Chapter 1:

New Chapter in Life - 1.0

Akechi's Adventure


This is Shinagawa Metropolitan High, the best in this ward. With state of the art facilities. It’s a big school, it’s a very elite public school, and it’s hard to put into words of how bewildered I am for how elite it is.

To draw the image of how elite this school is. It has a very big campus, I mean the school takes a block itself here. It has its own bus stop and it’s also near a subway station, heck it even has its own café.

Most of the school clubs here are actually competitive, most of them are even affiliated with top sports academies and other shit. It’s the elite of the elites.

Though, this isn’t some sort of fantasy. It still has its own limits. This school isn’t Kodo Ikusei, but if I had to pick a real school that resembles it. This certainly fit the bill.

It’s a far and hard journey to get here, though I sit comfortably at the 5th highest scoring Student in the 1st year student body, I feel like I can do better, but overall I’m happy. After all I hope this is the place I’ll find happiness and joy.

I’m happy on getting 5th, it’s all of the subjects combined (Japanese, Science, Social Studies, English, Math, PE) PE especially made me drop the ranks. Though, still I’m satisfied. Anyway, not the time to brag to you readers.

I’m a bit confused on why they added PE… but I think I get it why, talent doesn’t always mean you’re good at the 5 basic subjects. The others are important too…

But won’t it be funny or maybe sad if someone didn’t get accepted because they did badly at PE? I mean this school isn’t dumb… they probably have a priority bracket....

Even then! there’s ways to join this school besides entrance test. Like being a good athlete, an aspiring artist, an author of a book with exceptionally good writing and you name it! There’s ways to join so why have PE on the entrance test!? Whatever, i'm not going to argue over this, especially arguing with myself...

Anyways, We’ve already finished the opening ceremony. It was opened by the headmaster and a speech from both the Student Council President Tachibana-senpai and the Vice Student Council President Nakahara-senpai at the school gym.

Right now I’m in the main building’s main corridor, I’m searching for my name in the school big bulletin board. Well is it really a bulletin board? It’s digital screen, and who the hell still uses bulletin boards? That’s so 2000s and 10s vibe.

And after a few minutes of searching Manabu Akechi on the board, I finally see it. 1-C. That’s where I’m going to spend my first year in. I’m feeling optimistic! Though, please I don’t want any delinquents or bullies in my class… or those annoying gossip-craving speaker-loud girls.

So, as the school digital billboard is at an intersection in the main building, dividing the building into the right and left wing. The first floor of the main building is divided in two sections, right and left wing.

With the left wing of the building having the school gym, teacher’s office and the class 1-A and 1-B. For the right wing, 1-C until 1-F and the school canteen. The staircase into the second floor can be accessed by both wings, as both wings have them.

I head into the right wing of the building, with quite the crowd I squeezed myself into the class. Surprisingly the class is still empty. Meaning, all the seats are still vacant.

I’m sick and tired of acting like I’m an anime protagonist. I’ll mix things up, I don’t want to sit in the back of the class, or near the window. I’ll mix things up and sit in the front of the class!

Hmm? You’re asking why I’m still talking like I’m telling a story or act there’s a reader? Ahh, I think it’s just quirky to do that. I’m not changing that side of me, I think it’s quite enjoyable to do that. And I believe… that’s not a mental health issue…

Anyways, I sit the front of the class, and exactly one seat to the right away from the entrance of the class. As I sat, many students finally enter the class. Its 8.15 AM right now, it was informed at the opening ceremony that homeroom starts at 8.30 AM today, so it’s free time.

I open my bag to get my phone and my Bluetooth earphones. And play some music, while sightseeing around on who is at 1-C class. Though, I don’t know any of their names… still I want to look around.

There was only one person I recognize on the bulletin board. That one is Ayane Yuuki. She’s a popular student back in middle school, so it isn’t that surprising that she’s here. Though, she’s not in 1-C. Which is good… I hate her we had a little beef at the end of 3rd year.

As I was vibing, someone tapped my shoulder. It’s a light tap from quite the slender finger, it’s probably a girl. W-wait? A girl? T-touching me? N-no way I’m n-not p-prepared for this!!!

“Is the seat here vacant?” A feminine voice reached out to me.

I turned around to see who it is. And to confirm my expectations, it’s a girl. And quite the pretty one indeed. And seeing her stunned me for a second… I mean, I don’t get this reaction from all the girl I’ve interacted… Hmmgh, I’ll describe her to you.

She’s quite the tall figure, the same height as me or in fact taller! She ties her short hair and grooms her bangs so they don’t cover any part of her eyesight, maybe in an attempt to not be hindered by her own hair?

Her slanted eyes, coupled with her serious look gave off an impression that she's a dominant figure. Though to break that serious looking eye, her smile and pink dewy lips aren’t cold and in fact feels very warm, even from seeing that.

A notable detail of her is that, she also gives off masculine vibes. Her biceps are pretty fit, and seeing her body, it’s as if I’m seeing a female athlete. She has quite the well-trained body and a rather endowed figure.

Also a notable detail, her attire are the blue blazer school uniform. She also wears the school skirt, the skirt is like any other girl but she wears it a bit oddly. You know how girls either use leggings, stockings or not use any right? Well she's different, she uses a sweatpants. Yes you heard me right, Sweatpants the one for athletic activities….

I’m pretty sure she’s an athlete. I mean her physical prowess is notable, and she’s wearing an atheleisure style of clothing. Though with a rather tomboyish vibe, I think s-she’s v-very p-pretty too…

“Hello? Are you listening?” She snap me back into reality.

Oh shit… did I stare too creepily at her? I- I guess this monologue-y type of thinking sometimes distract me too much and made me absentminded. Anyway- I need to answer her question. I hope I didn’t creep her out…

“Uhm, I’m s-sorry. It’s v-vacant.” I replied meekly and awkwardly.

“Alright, I’ll sit here then if you don’t mind.” She said as she sit next to me.

Ahh… She’s quite pretty. I wonder if we can be friends… or at least acquaintances… I mean we’re going to sit next to be sitting next to her for a year right? N-nice to meet y-you, I’m i-in your care s-stranger…

Anyway, I shouldn’t stare at her creepily like this… Hmmm, why is Spotify’s shuffle this bad? Gee, I’m changing the song manually.

“Good morning everybody!!! Class 1-C it’s nice to meet you again!” A loud feminine voice can be heard as the door opened.

Contrary to her loud voice, she’s not that big. I mean to put it harshly she’s very short. A teacher with brown hair, and the height of about 150 centimeters. It’s Hirano-sensei. Class 1-C’s homeroom teacher.

Hmm? Asking why I already know her? And wondering why she said nice to meet you again? Before joining this school, of course there was an entrance test. And also a psychological test. And an interview from each of every homeroom teacher.

From what I’ve known it’s like the homeroom teachers are handpicking which students they think they can guide the best? I don’t really know but it seems like it. Apparently at that time of interview I was very popular amongst the teacher… mainly because of Nee-chan.

Well, the 5th highest entrance test is one of the reason why. But it’s mostly due my sister Akane Akechi. She was the star student at her time here. I mean she’s the all-time highest entrance test holder, and she was the vice student council president here two years ago.

Anyways, I think Hirano-sensei is a good teacher. Though from my first impression, she’s a genki type of girl and very loud. Though she’s very passionate and serious about her job. And she’s nice and she’s supportive of me being more open to everyone.

“Alright, now I think I should re-introduce myself. I’m Azusa Hirano. Call me Hirano-sensei! Nice to meet you again everyone!”

The class seems to remember her. I mean, with that personality I guess everyone just couldn’t. And personally I think everyone remembers all the homeroom teachers, they’re all very nice people in general, and very passionate in their jobs.

“I think it’s not fair if I am the one introducing myself in front of the class, shall we start the introduction session?”

Oh no… I’m not ready! Please Hirano-sensei don’t start with me… Please? Pretty please, mercy I need mercy. I’m not confident in my abilities-

“Let’s start from the younger brother of the record holder of the Entrance Test! Manabu Akechi! Come forward!” Hirano-sensei said.

W-wait m-me? I didn’t h-hear it wrong right? Aww man! Why am i first... 

I stood up slowly from my seat, pointing my index finger at myself nervously…

“M-me S-sensei?”

“Yes, come forward!”

As I walk forward into the front of the class I can feel cold sweat breaking out from my body. I certainly didn’t expect I was going to be chosen first… I was too naïve I suppose… live dealt a bad hand, and I didn’t prepare much for it…

T-though in my defense, I had spent a good chunk of my time speaking into a mirror, let’s s-see if my hard-work will pay off. This is the defining moment, when everyone judges you! Come on Manabu! Give it your all!

I can’t afford t-to mess up! T-this is all or n-nothing… oh no… am I going to b-be a nothing? Is e-everyone going t-to hate me?

N-no get out negative thoughts! Not right now! This isn’t the time for another existential crisis, let’s go Manabu Akechi you can do this!!! I believe in myself!

I clinch my fist and then bowed in front of everyone, at the front of the class. Being thrown into the spotlight. With everyone’s eyes averting their gaze towards me…

“H-hello everyone. I’m Manabu Akechi, I- I’m 16 years old. Uhm… I like reading books and I play v-video games occasionally.”

Shit, w-what should I talk about? I ran out of ideas… Uhm… Do people here know Nee-chan? I swipe my brows, and prepare myself mentally to give the latter part of my introduction.

“Y-you may have heard of me f-from the entrance test, I was r-ranked fifth… b-but if you exclude PE, I’m r-ranked f-first… Uhm you also may have heard of me, b-because I’m the little brother of Akane Akechi… Y-yes...”

Uhh what else? Do people still talk about favourite animal and color? I- I’ll give that a s-shot.

“Uhm… m-my favourite animal is capybara a-and I like m-monochrome colours….”

The class reaction was, most of them felt weird, and some even trying to hold their laughs when I said my favourite animal… shit, I should’ve known that’s only for kindergarteners level type of content… 

Uhmmm!!! W-what s-should i do? Uhh- shit I need to close this introduction before I humiliate myself further…

“N-nice to meet you all, take care of me… T-thank you.” I bowed and while I was trying to run away from the spotlight, I can feel a hand patting my head. I was frozen in place as this happened.

“Good work Akechi-kun, I’m sure Akane will be proud.” Hirano-sensei appreciated my effort.”

“T-thanks sensei, T-thanks everyone.” I said and hastily ran back into my seat. and hastily sit back.

Acting just like an ostrich when they’re scared, or the more scientifically accurate depiction, acting like an ostrich when they dig nests for their eggs. I buried my face, not in the ground, but in the table.

I’m too nervous and flustered… is it a good introduction? D-did I stutter too much? I- I think that’s a- a solid 7/10 f-from me. W-what do you think r-readers, did I d-do good?

I then feel a slight touch on my right shoulder, and naturally as a normal human would do, I react and look towards that direction.

“Nice to meet you Akechi-kun. Good job.” The girl next to me whispered her appreciation.

I panicked when I heard that, and buried my face on the table. I t-think I blushed because of the compliment… it’s always n-nice to get a c-compliment from someone.

“T-thanks.” I muttered lightly.

Though unlike what the girl next to me and Hirano-sensei’s appreciation of my courage, the class doesn’t exactly have the same reaction. Most doesn’t really care about my introduction, and some even belittle me.

I can hear chatters from some of the girls nearby, saying that I’m a weirdo and have a sister complex… some delinquent looking boys laughing at my introduction… this is sad…

I guess I’m a loser? I’m not worth anything… no one even cares about me. I should’ve known that reality will slap me in the face and take a shit on me….

W-wait what am I thinking!? Gee, keep your heads up Manabu! Don’t let a minor setback deter you from changing for the better! Look at the positives! I need more pep-talk and encouragement from myself it seems…

Anyway, the introduction session continues. It’s a bit underwhelming, mainly because my bad introduction but also because I haven’t seen anyone with the same hobby as mine… none of them are big nerds. And I guess I could be friends with the otakus… no, these types of otakus are the socially restrictive one…

And weirdly this class is just a mix between delinquents, otakus and fashionistas girl, there’s barely any honours student here! I thought this is the pinnacle of Japan… and yet there’s still people that just doesn’t fit the bill.

I know you don’t judge the book by its cover. But it’s just… haagh anyway I have to look this with the bright side. If they’re here, they probably also pour sweat tears and blood into this… I have to at least show a respect as a fellow student….

But seriously? This is one of the top schools in Tokyo. How come they got here? I mean I myself blitz pass the entrance test… and the top 30 until 15 are neck and neck. The top 10 are a league above the others, but top 6 are also neck and neck with each other.

Anyway, what I mean is they don’t look like they’re smartasses… How come are they here!? And sheesh it seems liek everyone is belittleling me...

Manabu, stop. Don’t judge the book by its cover! What’s the difference in you and them if you don’t have faith in their abilities! Let’s see who is a honours student here….

Oh yeah if I recall correctly there’s someone smart and I guess very charismatic here in this class. He’s Fubuki Shibata. He introduced himself earlier… though I don’t think I’m going to befriend him…

He’s scary… umm to describe him, I guess he fits the description as the popular internet slang alpha male. He has a well build body, and again… he’s scary. He also weirdly dyes his hair light blue.

Y-yes I think he might be a delinquent, but his scariness isn’t that his appearance are like a gangster… in fact he’s very charming and elegant with his ways. But his aura and presence is s-scary… but his appearance maybe looks like that but he got the fourth highest score on entrance exam.

“Hmm next up! Our beloved badminton athlete! Riku Kanazawa!” Hirano-sensei said.

After that invitation to speak In front of the class, the girl beside me stood up and walk forward. I see, so she’s Riku Kanazawa… N-nice t-to m-meet you.

“Hello everyone, my name is Riku Kanazawa, born May 19, 20xx. I’m an aspiring athlete, with a few gold medals on the bag hehe. My hobbies are playing badminton and watching movies. Nice to meet you everyone!”

Ahh, she’s an athlete indeed! That confirmed my suspicion! And that’s quite the incredible feat isn’t it? I- I want to know more about her… though it’s quite a bummer that we’re not interested in the same things...

Hmgh, maybe I should get out of m-my comfort zone and interact with different people… and not receiving feedbacks of the same shitty opinion on everything… an echo-chamber is bad…

“Everyone has introduced themselves right? Now for the next activity we’re reviewing again about the school’s code of conduct.”

And with that, the homeroom continues, today the activity is homeroom only. After reviewing the school rules, the class played a few party games and a getting to know each other session…. Which wasn’t the best of times for me, especially w-with my ineptness at socially interacting with others….

Joe Gold
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