Chapter Text
Light Yagami had just finished checking his reflection when he heard his sister’s voice calling him from downstairs. “Light! Come on, it’s time to go. We don’t want to be late for school.”
The boy chuckled to himself as he called over his shoulder. “I’m on my way down, Sayu.” He glanced back at the mirror, brushing his fluffy chocolate brown hair out of his amber eyes before heading down the stairs.
By the front door was his 14-year-old sister, who was bouncing on the balls of her feet excitably, her bright pink book bag swaying on her shoulder with the motion. She beamed up at Light as he made his way over, causing the 17-year-old to chuckle good-naturedly.
“Excited for your first day at school, I take it?” He asked with a soft smile.
His sister nodded enthusiastically. “Isn’t this exciting? It’s our first day as American high schoolers. I can barely wait to start the day!”
Right, the older sibling thought to himself, today was their first day at a new school after they had moved from Japan. Today officially marked the start of a new life for both of them, and Light couldn’t help but envy his sister a little, knowing her youth made the shift easier for her. He was excited, of course, but that didn’t stop him from missing their old school and friends back in Tokyo.
Still, he couldn’t let his reminiscences ruin his or Sayu’s day. He had to stay optimistic. So he chuckled and ruffled the girl’s soft brown mop of hair, causing her to giggle. “Yes, this is definitely going to be interesting for both of us.” He smirked as he eyed her cream coloured turtleneck and loose-fitting blue jeans. “It’s so strange not having to wear a uniform anymore, for one.”
Sayu’s round wide eyes glimmered with a giggle. “I know, right? It’s so much less restricting.” She mock-pouted as she eyed Light’s maroon sweater with a collar low enough to expose his broad shoulders and tight black jeans. “But it’s so unfair that you’ll now have your sharp dressing as well as your good looks to win over your admirers.”
Light laughed as that. “C’mon, Sayu, I’m going to school to study, not flaunt myself. Besides, it’s the first day. I’m not going to have any admirers.” He opened the door and stepped out, waiting for his sister. “Now let’s go. We better get going.”
Sayu squealed and practically ran out the house and down the street, dragging her laughing older brother behind her. This was definitely going to be an interesting new chapter for both of them.
About thirty minutes later the pair were passing through the entrance to the school and looked around in awe. The place was alive and buzzing with energy from the animatedly chatting students around them. The hallways seemed so endless, and posters, ruby red lockers and other decorations seemed to adorn the pristine white walls. It was, admittedly a little overwhelming.
Soon, Light noticed, a lot of students took notice of the foreign siblings, their eyes flitting over as they pointed and spoke in hushed tones among themselves. The boy noticed with slight nervousness that he was being eyed in particular.
Now, Light was aware he was at least decent looking. With his fluffy brown hair falling over warm amber eyes framed by long lashes that most girls back in Japan envied, soft heart-shaped face that came accompanied with regal high cheek bones, full pillowy lips and smooth pale skin, and his lean-muscled broad shoulders and toned legs and arms, Light had – as his sister so lovingly loved to word it – everyone drooling all over him back home. Still, he felt so exposed having many girls (and surprisingly a few guys, though Sayu had pointed out back home it wasn’t uncommon for Light to be ogled by men as he walked past them) eyeing him with flirtatious smiles and shy giggles. One blonde girl even winked at him, causing him to avert his eyes.
Sayu had noticed this as well, and gave her brother a wry grin. “See, told you you’d have them fawning all over you.”
“Oh shut it, Sayu.” Light smiled even though he hated how his sister was always right in terms of his social life. “Now come on, we need to find the headmaster’s office so we can get our schedules.”
“Well, if you need a guide, I’m more than happy to assist.” Approaching them was a tall, slender girl with sleek platinum blonde hair that fell over her shoulders, honey-brown eyes and fair skin dressed in a white blouse and light blue knee-high skirt. She smiled welcomingly at the two. “After all, helping new students is what a student ambassador does.”
Light smiled gratefully at the girl. “Thank you, we’d greatly appreciate that.”
Sayu was staring at the tall girl with sparkling eyes and an awed smile. “That’s so nice! Thank you.”
The girl smiled kindly at them. “Follow me,” she said before striding off with purpose down the halls with Light and Sayu at her sides, the sea of students parting to let them through.
“Student ambassador, huh?” Light asked curiously. “That’s a huge responsibility to have.”
The girl smiled at him. “Nothing I can’t handle,” she replied proudly. “My name is Halle, by the way. What’s yours?”
“I’m Light. This is my younger sister, Sayu.” Light introduced them to Halle.
Halle looked at the younger sibling with piqued interest. “Sayu, huh? Interesting name. Is that Japanese, by any chance?”
The brunette’s face flushed pridefully as she nodded. “Yep! Light and I just moved here from Tokyo a week ago.”
“Welcome to New York.” Halle smiled warmly as they stopped right by a door. “Looks like this is your stop. I’m sure Mr. Wammy can sort out everything from here.”
Light smiled gratefully at the blonde. “Thank you again, Halle.”
“Just doing my job, Light.” Halle winked. “If you need anything at all, come find me.” With that, she walked away from the pair.
Sayu’s eyes followed the girl as she disappeared around a corner. She then looked up to Light in awe. “She was amazing!”
Light smirked and ruffled her hair before knocking on the door, opening it when they head a hearty “Come in!” on the other side.
Sitting at the head chair behind an oak desk was an elderly man with slicked back silver hair and a matching square moustache. He was impeccably dressed in a black tuxedo, and he glanced up over his moon-shaped spectacles to look at the Yagami siblings with a warm grandfatherly smile. “Ah, you must be Mr. and Miss Yagami. I’m Mr. Wammy, the headmaster. Come, take a seat.” His grey eyes twinkled as he gestured to two plush green couches in his office.
Light took the seat closer to the man while Sayu took the seat next to him. “I’m so sorry for disturbing sir, but-”
“Good heavens, my boy, there’s no need to apologize, I was awaiting your arrival after all.” Mr. Wammy smiled at the boy. “I’m aware the change from Japan to New York must have been quite the shock on you both, correct?”
Sayu nodded at this. “Yes, sir. Already, this school is very different to our old one. We’re not used to the school being so… spacious. Luckily a Student Ambassador showed us the way here.”
The headmaster’s eyes brightened at this. “Ah, I see. What was the Ambassador’s name, if you remember? I need to put this on their record.”
“It was Halle, sir. We didn’t get a last name.” Light was amused to see his sister’s chocolate eyes glimmer at the mere mention of the blonde girl.
Mr. Wammy chuckled. “I’m not surprised. Miss Lidner has always been keen about her duties. Still, I’m glad finding your way here wasn’t too much of a hassle.” He reached into a drawer in his desk to pull out two pieces of paper before handing them to the two students. “Here are your schedules, along with the codes and numbers of your lockers. I’m sure your teachers and peers will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding extracurricular activities and school functions but if they can’t help you, please don’t hesitate to find me and ask.” He gave them another kind smile.
Before Light could thank the man, the door opened, drawing both teenagers’ attentions to the person entering. A young man with neatly trimmed black hair that framed his heart-shaped face down to his chin and bangs that partially covered his earnest brown eyes walked in, holding a silver tray with a teapot on it. “Mr. Wammy,” the young man spoke in an almost timid voice. It occurred to Light that this man couldn’t be a lot older than him, perhaps in his late twenties at most. “I’ve brought you your morning Earl Grey. I don’t know if Roger already brought for you.”
Mr. Wammy’s face lit up as he gestured for the man to set the tray down on his desk. “In fact, he hasn’t. Thank you, Touta.” The headmaster turned to Light and Sayu. “Mr. and Miss Yagami, this is Mr. Matsuda. He’s my assistant principal.” He looked up to his assistant again. “Touta, if you don’t mind, could you please escort Mr. and Miss Yagami to their homerooms? They both just arrived from Tokyo and it’s their first day.”
“Of course, always happy to help.” Mr. Matsuda’s eyes lit up as he smiled, first at Mr. Wammy then at Light and Sayu. “Welcome to New York.”
Light and Sayu gave their thanks before following the assistant principal through the school. As the walked, Light couldn’t help but focus on something about the man guiding them. “Mr. Matsuda? Your last name… you wouldn’t happen to be Japanese as well, would you?”
The older man gave the 17-year-old a bright smile. “Actually, I’m Japanese American. I hope the change from Japan to America wasn’t too troublesome.”
Sayu shook her head happily. “Not at all! We’re loving it here so far. It’s been like an adventure, right, big brother?”
Light gave a half-hearted nod and small smile in response. He was happy Sayu was already adjusting but he knew he still needed to get used to their new home and school. Still, he refused to dampen Sayu’s mood like that.
Soon, the trio arrived at Sayu’s classroom, where she quickly hugged Light goodbye before stepping inside to join her class. As soon as the door closed, Mr. Matsuda gave Light a soft smile.
“What?”
“Nothing, it’s just I saw the look on your face earlier. Guess you don’t quite share your sister’s opinion about the move, huh?” Mr. Matsuda’s eyes shone with sympathy as he studied Light on the way to the boy’s classroom.
Light sighed. “Don’t get me wrong. So far, America seems great. And those I’ve met here at school seem like amazing, friendly people as well, which helps makes things easier.” Light noticed the other male’s eyes light up at that. “And I’m happy Sayu is adjusting. It’s just…”
“You still miss home.” Mr. Matsuda finished, nodding empathetically. “I get it. You’ve lived your entire life one way in one part of the world, and all of a sudden, you’re living on the other side of the planet in a country that lives differently. It’s a huge adjustment. There’s nothing wrong with needing time to adapt.” He placed a hand on the teenager’s shoulder and squeezed lightly. “If you need anything at all, just come talk to me. I may not have lived in Japan, but I’m still familiar with it’s culture and it’s still in my blood. You need anything, don’t even hesitate to ask, okay?”
Light tried not to squirm under the man’s studying gaze – clearly he was trying to read how he was feeling at the moment - and instead offered a sincere smile. “I will. Thank you, Mr. Matsuda.”
The assistant principal’s face lit up in a bright smile, a soft pink dusting his cheeks as he pat Light on the back as they came to a stop outside a classroom door. He knocked once, and then opened the door. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Miss Misora, but you have a new student in your class.”
“Of course. Thank you, Mr. Matsuda.” A young woman, only in her twenties most likely, smiled as she gestured for Light to enter her classroom. “Please, come join us. Welcome to the class.”
Light stepped inside after waving goodbye to Mr. Matsuda, and immediately had to fight the urge to shrink in on himself as he felt everyone turn to stare at him. Glancing over to his classmates, the brunet noticed several girls giggling as they stared at him, talking in excited whispers among themselves. Other girls were staring dreamily at him, and even the boys seemed to be studying him intently, more than a handful with a satisfied gleam in their eyes. The Japanese boy felt a light flush on his neck when a clear wolf whistle sounded from near the back of the classroom. Was this just how any foreign kid would be treated?
The teacher was a kind but stern-looking young woman no taller than Light was. She had long black hair that fluttered down her back, motherly hazel eyes, a soft round face and pale skin. She smiled warmly at the boy. “No need to feel so shy. Please, tell us your name and a bit about yourself.”
The boy took a small breath before clearing his throat to speak. “My name is Light Yagami. I just moved here from Tokyo.”
The class all seemed to stir at this, sitting even straighter in their seats as they all started murmuring.
“Of course, only someone who looks like that would be from Japan.”
“Why are foreign boys always so cute?”
“He speaks English so well.”
Miss Misora’s smile grew a smidge. “Oh! Welcome to New York. I’m sure everyone will be more than happy to make you feel welcome. Please, take a seat anywhere you choose.”
The boy, out of habit, bowed to the young woman before looking around for a seat, ignoring how almost all the girl’s were looking at him expectantly. Soon, his eyes landed on an empty seat by the window in the middle row of the classroom, and headed over, keeping his head bowed. As he got to the seat, he noticed the boy in the chair next to him staring. Smiling, he asked, “Oh, sorry, I forgot to ask. Is this seat taken?”
The boy, who had shoulder-length spiky black hair, reddish-brown eyes behind thin-framed glasses, an angular face and fair skin placed his book down, smirking at the new kid. “No, actually, it isn’t. Please, help yourself.”
Light smiled as he sat down, placing his book bag on the floor. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” The boy kept his eyes on Light as he sat down. He reached across the space between their desks. “I’m Teru, by the way.”
Light accepted the handshake. “It’s nice to meet you. I’d introduce myself, but I kinda did so in front of the class already.”
Teru laughed at that. “Yes, I suppose you did. I also suppose you’re getting sick of being welcomed to America. How was Japan? Was it very different from here?”
Light nodded with a smile. “It’s a huge adjustment, but I’m all for the challenge. It’s those who can’t adapt to new situations who fall behind, right?”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” The dark-haired boy smirked, and Light couldn’t help but feel like he’d made his first real friend at this new school.
After making more small talk throughout homeroom - as well as answering more questions from his other classmates who got up to talk to him – the bell for their next class rang. As they exited the classroom, Teru looked over at Light. “What class do you have now, Light?”
The teen checked his schedule. “Looks like I have English next.” He looked at his new friend. “How about you.”
“Maths,” Teru adjusted his glasses. “Too bad. I was hoping maybe we’d have the first class together.” He grinned. “Assuming I don’t see you until lunch, I’ll see you after class, Light. You should join me to eat later.”
Light smiled in response. “Sure. See you later.”
Light asked Miss Misora for directions to his next class and headed to English. Quickly scanning the room for an empty seat, he took one in the back of the classroom, hoping no one would notice him there.
He was surprised when two boys took the seats to his right, both looking to be perhaps a year or two younger than him. The one sitting closest to him was a boy with slightly tanned skin under golden blond hair styled in a bob down to his chin, his bangs just barely missing his eyes, and a round face. He was rather broad on his shoulders which were hidden under his black fur-trimmed jacket, which parted to reveal a skin-tight dark maroon leather vest that zipped up in the front and bore his midriff. He also wore tight black leather pants and black leather combat boots.
The other boy had short shaggy brownish auburn hair that framed his angular face and fell over his forehead. From where Light was sitting, he could make out dark blue eyes peering from under the hair. He was dressed in a long sleeved red-and-black striped shirt, loose-fitting blue pants, and brown mid-calf high boots. He laughed with the blond as they took their seats (clearly, the two were rather close) before he noticed Light, shooting him a friendly grin. “Well, hey there. I’ve never seen you around before.”
Light blinked for a moment before smiling with a greeting nod. “Yeah, that’s because my sister and I just moved here. Here being both this school and New York in general.” He clarified.
The blond boy turned to look at Light, allowing the brunet to see his sharp blue eyes. “I see.” The older boy decided to ignore how those blue eyes took a moment to wonder over Light’s face – then his entire frame – with an appreciative glimmer before he spoke up again. “Where are you from, then?”
Light cleared his throat. “Japan, actually. Tokyo, if we’re being specific.”
The younger brunet whistled lowly. “That’s a big move. Must be rather thrilling.”
Light puffed out a laugh. “It’s proven interesting to say the least.”
“Well, you’re not the only one finding your arrival interesting.” The blond smirked hungrily. “Got a name, dreamboat?”
The older boy chuckled quietly. This kid was quite forward, huh? “My name is Light.”
“Light.” The blond tested the name on his tongue. “Quite a fitting name.” He reached a gloved hand up to play with his rosary necklace. “The name’s Mihael. Better remember it.”
Mihael’s friend just shook his head at the boy’s antics. “I’m Mail. Nice to meet you, Light.”
“Likewise.” Light smiled. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, what year are you guys in? You definitely seem younger than I am.”
“Is that going to be a problem?” Mihael frowned lightly. “Too cool to hang out with younger students?”
Light shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry if that’s how it came across. No, it’s not an issue at all. I’m just curious. I’m not used to the whole mixed grade thing.”
Mihael’s face lost it’s previous tension and he smiled at Light. “Right. I forgot that’s not how things work in Japan. But anyway, Matt and I are in sophomore year.”
The older boy’s face scrunched up in confusion and he looked over to Mail. “Matt?”
“A nickname I received in elementary school that sorta stuck.” Matt responded with a shrug. “Mihael’s nickname is Mello.”
The older boy nodded in understanding and smiled. “I think I’ll just stick with Mail and Mihael. I’ve only just met you and it feels rude to call you by a nickname when I don’t know you that well.”
“Well, looks like we are going to have to change that.” Mello smiled, giving Light another once-over. “What year are you in? So I know how often I’ll get to see you.”
Light couldn’t help but chuckle. He wasn’t sure if it was because the idea of a boy two years younger than him blatantly flirting with him was amusing or he was happy to be getting along with his classmates. Either way, he answered the question. “I’m a senior.”
Mello nodded at that, his smile growing cockier. “Interesting. We should be seeing quite a bit of you then.”
Light noticed Matt rolling his eyes with an exasperated sigh. He caught the foreign boy’s eye and glanced at the blond between them with a look that stated quite plainly, “Sorry about him.”
Light smiled back reassuringly. He felt a slight warmth in his chest as he looked away so Matt and Mello wouldn’t notice his pondering smile. He really liked these two kids so far, and he was hoping to maintain a friendship with them despite the age gap. Mello in particular was definitely going to make school interesting.
The blond turned his attention to the front of the classroom suddenly, leaning over to whisper to Light with a small smile. “Our teacher’s coming in now. Gotta warn ya, he takes some getting used to, but he’s a really good teacher.”
Light focused his gaze to the front of the class and blinked. The man who walked in couldn’t be even ten years older than the senior. He had extremely pale skin that made Light wonder for a moment if he ever went out into the sun, and a long angular face. His shaggy black hair fell down to his shoulders, and he had dark circles around his wide, round onyx eyes – insomniac, Light thought sympathetically, knowing his dad suffered from the same issue and thus recognizing the signs. He was dressed really simply as well, wearing only a long-sleeved white shirt, loose blue jeans and beat-up sneakers. He honestly looked more like a university student than a teacher, but Light thought that only made the man more curious than anything else.
The teacher looked around the classroom almost apathetically until his eyes met Light’s, and the boy’s breath hitched in his throat slightly as those dark eyes seemed to look right through his soul. They seemed endless, just an abyss, albeit with a scholarly, intelligent glint to them. They were the most beautiful eyes the Japanese boy had ever seen.
He mentally slapped himself. No, stop it. That’s not something appropriate to be thinking about your teacher, Light scolded himself. Even if he is rather young for a teacher, and even if there was something… intriguing about him.
The teacher seemed to notice their little staring competition was flustering Light, as he brought his thumb up to his mouth and swiped over his lips thoughtfully, smirking as he turned his gaze away from the boy. As soon as he did, Light suddenly felt like he could breathe again. What the hell was that?
Mello was smirking as he took in Light’s baffled look. “I told you he takes some getting used to. I see he noticed you. Not surprised, Mr. Lawliet doesn’t show it, but he remembers the name and face of every student he teaches.”
Light glanced over to the blond and brunet to his right. “He’s rather young, isn’t he?”
Matt grinned. “He seems like it, huh? But trust us, he’s a very good teacher.”
Light decided to take their word for it. After all, Mr. Lawliet did seem to be rather intelligent.
“Can I please have everyone’s attention, please?” The man’s monotone voice spoke from the front of the classroom. It’s strange, Light thought, his voice would typically be the type that put students to sleep at their desks, but Mr Lawliet’s seemed to grab everyone’s attention, keeping them all focused.
The English teacher spoke, with an apathetic stare again. “We shall be starting with an introduction to Shakespeare. If you’d please take out your textbooks and turn to page six, we may begin shortly.”
The lesson passed rather quickly, and Light had to admit Matt and Mello were right: Mr. Lawliet definitely was an odd man (he sat in the teacher’s chair in an odd sort of crouch that could not be good for posture, for one.) but the man clearly knew his literature, and spoke with an almost infectious passion about it that kept the whole class active and engaging the entire class.
As the bell rang, and the students packed up to leave, Light felt a presence standing over him. Looking up, he could see Mr. Lawliet standing by his desk in a slight hunch, his hands in his jeans pockets as he stared, studying the boy. It took all of Light’s willpower not to squirm under that gaze.
After a long minute of silence, the man spoke up. “I noticed you sitting in the back here before the lesson started. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you around school before.”
Light jumped slightly, not really expecting the man to speak. He cleared his throat and answered. “Yes, sir. I just moved here from Tokyo. This is my first day here.”
Mr. Lawliet raised an eyebrow. “Japan, I hear. How fascinating. I apologize if I was going too fast for you then, considering English wouldn’t be your first language.” His lips quirked upward a bit, his gaze softening to an impressed expression. “Although you definitely speak the language quite fluently, and you were quite clearly paying attention in class today.”
The boy felt something akin to pride bubble in his chest at the praise. “My parents made sure I started learning from young, sir.”
“What good parenting, indeed,” The man turned to walk out to his desk. “I hope this new school treats you well, Mr….”
“Um, Yagami, sir.”
“Mr. Yagami. Well, I’m assuming your desk neighbor has already told you my name, but just in case, call me Lawliet. I look forward to seeing how you continue to engage in my class.”
Light stood and bowed. “Thank you, sir. I look forward to attending your classes.” With that, he followed Matt and Mello, who seemed to have decided to wait for him, out of the classroom and into the hallway.
“Well, I hope you enjoyed your first lesson of the year.” Matt smiled up at him. “Told you Mr. Lawliet was a good teacher.”
The senior smiled. “He’s interesting, I’ll give him that.”
“Well, he clearly found you interesting too,” Mello grinned, looking up at Light confidently. “Well, Light, it was good meeting you, but we have to go. We’ll see you at lunch later. Keep an eye out for us because trust me: I’ll be keeping one out for you.” He winked at the older boy.
Light couldn’t help but laugh. “I look forward to it. See you two later.” With a wave, he walked down the hallway to his next class.
On his way to Physics, Light could only smile to himself as he reflected on what had happened thus far. He’d been worried how he’d find his first day at an American school, but quite clearly, things were turning out pretty interesting. The boy felt excitement blooming in him. Looks like he’d enjoy it here after all.