2 days later, September 5th
The black lily private High school, a private High school in the beautiful city of Unorm! Yes, it's a fictional city, don't worry about it. Since Ven doesnt care about this city and its wonders one bit, I can't disclose any info about this city to you! I apologize sincerely, please wait for someone to get introduced and drop some exposition. Even though it's a private school, the tuition is damn cheap. Thank you alternate universe for providing cheap and great education to the youth of today! Come on, it's very good, quality education! They need the money damn it, cause this universe doesn't have the traditional tax system that everyone makes fun of in the normal reality! So what system do they have? I don't have the slightest clue. Don't ask me.
Ven walks slowly, a black computer bag on his back although his computer is at home, chilling in peace. Around him, the cherry blossoms bloom and their leaves are falling, they look so beautiful and they add on to the ambiance of this street, the leaves form random nonsensical shapes as the wind makes them flail around in the air controllingly. This is truly just like a generic school anime, the ones where the opening scene is of the cherry blossoms falling with calming music in the background and all the students walking slowly and it slowly pans to the protagonist.
We're in September. I don't think I need to explain this in detail. Ven looks around, seemingly admiring the cherry blossoms and staring at them intently, but he's actully judging them. He raises his right hand and blocks his right eye. The cherry blossoms disappear instantaneously, replaced by dead leaves and sad trees, the epitome of fall where everything falls apart at one point or the next.
-That's right, this is is how you should be. Dead. Dying, on the ground, bleeding. It's just the rules of nature really. It's not your fault. Don't try to piss me off by showing me these positive-ass hallcuinations. It creeps me the hell off. Show me what I'm used to, the terrifying, nerve-racking, adrenaline rushing, blood pumping, suicide encouraging, fear embracing hallucinations that I'm used to. It's what I deserve to see anyways.
Hold your horses there bucko, your edge is sharp enough to cut paper cleanly in two. The cringe edits they'll make of you will be legendary! Eventually reaching the establishment. He stands in front of the stairs to the doors, looking up to see a man standing in front of them looking down at him with a stoic expression. He's an older man with blond hair and beard with a few gray hairs sticking out of his head and beard, a rather buff physique, not too big or too scrawny, very balanced. His attire is simple, just a classic business suit. Even though he's a teacher. He resembles a very deep dress, distinguished gentleman that would sit at the end of the table and everyone would quiet down and listen when he would make a sound by colliding his spoon and wine glass together with an endearing expression but it would become seductive when he makes eye contact with his wife before sitting back down.
-…
-…
Ven suddenly points up at him with his finger. Oh no, he's going to say something unexpected and cringe, everyone! Cover your ears so you don't get secondhand embarrassment!
-You look like the type of guy who would abandon his two children and wife to fight against a monster that he accidentally released.
It's not as bad as I expected. Sorry for the overreaction.
-…That's quite the interesting remark, and you look like one of the children that I would abandon.
I wasn't expecting that, but I guess a gentleman's worth is defined by the amount of witty jokes and comebacks he can make.
-…Mr. Gainell right? My homeroom teacher for the year?
-That would be me, it's nice to finally meet you in person, those video calls don't really do you justice. But I don't recall you having a broken arm the last time we talked?
That's right, Ven broke his arm about 2 months ago and he talked with Mr.Gainell like… end of the school year? A bit before maybe?
-I could say the same to you, I never thought you would have such an imposing physique but here we are. In fact, you're so imposing that I get the feeling that you're hiding something, are you the twist villain perhaps?
He says with an air of confidence while raising his voice dramatically. Oh Ven, what happened to your shame is the same thing that happened to your dignity. It left, painstakingly, while bawling its eyes out.
-If I was the twist villain you would be the fake main villain that I would kill when revealing myself as the real main villain.
Holy shit! That's such a great comeback! Please put Ven in his place so he doesn't say cringy crap like that again!
-…Let's just go to the classroom already.
-I see that you're choosing to ignore my appropriate answers to your remarks, do you have anything to say about that?
-…The last time we talked was near the beginning of summer. When my school year ended.
Oh good, I was right. I was afraid I was becoming an unreliable narrator.
-I see, so you broke it during the summer. How did you break it?
-…
-So, you prefer to not disclose it to me?
-İt's really none of your concern.
It really isn't, not like it's something Ven would explain on a whim.
He walks up the stairs and stops when he's next to him.
-Let's go.
-The classroom is actually pretty far away from here, so let's talk about something.
They start walking towards the Classroom, Mr. Gainell a few steps ahead as to lead him.
-About what?
-This is something that intrigued me ever since I read your application, in the quiz segment, when asked "what do you think of human relationships"; you answered "chains", if I may, I would like a detailed explanation as to why you gave that answer.
Ven, you are such a child! An immature child! "Chains"? Really? That's the best you could come up with, that basic interpretation. At least you have an interesting take on it and a neat story on how you came to that conclusion but…come on!
-…So there was a guy in my middle school, who he was, what he did and my relationship with him are stuff that I straight up refuse to tell you about. He believed that true and absolute freedom was a concept that existed thus it was the basis of his philosophy, he described human relationships and bonds as chains with poisoned spikes on them. The closer you get to someone, the more it hurts and the more it makes you miserable. According to his belief, human relationships were akin to torture and suffering, he said that in order to attain true freedom one must accept and embrace loneliness, breaking the chains of bonds and attain the highest level of solitude.
This is hilarious to me since I know who Ven is talking about. It's not all that hilarious, more sad than funny, but it's funny to me because you have no idea who that guy is.
-My take on it is ,regrettably, a variation of this philosophy. Mine is on the basis that true freedom is a concept that doesn't exist meaning that the chains can never be broken, the closer you get to someone the more loose the chains get, it can still hurt you every now and then and some chains hurt more than others but becoming closer to other people, allows one to be genuinely happy accepting that bonds are what connect us together and help us become better people.
Mr. Gainell is supposedly surprised by this but at the same time seems confused and skeptical based off his expression. I'm more confused about the fact that he chains loosen as you get closer to someone, it doesn't really make sense to me.
-That is a fine take on human relationships, I'm very impressed.
That's very flattering Mr.Gainell but please try to be honest.
-So what is your take on this?
-Me?
-You asked me didn't you? I think I have the right to ask you the same question.
True, I'm a bit curious as well, I wonder how this gentleman will respond to this question.
-Mine isn't as good as yours but I'll try to explain it to you…Human relationships are like the center of an atom and the electrons that circle around it. You are at the center, and the people you meet and get to know are the electrons that circle around you. Some people have more electrons than others, some people don't have any electrons except maybe one but the main thing to take away here is that the electrons can never properly approach you. And in this analogy, every electron is actually the center of their own atom and has their own electrons floating around them. Even though the relationship is very close, there will always be a good amount of distance between the two people, there will always be some type of boundary separating people from one another. Preventing them from understanding each other, coming to a conclusion. Essentially, my belief on this subject is in direct opposition to your own belief.
Hmmm…good one. At least I think. I think it's both abnormal and understandable that someone who seems like such a gentleman believes that you can't completely understand another human being. He's also very humble too, apparently.
-So you believe that humans can't get very close to one another? In what way?
Gainell caresses his thick mustache,forgot to mention beforehand and looks lost in thought.
-I mean that in the sense that you can't properly understand another human being, every human being is fundamentally unique *no matter how basic they are or how much the claim they're basic*.
That part is meant to be a jab at someone but I'm not sure who.
-That fundamental uniqueness separates us to the extent that we become unable to understand one another leading to the barrier that puts that distance between us.
Woah there teach, you're spitting out philosophy like how some rappers spit out bars on their heavenly sounding unreleased tracks, slow down a bit, our readers are gonna get confused. Or you're gonna piss off the guy that doesn't appreciate philosophy in anime or anime inspired media like this one and says to "just go read a proper book instead".
-İsn't that rather pessimistic, cynical even?
-Maybe, but I find that very ironic coming from you.
-…
Yeah, your so called edge is coming back to bite you in the ass! Or slice you in the ass? A scar on the ass…if the person in question, man or woman, is fairly muscular and dominant, it would be so erotic! But then again, maybe this only applies to a woman but a bite mark on the asscheek would be pretty erotic too. But it would kinda hurt the people in question so maybe it's not that erotic. Even if it's consensual, it's not good to hurt your partner for the sake of pleasure or eroticism.
-Even though you proclaim a positive philosophy like your take on bonds, you admit multiple times that you don't trust anyone and you look at everyone with a critical eye. Does "I used to have trust issues so I just abandoned trust" mean anything to you? Mr. my favorite saying is "don't trust, doubt"?
It's not a joke and Ven does has severe trust issues and problems when it comes to people, but there are better ways to express those problems! Ven's problem is that instead of acknowledging those problems as something serious, he turns them into character traits or uses them in attempts to be "cool".
-İt's relatable damn it!
No it isn't, and you know that very well.
-Point is, you make It very clear that there's more to you strictly based off of your beliefs. I'm even starting to think that you might be a little contradictory in your beliefs.
Chill Mr.Gainell, I know you don't look like the most traditional teacher but aren't you supposed to be the "supportive teacher that motivates his students through albeit unconventional means"? If you ask me you're just being a prick…I get the feeling that he heard my narration because he breaks out into laughter and looks very amused. Is something funny, sir?!
-Man that was such a good reaction, don't worry I'm just messing with you.
-…
I hope it was just that. But that's a really crappy way to mess with someone. Especially since it's their first in-person interaction.
-…This is something that I do to almost everyone, I like acting like a stoic, critical bastard and then have some fun before ending the bit…So what did you think?
-Become an actor, clearly teaching isn't what you're meant to do.
Thats was supposed to be a snarky comeback, but if you ask me Mr.Gainell does have the talent to become an actor.
-If I'm not meant to be a teacher then why is my salary 70k a year?
Oh come on! How come he gets paid more than the average teacher, this in an unwinnable battle, damn adults and their seemingly never ending amount of experience. Even the most seasoned exp farmers have more respect than that! Oh yeah, even in this alternate reality most teachers have a shit salary, some things are just not meant for change you know?! When i say "shit salary" I mean that it's not a lot but enough to live comfortably, because the economy in this alternate universe is actually pretty great! There's no homelessness or child labor in fact! It's so idealistic I'm going to puke.
-But I did feel kind of bummed out when I told you my philosophy. I was finally supposed to have an assistant this year and I got real close to him, he was an incredible guy, but he just had to go to Africa and participate in a development program, that continent still has a lot of developing countries so he couldn't help but lend a hand. He was such a great and reliable guy too. Weird part is, he always looked sad and full of guilt, I never got the opportunity to ask him why. And he will only come here around new year. And he's so busy he can't even answer texts! Such a tragedy, I actually felt like I was so close to him!
-Wow. İ cared so much about that random throw-away paragraph.
Can you imagine if the guy that Mr.Gainell mentioned becomes an important character and the author was setting things up from the first volume to pick up way later? That's such a crazy though to have.
-Oh, it seems we have reached the classroom, wait here I'll call you when I'm done.
-You know you're so damn unconventional I would go as far as calling you sketchy…from now on I'll call you sketchy teach!
I don't like it but it rolls off the tongue. You shall be referred to as sketchy from now on.
-Sure, do whatever if it pleases you.
Sketchy enters the classroom, and begins talking, his commanding, gentle and wise voice can be heard through the door.
-What's up kids? How was your summer vacation, did you guys have fun slacking off? Anyways, I welcome you to your last year of High school, this is the final stretch, after this you'll be adults, get jobs, make difficult decisions, contribute to society and hopefully mature a bit. Remember, you shouldn't devote everything to studies, you guys are still kids and need to have fun, not everything is dependent on grades so don't worry, just try to get decent grades and have fun and enjoy your last year of High school, these will be your cherished memories in the future so make the most of it, understood? And this is the most important thing I'll ever tell you, you can ignore every lecture and anything else I say buy please don't ignore this. Childhood's end is coming. İt is an inevitable event that you can't run away from, even though it seems like the end of the school year is still very far away, time will pass by and at the end of the school year, most of you will have to say goodbye to most things whether you want to or not. İ'm not saying this to scare or pressure you into doing what I tell you to do, even though some of you won't believe this, it's my greatest wish that when childhood comes to an end, you won't have any lingering regrets and you can smile as it ends. The saying that pisses me off the most is "don't cry because it ended, be happy because it happened". There is no other saying that I hate other than this one, I find it repulsing that telling someone that crying because it ended isn't acceptable and you should be happy instead because it happened. There is nothing wrong with crying when something ends, because everything comes to an end eventually. Of course you should appreciate it because it happened, of course you should reminisce fondly on it because it happened, of course you should love it and cry over it because it happened. But there's nothing wrong with crying over it because it ended, in fact you should cry because it ended, be it tears of joy or sadness. İf you just cry because it ended, you will be happy. Because then you will understand how much it truly meant to you. İ'll say it again for one last time, childhood's end is fast approaching and you can't stop it, it's inevitable but it's because of that that childhood is so important. İ hope that the tears you cry will be able to extinguish any lingering regrets you may have had. And for my male students, don't undermine what I told you just because it involves crying, tears aren't exclusively reserved for girls.
The class laughs and goofs off, hyping up the teacher and making snarky remarks.
-Oh but this year is extra special to me since something that I had never thought would happen procured. A student transferred here to finish up his last year of High school, this is a very rare occasion so I hope you get acquainted with him, you can enter now.
Ven sighs and opens the door slowly, entering the classroom, to be greeted by silence and a mix of confused, flabbergasted and even mocking faces. No face stand out, except a guy wearing sunglasses. Why?
-My name is Ven…Sinclair, yeah that's it, it's…nice to meet you.
Ven finishes his introduction briefly and stays silent for a solid 5 seconds.
-A very good and detailed introduction Ven, now take your seat, it's right in-front of the empty seat at the back next to the wall.
Ven sighs once again and walks over to his seat, as the teacher explains the curriculum and the periods for the year, unimportant stuff really. Slowly but surely Ven zones out, blocking out the voices and thinks about which anime he'll start watching next.
-Hey.
A menacing and seemingly grumpy voice, Ven doesn't think much of it, and just notices that he zoned out and everyone is leaving.
-Hey!
Ven turns his head and sneaks a glance at the direction of the voice, noticing the guy sitting next to him is looking at him.
-Yes, you!
Ven finally looks at him and- OH MY DAYS, what the hell is up with this guy? I know Ven has a pretty crappy sense of fashion but this guy has an atrocious one, this guy a legit pretentious hipster! He's a tall guy, not very tall but his height is something most girls wouldn't complain about, he has black sunglasses that are thicker than the average sunglasses, it doesn't allow anyone to see his eyes, probably even from a side-view. He has piercings on his ears and lips, not anything too extravagant but simple and metallic. And this is the real kicker, his majestic fucking hair! A mane! Yeah no you read that right, a mane. And not a traditional mane like most b-tier Hollywood actors from the 2010s, a lion's mane, a massive and majestic hairstyle that, if you still didn't properly understand, THAT LİONS HAVE. Oh but it doesn't end there because why would it? He's also wearing a purple shirt with potentilla flowers on it, except that they're black. it resembles a Hawaiian shirt except with flowers that is clearly meant for the summer season that looks like it could be worn by a certain mediator who doesn't save you but lends a hand instead. But at this point who gives a damn? Along with black cargo pants and neat sneakers, the expensive kind that random people would come up to you and say it's looks "fresh" and "stylish".
-…Yes?
The guy stares at Ven's apathetic and uncaring face with a conspicuous, curious face, I'm not sure about this but I'm pretty sure he's observing Ven throughly. Suddenly he adopts a teasing yet friendly smirk and leans down a bit in a conspiratorial fashion.
-What is your opinion on bikinis?
End of chapter