Tulips [Ishimondo]

Prologue: A new year

Taka POV:

The loud alarm clock by Taka's bed rang in his ears next to him. He groaned as he sloppily tried to turn it off. 'Well, guess that's my cue' he thought as he pushed himself up from his bed, reaching for his freshly ironed clothes folded over the end of his bed.

He got dressed and packed the last of belongings in his suitcase and checked his watch, '6:15 already?! It's gonna take forever to walk to Hope Peak!" Taka rushed down the stairs, his father was already at the TV, flicking through the channels lazily.

"Did you come to see me off father?" Taka asked hopefully, looking at the back of his fathers head.

His father didn't even turn to see him "couldn't sleep." He replied gruffly

Taka's heart dropped. He didn't expect anything by less, but it still stung to hear those words. "O-oh... well... bye!"

His father gave a grunt in response.

Taka traveled the length of the living room and made it to the doorway, he swore he heard a grumble from his father that sounded awfully like "finally". Taka walked down the streets and arrived at a coffee shop. 'Tea and coffee huh?' His stomach growled as he though of a hot cup of chai and a pastry. He looked down at his watch 'it's only 6:40... it won't take that long to order something'

He entered the small shop and made his was to the short line at the counter. He looked at the paintings on the wall as and eventually made his way to the front of the line.

"Good morning! An I order a large hot chai and a Cheesecake muffin?" He recited to the cashier , who looked back at him with a tired expression.

"Cash or card?" They said in a gloomy monotone voice

Taka attempted to make his voice seem less chirpy "u-uh... card?"

The cashier looked at him while he pulled out his wallet and card nervously. He scanned his card and left with his food, feeling as awkward as ever.

Taka never really spent his money on cafe food, or sweet things for that matter, but today he was finally going back to Hopes Peak high, his favourite place on earth. When away from home, he was able to order anything he wanted from shops, wear what he wanted, and do whatever he pleased when in his room.

It felt like forever before he arrived at the academy, a few minutes early of course, which was more than he expected since he walked the whole way. He made his way to the front of the school where two of his friends were sitting sleepily, playing on a small hand held game.

"Hey Chihiro!" Called Taka, waving his arms wildly and grinning

"Oh, hi! Chiaki is showing me one of her games, wanna see?" The small dusty blond called back

Taka sat down next to the two and watched them play until the bell rang. He walked with his friends to the gym, then split up to see the teachers for his hall monitor duties and extra curricular activities, which he was yet to be assigned.
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Mondo POV:

"Mondo!"
....
"MONDO!!"

Mondo woke up to a large pillow hitting him in the face. He groaned as he squinted at his brother, who was sitting over his bed glaring at him.

"The fuck do you want Daiya?!" He retorted to his brother, who rolled his eyes at Mondo

"It's 7:00am! Schools starting in like.. 5 minutes?!"

"WHAT?!? WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME?!"

"I tried! You're just really deep sleeper ok?!?"

Mondo jumped out of bed and ran over to his barely packed bag. Daiya helped him pack as Mondo quickly changed and put his hair up into a half up bun, his pompadour would take too long to style. He stuffed his bag in the back of his motorcycle and sped off to the school, hoping to god he didn't meet an officer on the way.

He ran into the gym and barely got his name marked off and his dorm assigned, then left to his room to set up his stuff for the year. His phone buzzed in his pocket and took it out, and saw a text from Daiya.

"Hey Mondo, I didn't get to talk to you this morning so I'm shooting you a text. Your grades haven't been the best lately and I am really worried about you. Could you please at least try to pass most of your classes, and only skip classes ON CAMPUS. Miss you already bro :)"

Mondo read the message slowly, scoffing at the last few lines. Of course Daiya had found out about his grades. He had signed himself up as Mondo's legal guardian, meaning he got his grade reports, but how did he know about him skipping off campus? He must've known that he was skipping classes, but he didn't have to know about where he was skipping.

Mondo spent the rest of the day setting up his room and exploring the school. He never really had any friends because he was never at school between 12 and 10, unless to get some free food from the cafeteria.
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Taka  POV:

Chihiro, Chiaki and Kiyotaka sat at a bench outside, Chiaki sat playing her handheld game as Chihiro gave tips while Taka watched the two. He subconsciously tapped his heeled boots on the stone floor, fidgeting with his hands nervously.

Chiaki looked over at him "Taka, your tapping your foot again."

"O-oh sorry!" He stumbled

Chihiro put their hand on Taka's, "Kiyo, how about we go for a walk?" They smiled

Chihiro pulled Taka up from the bench and waved goodbye to Chiaki, walking around with Taka. They talked about the new school year and their classes.

Taka and Chihiro split up at the dorms and headed into their rooms. Kiyotaka locked his door and slumped down on the bed, looking up at the off-white ceiling. 'Maybe, this year would finally be different.'