Inside the principal's office of Yonaga City's notorious reconstructed high school, named "Blanket High School", a teacher has made a scene regarding the integration of two new students. The issue on debate here is that these students' skill level is so unique compared to other high schoolers that they don't fall into any of the three high school years. They apparently need a school year of their own to match their skill level...
Teacher Gidenir- But sir, what high school year do these two students fall into? Both of them appear to be of high intellect even though they have never gone to school before. What should we make of these so called home schooling methods that their guardians say they attended?
Principal Yomosaka- We'll act the same way we have always had before. We will abide by the rules. So how did the students go in the entry exam?
The teacher looks away for a brief moment and reluctantly says
Teacher Gidenir- Well, in theory, both of them passed with the lowest valid overall score of 50 out of 100...
Principal Yomosaka- What's the matter then, Gidenir?
Teacher Gidenir- The thing is in a few difficult subjects they scored perfectly with ~100/100 grades. But speaking of the most basic subjects, they... got the answers all wrong...
Shocked yet intrigued by Ginedir's latest statement, the principal removes his glasses and proceeds to recite the grades out loud.
Principal Yomosaka- Student A: Martial Arts 100/100, Philosophy 100/100, Japanese 0/100, Social Studies: 0/100. (...)
Teacher- You see what I mean...
Principal- Studen B: Biology and Chemistry: 100/100, Visual Arts: 100/100, Mathematics: 0/100, Physical Education: 0/100. I haven't seen anything like that before!
Teacher- Yes, and that's the issue. The High School's code says that anyone with an overall score below 50 is a first year, an overall score above 50 is a second year and an average score of 75 or higher is a third year student.
Principal- They belong to a second year class then...
Teacher- Wait, sir! This doesn't feel right at all, though! The questions in the subjects they excelled at were very very difficult. And the subjects they failed at were as easy as pie like for the love of God, 0/100 at Physical Education?! I believe they deserve to be in a 3rd year class. If they focus more on their failed subjects, I'm sure they'll reach or even surpass their classmates! We shouldn't cut their wings of knowledge like that!
To pursuade the principal, the teacher put his heart and soul on his words praising the two new students. But perhaps he shouldn't have. "Their wings of knowledge!" Hahaha, yeah... In class he shall learn what kinds of wings these two will flap around...
Principal- Hm... A well structured arguement, indeed. Since this is a unique circumstance, I will consider a respectively unique approach. I will let this slip by, providing that both of these students pass the midterm exam with scores of 50 in all sucjects!
Teacher- Understood!
The Principal then signs the two result papers and seals them with his signature stamp as well. Happy to have changed opinion, he goes on to recite the small letters of the stamp "Welcome to the 3rd Year of Blanket High School!" pridefully, before handing the results over to the teacher.
Principal- Any more questions?
Teacher- Out of curiosity, but why was this school renamed to Blanket High School? Teknalb was more serious and deserving of this classic High School.
The principal shrugs, points upwards with his index finger and simply says "Higher orders..."
Teacher- Thank you sir.
After a formal bow, the teacher leaves the room with a slightly confused expression.
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As though it was a car race, the school bus driver manages with steep turns and drifts to somehow park the vehicle inside the school stopping point, just as the bell rings for the first time in ages.
With sweaty palms and face, the woman has had only one thought in mind all this time "I'm not getting a fine this time, hah!" But pretending like nothing's happened, she calmly says in a soothing tone of voice "I wish you all a happy school year!" instead.
Noone answers back, though. The students are unable to even blink while disgustingly staring at the bus driver. Shocked by the immense speed of the school bus, some of them even puke in response to her "kind" words.
"Shit! If they report me, I'll be in even more trouble!
One by one, the students silentky get off the bus while pretending not to notice the semi-crying bus driver.
The last girl to do so, though, does not ignore her. On the contrary, she asserts some kind of dominance (I think?) by performing a watching-you gesture...
Aniik- I watch you...
The bus driver audibly gulps and waves at Aniik with a wry smile. After exiting the bus, Aniik tries not to burst into laughter while running toward the school's main hall, where all the new students have gathered.
Samei- You won't get away this time, Aniik! We need to talk right now!
Well, I did say all the new students... Hihihi.. Apparently Samei was hiding behind a nearby tree, waiting for Aniik to ambush her, in this way cutting off her escape route.
Aniik- Pfff, crap.
Samei- What part of Geord's 4th rule "Never use your Demonic abilities in public", do you not understand?
Aniik- I—I was just so mad at this bus driver for ditching us like that! It was just payback for that! How is it so wrong? It was just fair to—
Samei- This World, Aniik, doesn't operate the way you want it to.. If you want to be left alone, living like a caveman, then go ahead, live however you like—with no limits, rules or responsibilities... Just don't complain about having some secretive organization knocking on your door one day, wanting you dead!
Aniik- Look Samei, I knew it wasn't the right thing to do, but deep down I felt the need to defend myself. This is how I work. That's how I've always been...
Samei- Acting selfish like that, though, will get you killed, genius! I only need to ensure that you don't do something RECKLESS and die. I don't care about HOW you've lived your life till this point or your opinions on the matter. And considering your past, I don't think you even have the RIGHT to claim that that's a character trait... You are supposed to be CHANGING not going back to your crazy old self!
Feeling offended by Samei's response, Aniik gets furious.
Aniik- Sorry to BREAK it to you "Mom", but If I want to take a risk once in a while to do something I feel is RIGHT, then I'll TAKE it. You don't decide that for me. I can manage some things on my OWN!
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
"You don't have to CARE about me SOOO MUCH!" Aniik shouts ironically.
Samei- I'm NOT doing this for just some NAIVE brat!
Aniik- Ohh, so you're doing this to protect your own body from the Faith Organization?! I see, I see, talking about SELFISH!
Samei takes a couple steps back and shouts the next sentence with her soul on the line.
Samei- I'M DOING THIS FOR YONURO, GOD DAMN IT!
I believe this is the first time in all of her life that Samei has ever contemplated to swear.
After noticing the tears formed on Samei's eyes, Aniik becomes expressionless. Samei starts distancing herself from Aniik. Aniik doesn't know what to do.
Aniik- Sa-Samei—
Samei runs away from Aniik and forces her to put down her previously held out hand...
The school bell then rings for a second time. The welcoming ceremony has ended and all the students head to their classes like a swarm of bees. They get past Aniik, who is the only one not moving, and the sight of Samei is forever lost within the crowd.
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Five minutes later, Aniik stumbles upon her classroom. She has no particular will to enter it but as she can clearly hear her name repeatedly shouted by the teacher, she decides to act on it.
Teacher- Aniik? Aniik? Is she absent?
*Opens door
Aniik- I'm here..
Teacher- Great! It's your turn to present yourself, Aniik!
"Do what?" ponders Aniik.
Aniik- Ugh... Is this mandatory, sir?
Teacher- I mean this is not obligatory per ce, but it's best for students to get to know each other to cooperate well, don't you think?
Aniik- Alright everyone. My name's Aniik and communications make me sick.
After uttering that like it's nothing, Aniik disregards the confused looks focused on her and sits at the corner desk right next to the window. That was just a coincidence. Trust me!
Teacher- Alr—Alright... And the last student... Ikki? Ikki? Is he not here?
*dead silence*
"Apparently.." thinks the teacher while writing down the absent student.
After that he coughs two times and puts on a smile on his face in order to gladly present himself to the new students.
Teacher- And now it's my turn to say a few things about myself. My name is Gidenir Tarnist, and I will be your class's homeroom teacher! I have a degree in Japanese History and Philosophy and I am well known for some of my philosophical poems that I've written in the past. I hope we can all work well together!
All of the students start clapping at his self presentation. Some of the claps sound eager and lively whereas some others slow and forced. Nevertheless, the good ones overweight the bad ones and the teacher is pleased to begin the very first lesson of this reconstructed High school.
Quite some time passes and the first break is just around the corner. Aniik can't wait for this moment and we can easily tell from her repeatedly tapping her right foot. The thing is that she does not want to get out of class out of boredom. Paradoxically, she paid attention to this introductory lesson. What is going on then you ask? In reality, Aniik feels really anxious about something. She wants to get some things out of her chest asap.
*Bell ringing sound
The bell rings. Aniik, you know what to do.
"I need to find her. I need to get this off my chest" are Aniik's thoughts on her way to Samei's desk.
As soon as she gets there though, she realizes that Samei is nowhere to be found. A note is left on top of her seat that reads "Aniik, come to the girl's bathroom, I need to talk to you alone"
Without second thought, Aniik rushes to the bathroom...
And there she is. With a somber expression, Samei greets Aniik.
Samei- Hi, ehm you must have read the message, I presume.
Aniik- Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about something as well.
Samei frowns and curiously asks.
Samei- Really, what about though?
Aniik- I'm confused. Who goes first?
Samei- Look—
Aniik- I'm—
Samei / Aniik— I'm sorry..... Wai— What?!
Both girls are staggered upon hearing the same response. They start pointing fingers at each other and then at themselves all while being confused.
Samei- I didn't expect that... But since I called you out here, I'll start. I'm genuinely sorry for the things I said earlier.. I do know that it's been hard for you to adapt to this world and I can tell you've put in a lot of effort to change. I should've never mocked that. You really are strong. Both physically and mentally. And I never meant to be overprotective or sound harsh and controlling. I'm just trying my best to fulfill Yonuro's final wish... That is to keep you alive...
Even though Aniik had already figured out Samei's intentions, she is relieved to hear that from her directly. She lets out a stress-relieving breath and starts her own apology.
Aniik- I kinda figured out after your last sentence earlier. Yonuro means the world to you and she also means the world to me. So, I've gotta apologise for being so selfish and not thinking about that, but instead doing my own thing. It is just hard to accept that my life means so much to another person. I have never cared for my life like that and I've never thought about the impact of my death to others...
So, I'm truly sorry for taking such an unnecessary risk. You and Geord have told me time and time again, so I should have controlled myself and let it slip by. And it was really dumb of me to attempt to defend myself and end up hurting you although I was clearly in the wrong...
Samei and Aniik have never felt like this before. A double-sided apology that both parties genuinely understand and accept? Such wholesomeness is new to their kind.
As a result, they don't know how to respond. They don't know what to say. But their primitive instincts give the answer away.
They both hug and cry out two simple words...
Samei / Aniik — It's okay...
Ah, the sentiment of reuniting with a close friend. How great that must feel...
At that moment, a certain sound is heard, and in the next moment, the bathroom door is wide open—wait don't ruin the moment, random school girl!
???- WOAHH! SORRY FOR INTRUDING! AHHHHH!
(she leaves the scene in a hurry)
I guess anyone would think that after seeing two girls secretly hugging in the bathroom while blushing and slightly crying.
Samei- Wait! No! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!
Samei tries to catch up to that student but to no avail. The girl do be running fast though, so I don't blame her.
Samei- Shit! She got away...
Aniik- Huh? What's her deal?
(Yeah, Aniik doesn't get it)
Samei- (Oh my god.) It's... Err... It's nothing... Hahah! Shall we go back to class?
Aniik- Yeah! I'm so glad we made up!
Samei- Mhm! If I lost another friend then I'd probably lose it..
Samei takes a sec to gather her thoughts "Phew, at least it's not awkward with Aniik." She then makes a wry smile to brush off her previous embarassment and asks Aniik something.
After hearing Samei's suggestion, Aniik moves her head up and down, widens her eyes and instantly accepts it.
Aniik- Oh, that sounds nice! I took a look around earlier so I think I know where his office is.
Samei- Great. Let's ask him, then.
And so, the girls don't head to the classroom, but the teacher's office first.
Yuri- Hello, sir. May I sit with Aniik in class from now on?
Teacher- How thoughtful of you, Samei! Wanting to help out the newcomer with note taking and homework? Certainly you can sit with her!
"Well, it's not about that but let's go with the flow" thought Samei.
Samei- Yes, that's definitely it! Thank you sir!
Aniik- Wait, are we supposed to take notes and—
Samei- Hahahaha! She's really confused you see, sir. I will gladly help her out! Now, excuse us!
Samei grabs the pondering Aniik and moves her out of the office in a goofy way.
Aniik- Hey, What was that for?! I was just—
Samei stares at Aniik intently to make her realize—
Aniik- Oh... I should have probably played along, shouldn't I? Hehe..
Samei tilts her head, stops playing all serious and smiles after uttering "PrObABly!" Aniik smiles as well and they finally head back to class. And at the corner-most, window-staring desk sat the two girls. Aniik to the left seat, with better vision of the window and Samei to the right one, with greater vision of the border. A perfect fit methinks.
The next lesson swiftly begins and Aniik is going to... stare outside the window without writing down a single sentence of what the teacher's saying. But she has a solid reason to do so.
Aniik- Yonuro... I really really miss you...
———————————————————
A few hours later...
The first day of school has ended and the girls have returned home.
Geord- Hey! How did it go? Was it fun, Aniik?
Aniik- Mixed feelings, I've gotta say. Some things didn't go that well, but in general I think it was worthwhile.
Samei- Yeah, we had some obstacles to overcome, for sure.. What about you Geord? How did you spend your time alone?
Geord has waited for this moment and he seems happy to tell them something.
Geord- I was most certainly not alone these past few hours. I've got great news to tell you actually! In short, we've got Kanae Tokiyama cover up for us when Aniik uses her powers! She can trick the satellite and keep us safe from the Faith Organization!
Samei and Aniik look at each other and then shout in unison.
"IT WOULD'VE BEEN NICE KNOWING THAT EARLIER!"
Geord- Wait, what happened?
Aniik exhales "gimme a break" and throws away her school bag as if it were a plush toy. Samei face palms and goes to the bathroom.
Geord makes a perplexed expression and finishes his cup of coffee.
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𝕍𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝟚— ℍ𝕒𝕫𝕪— 𝕌𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣. "ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝔼𝕟𝕧𝕚𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖."