Chapter Text
My name is Kusumi Saiki, and I don’t have psychic powers. Actually, I was almost the opposite. I was immune to them. Mind reading? My thoughts were unavailable to Kusuo, or anyone else who could possibly have that ability. My future? Well, technically it could be seen, but not directly. Like a background character in everyone else’s story. My guardian spirit? I guess we’ll never know.
Even if I was a bit curious, or actually needed the power, it’d never work on me. Of course, as I alluded to earlier, there were workarounds. Aiura could follow my trail into the future if I was around people. Kusuo could use psychokinesis on my clothes to move me around. Toritsuka could always ask other ghosts what my guardian spirit looked like, but for some reason he never told me what it was. Neither did Kusuo, despite obviously knowing. Though, I guess it only made me more curious.
However it was probably best I didn’t know, and it was probably best I didn’t hang out with the “Psy Kids,” as Aiura called them. I needed to avoid all them like the plague if I wanted any chance at a normal life. Well… Maybe Kusuo was fine… But Aiura and Toritsuka? They were abnormality incarnate. Well, all of Kusuo’s "nuisciences" were pretty weird in their own way, but psychics—
“Saiki! Are you paying attention? This will be on the exam.” My teacher lectured me, jerking me from my introduction. I considered responding before staying silent. Fortunately, the bell rang which officially marked the beginning of our break period. My teacher sighed before hiding away to… wherever she went when she didn’t have to watch us too attentively.
I sighed, considering whether to stare off into space for the next 30 minutes or draw. However it seemed I didn’t get a choice, because the front doors to the class were opened by some mango haired kid. Our teacher seemed to materialize out of thin air to explain our new arrival as they shut the door behind them. I now internally sighed. I knew that it was weird someone was gone today, but I was hoping he was just sick. Obviously you can’t just have a wish at PK Academy. I’d have to get a “how to survive PKA” book from my brother. If he even knew how to get through this himself.
“Class! We have a new student today! Please, introduce yourself.” Our teacher then went back into hibernation, and I swear I saw her pull out a sleeping bag while she hid back into the darkness.
The new person (dressed in all masculine clothes) walked up to the chalkboard and wrote down their name. They turned around, a lazy look on their face. Their hair was an orange that seemed to fade into a soft yellow. It was almost like melted gold, especially since it was medium length and a bit wavy. Their eyes were an emerald green, nearly perfectly complimenting their hair. Their eyelids stayed low, as if they were actively fighting sleep. Finally after a moment’s glance around the class, they spoke up.
“Hi. I’m Wake Kousei. I use masculine pronouns. Anyone got any questions?” His eyes wandered around the room as a couple of hands raised. He considered which one to pick before just choosing the person closest to him.
“What are your hobbies?” Wait, I just realized this guy had a main character design. Hair that stood out in a crowd? Half decent color theory? Oh no, I had to avoid him. … But… How could a guy like this be a protagonist? No offense, but protagonists usually weren’t so… tired. No way he was one of those overpowered “i’m bored” protagonists. Maybe my FOV was limited in that regard, but I was certain that this guy was a supporting main character. Perhaps he was a side kick? Best friend? To whom, though? I tried my best to nonchalantly glean the class to find the main character as Wake went on about how he liked music, video games, manga, and anime. All in that order. However, he talked the most about music. He probably played an instrument or two, especially with his hair like that.
After my search I came to the conclusion that this guy’s protagonist was not in this class. It was either that, or the protagonist was… well… me. I will admit I also had an “important person” design; my brother was the Saiki Kusuo. Still, that wasn’t right, because I’ve avoided maincharacterdom as much as possible! Not that I was boring, but I was plain in an average way. I didn’t have powers, and I didn’t have any friends. There was no way I could get dragged into any crazy plot, especially not in this world. I had to have a thing about me. What, was I the gifted kid? No, that was Kusuke. Well, I guess I was the more relatable gifted kid, but that still wasn’t unique enough to warrant a story about me.
“Okay… Uh, what was your question?” Wake finished, now pointing at the other person who raised his hand.
“Do you have any pets?”
“Uh… no.” He answered, and after it appeared no one else had a question, he went to sit down. Unfortunately the guy before him sat next to me, so he plopped down in his predecessor’s place. I internally groaned. Seriously, was my proximity to Kusuo enough for whatever possible God may be out there to hate me too? I genuinely hoped not. After Wake sat down, the teacher dismissed us to our regular free period. Wait- I thought she went back to bed? I- … whatever. The writer can have their errors I guess.
Oh yeah, before Mr. Fruity (more in that later) starts talking to me, let me explain why he introduced himself that way, and why I described him that way.
Simple answer: I don’t know.
Longer answer: For some reason the whole world seemed at least 15% nicer to the “rainbow agenda” and racial diversity. Some places seemed more affected than others (Japan being the biggest example). No one was getting literally executed for liking someone the same gender as them or having a specific color of skin, eye color, or even hair anymore, but it wasn’t like the whole world was holding hands with each other and singing that dumb “Let’s celebrate our differences!” song. I could have sworn it was so sudden, and almost the opposite direction the world had unfortunately started heading, that Kusuo used mind control. However he claimed that wasn’t the case. It was weird, but people were happier now. Plus, if it was mind control, it didn’t seem to work on me. If it did, I would have probably gotten way softer about these things than I already am.
Anyway, now, at least in Japan, people could ask to be called by specific pronouns and wear what they want (not in the bathing suit to school type of way, but more like a person with masculine pronouns wearing some of the feminine options). Most people won’t bat an eye, but there’s always an exception to the rule. Thankfully peer pressure was a thing, so angry outbursts against people just trying to live their lives were becoming less and less. Still, if Kusuo didn’t use his powers, then who did? Seriously, I was all for these positive changes, but it was kind of nerve racking to know there was another mind controller around. But that was my entire explanation.
Now, back to me about to reject this guy’s attempt at a conversation. I’m pretty sure there was a music click somewhere, right? No way PK Academy was so weird that some of the normal stereotypes were nonexistent, right? I groaned. Why did my parents insist on sending me to the same school as my brother? I know, I know, siblings going to the same school was only natural, but they must have seen the repercussions to this, right?
“So… Do you have any hobbies?” Mr. Fruity asked. Oh, yeah, his nickname. I called him that because he was the true embodiment of the word in its entirety. I already mentioned his mango hair, and that he had green eyes, but I didn’t mention that he smelled like oranges. It was actually really strong. I scooted back as I turned away, hoping he’d leave me alone. He also gave off the “i’m in a band and i’m gay for one (or even more) of my band members.” Wait… why was that familiar?
I just stayed silent, but apparently this didn’t deter him.
“Oh… well, I like listening to music.” Was this guy oblivious or just autistic? …Actually it was probably the second one. “I play a few instruments too… Like uh, piano, guitar, violin, and currently I’m trying to knock out the brass section.” Wow, I was kind of joking before, but this guy is actually a gay band kid. “Does this school have a band?” Uagh, that was a question I guess I could answer.
“…We do, but it isn’t particularly big.” I paused, considering whether or not to tell him that I was also a queer band kid. I played the trumpet, and it was the worst decision of my life. I could have at least been smart and chosen mellowphone, french horn, or baritone, but nope. Trumpet. I had no idea what band was like back when I first chose my instrument, but unfortunately my parents always got excited when I played so… I was still in band. It was whatever. I… embarrassingly enjoyed the short lived rapport I had with my section when we had an event or competition come up. Whatever, it’s not like I’d admit it to this guy.
“Oh, that’s awesome!” Wake’s eyes lit up, and it was like he suddenly got a full night’s rest at the mere mention of our school’s pathetic little band. I wanted to not respond, and unfortunately the door opened and there stood Nendou. What in the world was he doing here? I put my head down because while my brother and I’s hair was nothing alike, we still had some similarities. I didn’t know what he was doing here, but it’d be best if he didn’t recognize me.
“Hey, is little Saiki in here- AGH!” He was then presumably dragged away, and I looked up to see my brother telekinetically slamming the door. Right. I sat back up, and I could vaguely hear Nendou yelling about something. I stretched as Mr. Fruity thought aloud. Did this guy know what silence is? Probably not.
“Woah, who was that? I wonder who they were looking for.” Wake made a sympathetic expression. Yeah, I would also sympathize with anyone who had to deal with him. Even including my brother.
“That’s one of my brother’s ‘not friends.’ Also known as Nuisance #1, and least commonly known as Nendou Riki.” I explained, hesitating before I continued. “He was looking for me. I’m Saiki Kusumi… by the way.” I looked up like a stupid little shy kid, and saw he was confused before he just laughed.
“Welp, finally nice to meet you, Saiki!” He grinned with a beam that was nearly blinding. Why was he so… jolly? Could he tone it down a bit? These glasses weren’t tinted (unfortunately). “I’m Wake Kousei!” I… was he stupid or was this a weird writing trope or double meaning I wasn’t getting?
· 。 ⚯ 。·
Thankfully I managed to escape from him during classes where he would get into trouble if he talked too much. I also got lost into the “leaving school” crowd at the end of the day. I considered tagging along with Kusuo home, but I noticed three stragglers were already attached to his hip. I decided to go the long way home. Kusuo was always surrounded by his “not friends.” Despite how much he apparently despised them, he never actually ditched them. The one time he tried, our mom scared him into going out. He genuinely cared so much about them, but he never showed it. He was the biggest tsundere to ever tsundere. I bet even his thoughts were “uncaring.”
I turned a corner and continued. I guess if we’re talking about my siblings, my oldest brother Kusuke was pretty weird. He was alright now, but before he had this crazy obsession with Kusuo. Apparently he was jealous or competing with him? I didn’t know, but now I really didn’t care since he was done with it. I couldn’t imagine trying to best Kusuo, much less be jealous of him. Seriously, huge crowds were bad enough. If I had to hear everyone’s thoughts all the time with no way of turning it off? Actually, that was untrue. He could get rid of his mind reading with this ring he has, but I guess he didn’t use it often? I had no idea why, but whatever. Both my brothers were a big mystery to me. Well, at least, their abnormal lives were.
I turned one last time and nearly bumped into Nendou and Kaido, but Kusuo was nowhere to be seen.
“Oh, sorry! Wait… you look like someone I know…” Kaido narrowed his eyes, and I quickly bowed before running off.
“Hey! Wait! I didn’t even get to apologize!” Nendou yelled as I darted past my house so they wouldn’t know I was Kusuo’s younger sibling. Thankfully Kaido must’ve locked the hell in and gotten Nendou to not do something absolutely stupid. I peeked out from the side of the house to find Kusuo right there. I screamed and nearly fell backwards.
“Don’t yell.”
“Well don’t scare me like that! Plus, I did not yell. I screamed like a little girl.” I paused, collecting myself. “Anyway, why are you jumpscaring me? You weren’t going to try and stalk me again, were you?” I huffed as I walked past him, and I could feel his gaze follow me before he eventually started walking behind me. He always did that when I did something like be late for five minutes. Apparently he was “suspicious I was going to do something stupid.” This was Kusuo code for “I got worried because I can’t just check up on you, and I can’t literally read your mind.” He was like that one character from that one anime: “it’s only for the mission.” Just shut up. You actually care, and it wouldn’t literally end the world if you admitted it.
“You’re such a pain.”
“‘Yare yare,’ as you would say. Anyway, are you excited for the new episode of that anime to come out? Uaghhh, I can’t bear the wait! But it’s so fun at the same time, y’know? I get to theorize or whatever while I start slowly going insane.” I giggled, and my brother gave me that weird look he always does when I started getting all autistic on him. “Bagh, shut up! I already know you’re thinking: ‘My younger sibling is crazy. They should just read the manga, it’s a lot faster and would spare them the time and pain. Seriously, I already know everything because everyone already spoiled it for me!!’ Well too bad, Kusuo! Sometimes even if you know what’ll happen, the experience can still be worth it!” I grinned as we took off our shoes.
“Wow, it’s almost like you can actually read my mind.”
“I just know you so well, you dingus. Wait, but that’s a contradiction to what I just thought a while ago… Damn, maybe I know you better than I thought. …Or was that sarcasm? Anyway, I bet Kusuke could have a whole conversation with you or something with that mind reading blocker thingy on.” I thought aloud, but Kusuo gave me this weird look I’ve never seen him make before. It was sort of like this weird sort of deep concern mixed with something else I didn’t understand. “Why do you look so sappy? What happened to being the most emotionally unavailable seeming person in the world?” I narrowed my eyes and pursed my lips almost comedically, subconsciously attempting to bring up his mood. However he just avoided the question by teleporting away.
Teleportation was the only power of his that I genuinely envied. That and telekinesis. Seriously, imagine how quickly I’d be able to do things? Though I would probably flunk the power up because I’m already pretty out of shape, so having that kind of cheat out of physical activity wouldn’t help me. Sigh, the cost of convenience. However… Kusuo was still pretty skinny. Hurh, a mystery of the universe I suppose.
I headed upstairs to my room, and closed the door behind me when I was inside. I headed to my desk, and began pulling out my daily use art supplies. A small stack of paper, the sketchbook with a special cover decorated with stickers, a small bunch of pencils, a few pens, my favorite markers, my favorite crayons and colored pencils, a pile of erasers, and some scissors and glue. I picked up my pencil, but I guess at that point I should have noticed the hesitation in my hand. I held the pencil on the paper, creating a tiny dot that stood out in the white. Then nothing. I started doing the thinking pose, coming up with everything but nothing. I mentally groaned. I was struck with the art block hammer. I stood up from my desk, letting the pencil I was holding fall through my fingers and make a dark blotch of pencil lead on the paper.
I thought about what to do, and then I remembered that anime that was playing today. I plopped myself in front of my TV. I was going to record the new episode and watch it later, but maybe watching it live could be cool.
· 。 ⚯ 。·
I was beaming. This was obviously the beginning of some new arc, and my second favorite character was about to get some character development! I considered going to yap to Kusuo about it, but I hesitated. My mom knocked on the door before opening it.
“Ku,” She said, “Dinner’s ready!” She then disappeared behind the door and headed back downstairs. I took a small moment before following her to sit at the dinner table. I pulled out the chair that was practically designated to me at this point and grinned. Today was Kusuo’s favorite, which meant my favorite dish was tomorrow! Yes! I excitedly ate as per usual when it was Kusuo’s turn.
“Ku! Slow down or else you’ll choke or puke!” My mom scolded me, and I shyly nodded and stopped eating like it was my last meal.
“So, Kusuo,” My dad started, and I already understood now was the time to start blocking out whatever he was going to say next, “Could you do your dad good and maybe choose some better colleges? I know you’re smarter than your top choice, even without your mind reading.” I’m assuming my dad thought something after, and obviously Kusuo was unshaken and wouldn’t change his very ordinary choices.
“Let Ku do what he wants! He’s almost a grown man now!” My mom sniffed dramatically. “Oh, Ku! I’m going to miss you when you go!”
“It’s five minutes away.” Oh! I forgot to mention that he can telepathically communicate with me. That was like the exception to the rule type of thing I mentioned earlier. We could never figure out why, and even Kusuke was stumped. Or, at least, he pretended to be.
I wouldn’t admit it, but Kusuo going to college did kind of make me nervous. I know we were only ever going to be the same school for a year, but still I didn’t want him to leave. Even if on days off I could just walk to where he was going and pester him during his free time.
“Oh, that reminds me. Kusumi,” Oh gosh, my mother said my full name. I slowly looked up, worried. Instead, she was the one who looked worried. Why was that? “Have you made any friends yet? I know it’s been hard since we’ve moved so much, and you’ve never really had a friend before. Even Kusuo’s had friends.” My mom gestured to my older brother, who continued eating nonchalantly. I, however, had stopped eating. How many times would I have to tell her I didn’t need friends? Her, my dad, Kusuo, and even Kusuke were all I needed.
“I know what you always say, Sumi, but I think you could make a good friend at PK Academy!” My mother beamed, but I only stared. I eventually silently went back to my food. I was really skeptical about what she said. Sure, Mr. Fruity was trying to be my friend, but the most we had in common was queerness. I guess playing an instrument was kind of cool, but it seemed like that was his… thing. Y’know what I’m talking about, right?
Mostly every autist has one: their special interest. While in my mind there’s a difference between special interest and hyper fixation, all I’ll say about it is that a special interest is more long term: it typically affects the hyper fixations (or not, it was person by person basis), which aren’t as long term and about something random. There have been a few times I’ve had a hyper fixation on a random object (once was a bee stuffed animal), but typically they’re animated shows or manga. That’s because my thing was art, writing, and general expression through media like shows and books. Though in general it was art that really caught my attention. I knew a lot of principles such as color theory, perspective, lighting — I could tell you the difference between shade, tone, tint, and hue. I could also talk about its cultural importance, why it matters so much, etc etc. But I won’t dump this on you. Point is: I didn’t want this guy to have something in common with me that was his thing. It made me almost shiver thinking about the amount of time he would waste talking about music.
Anyway, he wasn’t anywhere near friend level yet. There were a bunch of levels of companionship I had, but basically it went from “oh… it’s you” to “they know.” The weirdest thing was, I don’t know what it was they knew. I mean, these names were all vibes based, but I felt like there was something that they should know. My normal backstory? Other than my brothers, I guess. No. Maybe it was a lot of stuff about my thing? No, not that either. I finished eating when I realized I had no idea what made someone get to the top of my relationship tier list.
Oh yeah, Kusuke also bust open the door. He probably just unlocked it to be dramatic like that, but whatever. I decided he was probably doing one of his “i’m randomly dropping by and I swear i don’t have an ulterior motive!” visits as I put away my dishes. Obviously he was here for a reason. He never visited without one.
“I’m home! Hello again Kusumi, Kusuo, mother, and father!” Yeah, that’s how he always greeted us. I was always- wait, why did he say my name first. He had to have done that on purpose, right? I know just because he was literally over 200 IQ doesn’t mean everything he says has to mean something, but to change the way you greet someone is no way an accident, right? Maybe I’m overthinking it. But this is my oldest brother here… Damn it, this is why he bothered me so much. He was smart enough to know how to trick me just because he knew what would get me to overthink. Not this time, though. As usual, mother and father didn’t notice. Not that they’re stupid, but it’s just that they probably would take that as him being nicer to me. That wasn't the case, but whatever. And as usual Kusuke was wearing his mind reading block thing. I was about to go, but apparently Kusuke had other plans. He suddenly hugged me tightly, and I felt the life getting squeezed out of me before he let go and held my shoulders as if to make me watch him do whatever it was he was going to do next.
“Oh, Kusumi! So glad to see you! Are you being good for mom and dad? You haven’t gotten into danger that Kusuo’s had to save you from, have you?” Oh wow, this was worse than I thought. I glanced in Kusuo’s direction, and he seemed mildly more annoyed than he usually did.
“What do you want?” I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously, and my dad scolded me. Geez, these two need to learn how their son actually behaves.
“I’m here to do a research project!”
“And I’m involved how?” I did my best to escape his grip, but he was annoyingly strong for someone who spent all of his time hunched over a desk of some kind and making crazy observations.
“Oh, it’s nothing! Can I not be excited to see my younger siblings?” I was about to say no, but instead I stayed silent. I finally got his hands off me, and I ran upstairs.