The Duality of a Gangster

 “I-I’m so sorry!” A young girl bowed, forming a nearly perfect right angle as she trembled in fear. She didn’t dare meet the eyes of the dyed maroon-haired boy standing before her.

“It’s fine,” he replied, sighing with his hands in the pockets of his black trousers.

“I wasn’t watching where I was going and it’s my fault,” the girl continued to ramble on as if she didn’t hear his words.

“I said it’s fine,” he repeated his words but with a harsher tone, causing the girl to shut up. The other students watched silently and stood away, fearing the male student would turn his hostility toward them as well. Despite it being the end of the school day, the sudden collision involving the rumored gangster Akari Inmura had caused a crowd to form in the halls.

“Are you bullying people again, Akari?” A brown-haired girl stepped forward and stood in front of the scared student who shuddered behind her.

“Not at all, class prez,” Akari Inmura brushed his hair back as he placed his white hair clip to hold the tuft back. “If anything, she bumped into me.”

“You’d better watch what you’re saying,” she glared at the young boy as she crossed her arms. Her threatening demeanor seemed to strike confidence with her fellow students around her. However, Akari found her behavior rather amusing as he quietly chuckled.

“This whole situation is a misunderstanding,” Akari brushed some dust off his blue school attire. “It was just a mere accident.”

“Accident, was this just an accident?” She gestured to the paper scattered across the floor from when the two students had collided. “You should at least help clean up.”

Letting out a sigh, Akari surprisingly obeyed her orders as he bent down and picked a few nearby sheets off the ground. Without saying a word, Akari stood up straight and held out a small pile to the black-haired girl he had run into. She hesitantly accepted the pile with both hands shivering ever so slightly.

“I’ll be taking my leave then,” Akari picked up his bag from off the ground and swung it over his shoulders.

“H-hey! I wasn’t done talking to you!” The class president shouted after him as she shot a finger toward the rumored gangster. Akari ignored her as she strolled down the hall and out of the school building.

A sleek black limousine was waiting for him at the gates as Akari walked outside down the stone path. Its imposing presence attracted murmurs and jealousy among the students, knowing who the ride was for. Standing before the vehicle was a white-haired lady in a black suit and a sunglasses-wearing male with slicked-back dark hair. The two gave a respectable bow as Akari approached them.

“Good job today, young master,” they greeted him in unison as the male opened the door for the young boy. Akari gave both of them a nod before he got into the luxurious vehicle.

“Misha, Naoki.” He acknowledged the two as he sat down against the plush white cushioned seat. The door was gently closed behind him and the two gangsters got into the car, their presence amplifying the air of mystery and authority.

The roaring of the engine being turned on was the only sound breaking the silence before the limousine sped away, leaving the onlooking students lost in a shroud of mystery.

“So how was school today?” Naoki asked as he glanced at Akari through the rear-view mirror.

“Dull as always,” Akari let out a long frustrated sigh as he slumped back, sinking into the soft seat. “Why do I have to keep attending classes?”

“Your education is very important, Master Akari,” Misha insisted in a polite yet assertive tone. “It is essential for you to learn the fundamentals if you are to take over the gang.”

“But it’s so boring,” Akari complained.

“You know, Akari, there are several ways to enjoy yourself even when you’re at school,” Naoki’s eyes sparkled with a playful smirk. “I spotted quite a few cuties while we were waiting for you.”

“Enough with that nonsense,” Misha struck the playboy’s shoulder, causing the vehicle to swerve slightly. “You shouldn’t listen to the likes of him, Master Akari. Focus on studying.”

“I will try…” Akari let out a defeated groan.

There was nothing the young gangster enjoyed about school and he didn’t bother paying attention in class. Most of the time, Akari arrived late or succumbed to sleeping through several lessons, only waking up during lunch or before the end of the day.

The only reason he had managed to make it to the second year of high school was due to Misha. With an air of composure yet harboring an undeniable aura of intimidation, Misha had imposed a rigorous study regimen upon Akari. Leading up to each exam, she had subjected him to a grueling week of relentless preparation. Late into the night, Misha had kept Akari awake, meticulously drilling him on complex formulas and academic intricacies. Her piercing glare, coupled with a ruler firmly grasped in her hand, served as a constant reminder of the consequences he would face should he dare succumb to drowsiness.

“We’re here,” Naoki stated as the limousine rolled to a stop. The imposing metal gate loomed behind them, flanked by towering stone lanterns that added an air of mystique to the entrance. Awaiting their arrival, another gangster pulled open the left door of the vehicle, respectfully stepping back to allow Akari to exit.

Handing his bag over to the man, Akari took a breath of fresh air as his gaze fell upon the meticulously manicured flower beds that adorned the pathway leading to an imposing mansion. The architecture exuded a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern functionality. The sloping roof, adorned with intricately carved wooden eaves, paid homage to the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Lanterns hung around each stone column underneath the wooden overhang.

With Misha and Naoki faithfully trailing behind him, Akari strode towards the imposing double doors. As he approached, the doors swung open with a sense of anticipation, revealing the expanse of the room beyond. Stepping over the threshold, Akari was met with the entire gang standing in perfect formation on both sides of the room, creating a formidable corridor.

As Akari made his entrance, the gangsters synchronized their movements, swiftly and deeply bowing in unison.

“Welcome back, Young Master Akari!” They proclaimed in unison, their voices resonating throughout the chamber.

In a graceful motion, Akari removed his vibrant hair clip and allowed his short hair to flow freely around his face. He gave them a beaming grin, transforming his appearance from the intimidating gangster persona to that of a young childish boy. His dazzling smile, brimming with warmth and charm, captured the hearts of all the Tiger gang members.

“I’m home!” Akari proclaimed, his voice imbued with a sense of genuine joy and adorableness as if the air around him seemed to sparkle.

“Welcome home, Akari!” A grizzled old man with short white hair busted out from behind a set of tan sliding doors. As he slid to his knees, he embraced the young boy with his hanging black sleeves wrapped around him.

“Gramps…” Akari didn’t try to fight him off as the old man held him close. As the boss of the Tiger gang, his strength was unmatched and Akari knew from past attempts it was impossible to escape his grasp.

“Sir,” Misha tried to capture their leader’s attention as she leaned forward. “Master Akari needs to prepare for his arrangement.”

“Oh, I almost forgot! I’m so sorry!” He released his grip on Akari and stood up before patting his knees. “You should get changed, Akari. We don’t want you to be late!”

“Late for what?” Akari tilted his head, piqued with curiosity. With a wide grin that revealed his pearly white teeth, Gramps bestowed a thumbs up upon the young boy.

“Your surprise party for doing so well in school.”