Staphylococcal Epidermolysis Xeroderma (SEX). A skin disease unknown to 99% of the world.
Description; the host suffers immense pain with the opposite gender when conducted via skin contact. All past users have suffered death and as a result, little is known about the disease.
Symptoms include: rashes, accelerated heart rate, numbness of the body, Exposure may lead to death.
Remedy: There is no known cure.
"Wrong answer, Relon."
"Tch, stupid history. Explain."
Relon Lucinance and Futarou Uesugi. It had long since become the norm to study whenever the chance arose. If either were not tending to their own personal lives, then they were testing one another.
It was necessary to escape their impoverished lives.
Sacrifice what they have now in order to thrive in the, hopefully, near future. As weary as the roles they were given are, moments like these allowed for some form of comfort.
"I see." Relon muses, leaning back in understanding. "Hmm…"
"How will you remember this one?" Futarou wonders, tapping the figure's name.
If Relon Lucinance had to state a strength of his, he would be able to answer with little difficulty. As for a weakness, it would arguably be his memory. Whatever he deemed important, he would retain until the end of time. However, due to his dislike for school and stronger bitterness towards a class basically a giant story with no genres he favored, Relon held little interest in the class despite grasping its sheer importance in society.
"Minamoto no Yoshitsune… Mina…to… Yosh… I think I got it."
"Oh?"
"Take out the 'mo' and you have Minato. Just like Minato in Naruto, he led a series of battles that turned the tide of their war. And the 'yosh' in his name just reminds me of Lee always saying that. Yeah, that should work for the time being." Relon eases himself writing the reminder next to the figure's name.
"Hmpf, your way of thinking never ceases to amuse me, Rell." Futarou smirks.
"Don't you mean amaze?"
"I know what I said."
"Pfft. You have your way of thinking and I have mine, Fuu. It's how we've remained at the top of our grade." Relon comments knowingly. "Just goes to show that watching anime is good for something aside from pure entertainment."
Choosing not to step on that landmine once again, a mistake Futarou did not expect to take nearly a week's worth to debate over, he sets aside their history work drawing upon mathematics next.
"Rapid fire answering now. Ready?" Relon warns taking a bite of his sandwich.
"... Ready." His friend answers after swallowing his own food.
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
In perfect sync, their facedown sheets flip up.
"7x3, 4, (𝑥2)(𝑥6)..." Both begin in unison.
Ever since they were kids, both had settled into a steady rhythmic pace with their education and family ahead of all else.
"3x4…" Relon hums.
"3x-4…" Futarou answers slightly after to halt as does Relon.
Tilting his head, Relon turns over Futarou's sheet and compares.
"Dude, you forgot to make this positive." He deadpans for a twitch to escape his companion as he double checks their work. "So one mistake a piece," Relon mumbles resting a hand under his chin as his vermilion eyes carefully trace dozens of paperwork scattered around their table. "At least it was towards the end of this mock test." In spite of his knowing words, the focused visage Futarou sported told Relon everything.
Casting a light chop, strong enough to ensure a jolt from whatever thoughts, Futarou reels back wincing.
"No need to be so focused, Fuu. It's a practice test, remember?" Relon chides.
Mouth opening with a response in the chamber, he halts opting to simply eye Relon's sincere demeanor.
To Futarou, ever since embarking on this path filled with nothing but opportunities should they make it big in their respective education fields, Futarou Uesugi had called into question many things about the logic surrounding his best friend.
The genuine expressions he held when speaking, the hidden meanings behind the words uttered. His own drive that could have him perish at a moment's notice, the unfathomable mindset he would put on display when it comes to certain topics; it left him perturbed and flabbergasted all the same.
He's come to understand what made the cogs in Relon's mind turn and could confidently answer such questions if asked. It was during these moments where they ignored the world around them in favor of focusing on the other, boosting themselves to greater heights ensuring their lifelong goal of assisting their families come to fruition.
"How are you feeling?" Futarou relents as he begins to stack his papers.
Perking at the sudden question, his eyes droop realizing his prior comment is once again ignored.
"Fine," he answers, copying the act. In doing so, they trail from his covered shoulders towards his exposed arms hidden in bandages. "It's become such a normal sight to people now that I don't have to act so secretive." Giving a glance at the secluded table they sat, he could see some students barely around the corner.
"That period of teachers worrying was a nuisance, that's for sure."
"Pfft, you weren't the one constantly called to their offices." He retorts pointing with his food before claiming the substance.
"Yet I was the one who kept worrying."
"For my safety or future?" Relon wonders already aware of the answer.
"Both." Futarou answers without hesitation.
"Of course," he chuckles, genuinely thankful to have a friend as kind and unique as Futarou. Feeling a buzz in his pocket, he eye rolls at the time.
"Get going before the halls crowd."
"Yeah, yeah, Dad." He gives an eyeroll. "Good work acing all your actual tests by the way."
"Right back at you."
Donning his blazer, much of his bandages become hidden once more.
"I take it you're going to do some more studying?"
"As always," Futarou answers, pulling out a small bracket of notes.
"Why did I even ask," Relon chuckles before departing. In doing so, he briefly catches a long red-haired girl with star accessories looking around.
Immediately, he dodges into a pack of barely occupied tables as she passes him.
"Phew," he breathes out unaware of the drama that would ensue for his best friend.
Shifting to the edge of the cafeteria, His curious eyes does a glance over not finding Ichika.
Perhaps she had left already.
With a shrug, he continues ignoring the subtle glances his way. Once outside of the noise-filled chatter, he closes it before departing.
SEX was filled with 100% negativities and 0% pros. Outside of the corny puns using his disease's acronym, life was a constant game of caution and he only had one life. No restarting unless he somehow died and miraculously got isekai'd.
Treading in public or alone, he needed To be aware at all times. The echoing or padded footsteps around, the mysteries that hid behind every turned corner; there was no room for ease. One simple touch, a brisk passing moment of female contact, was all it took to end his life.
Nearing the windows, he leans his head forward before moving down a flight of stairs before once more peering outwards to continue.
Before long, he reaches his next class. Knocking before sliding the door open, he's greeted by his teacher.
"Ah, Mr. Lucinance, good to see you. How are you?"
"Alive," he answers curtly to receive a hearty chuckle.
"Good answer as always! Though I suppose today will make that answer more interesting than normal."
Reaching his desk, any further words coming from his teacher are drowned out. As he settles at his desk next to the window, his eyes remain on the unfamiliar desk next to his.
"Explain," he demands.
"I notified all of the students but none complied. I went to the principal but our hands are tied!"
"Banner-Sensei…"
"Some of the students' families are big donors to the school and they threatened to cut all ties should we attempt to move any so unfortunately-"
"So this shitty school doesn't care about the safety of one student's life?! They're choosing their livelihood over me actually living?!" He barks, marching to the door.
"Lucinance-san, wait!"
It was already too late however. Emotions blinding him to all else, he swung the door open. In doing so, the concept of his ailment returned.
Why?
Before him, naturally surprised by the closeness, stood none other than Nino Nakano.
Instinctively, he shot backwards like a bullet, knocking his backside against a skidding desk for that to crash into another.
"Lucinance-san!" His teacher calls frantically. "Are you okay?!"
Anything Banner had to say fell on deaf ears as his buck-wide eyes continued to gaze at Nino.
From surprise to awkwardice and then to her usual huff, irritated demeanor, she continues inside.
"The hell was that about? Weirdo."
It wasn't a question per say, rather a self-comment spoken aloud. With the small insult added just loud so the two could hear. A part of Relon wanted to scowl but recognizing his current predicament, he'd relent… this time.
"Ah, yes, Nakano-san I presume?" Banner says momentarily, taking his mind off the urgency at hand.
"Yes, I'm Nino Nakano. I was told this would be my next class?"
"Yes. We were just discussing you! I do hope your experience thus far at Asahiyama has been welcoming. Your seat is located in the back row second from the window."
Red flag. No, screw red. It was crimson!
"Banner-Sensei, hold on!"
"Lucinance-kun, can't we discuss-"
"Hell no! You want me to sit next to her when I-"
"Hold on, what's your deal?" Now it was Nino herself to intervene. "You should feel lucky if anything!"
"Oh my, hold on for a second!" He urges turning to Banner. "Every other class I don't have this issue, so why is this the only one that seats can't be switched so that I'm not next to a girl?!"
"Huh?! What's that supposed to mean?!" Nino growls marching towards them. "Sensei, you mean I have to sit next to him?! No way!"
"It's as simple as that! Trust me, it ain't personal but the feeling's mutual." He sighs, failing to control his emotions.
"It feels pretty damn personal considering you're attacking me over my gender, you sexist asshole!"
Bandaged hand flexing, any remaining attempt at conserving his emotions go out the window.
"I'm not sexist! I simply have my reasons for not wanting to sit next to you! Who the hell would take pleasure in being next to someone so stuck-up?!"
"Lucinance, Nakano, please don't argue! We can discuss this like civilized people." Banner chides, intercepting Nino's path. Visibly seething at the other, both relent.
"I can't accept this. I won't."
"Lucinance-san…" Banner breathes another heavy sigh. "I know given you 'circumstances' that this is unfavorable."
"Unfavorable? I could-" Eyes shifting to a still fuming and glaring Nino, he only clicks his tongue in frustration. "Whatever. I'll speak with the Chairman. If anything happens, just know that's on all of your hands."
"Oh? What are you going to do, Mr. Mummy? Plague all the faculty with some curse?"
Ready to refute the snarky response with one of his own, he only stares at her. Every foul curse he knew was being launched and he hated not verbally saying each one.
How someone as kind as Ichika could deal with Nino's own mannerisms was something he couldn't understand. The only cause had to be their family ties.
"Relon Lucinance, Nino Nakano," Banner coughs, gaining their attention though neither face him. "I know this chance occurrence may not be the most favorable for either of you, but until an opportunity presents itself, do try to get along. Not just as seatmates, but as classmates. Can you two at least attempt that much during this temporary period?"
"Hmpf!" She pouts to point a finger. "I refuse to do anything related to this selfish jerk! Listen up, Lucinance, you don't look, talk, think, or anything related to me and I won't right back! Try anything and I'll make sure my papa gets you kicked out!"
Upon enrolling at this school, Relon's only condition required that he be seated away from any females with one seat in between them. That way, there would be little to no cause for any to walk past his desk. Even the slight chance of their belongings dropping would not prove an issue should they lean their head his way.
All plans and other causes to be as far away as possible was now out the window. Likely the only girl who had directly interacted with him in a negative way for some time was not only in close proximity, but she was fond of gestures such as the life-threatening point. Yet, that isn't what broke his mental shell confining the numbing emotions.
Superiority.
The clear dictatorship one harbored from being raised with everything handed to them to which their mindset warps to arrogance. Whether that be power, popularity, or money; all were the same.
Now it all made sense.
"Nakano-san…" He begins, for her eyes to narrow at his dulled visage. Any fire he'd held onto had been engulfed in something. Something vast and heavy. That much even Nino Nakano could recognize. "Dr. Nakano won't do such a thing. After all, he's the one who helped enroll me."
If he could regain any emotion at that point, he would be giving the biggest condescending shit-eating grin as her anger switched to confusion and then disbelief. However, he couldn't. All emotions and lack thereof were gone. He could feel the small splitting of a migraine begin to make itself more known.
"HUH?!"
No longer containing the energy capacity to entertain the entitled annoyance of space, he silently adjusted his surroundings before making his way to his seat. Settling down, a subtle breath exudes through his nostrils. Resting his chin on a hand, he can only turn away letting any loose thoughts flow in and out like the viewing clouds. He wouldn't offer anything else and it seems Nino had concluded the same for mere moments later, she took her seat next to him with crossed arms.
Even as they sat there in silence, Banner only able to look on worriedly before returning to his own duties, one thing was certain when their phones chimed. They simply did not know it yet.
Itsuki Nakano: I just met the rudest boy at lunch!
Fuutarou Uesugi: The stupidest thing just happened at lunch with this girl.
Their days in each other's company were far from over.
Nino Nakano: I bet I can top that with this douchebag next to me.
Relon Lucinance: I just had my own irksome encounter with a girl.
NJestrella: Normally im not a fan of fan fiction that revolves around a completely new character but seeing the interaction between him and ichika got me very interested...
Hey, from one fan to another, all I can say is I try. Ichika's always had this elusive way of talking that just seemed more interesting to me.
TheMist33: Cool chapter, he seems like an interesting Oc. Can't wait for more!
I try to make all versions of Relon interesting in some aspect whether it be simple or intricate. Thanks for reading!