Chapter 1: Ashikaga Takauji
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Discord Link: KQAtTw9u7x
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The ever-present rays of sunlight continued to beam down on the classroom, illuminating the front row as one student in particular continued to softly drum his fingers across the wooden surface of his desk.
A distinct look of boredom clung to his face as he stared downwards aimlessly, with only the reflection of his glasses providing any cover to the strain apparent in his cornea.
How much longer is left?
He glanced at the clock, watching its handle tick away at an achingly slow pace.
It's at times like this I find myself actually regretting having studied. At least I would've been able to stimulate my brain somewhat rather than listen to Shiba-sensei's monotone drivel.
His name was Ashikaga Takauji, or Taka for short as most people opted to use. A third-year student at a high school by the name of Kuoh Academy. Formerly an all-girls school now reconstructed into a co-ed one, granted the majority of the student body was composed of women.
He was a fairly tall and lean young man, with brown scholarly hair and square glasses, matched with soft brown eyes.
The best way to describe him was someone who was above ordinary, but also not exactly notable either.
To put it into perspective, he was the type of guy you'd see pretty high up on the post-exam rankings and go "Oh, he must be pretty smart" but make no attempt to go out of your way to communicate with or pay any special attention to.
And he liked it that way. It was normal, and he could go about his day unperturbed.
The only thing about him of note beyond that, was the fact that he was a member of the Track and Field Club. As someone who was relatively competent with time management, he had a fair amount of spare time even with his studies, which had led him to seek out something to do in order to pass the hours.
His parents had both gone overseas for work since the pay was significantly better, that coupled with being an only child meant that there wasn't a whole lot of activity back home.
Again, he was fine with this. He'd frequently exchange texts and calls with them, and they'd come over to visit whenever they had free time. "Mildly estranged" was about as far as their relationship could ever deteriorate.
However, his parents weren't perfect either. When it came to academics they could be quite demanding to say the least, Takauji was to go to a good college, with a solid degree, and get a high-paying job. Even if the sky were to fall they would not budge on that expectation, and Takauji ultimately relented.
If that was what they wanted from him in exchange for the freedoms he was allowed, and rather generous allowance, then so be it.
It was by no means an impossible task for him to begin with, so why not just let them be happy.
Nevertheless, the mundane cycle of school and study bored him to no end. Leaving him with an ever growing want for excitement, entertainment, anything that would add a splash of color into the bland substance that was his life as of now.
"Does anyone know the answer to this question?" Shiba, the teacher in charge of class 3-B asked. Looking around the room for any takers.
For the love of God don't let it be me, someone raise your hand, I'm begging you.
"If no one volunteers then I'll have to choose someone," he continued to scour the classroom, looking for anyone who didn't seem keen on answering as teachers did.
Uh-oh. I don't like that look on his face.
"Ashikaga-kun. Your brain looks like it could use a little stimulation this afternoon," he said with a very punchable smile on his face.
With all due respect, I hope someone force feeds you your shoes once class is over.
He reluctantly took the chalk from his teacher's extended hand, his chair creaking as he hauled himself to his feet and towards the board.
"Just answer the first five, I'll let you call on someone else to complete the latter half," the corner of Takauji's lip twitched as he could feel his classmates recoil.
I take it back, I hope you're only forced fed one of your shoes.
"Sure," he complied with a slight elevation in his mood. Only needing a few minutes to solve the polynomial based questions on the board.
Shiba looked over it, nodding as he found everything to be in order.
"Good work. So, who would you like to answer next?"
Takauji turned around, easily picking up on his classmate's attempt to make themselves stand out as little as possible.
What's this now?
Except for one that is.
A beautiful young woman with long raven hair tied into a ponytail, and bright amethyst eyes was currently staring him down. Making direct eye contact and showing no intent to conceal her presence.
She wanted him to know, that much was obvious.
What's with that knowing look on your face? I might be jumping to conclusions, but it doesn't seem like it has anything to do with wanting to answer the question.
He brooded for a brief moment, choosing to swallow his thoughts for another time.
"Himejima-san, if you would," her reputation was pretty much the polar opposite of Takauji's in terms of popularity.
She was hailed as one of the "Two Great Ladies" throughout the school alongside Rias Gremory of class 3-A. A result of her profound beauty and her "Yamato Nadeshiko" like demeanor.
Akeno didn't respond, instead she simply got up from her seat and calmly approached the board.
Stop looking at me like that, I don't like it.
His expression was quick to sour as they passed by one another, him noticing the side-eye she gave him as she maintained both her poise and silence.
Don't tell me, she knows about that? No. That doesn't make any sense, I've made it a practice not to use it at school. And I've only had it for a few days. Unless she's some crazy stalker who's been watching me?
He made sure to compose himself with haste, suppressing his twitching fingers before she could notice.
"Mhm. Well done." Shiba commended, motioning for her to return to her seat.
Again, no words were exchanged between the students as she passed by his seat. However, much had been conveyed through mannerisms alone.
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Time continued to pass, and the inner workings of Takauji's mind remained irritable. As much as he wanted to deny it, his intellect kept bringing him to one conclusion regardless of which train of thought he chose to pursue.
The only expression of his discontent being the constant fiddling of his eraser between his thumbs.
The way I see it there are a few options I have. I could approach her, avoid her, or feign ignorance. But there is the possibility it's all an overreaction and I'll just end up creating a problem when there was none to begin with.
His nails scratched the surface of his stationary.
Assuming the worst, would that mean she can use it as well? I'm clueless about it so I have no way of even making an educated guess as to what she wants with me if that were the case.
He clenched his eraser, causing a few shavings to get under his nails.
"Oh, I guess that's time," Shiba announced as the sound of the bell ringing snapped Takauji out of his deliberation.
He heaved an internal sigh of relief, packing his things with haste as he eagerly awaited dismissal.
"The test is on friday so make sure you study accordingly, I'll be here until 6 so if you have any questions feel free to come to me," Shiba announced.
Much to his delight, Akeno made no attempt to approach him as he fast-walked towards his locker. Grabbing his sportswear as he went to the boy's changing room.
"Oh, Taka. You're here early," a youthful young man with spiky black hair and pupils burning with vigor greeted him.
"I could say the same for you, Hairo," the man in question being the current captain of the Track and Field Club and a member of class 3-A.
Takauji looked him up and down. "Just out of curiosity, why are you already sweating? Class literally just ended. Did your air conditioning break down or something?"
Hairo looked down at his drenched body.
"Taka my dear friend," he placed his sweaty hand on Takauji's shoulder. "This is just my body expressing its undying passion for the sport, and someday yours will too," he pointed his thumb at himself and beamed.
"Hairo," Takauji deadpanned. "You ran here didn't you? Again might I add."
"That is a possibility," he replied shamelessly.
"Dude," his friend pinched his nose bridge. "Didn't your teacher say she was going to give you a detention next time you did that?" He recalled the many times he had heard Hairo's teacher lose her patience.
"That, is also a possibility."
"Whatever man," he could do naught but shake his head helplessly. "Let's just get started already."
"That's the spirit!" Hairo somehow had the audacity to grin.
The club itself was pretty small in size, consisting of only about 5 members Hairo and Takauji included. And none of the members besides Hairo were really interested in competitions or anything, it was mainly just a place where people joined for free fitness management.
All in all, they were a cozy group, something Takauji appreciated.
They gathered around the school's track and started by doing their warmups led by Hairo which lasted for about 10 minutes.
Following which they began their drills also led by their captain, with the newer members focusing on lower intensity stamina building exercises so as to not overstrain their muscles.
Whereas Hairo had Takauji follow his high-intensity torture training since he was the only other member who had been a part of the club since they were a first-year. The latter was pretty confident that Hairo took some sort of sick pleasure in seeing him collapse to the floor after every session.
But with that said, he couldn't deny that Hairo's menu brought results, hence why he listened to him albeit reluctantly.
"So, you meet any cuties lately?" Hairo asked as they jogged side by side.
"You've asked me that literally every single time we're training together, without fail. Isn't it about time you got tired of it?"
"Tired? What's that? Can I eat it?" Takauji showed immense restraint by not slugging him in the face right that second. "Don't give me that look, I just want to make sure you don't end up a monk, that's all."
"What are you, my mom? Besides, I'm only 18. You're acting like I'm 30."
"Good grief, I guarantee you every middle-aged bachelor has said the same thing. You have to strike while the iron's hot. If you let it cool for too long you won't be able to bend it anymore."
Takauji's face contorted.
"That has got to be the most ill-fitting analogy my ears have ever had the displeasure of hearing. Also if you're referring to what I think you're referring to, then your biology needs some serious work."
"Dramatic as always," he retorted. "If you're not going to spend any energy getting some action, then you might as well use it to do 10 more laps," he picked up the pace.
"I hate you."
"No you don't."
Takauji grudgingly forced himself to pick up the pace.
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"You've improved," Hairo leaned over the sprawled out figure of his friend. "Not bad."
"Shut up you stamina-freak. Let my muscles ache in peace," he currently felt as if hundreds of microscopic needles were piercing his body.
"Don't be like that. Here, I'll help you up," he crouched and supported Takauji's weight with his shoulders. "Want me to walk you over?"
"Yes please," Hairo quickly said his goodbyes and thanks to his underclassmen before assisting the worn out club member.
"Here we go," he laid him down gently. Grabbing Takauji's casual wear for him as he put it on. "If you want I can help you go home, I've got plenty of time on my hands."
"No need, I'll call a cab," knowing Hairo as he did, he would more likely than not try to make him walk all the way home in spite of his condition.
"Alright then. Well, see ya tomorrow," they waved each other goodbye as Takauji took his time leaving the changing room.
I wonder, maybe I really was just overthinking things. Himejima-san didn't approach me at all, which doesn't really explain the odd behavior. But I'm more than willing to let bygones be bygones at this point.
He was just about to exit the front door.
"Ashikaga Takauji, is it?" A gentle voice reached out to him just as he was about to take his leave.
His posture stiffened as he was met with the sight of someone he really wasn't keen on meeting.
Speak of the Devil.
He wore a well-fitted poker face as he faced the woman.
"Do you need something? Himejima-san."
"It's nothing major, I was just wondering if you'd be alright with having a little chat?" Once more, a knowing smile was plastered on her face.
A chat, huh? Fine, if I can't avoid you then I'll confront you.
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And so the story begins. Let me know your thoughts, and your predictions for how this interaction will go down.
Word Count: 2264
10+ Advance Chapters: patreon.com/Accel14
Discord Link: KQAtTw9u7x
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