Chapter Text
[REDACTED] Academy
History Class
9:50 am┃
The sound of the school bell loudly rang, penetrating through Shuichi’s earbuds that were hidden deep within his hair, as listening to music wasn't permitted during class. But Shuichi didn't care as long as he didn't get caught — which he didn't so far –– he wasn't scared because music had soothed his nerves, blocked out all unnecessary remarks people had made about him.
He believed that, if he blocked them out they wouldn't exist, that if he disregarded their existence then he wouldn't get hurt.
Shuichi stood up after most students had already taken off, rushing to change before class started, but Shuichi had other plans. He headed off to the first 4th bathroom –– the smallest and ostracized one –– due to its overly high floor level and exhausting amount of stairs. Shuichi didn't care as long as he didn't get caught skipping; gym was the most patronising class ever due to his low physical ability and grouping in which everyone had left him out and made snark remarks. He had convinced himself that he didn't care, but that was all a facade; all he could do was block all them out and avoid them.
As Shuichi walked through the vigorously eerie empty hall, lost in his own thoughts on what to do in the toilet stalls: ‘Hmm Should I eat my lunch here or behind the nurse’s office alone?’ ‘What Danganronpa season should I rewatch?’ ‘Or should I sleep?’
Captivated by his own thoughts and rambles, he failed to notice the voice striking behind him as it slowly got closer.
“Saihara-kun, what are you doing out of class? You were supposed to be in the gym 10 minutes ago, and why are you on the 5th floor?” the voice behind him — his math teacher — caught up to him and scolded him harshly but calmly. Shuichi panically rushed to remove his earbuds as he pretended to itch his ears, sneakily inserting into his jacket pockets.
“...Sorry,” he muttered apathetically as he glanced to the side, purposely avoiding eye contact.
“If you’re really sorry you would go to class right now!” He demanded, pointing behind him, directing him to the gym.
Shuichi sighed loudly, unintentionally, as he walked away slowly, his hand resting in his pockets lazily.
“Faster!! Don't be more late than you already are,” he paused as if he was considering something. “And you have after school detention; this is the second time I caught you skipping this week.”
Shuichi looked to his side as he picked up his former snail-like pace. “Okay.”
While Shuichi walked to the gym, he was oddly excited at his afterschool detention. He hated always being alone at home with his constanly absent uncle. So any time away from his house was nice, especially somewhere that was closed and air conditioned.
As he marched down the stairs, reluctantly going back to class, he dismissed his failed attempt at skipping class. He’d probably make up excuses like he’s sick or something, not like the teacher cared that much about Shuichi or anyone other than the model sport students — which Shuichi liked due to him not paying any attention to Shuichi, not noticing when he skips his class.