"She slapped you because of that?" Morgana passed Akira an ice pack as he took a seat on the roof, there was a random assortment of chairs and a table by the ventilation system.
His brother, still wincing from the slap even though it took place hours ago, thanked him as he took the ice pack. "Yeah. I mean, I deserved it. Both because I was escalating the situation and I was using her as a way to confirm my suspicion."
Ryuji, who was closing the door behind them leading from the stairway, perked up, "Suspicion? Whaddya mean?"
Flinching a bit from the harsh cold of the pack, Akira flicked his head back towards Ryuji, "Well...last night, I met this girl named Suzui-san."
"Suzui?! For real? Talk about a stroke of luck..."
Morgana, from his seat, spoke with confusion, "Wait, Akira I thought you met—"
"Nevermind that, anyway, Suzui...she was talking to me and being kind. I kept noticing her bruises on her wrist. Then...Takamaki-san came up. I...kinda knocked the baton from her hand and ran off. I guess she caught wind of my face. Damn."
Ryuji chuckled as he walked up beside him, "So, that's why she called you an idiot too."
"Yeah, yeah but that's not the point. Takamaki-san came up, and I left. I figured they must've been good friends since they were out together after practice. Thing is...this morning...I pieced two things together."
Ryuji plopped down into a chair as Akira stared the two boys in their eyes, tapping his fingers on the table as he fully pieced together his thoughts, "The first thing I realized was...these rumors about me."
"Rumors?" Morgana, to Akira's surprise, was still in the dark about them.
"Oh yeah...I've heard about those. Gotta tell ya, didn't think you were like that at all, Akira. Seems there's two delinquents here."
"Delinq—"
Akira cut him off, "Well..." A sigh came from him, slightly releasing all of the frustration he felt over the previous month, "The fact of the matter is, these rumors shouldn't even exist. The reasoning behind my transfer in the first place shouldn't be known, not even to the faculty, except for Kobayakawa..."
"Unless that bastard Kamoshida found out. Knowin' how that egg-shaped bastard treats old golden boy, he probably told him free of charge. But...why tell?"
Morgana groaned, finally realizing it, "He was always planning on leaking it, one way or another to keep you in his pocket. And after yesterday, with you boldly rejecting him in public with Niijima-senpai looking on, he let it loose." A frustrated chuckle came from Morgana as he rose from his chair to lean against the fence at the roof's edge, a faint whisper came from his lips, "And here we are again."
Akira eyed his brother with reserved pity as Ryuji smashed his fist onto the table, "That—THAT'S 'EFFIN BULLSHIT!"
"Relax Ryuji. Bullshit is nothing new for us."
"Really? And here I thought you smug assholes at Kyoto were picture perfect." A silly grin came from the dyed blond as he leaned back in his chair, "Though, that ain't the truth, or else you wouldn't be here, right?"
"Good to see you still have that passionate rivalry with Tachibana."
"You're telling me you don't have some sort of reserved feelings, still?"
"The most I feel is irritation from Kamoshida stirring crap up that'll bite my brother in the ass just because I said no to his band. Besides that? I feel nothing."
"Ah...do you just really want to put everythin' behind you? Even after we get this bastard?"
Pulling the ice pack from his face, Akira softened as he stared into the sun-kissed sky, "Sometimes the past needs to die, and you need to atone."
A somber chuckle came from Ryuji, "You're alright Kurusu. I can tell we'll get along well as the 'delinquents of Shujin Academy'."
"Same goes to you, even if you were in the band last year."
Morgana's whining cut through their banter with ease, "Okay, this is fine and all, but what about what you were saying Akira? I don't think we have the luxury of fooling around, brother."
Brother? He's frustrated, isn't he?
"Right. The rumors have to be through Kamoshida. I'm not sure how, but it's due to him. The second thing I realized beamed itself into my brain the second I saw him in the halls, he was talking to Takamaki-san. Then, it clicked that I needed to confirm my suspicion somehow, and you, my dear Ryuji, presented that opportunity."
"Huh. So, that's why you decided on helpin'? Sure, you had a naggin' suspicion in your mind, but why help?"
"Like I said, Kamoshida's stirring up shit that's gonna affect Morgana over there. I don't care when it comes to me...but him? He doesn't deserve to get mixed up in my affairs." Akira stared Ryuji right in his eyes as he spoke again, "And...you're like me."
"Huh?"
"That is a story for another time. But, since I'm finally agreeing to this, what's your plan to take back the band?"
An aloof expression came onto Ryuji's face as he nervously chuckled, "Right...I didn't really expect to get this far...this was a crazy random idea that got in my brain due to learnin' about you."
A groan came from Morgana, "Idiot..."
"Hey!"
Akira raised a hand to temper Ryuji and Morgana, "Okay, okay." He took a hefty breath, "What information do we have?"
A contemplative hand placed itself on Ryuji's chin, "Well...we know that Kamoshida is like a king when it comes to them now."
Akira pulled a chair up to the table and sighed, "Which means they're airtight."
"Well, you were in the band, any information you think could be helpful?"
Rocking his chair forward, Ryuji laughed, "That's just it, Kamoshida ain't start actin' like this until February really..."
"Wait, what?" The two brothers eyed Ryuji with genuine surprise.
"You thought he started after Nationals didn't you?"
"I mean...can you blame us? It makes the most logical sense."
"Yeah...well, he took the blowout at Nationals just fine if I'm bein' honest. Or seemed to. By the time February came, he just started...actin' different. Then...by the time I realized somethin' was up, it was too late." Ryuji rubbed his right hand, something Akira noticed with ease.
"Then what can we do? Morgana, you got anything?"
Morgana nervously chuckled as he looked his older brother in the eye, "Uh...I could just...join?"
A blank expression covered Akira as he stared.
On the other hand, Ryuji screeched in confusion, "What?!"
"I mean, it's not a terrible idea, right?"
"You're 'effin with me, right? Kamoshida isn't just going to let you after leaking Akira's record!"
"You got too much dip on your chip, blondie."
"Can you stop calling me that?! And how the hell do you expect to get in?"
"Akira embarrassed Kamoshida by rejecting him, leading him to leak it. But me? I'm fresh. I have nothing at all for him to use against me. And...I treated him with respect when I left yesterday. I had a feeling it might come in handy. My brother is a little too...reckless sometimes."
A subtle chuckle came from Akira as Morgana took that as a sign of agreement.
"I can just try to join tomorrow, right?"
Ryuji flicked his head back towards Akira, "You seriously ain't goin' along with this, are you?! Akira, talk some sense into your brother!"
Akira had his face hidden in his palm as he chuckled once again, his head rising from Ryuji's appeal.
The harsh and cold glare he gave Morgana froze the air. Trepidation electrified the air, even partially giving Ryuji the shivers.
Morgana, collapsing under the visual pressure, dropped his head.
Akira hopped up from his chair, "Good," turning to Ryuji, he plopped a hand on his shoulder, seemingly returning the heat to his body, "Look, this is a work in progress."
"R-Right."
Quickly eyeing his brother, he continued, "Which means we have to be patient. We just started this whole...operation. The goal is to get that bastard Kamoshida out of here. We have the whole year, so we can't be reckless or stupid, alright?"
Morgana scuffed as he walked past, "You could take your own advice, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah. Go home, Morgana. I have the spare card."
"Yeah. Get home safe, brother."
The clang of the door closing masked the roof in silence. Eventually, Akira paced over to the fence and pulled a peg from his brother's book.
Ryuji spoke first, as he slid up beside him on the railing, "Whaddya wanna know?"
"Why did you get kicked out?"
He eyed Akira with a grin, "Why did you leave Kyoto?"
"Fair."
Leaning off the fence, Ryuji yawned and stretched, "Screw sittin' here, you wanna go get some ramen? I know this great spot in Ogikubo."
"I'm down, haven't eaten all day..."
A massive slurp came from Ryuji's lips as he monstrously consumed his ramen.
Honestly, it was a little offputting to Akira.
Jeez...he eats so...chaotically.
Ryuji flopped his head to the side, "Mhat's hrong?" Swallowing another bulk of noodles, his speech cleared up. "Sorry 'bout that, I was sayin' what's wrong?"
Akira placed his bowl down, staring at the ramen juice as it sloshed around. "It's nothing really."
Ryuji eyed him with skepticism and went back to his bowl, "So, we should get to know each other yeah?"
"Hm...if that's the case, then what's up with you and Takamaki-san?"
A slight jolt went through Ryuji, causing the ramen to burn his tongue. Violent coughs went through him as Akira profusely apologized and slid him his cold bottle of water.
Quickly gulping the bottle down, Ryuji took a second to try to manifest an answer, "Well, nothin' really. I just knew her from junior high. Same with Suzui-san. Kinda just drifted away once we came to Shujin."
"Even with you three in the band together?"
A little snort came from his mouth, "Akira, you know auxiliary and instrumentalists don't...have the healthiest relationships. Two separate realms."
"Yeah, sure. But the interaction between the two of you? That isn't just dismissal and nonchalance. That's something else."
A sigh came from Ryuji, "Why do you really want to know? This isn't gonna help us get to know each other dude! Let's talk about...I dunno, our favorite games?"
...He's right. I'm still in detective mode. Damn it.
Grabbing his bowl once again, Akira started to munch down on, "Right. Sorry, Ryuji." Swallowing his noodles, he continued, "Games huh? Hm...you know, Stories of Vesperia is pretty good. I finally got around to it last year since the definitive edition came out. It's pretty charming."
A groan came from Ryuji's mouth, "You're a JRPG type of dude? Oh, man..."
"That's bad?"
"No, no...just that I've never actually tried one."
"Ha, maybe one day I'll let you borrow it."
"Probably gonna be a waste of time, I'd play it one time and then forget all about it."
"A terrible attention span? You really are a percussionist."
"Former percussionist."
"Once a percussionist, always a percussionist. Don't feel bad, I'm still a trumpeter even though I haven't touched my trumpet in months..."
Hearing a mention of his musical past, Ryuji perked up, "Speakin' of trumpets, did you even bring yours?"
"Nope."
Too fast.
"You really are serious about that whole lettin' the past go. Still wish I could."
"The difference is your past is still affecting your present and future. Once that's done, I'll teach you Akira Kurusu's 'Electric Relaxation' guide."
"That a reference to somethin'?"
Flatness formed on Akira's face, "Ah man, forget it. But worry about that letting the past go stuff later. Kamoshida is our goal, so he needs all our focus."
Besides, you're better than me.
"Right. And my favorite game is Dragoon Sphere Brawlerz."
"Oh?"
By the time Akira back to LeBlanc, it was dark. On his floor, there weren't even lights on. The conversation with Ryuji dragged on longer than he could've expected. The two spent hours talking about Dragoon Sphere Brawlerz, or DSBZ for short, knowledge. It jumped from technical knowledge, mix-ups, combos, frame data, and even optimal "Touches of Death" they discovered during their tenures with the game.
Ryuji may seem like an idiot sometimes, but good god he seems like a monster at Brawlerz...
Slotting the card in the lock, the door sprung open to coat him in darkness.
Great. No celebratory welcome?
A sigh came from Akira as he continued on his one-way trek towards his room. Even if it wasn't his room, it did make him feel at peace.
Momentarily at least.
After everything that had happened that day, ending it with a geeky session of fighting game lingo and peace of mind in his room was utterly perfect.
Even if his mind was lingering.
April 13th- "In theory...does that mean...oh what's her name? Ah, Niijima-senpai. Does that mean she's been engulfed in this whole thing too?
No, no...wrong thing to think about.
Just what is the range of Kamoshida's actions...?
If I can figure that out, then maybe it'll be easier to get information? Is it mainly just emotional? Are Suzui-san and Takamaki-san exceptions? If so, what baggage does he have on them? If that's the case...then, I should try to feel around those two, see if I can dig up anything. Maybe ask around? See if Ryuji might know anything?"
Akira grumbled as his mind bounced with more possibilities.
One thing was for sure in his mind though.
No recklessness. Not anymore.
Oh shit.
RECKLESSNESS LED YOU TO BLOW OFF HARU!
AND YOU HAVE NO WAY OF CONTACTING HER! AHHH, YOU GOTTA EXPLAIN EVERYTHING TOMORROW!
Wait how the hell do I even—
"Hi Haru, I'm so sorry for standing you up, I have to enact this plan of bringing down a douchebag band director?"
No, no, this would be better, "Hi Haru, I got slapped by a girl to pry information and confirm my hunch so I could plan on taking down Kamoshida out of moral obligation and slight revenge for leaking my past!"
Oh god! My record...I guess I don't have to worry about that any more...she probably heard about it and stood me up. That's...ironic.
Annoyingly, for the rest of the night, Akira kept shuffling in his sleep.
Wednesday, April 14th
Morgana left early.
Giving him his own card was truly one of Akira's greatest mistakes. Honestly, he really didn't have a problem with it, just that he could've left a little note is all.
Taking a thermos of green tea with him to fight off his exhaustion, Akira narrowly made it onto the train.
With no seat of course.
Somehow, Ryuji lucked out and met up with him. In Akira's opinion, it seemed he got the shit end of the sleeping stick also.
"Didn't get enough sleep also?"
"That obvious, huh? Nah, I was tryin' to implement the stuff you told me last night in Brawlerz...you?"
Taking an extended sip, an utterly drained smirk came to his face, "That, my friend, is a very irritating story."
Ryuji waved his hand as he yawned, "Oh man, yeah I don't wanna hear that," though a simple sigh came afterward, "but...what's the plan today?"
Before Akira could answer, harking back to Monday, a girl bumped into him.
Her scarlet hair brushed against him as she turned around, his eye quickly latched on her ponytail. It wasn't remotely special, besides being visually appealing, but it was wrapped up in this crimson ribbon.
Honestly, it caught his attention so much he didn't even notice her beaming red eyes. Her bangs were short enough to freely release the intoxicating hypnosis her eyes held.
They weren't like Makoto's, where the fiery nature in them made him want to submit and utterly become her slave. This girl's gaze made him feel...warm and sublime.
"S-sorry! I just tried to get up from my seat!"
"Ah, no worries, no need to apologize."
A quick nod came from her, "Thank you senpai."
"S-senpai? Why—"
"You're a second-year aren't you? That's what the pin on your shirt says?"
Quickly, Akira took a glance at her lower body to piece together she was a first-year, completed with her very own Shujin uniform.
"Right...but again, no worries." A warming smile appeared from his junior as he turned back to Ryuji, who was clearly struggling with both his disgust of trains and lack of sleep, "Ryuji...?"
A quick shake came from Ryuji as he let loose a few ripples of yawns, "I'm fine, I'm fine. Just...let me know what we're going to do today...so I can just focus on that, instead of bullshit assignments."
"Ryuji I don't think school assignments should—oh forget it."
"Speaking of carin' about school...where's your brother?"
Another drawn-out sip meant another silent answer for Ryuji to grasp.
"Oh, for real?"
"Yup."
"Yeesh."
Before either one of them could say anything more, the duo heard the girl's voice again. This time seemingly pleading.
To the left of the crimson-colored girl was an older lady who was attempting to usher her from any more attempts to wake up a businessman in a deep slumber.
Akira and Ryuji shuffled up, with the former speaking first, "Excuse me ma'am, but, what seems to be the problem?"
"This nice young lady here gave up her seat for me and he slipped in instead. It's not a big problem I assu-"
"Want me to wake him up?"
"No, it's fine!"
A sigh came from the younger girl, "I suppose I can't really blame him either...I'm sorry ma'am."
Seeing that the both of them weren't needed, the two boys continued with their mindless talk until they approached Shujin's steps.
"Look Ryuji, I just have two simple goals today. Figure out if Kamoshida has any performances coming up...and if we can find out anything remotely about Takamaki-san and Suzui-san."
Straight confusion appeared, "Wh-what? If it's anything remotely just ask me—"
"Yeah, and I will. But first... as you said, you haven't been connecting like that since high school started? So, your knowledge is limited to junior high. Maybe...maybe there's someone who knows something, and I'll take that route first before exhausting your memory banks."
Ryuji dropped his head in an attempt to think, "Yeah...you're right. Though I'm not sure how many people will try to speak to us, considering we're both feared delinquents now."
A little chuckle from the both of them as Ryuji cast an eye towards Shujin, walking up the stairs as he waved goodbye, "You know you should really text Morgana!"
Right...
AKIRA: Hey, just wanted to let you know the plan for today is to either find out any sort of information about Takamaki or Suzui, doesn't matter what.
MORGANA: Okay.
Yeesh. The harshness is there.
AKIRA: Also, you have to go around for some information about any upcoming events with the band too. Should be a little easier considering you aren't being branded a delinquent like Ryuji and me.
MORGANA: K.
He truly can be an asshole like his older brother. Damn it.
For the first half of the day, nothing was eventful. Ryuji got nothing but pure static from everyone he came across.
Akira didn't fare any better. Honestly, his approach was even worse. Once stepping into class, it dawned on him that attempting to piece together any information on the band, especially Takamaki and Suzui, was a surefire path towards another slapping. Perhaps Akira was a bit overzealous on how much being a known delinquent and in the same class as her would affect his plans.
After an arduous wait, lunch came and Akira slid out of his seat, finally releasing the annoying reservation he was displaying as to not draw any attention from Takamaki-san.
Before he could meet with Ryuji, an exhausted voice called for him as he stepped foot outside the door.
Kawakami.
Awkwardly, Akira pivoted on his heel to meet her as she paced up behind him. She hadn't spoken to him since well...ever. Besides the introduction on the first day, she paid him no mind. Especially moreso since his record leaked.
"Hi...Kawakami-sensei? What do I owe this rare occurrence?"
Being taller than her, his gaze started to wander. The bags under her eyes gently complimented her features, something Akira had come to appreciate from an attraction standpoint since their first meeting.
Man if only she wasn't a teacher...
Wait.
Ew.
That's weird.
"Ha. Very funny. I just...hear some worrying things recently."
"Like my fight club record?"
Kawakami very vocally stuttered on her words, before airing out a sigh, "Yes. I wish Kobayakawa-san would've told me instead of dumping you on me..."
"Yeesh. Harsh, but I guess that's nothing new."
A slight winch came from her as if she was faltering.
Huh?
"Is that all? Just called me to get some venting off?"
"N-no, I just wanted to say I've heard you've been hanging with Sakamoto-kun lately."
"Right...don't want two monstrous delinquents terrorizing the hall—"
"Look, Kurusu-kun, I'm being serious. Just...don't do anything stupid. Either of you..."
Now...I feel like an ass.
Why should I feel like an ass for an ass teacher?
Well, maybe I should feel like an ass because she has a n—it's not the right time man.
"Yeah...I'll heed your advice Kawakami-sensei," a sigh came from Akira as he turned around whilst waving his hand, "Hey, we should do this whole actually interacting with me thing again!"
Feels pretty good actually being a snarky and sarcastic asshole again though...
Even if it is fleeting...
I suppose my consciousness has grown rather quick from Nationals last year...
Though, I guess this whole Shujin thing is an upside for me to flex those stiff muscles again.
Maybe?
Damn it. Ryuji Sakamoto really is infectious.
Andddd speak of the devil.
In their usual place, Ryuji sat impatiently, his eyes lit up with a fire once seeing Akira flopping open the door, "Man, what took you so long?!"
"Sorry, sorry, Kawakami had me by the neck..."
"Lemme guess, she was attempting to give you a warning about hanging out with me?"
"For someone who sticks to himself, you sure can't catch a break from everyone else, can you?"
"Nope, and it's bullshit."
"From one delinquent to another, that truly is the motto of us."
"You know, wittiness is a nice fit on you."
"I had a feeling you'd enjoy it if I brought it out more."
"Yeah, just don't be an asshole again like at Nationals."
"Unless things get terrible, that's not going to happen," a sigh came from Akira as he rubbed his neck, slouching in a chair.
"Anything new, Ryuji?"
"Nah. You?"
Akira flopped his head onto the table, "Nope."
"I hate it here."
"Maybe Morgana had better luck than us. Like he put it, he does have a better chance..."
A click of the door being opened placed a faint light of hope within the two, "Morgana?"
However, it was quickly drained out with the appearance of the Student Council President.
Like before, her mere appearance reverted Akira to a submissive idiotic boy, "H-Hey Niijima-senpai what are you doing here?" Akira greeted her with a smile but was harshly met with nothing instead.
Ryuji on the other hand, eyed his new friend as if he was a clone, "Whaddya need prez?"
Although it wasn't through the means of Akira himself, at least Makoto gave a reaction. Even if it was a negative one.
Cool, she isn't a robot.
"I need nothing from you, Sakamoto-kun."
"Of course you don't. That's nothin' new after all." Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Ryuji sauntered off, not before giving Makoto a warning, "Just don't go drainin' off everythin' worthwhile for whatever you need him for."
Goddamn it Ryuji, the one time I wanted to hear what you said...!
All Akira could gather was that whatever his blond friend whispered clearly peeved her enough to ball up her hands into a fist. Though, just as quickly she loosened it.
With the clang of the door, silence enveloped and filled him with anxiety.
Why does she need me?
Oh goddamn it, it's probably another scheme by Kamoshida...that needy bastard...
But...this can work in my favor.
Pulling a page from Ryuji's book, he placed his feet on the table and leaned, "So, why are you here?"
Makoto, taken aback by the sudden change, cleared her throat, "I would appreciate it if you called me—"
"Mako-chan? It does have a pretty ring to it."
Albeit flustered and even slightly blushing, Makoto fired back, "If that's the case, I could call you Aki-chan? Or maybe that would be too much for the big bad delinquent who stutters?"
Holy shit, she fired back. Her voice quivered through. No way to say she's used to this.
Is it too soon to say—yes.
"I don't have all day, you know."
"I just wanted to check up on you. I heard about...you know."
You can check on me any—
"Kobaykawa wanted me to check up on you after school in the Student Council room, but I thought approaching you on your own terms would be better. Though...I didn't think you'd be on the roof. Guess I've been wrong twice now."
Okay, never mind.
Goddamn it, those illustrious eyes almost caught me lacking...guess she isn't as different as I thought though...
"Kobaykawa? Course that egg-shaped bastard could care now..."
"Kurusu-kun!"
"Oh, I said that out loud? My apologies...but I'm just a one-time obligation to you?"
C'mon...don't be a waste of time now...give me something to work with, Mako-chan.
It seemed as if Makoto was biting back her tongue, something that vaguely Akira hated. Either she was withholding something that could be important, or she was showing restraint to not descend into a battle of wit.
Something of which he hadn't had in a while.
"I'm the Student Council President. It's my duty to make sure all of my students are fine. You are included in that."
Not sure about that last part, but if you want to stick to that then...just slip up...just once.
"Now, I don't care if you brushed me off or didn't join the band, so at least hold that same courtesy for me despite your past and these rumors." A sigh of fatigue went through her, "I'm not trying to be rude but...just bear with me, Kurusu-kun. How are you? Really?"
Akira grumbled as he hid his eyes behind his hair and the glare of his glasses from Makoto's debilitating red lights, "Fine. I'll play your little game. I'm tired Niijima-senpai. Really...really tired."
Makoto took a seat, pulling up beside him, "Why? Because of your record?"
"The record isn't anything new. People not being buddy-buddy with me because of some preconceived notion isn't a social aspect exclusive to Shujin. Kyoto was the exact same."
Makoto shifted in her seat a bit, clearly trying to muster up some power, "How do you think it leaked?"
Kobaykawa my ass...I knew this was Kamoshida's doing.
"Honestly, I'm not sure and I'm not stressing it." Akira lazily scratched the side of his face, slightly brushing against his cheek.
Before either of them could eliminate the silence between them, the lunch bell rang and filled it.
Makoto shot up first, "There's gonna be a form of free-time tomorrow during the first half of the day, if you don't want to watch the surprise performance, I'll be in the Student Council room to talk." Before stepping down the stairs, she glanced back at Akira, "Keep the news of the performance as a little...secret between us, okay?"
He nodded, "Right, Mako-chan."
A muted groan came from her as she slammed the door behind her, Akira gaining a bit of a snarky smile from knowing he visibly caused her frustration. If she was going to lie to him and possibly do the bastard's bidding, he could at least have a little fun.
Right...but why did she drop that hint? Maybe my assessment is wrong? No, no...she's too much of a button-up to be playing some sort of intellectual con-game. Way too straightforward.
I doubt she's doing some sort of investigation on Kamoshida...again, too much of a button-up to get properly nitty-gritty to get information like us.
Maybe she really is just a bumbling President who's trying to...annoyingly bullshit at her duty and care for me?
Pftt.
AKIRA: Tomorrow there's some sort of performance. I don't really trust this so, we'll need to make sure all members of the band and Kamoshida are accounted for before making a move.
RYUJI: Don't tell me Prez gave you that? That's too perfect man, it's gotta be a lie!
AKIRA: Exactly the reason why I said we have to make sure they're all accounted for.
AKIRA: And...I'm pretty sure Kamoshida isn't gonna expect what I'm going to do.
RYUJI: Whaddya mean?
AKIRA: Sticking Mako-chan implies he either sees us doing something public and irrational. So, we do something private and equally as irrational.
RYUJI: Oh, we're so gonna ruin his shit! What's the plan? Damage his car? His classroom? The bandroom? Shit in his coffee?
MORGANA: Aren't you two numbskulls supposed to be back in class now? And what the hell Ryuji?
Akira couldn't help but snicker.
AKIRA: No. After making sure everyone is aquatinted for...we'll sneak into Kamoshida's. There's gotta be something in there guilty, right?
AKIRA: And before you say anything Morgana, no this isn't reckless. The timetables will work out and...you'll keep watch. Okay?
Clearly, there were a few moments of hesitation on his brother's end.
MORGANA: Fine. But don't do anything stupid in there.
A sigh of relief came, at least he wasn't totally screwed.
This wasn't a desperate plan, it was just a plan that presented itself as a golden opportunity.
And that was something he could appreciate.
Thursday, April 15th
Slouching was a terrible habit Akira was picking up from Ryuji. It was something Morgana was scolding him for, annoyingly.
At least he isn't totally mad at me for the recklessness.
Though, as I said, Kamoshida would've done this either way.
But I get it...bad memories.
Just trust me sometimes little brother, I can make things right.
It's what I always do.
Before his inner monologue could extend anymore, Akira jolted horribly from the sound of a tuba.
Well, more accurately, a sousaphone.
It wasn't that much a surprise since he spotted Takamaki and some guy named Mishima Yuuki being called up by Kawakami to leave. Apparently, they had, "Pressing concerns with Kamoshida-sensei." It was just a matter of anticipation.
For wanting the performance to be a surprise, that sure was a shit way of excusing them. At least at Kyoto, we did excruciatingly intricate things to keep the surprise.
God, it felt like we had a performance every other week...suppose that's expected of a school that always blazes past the prefecturals and regionals every year...
From the first note, the formal organization of class 2-D descended into sheer chaos as Kawakami's voice rose, "Hey! Don't crowd into the halls! Stay inside!"
While utterly unimpressed, Akira still lurched up from his seat, strolling towards the windows.
It seemed, at least on this floor, that the band had been split into multiple portions, two lines on the opposite side of the hall. At the very beginning of the line were the auxiliary members in these Shujin-oriented uniforms that mimicked dresses, although their skirts only extended above the mid-thigh.
Figures.
Behind four of the dancers, started the percussionists, at least ten of them from what Akira could count.
Two snare players...two tenor players..three bass drums? Yeah, I'm counting right.
Then...two cymbal players and...one quad player? That's...weird? Especially those outfits...
The outfits, which clearly appalled Akira, were simple. Just a warm-up jacket that was filled to the brim with a blood-red and a minimal Shujin logo on the left bicep, that each instrumentalist had zipped down to reveal their black shirts with an explosion in the middle. The explosion contained within a logo with a skull, their names, 'The Mighty Marching Buccaneers,' encircling the explosion in a stark red.
They still haven't rebranded that awful name...? Oh god, I really do need to save this band.
Before continuing his mental survey of the band, Akira noticed the kid from earlier who left class with Takamaki was the singular quad player. He seemed nervous, he had a bandaid below his eye and his wrist was covered in wrapping tape.
I'd assume it's his first time taking up the mantle...it's a school performance though? So, this is perfect to mess up on.
Oh. Yeah. Keep forgetting.
What I'd do to be normal for a change.
The order continued with woodwinds, two of each. Two piccolos, two clarinets, with one tenor and alto saxophone each.
Finally, he laid his eyes on the main course, the brasses. Two trumpets, French horns, baritones, trombones, and a singular tuba.
Twenty-nine total...and that's just a small portion if they've kept the same size from last year...
Probably got larger though, I remember only...what, nine trumpets?
That was one of the drawbacks that led to them losing...upper brass kept getting swamped by the lower brass.
Kamoshida does work quickly, it seems.
Drawing him back from his mind, the singular tuba player tongued a single note again. This, confirming Akira's suspension, was amplified by five more tubas displaced through Shujin's three floors.
They're doing a march-in, aren't they?
Slowly, the tubas started repeating the same B-Flat over and over again, until a rhythm started seaming itself together, fluctuating between a phrase with B-Flat, C natural, and G natural.
Percussion started their cadence, queuing the marching as the rest of the horns started playing. It seemed within seconds, all portions of the band filled the bottom of Shujin, apparently marching towards the gym in the practice building. Kamoshida, much to Akira's appreciation, was pacing alongside them.
The arrangement, if that's what you could call it, was something Akira couldn't place his finger on.
The chord structure was riddled with many accidentals, notes that weren't in the right key signature, but it didn't sound terrible. If anything, it sounded partially polytonal.
Polytonality on a marching arrangement? No...this isn't an arrangement, this is a composition. New original compositions instead of pop songs? At least their sound quality is...decent. Though, the trumpets aren't—
Akira clenched his jaw as he shook his head,
Goddamn it Akira, this isn't the time!
Flipping his phone out, a glare of determination formed,
AKIRA: Quick, Ryuji, where's Kamoshida's?
RYUJI: Practice building, the second floor. The former PE faculty room, oddly. Meet you there?
AKIRA: Already on my way! Be there, Morgana!
Exhaustion poured itself through the three boys as they slouched against the wall. Getting through the crowded halls was a hassle much easier said than done.
Ryuji was the first to regain his voice, "W-we should get goin'...this performance is probably gonna last...six more minutes. Morgana, you good on keepin' watch?"
Hunched on the floor, he gave Ryuji a flimsy thumbs up as Akira cautiously opened the door.
Thankfully, nobody was inside.
I need to update my counter soon.
The faculty office wasn't an office.
It was more akin to a bedroom.
Ramen cups and snack bags riddled the area, diagrams and detailed formation lined the walls. Each one formulating a marching formation or an arrangement. On the wooden desk to the left of the duo was a large piece of paper, with broken instruments littered all over. On the desk to the right, presumably, Kamoshida's main desk was a laptop that had seen many years beyond its wear. Underneath, it hid a stack of papers.
That was Akira's first destination.
Ryuji didn't even need to hear a command from Akira, he moved to the opposite of the mop-haired boy, going through the drawers of the desk. All Ryuji found, annoyingly, consisted of an old magazine riddled with cuts and terrible tapping jobs to keep it together. It was an issue with Kamoshida at the cover, younger seemingly. Much to Ryuji's disgust, he was posing shirtless.
"Ew...dude, what the hell?" Ryuji tapped Akira, handing him the issue.
"All-Japan Hopefuls? I've never even heard of this magazine before..."
"Look at the date, that's like...fifteen years ago!"
"Why does he keep this worthless hunk of junk? A magazine from 2006, from...a, I guess, defunct publisher?"
Ryuji chuckled, "Seems like someone else is living in the past. Anything over there?"
Akira flopped the aging magazine on the desk, crouching down as he continued his erratic search through each drawer, "No..."
A groan flew from Ryuji as he slammed a fist on the table, "Damn it! That bastard could back anytime! Of course, he wouldn't keep anythin' in here, he's not that stupid..." Walking to Akira, he gazed lazily until his eyes locked onto one of the previous drawers.
"What the—"
"What?" Akira was still nose-deep in the insignificant drawers until Ryuji slapped the back of his neck, "Ow! What the hell man!" Irritated, he turned his head towards Ryuji to see him fuming with anger, clenching a little gold necklace.
"Ryuji?"
His eyes were hidden by the shadows of the light, partially scaring Akira, "H-Hey, what's wrong?"
"I knew it...I knew it."
"Knew what? Ryuji, you aren't making any—"
A sickeningly warm blade of anxiety sliced through the two boys like butter, dissipating Ryuji's rage and stuffing him with unwilling fear.
Morgana's voice rang out, "H-Hey, Kamoshida-sensei!"
Trepidation glued them to their spots as Kamoshida replied, "Kurusu-kun...what are you doing here?"
Even if he was paralyzed, Akira still hated that disgusting voice of his.
"O-oh, no real reason! I just uh...wanted to congratulate you on...the performance!"
Chuckles from the older man, "If that was simply the case, you didn't have to stand guard at my office. Though, I like the sentiment. Being a little soldier for me."
Morgana laughed, a certain type of laugh Akira knew from all the times he lied to their parents, though Kamoshida clearly didn't pick up on it.
"Speaking of which, where's that older brother of yours...? I've heard nasty little things about him lately. I hope those don't extend to you either."
The fake sympathy echoed, sickening Morgana. He hated liars.
The mere mention of his existence in Kamoshida's mouth filled him with rage, enough to get him moving again, "Ryuji! Snap out of it!" Akira gripped Ryuji's collar and shook him, making him drop the necklace, "Come on man, we don't have time for this!"
"Y-Yeah. You're right! What do we do?"
Frantically, Akira looked around for anything that could serve as a genesis for hope for the two.
The teacher lockers? We could hide in there?
No.
No.
No, that's stupid. He'll probably feel something is off and start looking. He doesn't trust Morgana being here alone, I can tell.
Besides, staying in here for god knows how long? That's a surefire way to get caught and make our teachers seek us out.
Shit.
Shit.
On the wall opposite the door laid a window. Akira moved quickly and quietly, opening it and gazing downward, seeing the bandroom which positioned itself right behind the practice building, and the rest of Aoyama-Itchome.
Maybe we could climb down? But...there's nothing for us to climb down on! I'm not putting Ryuji at risk, that's a death-wish. But, Kamoshida is a fate worse than death. Maybe I can-
The door clicked, pushing itself open until it stopped. The sheer anxiety Akira felt made his stomach want to contort and spew vomit, but he pushed the urge back down. There was a reason it stopped, Morgana was doing something.
"Uh...Kurusu-kun? Why are you holding me back?"
"B-Because..."
"Because what."
"Because..."
Morgana, what are you doing?
"Because! Screw my brother! I'll join!"
All three men, it seemed, were stuck in place. Kamoshida's face twisted into a devilish smile as Akira himself almost screamed in rage until Ryuji clasped his hand over his mouth, making him a partial mute.
"Shut up man, this ain't the time! We'll get on him later! For now, let's leave through the second-floor gym entrance."
Akira peered into his eyes as if to tell him, 'Are you serious? We could get caught!'
Ryuji shrugged, letting his hand drop as he traipsed towards the door. Akira wasn't that far behind him, quickly he retrieved the necklace from the ground. His face, however, was still covered in a mixture of intense worry and anger at his little brother.
Reaching the other side, Akira closed his eyes as he cautiously and silently closed the door. A few moments passed as Akira breathed out a hearty sigh, trying to recoup.
"Ryuji? You okay?"
"Yes, are you two okay?"
'Eff.
Akira took a large inhale, prepping himself as he whirled around to meet Makoto's glare, Ryuji obviously losing the bark he had the day before as he shrugged nervously at Makoto, "Y-Yeah, we're totally fin—"
Makoto scuffed, "What happened to that bite yesterday?" Makoto placed a contemplative hand on her chin, and then pointed at the two of them, "Actually, want to tell me why you two were coming out of Kamoshida's office?"
Akira shot back, "Why aren't you in the Student Council room? If I had decided to show up, I would've been so hurt being stood up for our alone time.."
Makoto blushed a little, clearing her throat with ease, "Th-that doesn't explain-"
"Don't tell me prez is followin' you around dude? That's weird, even for you."
Luckily, the bell rang as Akira grabbed Akira and paced towards the stairs, "I hope I'm wrong! I'd hate to let people know our vigorous President is a stalker!"
Makoto stood in frustration and annoyance as the two descended the stairs.
Akira grabbed Morgana, pushing him into the fence of the roof. His voice was erratic and filled with anxiety, "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"Akira!" Ryuji fully stepped onto the roof and ran towards him, attempting to wrangle the brothers apart, "What the hell man?!"
Akira relented, jerked Ryuji's hand off as he pointed a finger filled with rage at the younger Kurusu, "Why the hell did you go and do that?! Huh?!"
Ryuji positioned himself between the two, playing the role of a mediator. He slid his eyes toward Morgana, his face taking on confusion, "Why did you do it? After what I told you?"
Morgana, still leaning against the fence, brushed himself off, "What the hell was I supposed to do? Let you two jackasses get caught by Kamoshida?" His anger was on full display.
Akira lurched forward, provoked by his words, but Ryuji's hand caught him, "Anything else! What are we supposed to do? What am I supposed to do?! Let you into that group alone?! I'm supposed to protec—"
"I get it, alright?! I get it.." Morgana sighed as he cast his eyes downward, his ponytail coming loose from the struggle. His eyes caught Akira's as the wind blew gently, his free-flowing hair seemingly amplifying his presence, "Just...for once. Trust me. Believe in me."
For a few seconds, Akira's scowl remained, until it furrowed into worry. Ryuji's arm dropped as he trusted Akira to have control over himself.
For the first time in over a month, Akira became vulnerable.
His voice was weakened, burdened with anxiety, "Morgana...I-"
"I know. But for once, let me be reckless and protect you. Nothing is going to happen, and it's not going to be a repeat of last time."
A sigh and a wry chuckle came from his older brother, a bittersweet smile forming on his face, "Just this once."
"Just this once."
Still standing in between them, a big toothy grin formed on Ryuji's face, "We might've failed today, but we got the rest of the year to bring this bastard down! Let's go eat somethin' to at least celebrate our attempt!"
"Oh, so I get to eat with you two this time?" The three of them swiftly moved down the stairs. While attempting to get to Shujin's base floor, Akira noticed the Mishima kid from earlier on the second, seemingly talking to a girl Akira couldn't see clearly.
A question formed in his mind.
"Hey, Ryuji?"
"Yeah?"
"What's up with that Mishima kid? You knew him last year?"
"Oh, yeah...Yuuki. He was...somethin'. Never really did much, but for some reason, Kamoshida always let him off and babied him. Why?"
"No...no reason. Anyways, I hope we're not eating ramen again, my stomach can't take another bowl..."
Getting to the base floor, Ryuji gave him an exasperated glare, "C'mon man! It's ramen! Who doesn't love ramen!?"
"Everyone, but even then..."
"Why not sushi then? Akira knows I've been craving sushi a lot lately..."
Harkening back to the performance, Makoto's voice appeared in front of the group, "Sushi? I love sushi."
Oh for fu—
"Hiiiiiiii Niijima-senpai..." Ryuji's tone made everyone cringe in annoyance as Makoto sighed,
"Now, since we won't have any interruptions...mind telling me what you two were doing—"
Akira raised his finger, making Makoto shush surprisingly, "Mona, Ryuji...you two go on ahead. Niijima-senpai and I have pressuring concerns to deal with."
"Dude, are you sure?"
A singular nod came from Akira. Reluctantly, Morgana and Ryuji scattered off towards the trains, leaving the two opposing figurative juggernauts staring at each other.
Resist the glare...resist the glare. Resis—
She spoke first, "Follow me to the student council room, will you?"
Another nod came from Akira, their movements becoming a blur as, before he knew it, they stood outside the council room.
Though Kawakami stopped them as she walked out the library, her eyes latching onto the curious sight, "Kurusu-kun? What are you doing with Niijima-chan?"
Akira opened his mouth to speak, but Makoto cut him off with ease, "Nothing of worries, Kawakami-sensei. I just have a few questions for him regarding his well-being."
And there goes my plea for help. Kawakami please, for the love of God, make me come with you for whatever reason.
A dry smile formed on her face, her exhaustion seemingly worse than yesterday, "That's good. Make sure he's fine, okay?"
"Of course."
Wanting to at least say one thing, Akira noticed Kawakami was carrying two books. One was coated in a sickening mix of magenta and pink. The cover revealed it to be 'The Alluring Dancer'. A book that, depressingly, he knew all too well from his mother reading it on her off days.
"The Alluring Dancer? Jeez...I haven't seen that in a while. Kinda charming, for what it is though."
Kawakami, seemingly forgetting she was carrying books, embarrassing waved, "N-No this isn't for me...this...this is for you guys! 'The Alluring Dancer' and 'the Outlaw' will be books for us to read next month!"
Makoto, her interest peeved, perked up, "Oh? What'll be the purpose?"
The youthful teacher took a moment, "A...dissection of the inner worth of people and their reactive natures in response to trauma...?"
The two teenagers eyed her with confusion from the inquisitive nature of her answer, Akira shrugged it off rather quickly though.
"But that's beside the point, I don't want to hold up your questioning session between the two of you, so...good luck. And be happy you're the only one in the class who knows about these books, use that as a head start!"
Kawakami quickly and nervously fluttered off, leaving Akira to mutter out loud, "She is one weird-ass teacher..."
"Language!"
"What?"
"You heard me, language."
"But, why would I even—"
Mirroring him, she brought her hand up to silence him.
God, it's hard to resist.
Makoto yanked open the door, revealing the other three members of the student council.
A rounder boy with gentle brown eyes in the middle of the table was the first to meet Akira's glare. His slicked-back curly hair gave him this presence of a politician, something that made Akira feel nervous as if he wasn't supposed to direct his lowly gaze at him. Though, that was mediated by the loose strands he had hanging in his face, giving him this humbling quality.
His eyes, while still retaining the kindness, had these bags underneath. He was clearly stressed.
I hope he doesn't actually become a politician if that's his goal. Many more sleepless nights where that came from, my friend.
To the left of the tired boy was a girl. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing her sandy eyes to Akira. Something that bewitched him.
Annoyingly, his father's voice started to bounce around in his head.
"Whatever you do...do not mess with girls in Tokyo who have a double entendre of sandy hair and eyes."
Oh man...why did I have to remember that now of all times...
At the right of the table was a raven-haired boy like Akira, though his hair was spiky and short as opposed to his wilder unkempt style that was his trademark. His dark eyes held a stormy and dark determination to them, even if it was focused on his game that was enrapturing him on his phone.
"Shiro-san." He quickly perked up from his game, bewildered by the sight of Makoto with a boy.
"Wh-Niijima-san? What's going—"
"Tora-san, Saya-san? If you don't mind, could you take Shiro and leave me alone for a bit? This is...a private matter."
Tora was the first to stand, grabbing Shiro easily as he muttered a few things under his voice. Apparently, Akita's existence was a blight that needed to be cleansed. At least, that's what he heard as they left.
Saya on the other hand lingered her sight on Akira a little longer.
Which was something he didn't mind at all.
"Saya-san?" An annoyed expression formed on Saya's face, Makoto's voice breaking through her attention. Hopping up, she walked out of the room, not before leaving Akira with a simple sentence, "You have nice eyes."
Nervously, he replied, "T-thanks you too—" though the door closed before he fully got it out.
Makoto sighed, which brought Akita's attention back towards her, as she pulled a chair out and sat down.
Akira stood for a few seconds, to which she pointed to the chair opposite of her.
Right.
Sliding into the chair, he faced her, gathering all his might to face her sight head-on.
"So, what do you want to know, Niijima-senpai?"
"You know what I wish to know."
"I'm not sure...I'm devoid of intellect. Don't you know all delinquents are dumbasses who can't tell what 22 means?"
Ryuji I am so sorry.
"Language."
"Right.."
"And stop playing the evasion game, why were you in Kamoshida's office? I can make this quick and easy, just...tell me why before this turns into something else."
"Hm...quick and easy? That's not my style. And besides...I wasn't in Kamoshida's office...I was mugging a student in the bathroom!"
Wait, what the hell am I doing again? God, I'm getting carried away.
Right, disorientation was the name of the game.
"Funny. I'm not going to stop bothering you until you tell me why."
"Okay...then, I'll just bother you more. Like for example...did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you are, Mako-chan?"
Makoto choked on her own spit as her face became bright pink, "W-wh-wha-what?"
Akira shot up, "Ah, that's right! I have to go water my pet cat! See you later, Mako-chan!"
She attempted to reach out, her voice quivering under her flustered nature, "Kurusu-kun, wait!"
It was fruitless.
Akira had gotten his information.
For some reason, she hadn't mentioned Kobayakawa, or him getting expelled due to trespassing and his record.
It seemed she just wanted information.
Which means...she might just be a little more interesting than I thought.
Sorry I doubted you, Makoto.
A rare and subtle gleeful smile formed on his face.
Maybe Shujin wasn't going to be a terrible place after all.
A/N:
Yeahhh, so, I had to change up Shujin's structure. I didn't realize Shujin didn't have an actual bandroom besides the music room in the practice building. Essentially, as I wrote, it's right behind the practice building, which means Shujin is a tiny bit bigger than before. It's like the gymnasium but a little smaller. You all will get acquainted with it soon, however.
Also, sorry for this chapter being so long...it started to really get ahead of itself during the last thousand words. I'm still unsure on how I wrote this, but I hope you guys liked it. Chapters 4 and 5 are where I hit my stride, though. They're the favorites that I've written so far.
Anyways, sayonara everyone! Till next week!