Tuesday, 4/12
Ren felt great when he woke that morning. He had just had the best night of sleep since before his arrest.
Probably because of that Metaverse stuff.
Ren looked at Morgana sleeping at the foot of his bed and realized that there was a problem: he had no cat food. Ren then woke Morgana.
"Sorry, Morgana. I don't have any cat food for you. You'll have to make do with a bagel."
Morgana hissed.
"Stop complaining. I'll be getting a job soon, so you'll have your food then. Until then, tough it out."
Morgana walked out of Ren's bedroom, jumped on the kitchen counter, and grabbed a bagel. He wasted no time devouring it.
"Hey Morgana, do you think I could leave you here today? I want to see how it'll go." Ren said as he emerged from his room.
It looked like Morgana was pondering the question. He nodded.
It's kinda creepy that he has human intelligence.
Ren began his usual routine to get ready for school.
Kawakami hadn't noticed Ren trying to sleep on his desk. He had propped his notebook up so he could hide his head. It wasn't much, but it seemed to work. But only for a minute.
"Amamiya-kun. Please pay attention in class." Ren was startled by the intensity in Kawakami's voice.
"Sorry, Kawakami-sensei. I will do better," Ren sarcastically assured his teacher.
"I'm sure you will. Before you go back to sleep, let me ask you a question. What do people generally call a woman who has a charm that sometimes leads men to their doom?"
Ren didn't even need to think about the answer.
"A femme fatale."
"Very good. While you may know the answers, please don't sleep in class."
Ren nodded.
I won't sleep in your class anymore. I can't say the same for the other teachers.
Kawakami continued her lecture.
"Amamiya-kun!" Ushimaru yelled.
This time, Ren wasn't sleeping. He was still being yelled at, though.
"Yes?"
"Do you know what age you have to be to listen in on a trial?"
Another easy question.
Ushimaru has been the worst teacher so far. Let's see how angry I can make him.
"I'm not sure Ushimaru-sensei. Let's see... if I do the math, I end up with… forty-four. Is that correct?"
"No, it's not correct, you imbecile!"
Ushimaru hurled his chalk at Ren. Luckily, Ren knew this was coming. He knew a chalk-throwing teacher when he saw one. He caught the chalk and held it up, offering it back to Ushimaru.
"Ushimaru-sensei, don't you need this to teach the class?" The sarcasm in his voice was glorious.
Ren heard several students whispering.
"Only a serial killer could catch Ushimaru's chalk."
Huh. I wonder what the correlation between those two things is.
Ushimaru was fuming.
"Boy, if you pull something like that again, you're out of this class."
Ren smiled. He knew that that wouldn't happen. The bell then rang for lunch.
All of the students left the room. Ushimaru left as well, probably to complain about the criminal intimidating him. Ann turned around towards Ren.
"I'm impressed. No one's ever caught Ushimaru's chalk," she said.
"That's because no serial killers ever went to Shujin." He smiled.
She laughed.
"Want to get lunch together?"
I brought no food. Why not.
"Sure. You already got food?" Ren asked.
Ann smirked.
"Not for you. I'll go with you to get some bread."
She's too nice. I wonder why she's this interested in talking to me.
"Sounds good. Let's go."
The two stood up. Ren opened the door into the hallway but felt it hit something. Or someone. He peered around the door. He saw Ryuji, rubbing his forehead.
"Hey man! What the hell?!" Ryuji said.
"Sorry. What were you coming here for?" Ren said.
Ren noticed Ann awkwardly staring at Ryuji.
Do these two know each other?
"I was just coming to get your number and ask if we could meet on the roof after school." Ryuji was still rubbing his forehead. A bump began to form.
Ren nodded.
"Sure. My number is ###-###-####. I'll see you on the roof after school." Ryuji nodded.
"Hey, Takamaki. How ya been?" Ryuji was trying to hide the awkwardness in his voice.
Ann rubbed her arm shyly.
"Um, I've been better. It was nice seeing you," she dismissively said before swiftly walking away.
Ren gave Ryuji a confused look. Ryuji shrugged. Ren followed Ann.
Makoto stood outside of Kawakami's class. Amamiya started and finished his day here. Perfect. She walked in. Kawakami looked up.
"Ah, Niijima-san. What brings you here?" Kawakami tried to sound energetic but was failing miserably.
"Hello, Kawakami-san. Are you feeling alright? You look a little tired."
Kawakami's face went red.
"Oh, don't worry about me. Back to my question. What brings you here?"
"I was wondering if you could send Amamiya to the student council room after school. There's something I wish to speak with him about."
"Of course. I'll be sure to tell him."
"Thank you, Kawakami-san."
Makoto smiled and left. She had to prepare what to say to Amamiya after school.
The school bread was surprisingly cheap. While Ren was getting sick of eating exclusively bread products, he didn't have much of a choice. He bought some extra bread to give himself some leeway if his job hunting attempts failed.
"Alright. I'm new here, so where do you think we should eat?" Ren asked.
"Well, there aren't many options. How about the courtyard?"
"Alright."
The two walked to the courtyard and sat on a bench. The whispers began as soon as they sat down.
"Dude, do you see that bench over there? That's the criminal! And look who he's with. It's Kamoshida's bitch!"
Ren made a face at that last sentence but decided not to ask about it. Ann was obviously uncomfortable.
"So, Takamaki-san. What'd you want to talk about? I find it hard to believe you'd willingly listen to these rumors if there's nothing to talk about," Ren said, studying her face for a reaction.
"Please just call me Ann. We're close enough for that right?" Ann smiled.
No. We've had barely any conversations. Maybe she just needs a friend with all of these rumors about her. She's probably just as lonely as me.
"Yeah. Call me Ren, then."
"Okay, Ren. I wanted to talk to you about…" Ann began, trailing off at what Ren assumed was a difficult thing to say for the girl.
I'll let her say it.
Ann took a few seconds to finally spit it out.
"The rumors about me," she finished.
"What's there to talk about? I don't listen to rumors that aren't about me."
"Well, a lot of people say that I am dating Kamoshida. I wanted you to hear that I'm not dating him before you heard the rumors."
A little late for that.
"Yeah, that makes sense," Ren said.
"I guess." Ann paused. "Aren't you gonna tell me that I shouldn't believe the rumors about you being a serial killer aren't true?"
"No. Who said they aren't true?" Ren cracked a smile.
Ann laughed.
The two sat in silence for a minute. Ren spoke up.
"Hey Taka- uh, I mean, Ann. Do you know Ryuji?"
"Um yeah. I've known him since middle school. Could you tell?"
"Of course. It was kinda obvious with how awkward you two were."
"I guess I was acting weird. The last time I talked to him, I was rejecting him."
Ren laughed.
"Poor Ryuji. Maybe he isn't over you."
"Maybe..." Ann looked away.
The silence returned.
"Hey, Ren?"
Ren looked up at her.
"You want to hang out this weekend?"
"Sure, Ann. Can I get your number?"
"Here. Don't give out to anyone," she said with a smile.
The bell rang. The pair went back to class.
The bell signaling the end of the school was ringing.
Time to go talk to Ryuji. I wonder what's important enough for him to call me to the roof again. Hopefully no more Metaverse shit.
Ren was putting his notes in his bag when Kawakami walked up to him.
"Amamiya-kun. The student council president requested to see you," she said sternly.
Uh oh.
"Oh? May I ask why?"
"No. She'll be in the student council room on the third floor. Have a nice day," Kawakami said before walking away.
She really wants to go home. I wonder what makes her so tired. Maybe I should ask. Eh, that should wait. I should let Ryuji know that I have to go to the student council room instead of his rooftop meeting.
Ren checked his phone. There was a message from an unknown number.
###-###-####:
Ren? This is Ryuji. We still meeting?
Ren created Ryuji's contact.
Ren Amamiya:
-Of course. One problem: the student council president requested to see me. Anything I should know before I head to the student council room?
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-You're effed. Can't be anything good if she wants to talk in the student council room. Nothing I say can save you. You still down to meet on the roof after your chit-chat?
Ren Amamiya:
-I appreciate your optimism. Yeah, we can still meet. I don't know how late I'll be. If it's longer than 30 minutes then you should just leave.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Got it. Don't die in there.
-Ren Amamiya:
-Thanks. See you later.
Ren put his phone away. He took a deep breath and began walking to the student council room.
What does she want to talk about? Maybe she's going to ask me why I was staring at her on the train the other morning.
Ren took a moment outside the door to collect himself.
No matter how much time I spend out here trying to prepare myself, I will never be able to handle her cold stare. If I can stop the stare, maybe I could gain the upper hand in the conversation.
He opened the door. The student council president was sitting on one side of a table. On the other side was an empty chair.
"Ah, Amamiya-kun. Please take a seat." She motioned towards the empty seat.
Ren stood behind the chair.
"Please, Miss President, call me Ren."
How will she respond?
"Amamiya-kun, I don't think that would be appropriate. I do not think you even know my name. Now, please take a seat," she said, the beginnings of a harsh stare forming on her face.
No. I will not be broken by the stare. Gonna stand my ground and see what happens.
"Forgive me, Miss President. May I ask your name?" Ren asked, his voice full of false formality.
"Makoto Niijima. Now, please take a seat." She was beginning to grit her teeth.
I can't give up now. Time for the killing blow.
"Makoto, I will not sit in this chair until you agree to call me Ren for the rest of the day."
Makoto's stare was interrupted. She looked rather taken aback.
I win. One-zero, me.
Her face contorted as she tried to figure out what to say. She finally decided and recomposed herself.
"Fine, Ren. This will only be for our meeting."
Ren did as he was told.
"What'd you want to talk to me about, Makoto?" Ren knew what he was doing by using her first name.
Makoto winced when he said her name. She was obviously very unhappy with how this was going.
"You're here because I want to tell you about what you'll be spending your time doing. Because of your tardiness yesterday, Principal Kobayakawa is worried that you are treating your rehabilitation at Shujin as a joke. Are you treating it as a joke, Ren?" There was some resentment in how she said his name.
" Makoto, I value what the school is doing for me. I believe that you already understand why I was late yesterday. Is that all you wanted to ask me?"
"It doesn't matter what I think. The principal believes that you need assistance living up to the Shujin standard."
Another opportunity.
"Why doesn't it matter what you think?" Ren smirked.
Makoto's face dropped, but only for a fraction of a second.
"Because I report to Kobayakawa. The assistance I speak of will be in the form of a tutor."
Shit. She dodged it and she dropped that on me.
"But Shujin has seen my grades. They must know that I don't need a tutor."
"The tutor reassures the Principal and his superiors that you will maintain your grades while attending Shujin. The tutor is also to take up your time. The faculty and I don't like who you've been spending your time with."
That's fair. I still need to ask Ryuji what he did to get so famous.
"I guess that makes sense, and I have plenty of time on my hands. Who will be the tutor? Kawakami-sensei?"
Please be Kawakami. Pretty please.
"No. It will be me."
It was Ren's turn to wince.
"Uhh, may I ask why, specifically, you?"
Makoto smiled as she regained control of the conversation.
"Principal Kobayakawa considers me an example of what every Shujin student should strive to be. I, like you, also have plenty of time on my hands. Outside of the student council, of course."
Ren remembered what he needed to say to recover his advantage.
"I understand. I look forward to spending more time with you, Makoto." Ren smirked.
Makoto didn't flinch. She was ready for it.
"Do not mistake this as us spending time together, Amamiya-kun. I will simply be assisting you in your studies. Any questions?"
Ren had been utterly defeated.
One-one, tie. She's too good. I give up. I'll have to try again during our study session.
"No, Niijima-senpai. May I leave?" Ren had a shameful look on his face.
"If it's alright, there's more I'd like to talk about," Makoto replied.
"If I said it wasn't alright, could I leave?"
"No. Go back to when you said you had 'Plenty of time on your hands.' You are aware of the school's numerous clubs, correct?" she asked.
It only gets worse.
"I'm aware, but I don't think I'll be joining any clubs," Ren said.
"And why is that? You have the time."
"If you've been listening to your peers, you know that I am not the most well-liked student. I don't think anyone would accept me into their club."
"I see. I'll leave it to you to figure out what to do. Just know that you must be part of some extracurricular activity at Shujin. Kobayakawa ordered it."
"So be it. I'll figure something out. May I leave now Niijima-senpai?"
"One more thing," Makoto said, her expression softening slightly. "Amamiya-kun, are you alright with all of these rumors? I hope they aren't affecting you too much."
No way. I don't care about that stuff, but it would be nice to know who leaked my record. They could be targeting me.
"I'm fine with them. They're more amusing to me than harmful. Niijima-senpai, do you know who could've leaked my record? I'm worried that someone is out to get me."
"Unfortunately, I have no idea who could've done it. The only people who could access that information are faculty members and me. Do you have an idea of who could've done it?" she asked, leaning forward out of interest.
So she actually cares who did it? It'd be nice if we could figure it out, but only faculty members and Niijima had access. I don't think it would be her. She actually seems to care about how I'm doing at Shujin. That leaves the faculty. Ushimaru? No. He didn't dislike me until today. Kawakami? No. She started hating me after my record was already leaked. That leaves Kamoshida. Now that I think about it, it was definitely him. Fuck that guy.
"I have no evidence, but I think that Kamoshida could have done it." Ren had confidence in the way he said it.
Makoto went wide-eyed.
"That's a serious accusation. Besides, the leak occurred on the Shujin student online forums. Kamoshida couldn't have accessed them."
That's true. But what student knew that I was transferring? And why did they leak my record?
"That's a good point. As I said, I have no evidence. It was a baseless accusation. Please don't report it."
"Do not worry, Amamiya-kun. I won't. You may go now."
Ren started to leave but realized he had unfinished business. He dropped almost all the formality in his voice.
"Niijima-senpai, could I get your number?"
Makoto flinched.
And I wasn't even trying. I guess I don't know her as well as I thought.
"I-is it for the study session?" Her eyes were wide.
She can't have a boyfriend if this is how she acts when someone asks for her number. I guess I got the upper hand again.
"No," Ren said with the straightest face he could make.
She stared at him, not giving him the Niijima Death Stare, as Ren began to call it, but a stare of shock.
"Just joking. Of course it's for the study session." Ren smiled.
I win again. Two-one, me.
Makoto began to clumsily get her phone out of her pocket.
"A-ah of course it is. Sorry. So sorry. My number is ###-###-####."
Ren smiled at her.
"I'll memorize it. Does Thursday after school work?"
"Y-yes it does. Can we study here?"
"Of course."
Ren opened the door and stepped out. He began walking down the hall but realized he hadn't put the icing on the cake. He opened the door to the student council room, startling Makoto.
"I'll see you on Thursday, Makoto."
He left before she could respond. He fist-pumped as soon as he turned the corner in the hallway.
Makoto sat in the student council room for another ten minutes after Ren left, just staring and contemplating.
How could I fail so badly? I was doing well until the end. What did I get myself into? I struggle talking to him even when I'm in control of the conversation. How could that be? I have no choice but to be stern with him. That's the only way the study session won't devolve into a game of his , she thought to herself.
Makoto packed up her stuff and went home.
Ren opened the door to the roof. Ryuji was waiting for him at the pile of abandoned desks.
"How'd it go, man? You gettin' expelled yet?" Ryuji said, not wasting any time.
"Very funny. It's worse. I have to join a club. And the president will be tutoring me," Ren said dejectedly.
"For real?! You're lucky that she's tutoring you. She's hot as hell!"
"Ryuji, I a hundred percent agree with you, but I think you're missing the most important part of what I said: I have to join a club."
"So what? Just join the photography club or some shit," Ryuji said dismissively.
"Ryuji, what club will accept the kid with an assault record?"
"Oh yeah. I guess you're right. You could always start your own club."
Never before has Ryuji been so smart and so dumb in one sentence.
"That's actually a good idea. I could just start a club where I don't have to do anything," Ren said.
Ryuji looked proud of himself.
"But what could you do? Shujin already has a club for pretty much everything," he asked.
Ren looked around the rooftop until he saw them: The mini-gardens that Floof Girl had been working in. Ren grinned at Ryuji.
"Ryuji, I think I'm going to start the gardening club. Want to join?"
"Uh, I'll join, but I'm not doing any plant shit or whatever. It looks difficult. There's a reason there's not already a gardening club."
"Alright, perfect. I'll tell Makoto that I'll be starting a gardening club."
"Makoto? You guys already on a first-name basis?"
"Nope. Not even close. What day do you wanna hang out?" Ren chuckled as he said it.
"Huh? Oh yeah. That's what I asked you to come up here for. Uh… does Friday work?"
"Yeah. We can figure out the details later. I'll see you tomorrow Ryuji."
Ryuji nodded goodbye, and Ren left.
Ren came home to the worst thing possible to see: Half-chewed bagels were covering his apartment, there was vomit on the kitchen counter, and Morgana was laying on the ground.
"What the fuck, Morgana?! Did you get bored?! You're lucky I'm not kicking you out."
If I didn't buy the bread at school, I would definitely be kicking Morgana out.
Ren spent hours cleaning up the mess. It was late by the time he was done. He had homework, but he was too tired to do it. He laid down in his bed. He thought about his schedule for the week. Thursday, he was studying with Makoto. Friday, he was hanging out with Ryuji. Finally, he was hanging out with Ann during the weekend.
This week is actually going pretty well, besides the fact that it leaves me barely any time to look for a job. I guess I have to do that tomorrow. I only have enough bread for a day or two thanks to Morgana. I'll also have to start hiding my food now.
Ren closed his eyes and fell asleep.