Chapter Text
"How did I end up here?" is the thought that still lingers within me as I face the front gates of the prestigious school known as Rakuzan High School.
Why don't we back-track a bit to the events that led to this picture?
A few years back...
Coming from a middle-class family, with busy but not overbearing parents was different from the norm.
Being a student of the renowned Teiko Middle School, where excellence is the only expected result, some may say that my upbringing and attitude in life is quite unusual. They say I excel in my studies and am considered athletic, such is what to be expected to a well-rounded model student. Not to mention the whispers that some people think I'm quite attractive in some way or another.
But it seems I lack incentive.
My parents never forced me to do anything I didn't want. They never imposed on anything. Like normal parents would, they supported me in my ventures in life.
I get good grades, usually 2nd-3rd best in class. And during PE or cultural festivals where physicality is needed, I'm able to hold my ground. But I didn't belong to any clubs nor do I stay for any after-school activities unless needed.
People would often ask if it frustrates me not being able to acquire the top spot and I'll just shrug and say, 'not really'. When asked if I'd want to join any after-school activities, my usual response would be to decline with reasoning of it being 'a bother' only doing so if deemed necessary.
So imagine, to my surprise, that even with keeping a low profile I ended up catching the eye of a certain popular basketball player...
-----
It was like any ordinary day. I was walking towards my classroom when I had an inkling feeling of someone watching me.
"[Name]-chan~!" my best friend, Ayame called out who rushed to my side.
"Ohayou~" she greets with a smile.
"Ohayou" I reply with a smile, the ill-feeling quickly dismissed from my mind.
We chatted about the usual school stuffs and the on-goings in our lives. Conversing with some silly banter in between. Our laughter caught others' attention unintendedly as we enter our classroom.
"Ne, ne, [Name]-chan" Ayame started.
"Remember Sanada-kun?" She suddenly asked. I nodded slowly, a bit confused of the sudden change in subject.
"Well..." She sits down on the chair next to mine before continuing.
"He asked me out and I said yes!" she said while clasping both my hands into hers, eyes expectantly waiting my response.
"Congrats..?" I said hesitantly.
"You're not mad?"
"Why would I? As long as you're happy then that's fine"
A sigh of relief came from here.
"Thank goodness" she said with a smile.
"Why do you looked so relieved?" I asked. I was never one to meddle with ones affairs so her reaction confused me.
"I thought you might get angry that I may end up having to spend more time with another person..." Ayame responded with a pout in which I have the laugh off.
"You're such a worrywart"
"But you really should have a boyfriend too! I mean, I know that some of our classmates fancy you!" She said eagerly.
I sweat dropped. I've heard of that too, being fancied by people of the opposite gender. But no one ever acted upon it, so I never paid mind to it.
Apparently, I was practically unapproachable it seems. They say it's because of the aura I emit, dignified and a bit intimidating. Maybe it's because of how I look? Or how I speak? I really dunno. But it's something I can't control. So whatever misconception most had of me, how much off-based and absurd it may be, I just let it pass because people just don't seem too eager to listen or give a bother.
I wasn't particularly cold to anyone, I sometimes just come across as one. I helped those who asked and never bothered anyone's business. Ayame blames it on me not being more socially active but what's the fun in spending more time in school?
"[Name]." a voice called to me interrupting my thoughts.
It was the red-headed president, Akashi Seijuuro.
"I'll talk to you later, okay?" Ayame whispered in my ear, standing up and headed to her assigned seat. I nodded in reply.
"Yes?" I responded to the red-head.
"Anything I can help you with Akashi-san?" I asked while settling myself on my seat.
"You surely can [Name]." He had unreadable smile plastered on his face.
"Let's discuss this privately..."
And with that, he started to walk out of the room. There were no other words spoken after that.
He simply expected me to follow him and unmindful, I just did.
And that was my first mistake.