Tch. This place still reeks of "promising future".
Uniforms ironed, shoes gleaming, hair flawless. People laughing loudly, greeting each other like characters in a TV commercial. That's my daily view at one of the most prestigious schools in Japan, or more precisely: Keika Gakuen.
No wonder. Most of the big shots up top studied here. Politicians, actors, athletes. You name it. If someone's at the top, they probably walked these halls one day.
And as if that weren't enough, they even offer full scholarships to low-income students, whether for academic or athletic merit.
It's an amazing place (or at least it's supposed to be).
As the name suggests, "Keika" meaning to blossom, is where careers, friendships, and opportunities bloom.
They say the bonds you form here last a lifetime.
I think that's complete nonsense.
***
The bell rings.
***
— Looks like I'm late again…
If only it started raining. Then I'd have a better excuse.
Not even a cloud in the sky. When I realized it, I was already standing in front of my classroom door, half-open.
I pushed it with my foot, the automatic reaction of someone who knows he's late and doesn't care enough to pretend otherwise.
Luckily, it was Sayori-sensei. She let out a deep sigh, visibly disappointed, before replying:
— Late again, Miura? Go on, take your seat.
As I walked down the aisle of desks, I could feel the bitter stares-eyes full of financial stability and social prestige. And some others, a little scared, like I was Gozu himself.
N/T: Gozu is a figure in Japanese folklore, a demon with a bull's head who guards the gates of hell. Not exactly someone you want to bump into in the hallway.
And, as always, the whispers:
— What's with that guy?
— That's the fourth time just this month...
— I give him one more month before he's expelled.
But the teacher stepped in:
— Hey! All of you, focus! As I was saying...
Thank you, teacher. I really like her.
Back row, corner seat. The perfect place for the delinquent of a rich kids' school.
Classes went by as usual: long, noisy, and utterly pointless. Until the sacred trumpet sounded (break time). I was about to leave when I heard:
— Miura, wait a minute.
Didn't even try to guess what for this time. Just waited for everyone else to leave.
— Yes, teacher?
— Yamamoto-sensei wants to see you in his office.
— The old man wants to see me again?
— Watch how you speak about the principal, boy. Go now. He wants to use your break.
She waved her hand, motioning me out while flipping through some papers on her desk—no chance to talk back.
What a pain...
Best part of the day, and I'll have to sit through the same lecture as always: "You need to improve," "Think about your future," while I nod like a robot.
Give me a break.
***
Ryo walked toward the principal's office, sighing. A few girls got startled by his usual grumpy face—though this time it was worse than usual. For some reason, he liked that. Made him grin, smugly.
When he got there, the door was already open, and the principal told him to sit down.
For a few seconds, the man stayed silent, then pulled a paper from his drawer and began reading:
***
— "The student Ryosuke Miura has shown performance significantly below average, coupled with apathetic and distant behavior in class. His academic scholarship is at risk if no substantial improvement is seen in the next term. Given the circumstances, we recommend evaluation for potential referral to the institution's academic and psychological support departments."
I stayed silent. This time, it didn't seem like the usual scolding.
— Your teachers gave me this after the board meeting. You know well that if you don't recover during the finals, I'll have no choice but to revoke your scholarship, Ryo. Anyone else in my position would've already done it.
— I know. So what do you want me to do?
— I just want you to stop running away from what you are good.
Silence fell over the room.
— We've talked about this before, old man… There's nothing I can do.
The principal rested his elbow on the table and rubbed his face, visibly displeased.
— Well… in any case, there's nothing I can do either if you don't meet the minimum grade average this term. You understand what I'm saying, right, kid?
— Yeah, I get it — my eyes low, expression hard. I already knew how this would end.
— I'm sure your mother would like to see you stay here.
Hate to admit it, but he's right.
— That's why, from now on, you'll attend tutoring after school every day until finals.
— Great — I muttered with a sarcastic grin. —Can't wait. And who's going to be my teacher?
— Ah, about that… You'll find out tomorrow. After class, head to the library so you two can start. And remember: this is your last chance...
He gave me a sinister look. Even this old man could pull a mean face.
…You may go. I have another meeting before break ends.
I got up and left his office, sighing.
Wonderful day.
And it's not even halfway done yet.
While heading back, a familiar silhouette came walking in the opposite direction. It was impossible not to notice.
Long, jet-black hair-straight and flawless-fell perfectly over her shoulders like every strand was in its rightful place. Elegant steps, upright posture, unwavering poise. Sharp eyes that matched her composed expression. Cold. Controlled. The perfect student, of the perfect school. Walking that fine line between arrogance and self-confidence.
Ayumi Matsuo…
First year, just like me. And yet, president of the student council.
Beat a senior in the election right from the start. Alone. With overwhelming numbers.
Keika Gakuen's darling. Praised by teachers, admired by students. Everything about her screamed perfection, which, for some reason, only made me roll my eyes harder.
Our eyes met for a second, but she just nodded briefly—mechanical and quick. Still, more than anyone else around here's ever done to me.
Looks like she's heading to the principal's office too. So maybe she's the next "meeting" he mentioned?
Not that I care. Of course not.
—
***
Ayumi walked into the principal's office and was greeted with a warm smile from Yamamoto.
— Ayumi, thank you for coming. Please, take a seat. I want to discuss something important with you.
She nodded, graceful as always, and sat across the desk.
— It's about Miura. You probably saw him leaving just now — he got straight to the point. — You must've heard about his academic performance too. That's why I'd like you to be his tutor during the extra lessons.
Ayumi raised an eyebrow, surprised.
— I understand, but… with all due respect, Principal… Why me?
— Because I believe you're the only one who can reach him. He needs someone sharp, steady… someone he can't ignore. You.
She crossed her arms, thoughtful. Didn't answer right away.
— I know it's a lot to ask, especially with your duties in the council. But, Ayumi… I know Miura. I know his past. It's something I avoid talking about openly with students, but I'm sure you'll be able to see what I see too, if you give him a chance. I'm just asking this because It's you.
She kept her gaze steady for a few seconds, but didn't answer. She just asked.
— Can I think about it?
— Sure. If you decide to help him, just go to the library tomorrow, like I agreed with him. And... don't think I'll forget this attitude if I help him. I can help you with something you really wanted…
She stopped for a second, already at the door, but soon she left the room.
as she walked down the hallway, heard raised voices coming from a more distant area.
She followed the sound discreetly, until she saw three seniors cornering a younger student. She was about to intervene in the situation, when a voice appeared:
— Look... it seems I'm not the only bad seed here, huh?
It was Ryo, who had appeared on the boy's behalf. And he continued:
— I couldn't help but hear some nonsense about "scholarship students shouldn't exist". Man, this is so cliché that it discourages me. But… you know, I'm a scholarship student, why don't you guys say that to me too?
He glared at them and clenched his fist, clearly intending to attack, even with the difference in numbers.
— That's enough. — Ayumi's voice cut through the air like a blade. The seniors turned around, surprised.
She didn't scream. It wasn't necessary. Just the look was enough to bring them back to their senses.
— Get lost before I take this to the Disciplinary Council.
They hesitated for a moment, exchanged glances, and left.
She then looked at the smaller boy, still scared behind Ryo, and asked him:
— Is everything okay?
He nodded, still a little surprised due to all that complication.
Then, her eyes turned up to Ryo
— Were you defending him?
Ryo didn't answer. He just looked away and absorbed it.
She smiled slightly, almost imperceptibly, and patted him on the head, as if to say "good job".
— Maybe... you're not as much of an idiot as you seem.
Without another loud word in her path she left and Ryo stood there, confused and without understanding anything.
***