A Liquid Inspiration
Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)
One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.
That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.
For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.
It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:
"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."
This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.
Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!
Vol 0. SS 1. Matsushita Chiaki's First Love
Matsushita Chiaki
Being raised in a wealthy family had its respective pros and cons.
For obvious reasons, I have benefited from my upbringing by being allowed to pick my dreams. I do not have to endure the same pain as common folk, who had to give up on their dreams for the sake of practical survival.
I was allowed to be myself.
To be Matsushita Chiaki.
On the flip side, my stature meant that people would place me on a pedestal that would do nothing but give me a rather inflated stature around my peers.
I was beautiful, intelligent, and charming... and in addition to my wealth, people in my school had been looking at me like I was a goddess that descended down to Earth to bless them.
I hated that life.
In addition, all the boys my age that attempted to reach out to me were either interested in my beauty, my body, or my wealth.
None of them wanted Matsushita Chiaki for who I really am... they simply wanted me because of how good it'll make them look.
It also doesn't help that none of them are worth my time.
For a brilliant young woman such as myself, I think it isn't unjustified for me to declare that I want nothing but the best the world has to offer.
Currently, I am attending a Christmas Gala that's supposed to be attended by the most influential people in Japan. To be quite frank, I don't enjoy going to these gatherings, but it's my family's obligation to attend these kinds of events.
And, of course, as nice as they are, my parents want to maintain their social status and connections.
As usual, the Christmas Gala was a snoozefest beyond the passive aggression between powerful people who had nothing better to do than antagonize one another. I could only shake my head in disappointment at the childishness the supposed elites exhibited.
"GUILTY!"
"GUILTY!"
"GUILTY!"
Huh? What was going on?
I left the chair I was sitting on and headed in the direction of the commotion. I did not understand why these people were chanting as if they were watching a gladiator battle, so I got curious.
As the view cleared up, I saw a brown-haired boy with brown eyes mounting over someone who, if I remember correctly, was named Suzuki Taichi.
The boy's knees were placed directly on his chest, and I doubt Suzuki could breathe properly in his position.
Was he going to kill Suzuki in plain sight?
What is even going on?
The boy once again spoke. "The jury of Japan's most influential people has deemed you guilty, Suzuki-san. Allow me to perform your punishment."
CRUNCH
CRUNCH
CRUNCH
My eyes widened at the violent display, and I expected someone to apprehend the boy, but nothing happened...
If not shocked by what had transpired, the people at the gala openly cheered for what the boy had done.
How... interesting.
The way I saw it, the brown-haired boy orchestrated a scenario where his beatdown of Suzuki would simply be seen as entertainment and basically convinced everyone that nothing was wrong with what he did.
It was terrifying... and, at the same time... inspirational.
To think someone my age is brazen enough to play with Japan's most powerful people.
I then watched as he walked off with the son of the hosts of the gala, a noteworthy sight considering the blonde-haired boy hardly recognized anyone's existence.
Just like me, it would seem that Kōenji Rokusuke found himself curious about the mysterious brown-haired boy.
Thirty minutes later, I saw both boys reemerge from where they had come from. It wasn't obvious right away, but upon closer observation, it would seem that both boys engaged in a fistfight where Kōenji obviously lost, judging by how often he kept clutching his rib area.
I shook my head at my observation... it would seem that no matter how brilliant, boys will be boys.
It's worth noting, however, that the brown-haired boy was relatively unscathed.
Soon after, the brown-haired boy left Kōenji's table and stood up, scanning the room. He's probably had enough of Kōenji Rokusuke's notorious antics and wanted to break free.
I couldn't help but giggle at the thought because the guy had a really blank face, so the thought of him being a bit frustrated... would be incredibly amusing.
Wait... is he looking at me?
Had he noticed I was observing him all along?
Oh no... my dignity as a lady!
I immediately averted my gaze from the brown-haired boy and pretended nothing had happened. Great thinking, Chiaki!
A couple of moments later, he stood right in front of me. Oh God, this is embarrassing...
"Hello," he said as he waved in my direction.
I smiled back, and of course, as a dignified lady, I had to return a sharp-tongued response. "Hello. If it wasn't the star of the show earlier."
"Star of the show?" He asked in confusion.
Is he seriously unaware of how amazing his feat earlier was?
"Indeed. While I normally turn away from the sight of violence, the way you had handled Suzuki earlier was entertaining and quite unique in gatherings like these. I've heard people repeatedly talk about it over the past couple of hours, you know?"
"Should I be worried about being turned over to the police?" He joked.
"Not really. These people do not care because Suzuki isn't exactly someone important," I replied.
In actuality, people would probably turn him over to the police, but with how 'entertaining' his showcase was, the rich folk rewarded him for his brazenness.
"Quite the brutal tongue for a teenage girl," He pointed out.
I resent that. I am a dignified young woman. Can't you see that? And you have quite the robotic voice too! Are you born in a laboratory or something?
That must explain why he's so handsome... no, Chiaki! Stop!
"And quite the brutal display for a teenage boy. But I suppose you are at that stage in puberty now," I bit back, but to my surprise, he didn't really react to my teasing.
"Matsushita Chiaki," I said as I extended my right hand to him.
And then the unexpected happened.
This handsome... yet extremely robotic boy grabbed the hand I had offered and k-kissed the back of my hand!
Do you even know how it'll affect a lady? You haven't even told me your name yet!
"Ayanokōji Kiyotaka," he replied after parting his lips from my hand.
I'm sure my cheeks are probably red now from being flustered. Sure, there were some brazen boys before, but no one was as smooth as his approach. He didn't even look like he had anything planned and simply caught me off-guard with his moves.
But I will not let him get the satisfaction of seeing me get embarrassed!
"How bold," I replied as I covered up my mouth with my palm in an attempt to act like it did not bother me.
"Is that what we're calling proper etiquette these days?"
I laughed at his innocent reply to my statement. I thought he was going to flirt with me, but he ended up asking something like that.
How ridiculous!
"Not fair, Ayanokōji-kun. Your tone and facial expressions remain the same no matter what you say," I replied and pouted at him.
He better imprint the cute image of Matsushita Chiaki pouting in his mind. People would die for that sight, you know?
"Blame my father, I guess," he replied.
Blame his father? This guy has the weirdest answers...
After giggling, I once spoke once again. "So why did you come up to me? I imagine you had fun hanging around the Kōenji heir... you guys are quite the odd pair, if I'm being honest."
"How would you feel being around someone who was flocked with women at least seven years older than him? I need to keep my sanity," he replied.
"You did kind of look like his boring friend who's only there because you were childhood friends. No offense," I bluntly stated.
Ayanokōji looked really lost earlier as the blonde-haired boy didn't really pay him much attention and only entertained the women who flocked around him.
"I'm just a little out of place since it's my first time meeting the guy. Besides, I'm not boring right now, am I?"
Oh, you're most definitely not! But you really have to work on your game, Ayanokōji-kun. You're lucky I was a little interested in what you did earlier because I wouldn't bother prolonging the conversation otherwise.
"I suppose you're right. You're surprisingly fun to talk to, Ayanokōji-kun, but we'll have to work on your tone. If you were going to woo women, your voice needs to convey interest," I replied
"I'll keep that in mind," he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
What a beautiful smile that was... and I felt like my heart skipped a beat!
Ayanokōji-kun, you should be more mindful about the things you do in front of women!
"But wooing women? Did I come across as someone who intended to do that?"
With how empty his voice sounded, he could easily come across as being sarcastic, but judging from how our conversation went, he was probably just curious about how I saw his approach.
He's quite innocent, isn't he?
Don't worry. I will help you out!
"I didn't mean it like that. I just think it's a good skill to have, especially in social situations like these. Being able to engage in interesting conversations and make people feel comfortable is important," I told him.
He seemed to be contemplating my words as he remained silent for a few moments.
He's really socially stunted, isn't he?
"I see your point," He replied. "But wooing women is not really something I'm interested in at the moment."
At least he's honest about his intentions...
"And here I thought you were here to flirt with me," I joked.
"How unladylike of you, Matsushita," he replied.
At least say it with more mirth, Robotkōji-kun!
I looked at him for a few seconds and then giggled. "Despite sounding like someone who just came back from the dead, you say incredibly amusing things, Ayanokōji-kun."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Of course, it is. I like people who can make me laugh," I replied.
We fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments, watching the guests mingle and dance around us.
Ayanokōji-kun... was surprisingly a good company to have. He's a little rough around the edges as a conversationalist, but at least he's making an effort to do better.
A few minutes later, Ayanokōji-kun spoke again. "I'm curious, Matsushita. Why did you come to this gala? You don't exactly strike me as someone who'd willingly attend these gatherings," he asked.
How could you even tell that when I haven't seen you in any gatherings until now, Ayanokōji-kun?
"Look who's talking," I replied.
Were you indirectly calling me a recluse, Ayanokōji-kun? Hmph.
"Touche."
"It's my family's obligation to attend these kinds of events. My parents want to maintain their social status and connections. But honestly, I'd rather be at home reading a good book or practicing my violin," I replied.
"I see," he said, nodding in understanding. "But you seem to be handling it well."
"I suppose I have to. It's part of the life I was born into. But it doesn't mean I have to enjoy it," I replied before turning my head in his direction.
"Well, I hope you find some enjoyment in tonight, even if it's just a little bit," he said.
And now you're being considerate. Make up your mind, Ayanokōji-kun!
"Thanks, Ayanokōji-kun. I think I already found some enjoyment in talking to you," I replied.
While he does seem a little robotic, I enjoyed Ayanokōji-kun's presence. He was different from most boys. He wasn't actively hitting on me... he just wanted to talk and had done so without leering at me or making me uncomfortable.
I know it's sad to hear, but the bar really is low for men these days. The bare minimum matters a lot, given it's barely being practiced.
"Likewise," he said. "You have definitely helped make this Christmas fun for me."
Ara ara~! Are you finally hitting on me, Ayanokōji-kun? It's about time!
"Oh, that's right! Merry Christmas, Ayanokōji-kun."
"Merry Christmas, Matsushita."
I sent a smile his way before picking up my phone from my bag as it vibrated.
[9:59:50 Wonder Woman] Chiaki-chan, we're about done now. Meet us at the front door in a while. Your father is also a bit drunk, so it's best we call it a night now.
That's a shame... I would have liked to spend even five more minutes with Ayanokōji-kun.
I turned my head to Ayanokōji-kun and spoke in an apologetic voice. "I'm sorry, Ayanokōji-kun, but I have to go now. My parents are calling for me."
"I see," he replied.
"I had a great time talking to you," I said and gave him a smile.
I've been smiling at him a lot, haven't I?
"Likewise," he replied, returning my smile.
I then stood up from my seat and smoothed out my dress. Good thing I didn't mess around much, or else my dress would get really wrinkled.
"I hope we can talk again soon, so if you do not mind, can we exchange contact information?" I asked.
I'm a little embarrassed that I was the one who took the initiative, but I couldn't care less about gender stereotypes in my situation.
I found Ayanokōji-kun interesting, so I'm not missing this chance. Besides, with how socially stunted he seemed, he probably doesn't know how to act in this situation.
"Sure thing," he replied and took out his phone.
After we exchanged numbers, an intrusive thought entered my mind. What if Ayanokōji-kun gave me the wrong number? What if he was actually aware of how to act in this situation but deliberately chose not to?
Umuuuu! I really shouldn't be thinking about it! I sound like a desperate maiden, and this is the FIRST TIME I've seen this guy.
Ah, whatever!
I navigated the contacts app on my phone and called the number Ayanokōji-kun gave. To my relief, his phone rang.
He looked at me with the same empty look, but I could tell he was curious about why I did what I had done.
"Just making sure you did not give me the wrong number," I said and winked at him.
"Quite crafty of you. Until next time, Matsushita-san," he replied.
Of course, Ayanokōji-kun. The C in Chiaki stands for crafty, you know?
After sending Ayanokōji-kun one last smile, I departed the gala and saw my mother and inebriated father, who was struggling to keep his balance.
My mother sighed at the state of my father, which made me giggle.
"You took some time, Chiaki-chan," my mother said.
"Well... the gala this year seems to be more interesting than the previous ones," I replied.
My mother sent me a curious look but decided not to quiz me further.
I'd rather not have them know that I found myself intrigued with Ayanokōji-kun!
I don't even know why he had interested me this much or why I was quite invested in getting closer to him.
Was it perhaps my admiration of his brazenness?
Was it perhaps his good looks?
Was it perhaps how I found his attempt to adapt to be admirable?
.
.
.
.
.
I did not know it back then, but what I felt towards Ayanokōji-kun at that time... was the catalyst that enabled my love for him to blossom.
It was not instantaneous because, after all, I was also a woman who grounded herself in her logical and rational thoughts.
But like I had told him before... love is something that just happens.
And upon spending more time with Ayanokōji Kiyotaka... it just happened.
I found myself in love with a boy who stood out among the rest, a boy who had an unrivaled dedication to improving himself.
But all these superficial thoughts were not what made me fall for him.
I loved him... simply because he's Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
And now that we'll be together in ANHS for the next three years, I will do my best to win his love.
Not even Yuki-chan and Tsubasa-chan will stand in my way.
Matsushita Chiaki will win.
End of Short Story
The next chapter will be the start of Volume 1, and there will be changes to how it will go. Feel free to speculate here how you think my Earlykouji would differ from canon Earlykouji.
See you in the next volume!