was talking to a student, Ann Takamaki, his face was contorted with sheer and disgusting...pleasure.
And Akira couldn't tell if it was from him or Ann, but he was reveling in it.
He caused this.
He needed to pay.
Those two thoughts bounced and reverberated through Akira's mental space as he checked out mentally through the day. Kawakami, Chuno, and his other teachers for the day luckily barely called on him. In fact...it felt purposeful. As if he was a disgusting vile creature that didn't deserve any sort of sympathy.
It, simply, was Kyoto all over again.
Just a different coat of paint.
There...there's no reason anyone should know.
It's not on my record.
That was the deal.
That...devil's deal.
SHIT! GODDAMN IT-
"Hey!" A voice sobered Akira up. It was the blond kid from yesterday standing in front of his desk, again.
He didn't have time for this.
"What?"
"You were zonin' out when I came in...from the looks of it, seems like it's been that way before lunch even started...you okay dude?"
Guess I was on the mark about that whole caring thing.
"Y-Yeah...but look—"
"Scratch that, I came here to tell you my name. It's Ryuji Sakamoto, kinda realized yesterday how rude it must've been for me to know yours and you didn't know me at all."
"Sakamoto-san, huh?"
"Ew, screw all that bullshit, just call me Ryuji."
"Right...look, I was meaning to talk to you today either way...I don't really think we got off on the right foot yesterday."
Ryuji brought up one of his hands and chuckled, "Nah, I completely get it. New place, new school, thrown to the wolves...you're all good in my book."
He's oddly endearing, I'll tell you that.
"Thanks. But even considering that...I don't think I can help you with your...little plan."
Ryuji's eyes dimmed a little, his voice taking on a sadder tone, "Oh..."
It honestly made Akira a bit guilty.
Before he could say anything, a bump pushed Ryuji onto Akira, "Ah, what the hell man?!"
Ryuji turned around to meet eyes with Ann.
"Takamaki...s-sorry."
Akira, remembering her as the girl from last night and the one he ran out on yesterday, quickly covered his face with his book.
"Idiots...the both of you. Guess you don't have that temper anymore, Sakamoto?"
Silence cut through Ryuji like a danger.
This was weird, even if Akira only knew him for a combined three minutes.
Walking off, Ann whispered under her breath, "Pathetic."
Faintly, Ryuji agreed.
What the hell?
"...You just gonna take that Ryuji? Seriously?"
What little energy he had after Akira's rejection was completely gone, drained of him. "It's nothin' man. Don't think about it."
Seriously, what the hell?!
Akira shot up from his seat, and paced after Takamaki.
He genuinely didn't know why he was making a big deal out of this. Why did he care? There was no reason nor point.
Ryuji was just some kid he just met. Some kid was an asshole to. Some reckless kid with an ambitious eye for setting things right.
He was that kid.
"Takamaki-san!"
"Dude, it's whatever, just let it go!"
Ryuji I really can't.
Not until I see something.
She turned around, rather quick, "What? I have somewhere to go."
"I..." Shit, uh... "I just want you to apologize, is all."
"Apologize?"
Ryuji's voice came from behind Akira, sort of serving as a manifestation of his greater inhibitions telling him this was stupid, "Akira, it's nothing man—"
"Of course you don't care." Another whisper came from under her breath as he turned, "You never did."
Akira flicked his head back to Ryuji, clearly seeing another repeat of earlier.
Seriously, Ryuji?! C'mon man!
Slowly, for some reason, a crowd started to form around the three of them.
I guess this must be the most excitement Shujin gets, huh? Seemingly, two delinquents and a woman? Riveting stuff.
Out of reflex, Akira grabbed Ann's arm, "Takamaki-san! That's way out of—"
Akira noticed two things.
One: grabbing her wrist caused her to wince in pain.
Two: pulling her wrist caused her jacket to shift. To which he saw bruises on her shoulder. Almost just like Suzui.
Bingo.
Oh, there was also a third thing. A slap.
Oh shit.
It was fast, too fast for Akira to register. In any other situation, he might've dodged it, but being a sleuth was throwing his game off. Plus, he was...emotionally invested in this as opposed to his usual self.
The slap echoed throughout the halls of Shujin, seemingly through Aoyama-Itchome at large.
For a second, Akira couldn't taste anything in his mouth. Besides the faint taste of blood as he tumbled backwards into Ryuji's arms.
Out of nowhere, Morgana slid to his brother on the ground, "Akira! Who—" Upon locking eyes with Ann, and piecing it together, he...became rather enraptured easily. "What a beautiful...girl..."
She looked at Morgana as if he was delusional and walked off, seemingly towards Suzui.
Shaking his love-filled gaze off, Morgana quickly swapped his attention back to his brother, "Akira? Are you okay?"
"C'mon man, I told you to leave it!" Ryuji gazed at Morgana and stuck a hand out, "Hey, I'm Ryuji by the way."
"Oh, the blondie. Cool."
A simple chuckle came from Akira as he wiped the little blood from his mouth, using Ryuji as a crutch to regain his sense of balance.
I'm sorry Haru.
"Ryuji."
"Hm?"
"My mind is clear. I'm in. You too, Morgana?"
"Finally...and you already know the answer to that."
For a second, it took Ryuji to properly process everything. To which he replied, "For real?!"