[Volume 2: For the Sake of Every Rest Day]
- The Flaw in Flaws
"Your enamel chipped a bit, but no cracks, so no treatment's needed," The dentist said.
It was closing time, and the clinic was locking up, but a last-minute pair arrived, forcing the doctor to play the caring parent and check them out.
Takizawa sighed in relief. The dentist's earlier talk of local anesthesia, root canals, and porcelain crowns sounded like a fortune.
"Be careful next time. Some kids shove toys in their mouths and ruin their teeth. Your… uh, sister? She's a bit old for swapping teeth, so no more mischief," The dentist said, curious. "But enamel's the hardest part of the body. What did she bite to chip it?"
"Thick-cut sirloin steak," Takizawa said, glancing at the girl clutching her cheek, eyes red with pain, his own twitching.
"?"
Outside the clinic, the sun had set, streetlights forming a glowing line, their shadows stretching and crossing on the ground.
Takizawa felt the waves of resentment from the girl beside him. Even his thick skin couldn't shield him from the awkwardness.
"Who'd have thought soft meat could turn so tough after a chef's touch? Beef's wild, huh?" He said, chuckling.
"Are you mocking me?" Sakura's glare cut like steel. "Who plays a prank like that on a second meeting? So rude! The worst!"
"Sorry," Takizawa said, bowing low. "I'm a terrible guy. Really sorry."
"Fine. How much was the bill?" She asked, fuming.
"I've got it, no need to pay," He said politely.
"No need? Are we that close?" Sakura snorted, firing back.
"Alright, 1,862 yen," He said, holding out his hand.
"You're actually charging me?!" Her eyes widened, shocked at his flip.
"Duh, that's two hours of my wages," He said, unapologetic.
Sakura slapped three bills into his hand, then snapped, "Paid, but now I want compensation for emotional distress!"
Takizawa pursed his lips, reluctantly handing back the barely-touched bills. "Hope this soothes your wounded heart."
"Hey, that's my money!"
"But you paid me for the visit."
"No way! I want your money!" She said, stomping.
He dug into his pants, pulling out three crumpled, oil-stained bills that looked centuries old, handing them over with a pang.
Sakura stared at the grimy notes, chest heaving with frustration, and snatched back her crisp, smooth bills instead.
Takizawa shook his head. Even with the same value, women pick the prettier cash. Typical.
"It's late. Time to head home. I'll grab a taxi—my treat," He said, scanning the street.
"Not done yet—" Sakura said through gritted teeth.
"Huh? I apologized, took you here, paid the bill, and comped your distress," He said, aggrieved.
True, but she still felt shortchanged, unable to pinpoint why. She just glared, huffing.
"Alright, hit me to vent," He said, spreading his arms, feigning a hug but leaving himself open. "Chest, shoulders, butt—your call. I'm your punching bag!"
The high school girl took deep breaths, then forced herself to let it go, turning to leave.
"Where you going?" He called, following.
"Home!" She shouted.
"Oh."
After a ten-second pause.
"Why're you standing there?" He asked.
"Waiting for a taxi!" She said, gripping her fists.
They stood under the streetlight, trapped in awkward silence. Takizawa glanced at the girl, barely reaching his shoulder, feeling guilty.
"Sorry for ruining your day."
"It's fine. I shouldn't have expected much," She said, pouting. "But compared to others, you at least apologized in person, not just over the phone. And thanks for waiting with me at the welcome party."
"I'm waiting now too," He said, scratching his head.
"Don't get cocky. I'm only thanking you because Dad told me to!"
"Such manners. Great dad."
"Hmph, obviously."
"But the real star is you, taking your parents' advice to heart. You'll be an amazing adult," Takizawa said, grinning, climbing her goodwill.
Then came a delayed kick to his shin, light as a feather, her good upbringing holding back at the last second.
…
Post-New Year, January and February were quiet, save for family visits and shrine prayers. Staying home, Sakura gained weight, and her mom urged her to hang out with friends instead of moping indoors.
But what friends?
She couldn't admit the embarrassment of being forgotten at the welcome party, so she pretended to go out, wandering alone.
She'd catch a movie if something good was playing, spending afternoons in theaters, then weave tales of fake friends and fun for her parents.
Even she thought her life was pathetic.
The only one she could banter with, that lazy cat, vanished from its usual spot. Thinking back, she hadn't bickered or kicked anyone in years.
Walking through the commercial street, Sakura glanced at the restaurant where the cat used to lounge. It had changed—gaudy waiters with long bangs and heavy makeup beckoned customers, the sign now purple and rose-red, oddly tacky.
Her phone chimed with an unexpected caller.
"Kashiwai Ippei here, Sakura-chan. Having a fun New Year?" Her agent's overly familiar voice rang out.
"Uh, very fun," She mumbled.
"Haha, great! I landed you a solid job opportunity. It's still the holidays—wanna give it a shot?" He coaxed.
"Sure," She said, figuring it beat aimless wandering.
***
If you like the Classroom of the Elite and Danganronpa series, don't hesitate to check out the new project I'm currently working on:
[COTE: The True Perfect Human]
Synopsis:
Since the era when humanity was still focused on steam and coal, people have already been questioning what the Perfect Human truly looks like.
Some say the Perfect Human possesses overwhelming physical strength… others claim the Perfect Human has unparalleled intelligence.
Of course, there are also those who believe the Perfect Human possesses both... strength and intellect.
Like Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
That's why when people ask who the most perfect human in all of fiction is, they often point to the Masterpiece of the White Room as the Perfect Human.
But… only the OGs know that the only Perfect Human who has ever walked this earth is...
The Ultimate Hope…
Izuru Kamukura.
...
This is the story of Izuru Kamukura as he challenges Classroom of the Elite searching for whether there is anything in this world capable of dispelling his boredom.