Author's Note:

I have returned from the hiatus after securing a plan for the plot. Now, I can finally focus solely on writing.

cesarahdz04: More Chapter please

Yee ask and shall receive. Just your luck I completed this one a day after you commented.

cesarahdz04: You keep making good chapters, the more recognition the fiction will have.

It's a given! Quantity is nice and all but I rather produce impactful quality over mass shitposting, though I do like to dribble here and there. I'd like recognition, but I believe in a stable foundation over a Jenga tower.

Stay safe and hydrated.

"Nice view," I commented. But as previous attempts have shown; the driver was the silent type. Well, I tried.

Returning to the previous endeavor, I gazed out of the window. It was tinted, acting as a one-way mirror. Although the gradient was significantly altered, the view was no less breathtaking for the first time.

As far as the eye could see, a blue sea stretching beyond the sun just above. Thanks to the tint, I didn't require glasses, but staring at our star without the proper protection was dangerous. I averted my focus to the road, the railing curing with us.

The driver expertly maneuvered the vehicle, rarely straying to one side or the other, always in the middle of the lane. I chewed my tongue softly, my breath audible through the nose. Sniffing a bit, I bid the view away for now.

For the past… however long, since I left the warehouse decoy and entered the car, I've been as unproductive as a crackhead. It was no surprise, it was a ride to the school! It better be prestigious as the talk goes, as I've heard…

I didn't know where to go with my thoughts. The seats were alright, the interior was bland but mediocre, meant as a compliment. No one even glanced our way at that busy intersection. They called that industry? They should see what the factories in Shanghai- they don't exist anymore. Right.

Perhaps… a recap was in order. Too much worry, too little knowables. Yes, that'd be good for me, take a step back and reflect. As ugly as I may be, every house needs a mirror.

I was being driven to an elite boarding school in a city I did not know, in a country that was a parody of Japan, in a world where the human race went bye bye because of a supernova. I pursed my lips inwards as if I bit on a lemon, skin and everything. If I didn't know any better, I would've assumed it was a shitty sidestream manga produced in the Basement, the one where all great studios force the animators to work twelve hour shifts and shit into buckets.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. The difference in temperature made my hands sweaty. I didn't know how to feel. I actually, honestly, genuinely, fucking did it. I squeezed a deal out of a council of hardasses so I could muck around a school. I lie, we all do, but if a man lies to himself, what kind of character is that? I couldn't let go of the glory days, they weren't fully had! And I did want a certificate that said I had half a brain and that was undeniably real.

Everything will be alright, I reminded myself. Everything had to be alright, Miya made sure. Worst case scenario, I could always pull out. Ha. But there was a downside, a major error in my calculations. How would she react if, even in the first month, I told her I couldn't do it and quit? That was, bluntly, a bitch move! I couldn't do that to her after the headaches she endured for my sake.

I closed my eyes, the car slowing down over a speed bump. Jumpless. I was a man of integrity… mostly. I hadn't given it enough thought, I believed I had but was sorely wrong. And now, on the way there, turning back was not an option. I could do it, the same way a driver could go ninety in a school zone.

So, I came to a decision. I shall stay no matter the hardships, within reason. Thinking that a second time drew a snort out. But I didn't know what could happen. I didn't know how they'd react to my presence, I hoped they had everyone informed. If not; god damn it. The press was cringeworthy, a repeat of that was not on my bucket list.

Taking a deep breath, I embraced my paranoia. Whatever happens, happens. And that was that.

I returned to horizongazing. A flock appeared out of the sun, smaller than I remembered, fewer flyers. Did Miya have a flying license? Ha! A license to fly, how silly… and responsible.

The early purples were beyond gone, a dim blue dominated the heavens but the shadows were so long. It was still summer, so why did the clock feel like winter? I should investigate that but knowing myself I'll forget the next moment.

Suddenly, gravity increased, pushing me back into the seat. The driver pressed harder on the gas pedal, the smooth climb quite steep. We had split away from the main road, the naked horizon on our right, private houses on the left. An animal checking their mailbox met my eyes, a coincidence, and only a moment. Higher and higher we went, and when I began to wonder when it'd end, it did.

To the right was that beautiful view I was getting used to, but to the left. Oh, to the left was a fence thrice my height. Planted bushes served as a natural barrier alongside the iron wall, though the top wasn't barbed or electrified… scratch the latter. It looked like the kind of fence in a prison or a… how could I be so stupid? It was the edge of a courtyard! And passing the trees struck me awed.

The car slowed down to make a tight left, the gate to the grounds already open. The road turned dirt, a red carpet to the entrance of the main building. As we approached the end of the ride, between the trees on either side I built a clearer image. Far to the right were four towers as high as the top of the main structure, too many in my opinion, what for? To the left was a race track, the olympic kind, and other smaller buildings. The unknown terrified me. I calmed right then. New things were scary, but to flee them was no solution. By the time the semester is over, I'll have the blueprints in the palm of my hand.

I smiled, a ping from my phone made me automatically extract the device from my pocket. Opening the screen, I made a mental note to think of a decent password. It was from Miya, she was asking if I had arrived yet. My reply was a single yes, I was growing giddier by the second at the prospect of the unknown. It could be both.

As the car crawled to a halt and turned another tight left so my door faced the stairs, I spotted a figure standing at the top platform. I couldn't make out their definitions but the head felt feline so I went with that. The suit was nice too, quite the catch, and the glasses, how would I look in a suit?

Once the car stopped completely, I thanked the driver before stepping out, momentarily shielding my eyes from the light. Damn, I'm so white. Turning my hand over, the color was a bit concerning. Though not as pale as milk, vitamin D was definitely a must in my diet, no jokes to be found here. I then went to the back of the car, popping open the trunk with the press of a hidden button. While I was busy with the luggage, clicking footsteps closed from the side. I glanced that way with a tilt of the head.

They, he, stopped in his tracks, stiff as a stick. I attempted to raise an eyebrow but managed a half-assed squint, "Yeah? Need something?"

"Hello, Jonathan-san…" he swallowed, so animals did sweat, cool. Not as much as me but cool regardless. "Before I begin, I want you to know it is an honor to meet you," he bowed in respect, making me a bit uncomfortable.

The hand clutching the handle let go. I straightened my posture and returned the gesture, my face as blank as a virgin canvas. In all my time down there, I rarely practiced their respectful culture. I knew of the common honorifics and the angles at which one should formally greet and apologize, but the American in me couldn't accept the need for anything more than a firm handshake. Call me xenophobic, my freaking back hurt from the ride and I noticed just now.

"No need for formalities," I informed the suited pussy, "Mr…?"

"Gon. And no need for mister, I am not that old," he chuckled, more like huffed pressurized air, "You must be wondering why I am here."

"Yup, who are you? No offence," the last part came out by itself but I believed it might, just might, have hurt his feelings.

"Right!" He cleared his throat, placing a hand over his chest, "I am the principal of this academy, and as I've said, it is a pleasure to-"

"Yooo, you're the big boss here? My bad, man," I swiftly lifted the case out of the trunk, shutting the lid signaled the driver to get lost. From back hence you cameth, silent weirdo! "And just Johnny is fine," I offered a hand, my weaker one struggling to hold the heavy bastard.

To my satisfaction, he shook it once, his whiskers moving upwards. "Well, Johnny, it- oh! Let me help."

"Huh? With what?" Just then, I had to put the case on the dirt, so he took it from me. "It's fine, I can-"

"Please, allow me," he insisted, and who was I to deny free assistance?

"I'm not that weak…" I would've said if my throat didn't rebel and convert the shout into a mumble.

With the case in his hands, I put mine behind my back, a light breeze passing through my hair. I craned my head upwards, to the tower atop the roof. I imagined what it could have in store, mainly that it was a neat design.

"Now, if you'd follow me…" The dressed tiger cleared his throat, his foot a step above the ground.

I blinked, a many notes had to be made, by the end of the day I'd have a book's worth, possibly a series of inquiries. Anyhow, I did as he requested, his tail limply hanging down, not a twitch.

Climbing behind him, once we reached the top he opened the doors for me. I went in. When he did as well, I said, "Listen, sir, you don't have to be… so polite."

"Please, no 'sir,' Gon is much preferable."

"No- I meant… this is awkward, man. I'm not that special."

He laughed, putting down the case though rotated so the wheels touched the floor, extending the other handle, "'Not that special'? Boy! Ha! Do you realize the… responsibility I carry? With you here?"

"... Ah," was my reply.

"N-not that it's a bad thing, quite the opposite!" He started into the corridor ahead, I trailed closely, "To have you with us is an experience some would die for, and… to be frank, my heart is beating erratically as we speak."

I grit my teeth, "Yeah, I see why now. I… I guess I forgot the… situation."

"Yes, 'situation,' most fitting," he smiled, taking a left turn, "I feel better now with that off my chest, thank you."

"Uh… sure," I didn't know what I did but if it made him happy, then so be it.

"I have a question, if you don't mind that is."

"Of course, go ahead si- Gon," I read a poster on the wall, something something hippy shit about coexistence.

"What made you choose my school?"

My mind blanked. Fluttering thoughts left to la-la-land. That… was a very good question. What was the reason I enlisted in Cherryton?

"You know Miya?"

"Yes! Your personal doctor, she… is quite the character."

What was my purpose? I escaped that pit, not going back, nuh uh! But to quell my doubt, to fortify my resolve, I shall spank that part of my mind into submission. I wanted to feel normal. I wanted to graduate and get a normal job. I wanted… my old life back.

I sucked it up; the threat of tears. I couldn't do that in front of the big boss of the academy, on the first day, no less! He waited for an answer too long, so I gave it, "I heard about your institute around the lab and I wanted to get an education, so I asked and shall receive."

"We are that popular," he slowed down, allowing me to catch up beside him, "that is good to know."

"Yeah, I assumed… hope this place is good."

"It is! Trust me, you won't regret choosing Cherryton Academy. We have everything to suit your… human… needs…"

I gave him the side-eye, the clean one, "What?"

"Well… there are a few… personal questions I will need to ask a little later regarding your biology," a boom echoed within the depths of my conscience, a finger twitching over the big red button.

"What kind of questions?" My tone was as neutral as the people of the Alps, never mind, I didn't know what was going on there nowadays.

"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean that personal, just… subjects that most animals aren't comfortable with sharing," he clarified, as much as a cataract eye. The ambiguity was eating away at my monkey brain but I steeled my patience. "A little later" better not be hours.

"Alright, if you say so," I dropped it, a right turn in our path.

"We aren't far from the teachers' lounge, we'll discuss the rest there."

"Okay, but why are we going there?"

"To share the good news!"

I stopped, after noticing a single pair of shoes moving, he paused as well, turning back to see why I did. When our eyes met, I spoke, "What do you mean…" mine widened before narrowing, "don't tell me…"

"..."

"..."

"I-"

"You didn't tell them."

"I didn't tell them."

„Bruh," I ran a hand through my hair, I forgot to get a cut! Fuck it, later.

"What?"

I sighed, "Nothing. It's fine, it's fine," I breathed, calming down, "They won't freak out, right?"

"..."

"..."

"W… shit."

"Dude, why didn't you tell them?!" I resumed walking.

"I… I thought I'd make it a surprise," I was about to lose a dozen brain cells.

"Okay… okay…" I closed my eyes, opening them right away, I nearly hit the wall to the left. "So, let me get this straight," we turned another corner, a strange sensation creeping up my back, the cold likely. "You knew I was coming here, and… you have watched that broadcast, right?"

"Yes."

"The one where I was dragged away by secret agents-"

"Yes, yes…" He looked away, his tail twitching.

"So you KNEW knew. S- Gon, I get what you tried to do, but…"

"It was a stupid idea," he admitted. I was somewhat appalled he did, and gained a nugget of respect towards him. Perhaps I was too harsh.

"Hey, at least it'll make a funny story to tell when you're a grandpa," I grinned, my usual mindset kicking into overdrive.

"I… thank you, for understanding. All the faculty has been talking about was… you."

"I believe everyone has been in some capacity. It is what it is, man."

He laughed, "I couldn't agree more."

Feeling lighter, I asked, "About the… t-the… a-a-ah…"

"Johnny?" Since he was looking at me, he didn't see the… the… the…!

„W-what the fuck…?!" I stepped back, creeping to hide behind him.

"Wha-" he saw the monster, an immovable object facing the biggest rattlesnake I have ever seen, "Rokume-san! You're… you scared him." It has a name, the horror-!

I let go of his suit, scolding myself for such a show of cowardice, but I had a secret. I'd never tell anyone, not a soul, it could be seen as racist, specie-ist? No, racist is less of a word jumble. While I adored birbs and borbs, cute bunch, I, like that one adventuring guy, hated snakes.

And seeing one the size of a titanoboa in the flesh with… six eyes as its diamond pattern wasn't all it was hyped up to be.

"Oh…" the serpent sighed, "I am sorry, the human saw through my disguise. I am impressed."

"Uh… thanks?" I returned to Gon's side, my arms glued to my sides, "Wait, were you stalking me?" I refrained from yelling, offending a big ass snake was a mistake a fool could avoid.

"No…" The snake, she by the feminine tone, denied, coiling around herself and blocking our path, "I was… observing."

"Like you always do…" Gon rubbed the back of his neck. "Forgive her, Johnny, it's her job. She is the school's guard."

"Now everything makes sense, it's alright," I smiled, cancelling the action immediately. "Does that mean there are more guards?" A shiver went up my spine.

"No. She is the only one and a damn good one at that," he cleared his throat, "and I believe it was for the best you two were acquainted as soon as possible. That's one less for later."

"Yup, definitely," I nodded, never taking my eyes off the serpentine giant, her tongue flicking out from time to time to taste me- woah, too far, Johnny, take her on a date first. Cool hat, though.

"Now, Rokume, if you don't mind…" He pushed the rectangular glasses up his snout, the snake giving a single nod before…

One moment, she was there. I blinked. The next, she was gone. After running the simulations a number of times, I concluded the solution to be indecisive and undefined, and that science must evolve a thousand years more before it may give us the answers we seek.

"The lounge is at the end to the right…" Gon announced as we resumed the walk, a minute and we'd be there, "I'll… I need to consult you."

"Yes?" And there was another poster! A festival at the full moon, something something holy foods, meh.

"I do not know how to introduce you."

"What's the big deal?" I stifled, "Just go in there and-"

"And show you off like a trophy?" He huffed, rubbing his thumb and index against closed eyes.

"Pff- yeah, nah, but I still think that's the best approach. Rip off the bandaid," I half-heartedly mimicked the action, the both of us stopping before a door labeling the destination.

A few voices were heard on our side, by listening for some moments, I deduced the source to be a heated argument. Gon arrived at the same realization, shook his head, and said, "Wait here, I'll… try."

I said nothing. When he opened the door, I hid on the left side. And as it began to shut, I held it open, barely, and slipped in. Fortunately, Gon was at the other side of the room, their collective attention on him. Nobody noticed the door shutting either.

I don't have bad ideas, the conditions are at fault. And this time, they obeyed their master. The kitchen corner was in my path, so I snuck to the counter while Gon went on and on about tolerance and patience; I wasn't listening. At the forefront of my mind was an unusual beverage at that time of year, but my body was my choice. Opening the cabinet above, I took out a ceramic cup. Searching another one granted me access to the spice and sugar. I then moved the ingredients to the water dispenser and it was a good one! Placing the cup under the nozzle, I pushed the button for hot water. Once it was two-thirds full, I separated the tail from the teabag, dipping the black powder in and out for a minute.

I glanced Gon's way, grinning mischievously. There was no way he hadn't noticed me. Give me another minute, I needed a hit. Focusing back on the cup, I threw the bag into the sink, steam rising off of it. I then opened the sugar jar and saw I forgot a spoon! There was no way I was sticking my sweaty fingers into the precious jar, simply disgusting. Opening the nearest drawer gave me the little spoon.

As I mixed three spoonfuls of the white powder into the tea, the room had grown quiet. Too quiet. Did Gon talk them down? Maybe. Did I slam shut the last drawer like a moron? Definitely.

Once the sugar was dissolved, I tapped the edge of the cup a few times before throwing the utensil into the sink, leaning on the counter with the cup in hand. I blew on the surface, it was still too hot to consume.

Finally, I addressed the faculty with my eyes. I remembered why goofing around was a risky business. A dozen teachers staring at me, maws agape, one snapping a picture. My heart sank. But on the outside, I forced a sip of the tea, burning my tongue a tinge. The taste was nice if not for the hotness.

Since no one spoke up, I broke the ice, "Hey… nice weather, ay?"

Then, chaos ensued. Gon was bombarded with questions, some in an imaginary line for their turn while others fought over the first word, verbally. They were mature adults, no need to throw punches. But some rushed me, who knew a tiny mouse had the zoomies?

Before I knew it, the little critter was perched on my shoulder, making wild gestures and talking too fast for me to comprehend. A canid carnivore was tearing the fur out of their head, looking around in loss, dumbfounded. There was too much happening all at once, yet I remained a bastion.

Until one of them grabbed my hand and began inspecting my palm. The invasion of privacy was the last straw, although it tickled.

"HEY!" I was heard, and the spotlight shifted to me, giving Gon a window to recover. "Would you calm down? What are you, twelve? And I'm the kid here!" I offered an open hand to the mouse, he seemed sad but obliged. I gently lowered the platform to the counter, shaking the other hand clean of an invisible contagion.

"I know you have many questions, and I- we will answer them. So please, sit down," the principal instructed, sending me a thankful nod.

With some reluctance and leftover adrenaline, the faculty returned to their seats, first dibs. I went to stand by the tiger, he patted me on the back. He looked at me, I looked back, jerked my head to him, and he began.

"As you all can see, this is…" He wanted me to complete.

"Johnny. Just Johnny is fine. And you all know my name, and story," I crossed my arms, this was going to be awkward one way or another but I went over that already.

"Yes. And… some of you might have guessed… he is going to be attending the school."

"HELL YEAH!"

"I'll be the maths teacher!"

"No you won't. I am much more qualified for human intellect."

"Fight, peasants. Sports if my forte~"

"Shut up, yi-"

"LANGUAGE!" Gon grabbed the nearest animals by the scurf, a fellow feline. The teacher stood still as a rock, seemingly immobilized. Then, he was let go to fall back into his seat.

"I've heard worse in the lab," I shrugged, basking in the potential blackmail… nah, that's too evil.

"That doesn't make it any better!" He groaned, taking a deep breath, "How about you tell them… your plan?"

"Plan?" I laughed, "It's not a plan, it's what's going to happen," I rolled my tongue against an inner cheek, quickly going over an explanation as short and efficient as possible. Once it was cooked to perfection, I let out the steam.

Five minutes later, the entirety of the staff was caught up to speed. It was so strange, to be treated like a god. I knew why it was amazing to them, why some freaked out. But it didn't feel out of the ordinary. Could Miya have prepared me down there? I didn't think it was possible to recreate their reactions, it'd be too artificial. At least there were no surprises left.

"Thank you," Gon said, "Now remain a few more issues such as… territory time," he counted a finger, "your diet," another finger, "club activity," the middle finger.

"Hold up, what are you talking about?" I asked, "They didn't tell me anything about that. What's 'territory time'? Like a sport? Paintball?" The PE teacher, I assumed, chuckled.

"Johnny…" The tiger addressed, "are you implying… you do not experience territory time?"

"I'm not implying anything, man…" The coin dropped into the slot. "They didn't fucking release it…"

"Release what?" He chose to ignore the curse word.

"Remember when I went live and made fun of the government?"

"Y-yes, that part. No one can forget that," I swear he grinned.

"I dared them to release a bunch of files with… 'human lore'," I quoted. "Apparently… they didn't, which kinda sucks but yeah, I was right." Some things don't change.

"I… Could you elaborate? We do need to sort this out before the… rest of the students arrive."

"Didn't Miya 'sort this out' in advance?"

"Your living quarters, payments, security, indeed. Not your personal preferences."

I groaned, massaging my face, "Okaaaay… I see why," the logical part agreed with her, the lazy heart was aching.

For the second time, I talked for more than I was used to. The issue of my diet was easy to solve; I could eat whatever I pleased.

I learned that territory time was a mandatory period of time in the day, every third day, that every animal had to go in a room assigned to their species and sit there. The purpose of these rooms was to relieve stress. The kind of plants they were smoking was the constant thought during the little lesson. If I felt stressed, which rarely happened at a lethal level, I'd either go for a run, play video games or polish my spear. There was no shame in that, everyone had their outlets. And as long as it's behind closed doors, no fucks can be given. Long story short; I was exempt from territory time, booya!

And the clubs… "I like music," I told them, "I can play a few instruments, I'm no professional but I'm willing to learn," that marked the end of my present problems. "Buuuuut… I'd like to learn how to edit videos, so if there's a club for that too, I'm in."

"Johnny-san," the mouse said, "you… you want to attend two clubs… at the same time?!"

"Uh, yeah? Is that a problem-?"

"HAHAHA! PAY UP, LOSERS!" He danced in joy, yen bills being angrily thrown at him. One hit him square in his face, sending him to the table, nothing fetal.

"What's with him?" I asked the tiger.

"They made a bet who got you into their club, he's the head of the journalism club" he deadpanned, disappointment was a universal language.

"Awesome. So, can I do that?"

"... Sure. I don't see why not. But I have to warn you, it won't be easy."

"Heck yeah! That's everything, right?" I smiled, my frontal teeth peeking.

"..."

"... I don't like thaaaat…"

"There is one more thing I need you to do."

"Just one?"

"Yyyyyes."

I sighed, "Fiiine. First day of school is tomorrow?"

"Mhm."

"Nice. What do you need me to do?"

God fucking dammit. That was it. God fucked Dammit and she had space aids. Spaids. Dammit had spaids and that's what killed God.

Standing behind a curtain wall, I was done screaming internally, the echoes had faded as well. It was literally a repeat of the broadcast but with a thousand or so students. Guess what, Johnny? They didn't know you were here either! Nobody knew and why would they? It was a private affair, but it wouldn't be long before word got out to the public about my academic pursuit.

I didn't want to do it. I just didn't. The first time was hard enough. Again? The author had to be joking. Perhaps there was no better way of breaking the news, taking smaller groups or one by one was in no way practical.

I huffed once, the thin smile twitching at the corners. My own words came back to bite me in the ass. Like a bandaid, Johnny said. Rip it off, Johnny said. Give me ice cream, Johnny didn't say.

I was getting worked up for nothing, yet I couldn't let go of that anger. And there was no one to blame. It was a complicated, gray situation that required careful analysis- who was I kidding, it was time to initiate protocol: Fuck It, We Ball. It hasn't failed me thus far, so why fix something that wasn't broken?

Gon was wrapping up his speech just as I finished tweaking. If tolerance was a given, why keep emphasizing? Whatever, his happy hippy tigger ass can smoke however joints he pleases. Patting myself down out of habit, the principal signaled my entry with a grand swing of the arm.

Pushing the curtain side, I strode to the lectern like a champ, imagining an empty auditorium in place of the packed one. I thanked him just so they heard it. With him stepping aside, I tapped the microphone a few times, buying myself precious seconds to think of a way to quell the brewing catastrophe- too late.

One must imagine the teachers' excitement amplified a hundred fold. I kind of liked the attention, in a weird, love-deprived way. But it was getting real old real fast. Luckily, the full rows prevented the enthusiastically inclined from jumping into the air like frogs, I hoped they didn't put chemicals in the water.

Sharing a glance with Gon, I pitied him. He was torn between intervention and neutrality. I almost wanted to tell him he was alright in my books. Almost. It was his idea, after all.

Still, I wasn't that cruel. Grabbing the microphone like it owed me money, I blew air into the wired mesh. The sound translated into the speakers as a magnificent ear-rape that broke the castle of chaos. Upon spotting an animal covering their ears, I ceased. Now, I just felt like a jerk.

But to prove a point, "Chill or I'll do it again," I bluffed, but who knew? Maybe I would do it. Maybe I didn't have a heart. Maybe I didn't want my ass beaten, though I doubted they'd let it actually happen.

"Okay!" I started, "Now that you've calmed down, I'll tell you everything you need to know. So, please, contain yourself until I am done."

Ten minutes. I was also getting better at public speeches. Might become the preside- eeew, politics. That was an interesting thought, what to work as? I didn't need to, but Dad always said it was good for the mind, that sitting around and doing nothing was the worst rot for the brain.

Now, everyone at this wonderful academy knew the hows and whys. Was it so fantastical? A human amongst them. Four words! On second thought, in a world of a billion sentient animals and an extinct human race, I really was an anomaly in a painting of normality. They better get used to it then; I was going nowhere. As in, I wasn't allowed off school grounds, Gon had informed me.

"You did great," the tiger shook my shoulder, the students leaving through multiple entries.

"Eh, it happened," I sniffed, waving back to an animal. Man, the internet was going to explode.

"I really mean it. Now, everything will be much easier."

"Hm," I wouldn't say that, study wasn't the same for everyone. Across all subjects, I was a student. Neither exceeding nor failing expectations, being average had its perks. "That'd be nice."

"If you will…" He sounded further, I turned to him. He waited for me to follow.

"Where are we going? Miya said I had a room?"

"Yes, we'll get to that. First, I'd like to show you around the school."

"Ah, alright."

The rest of the day went exactly as he said. Throughout the tour we encountered small groups of students, Gon mentioned they were new just like me. The light that appeared when they spotted me was wholesome, though the most I returned was a wave and a toothless smile.

"Hey, what's with the uniforms?" I inquired, the two of us in the gym, spacious too.

"I forgot! You must don the male uniform, it's part of the dress code," his tone felt unsure.

"If you say so," that did the trick.

It made sense, and it'd help me distinguish the sexes. I didn't know why- yes I did, because of my monkey brain. If one were to hold me at gunpoint and ask me to tell apart a male and female of the same species, I'd die. There were differences, small details that made every individual special. To me? If they didn't speak and the female wasn't blessed with a substantial rack? Rest in peace, me. I'll wear the stupid uniform. No more confusion in that department.

Some classes were more like the auditorium, some were the classics I grew up with. Restrooms were abundant, the same with coolers and leisure spots to sit with friends and meme. Too bad I had no friends, womp womp.

Hence, this was the way. Everybody liked me. I suppressed a giggle so Gon wouldn't be weirded out. That was narcissistic as fuck, but truth cared not for feelings. Just… be myself, and let nature do the rest. We were social creatures, after all.

"Yeah…"

"And here is the cafeteria! If you'd like, I could-"

"No, it's fine. And before you ask, I am a hundred percent sure," I appreciated how mindful he was of my diet but I'd manage. I could go without protein for a week, it wasn't the end of the world.

Right, protein. Meat. No one, not a soul, must know I ate meat… I didn't remember if I said that on air. Fuck. I wasn't planning on butchering an innocent critter, and I won't, ever! Eggs and beans have done wonders.

"... If you say so," as we left the cafeteria, I noted to examine the tree in the center. I swore I saw cutsie little wittle stairs ascending the trunk. Adorable. The gnomes must pay the cheese tax! "And that concludes the day. Dinner is at seven, you may use the goods in your floor's kitchen otherwise."

"The dorms. What of them?

"You will be staying at the first floor…" he fished out a key from his pant pocket, a number engraved onto the wooden chain accessory, "in the male herbivore dorms."

We exited the school, a group of females screeching out of sight, "Oh?"

"Miya-san proved the… authenticity of your true omnivorous nature. Therefore," he made sure no one was listening before whispering, "as a carnivore, it's safer for you to be amongst herbivores."

"Woah, damn, o-okay," I took the key from him.

"Your belongings have been moved to your room, you will find your uniforms in the closet. Your curriculum is also on the table. Please, do not be late."

"Of course I won't! What do you take me for?" I laughed, "Will I have roommates?"

"No. Miya-san granted you quite the privileges and I think they're for the best," he checked his watch. "I need to go, there is a meeting in ten minutes. Good day, Johnny-san," I bid him farewell. There was that san again. He was too distant for a correction.

I dropped it. Inspecting the key, it was nothing special. I pocketed my hands into my pants, humming as I went towards the four towers. Everything had come together. There were two genders and two orders; carnivore and herbivore. Multiply two by two and you get four. Where was my degree? I can smell it, it wants me, and I want it.

Three years. Three years of this. This being a good thing. I wanted this, I got this. I got this. I was so ready. I could already see it; a bright future where I was treated as a normal member of society, living without the fear of crime or economical collapse. Truly, a dream.

Arriving at the complex, I made sure my tower was a boys' dormitory before the plant-eater part. I had gotten rid of the awkward illness, no harm in being extra careful. When I entered the correct complex, a… moose, I thought, passed by, taking a double then triple take at what he saw, but said nothing and went on his merry way.

At the first floor was a lobby of sorts, a homey place to relax and cook. The kitchen corner was a wall, a television on the opposite end, sofas and chairs in the middle as well as a table. Too much effort, cereal it was for the dawns.

Checking the key chain again, I took a right, passing the first rooms until I stood before the eighth door. Inserting the key, I was excited to see what would become my new home and unlocked the door. It was…

Mundane. There was the living room which was literally the main room of the dorm. A table, four chairs, a note on the table, bingo! I shut the door, b-lining towards the chosen sheet. Leaning over the table, I read it. It is what it fucking is. Seaspeak? Sure, whatever.

Switching to inspection mode, I saw a closet built into the wall. Sliding open the doors, a dozen uniforms and white outfits were hung, the whites on the right, the uniforms on the left. Underwear, socks, even two pairs of shoes at the bottom! And my suitcase hidden from sight, empty. Miya, you were forgiven by sixty eight percent.

That left the mysterious door on the other side. I gave it less than a minute of my time; a shower was a shower, a sink was a sink, a bathroom was a bathroom. It was spotless, so that was neat.

Opposite to the entrance was a curtained window. Yeah, that was staying closed. I had a hunch it was a very wise choice.

All in all, I liked it here. They had a generous budget, I had a private room, all the necessities, three square meals a day, and ignoring the first impressions, the animals were alright. I think I made the right choice coming here, to spice up my life a little. Why was I going over everything I had? Because something was missing. The walls were pretty, I didn't require extra furniture, the bed was a sofa if one was creative enough.

That table… was bare. If my theory was correct, I had countless days of study ahead, some leaking deep into the night. So, a wooden chair was a terrible diet for a healthy back. However, when one has an infinite bank account, buying a decent office chair was no hassle.

"A poster there…" I imagined beside the window, "or here…" above the bed, of a sunset overlooking a mountain range. Nearly losing myself in design, I snapped my fingers, "A piano! Yes, yes. Hmm… nah, a guitar." Even though I could get whatever I wanted, I thought of the movers, the envy of others. I wasn't here to cause conflict. The girls liked a dude who could play the guitar and I was more proficient with strings over keys.

"Yeah, girls…" I'd move the table over to the window, get another if I get future friends to come over. Something was still amiss, "I'm so lonely…" besides that. There was a tool, a technological miracle missing from my table. Something compact, flat, foldable like a book with a connection to the web.

"Aha!" I exclaimed, "I need a computer!"