A Shatterd soul

Ch.2

The melodic chirping of birds interrupted his raging thoughts, their cheerful tunes contrasting with the storm brewing within him. Despite a sleepless night, Takemichi knew he couldn't afford to miss school, especially on such an important day. Reluctantly, he donned his school uniform and styled his hair into the dreaded mohawk, he's too tired to answer questions of why he didn't do it today.

Takemichi longed for a stroke of luck that would bring him face-to-face with Draken and Mikey, his friends who held the key to his salvation. Perhaps in their presence, everything would fall into place, and he could find solace from the chaos that consumed his life. As he adjusted his appearance in the mirror, he attempted to summon a genuine smile.

His lips curled upwards, attempting a small smile, but it felt forced and unnatural. Dissatisfied, he decided to push it further, peeling back his upper lip to reveal his teeth-a wider grin, a more convincing facade, or so he hoped. Yet, even as his reflection displayed a toothy smile, the hollowness behind it remained.

As Takemichi prepared himself for the day ahead, his father's annoyed voice pierced through the air, shattering the fragile peace. Reluctantly, he made his way downstairs, his footsteps heavy with apprehension. The dining area greeted him with its familiar setting-his mother doing her paperwork , his father's glare fixated on him like a laser beam.

The tension in the room grew thicker as his father prepared to voice his discontent. "Can't you do anything right, Takemichi?" his father grumbled, his voice laced with annoyance. "What's with this ridiculous hair color?" The weight of his father's disapproval bore down on Takemichi, his every action criticised.

Feeling too drained to argue, Takemichi took a seat at the table, hoping his father would let the matter go. However, the disapproving gaze persisted, analyzing his very existence. The silence was interrupted by his father's strained voice, addressing another source of disappointment-Takemichi's poor grade in the last test.

"Takemichi. Your mother said you failed your last test , is that true?"

Shit. Why does his past self always get him in trouble?!

"Yeah... I was tired, so I accidentally fell asleep in the middle of the test, and-" Takemichi began, his head bowed and eyes fixated on his plate, seeking refuge from his father's judgment.

"I don't care. That's no excuse," his father interrupted, his tone dripping with disdain. "If you actually studied instead of hanging out with your 'friends,' you would've gotten at least a decent grade. But you can't even do that." The air quotes around the word "friends" hung heavily, a subtle jab at the relationships Takemichi held dear.

The anger within Takemichi surged, fueled by exhaustion and the defense of his cherished friendships. "What the fuck do you mean by that?!" he exploded, unable to contain his frustration any longer.

"Language, Takemichi," his mother's stern voice chimed in.

"No! I want to know what he fucking means" Takemichi stood up, the screech of his chair echoing.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Takemichi. They're obviously just using you," his father retorted dismissively, his words a dagger aimed at Takemichi's heart.

Takemichi's blood boiled in that moment. The friends who had stood by him, supported him, and shown him kindness were being belittled and dismissed by the person he so desperately craved approval from.

"Well, they're better than you, at least!"
he shot back, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.

His father's eyes snapped from the newspapers he had been reading, locking onto Takemichi with a fiery gaze. "Watch your mouth, brat," he warned, his voice dripping with menace.

"Or what? Am not scared of you." Takemichi challenged, his voice laced with anger.

His father also rose from his seat, his towering presence attempting to intimidate. "Why can't you just be a normal kid?" he seethed, his frustration reaching a boiling point.

"Why can't you ever shut the fuck up?!" Takemichi's retort was sharp.

"Oh, my bad... I forgot that's impossible to ask of you. You're such a disappointment!" his father spat, his words laced with venom.

"Fuck you!" Takemichi's voice cracked with raw emotion , trying not to make the fear evident in his voice.

"Oh, you better start treating me with respect, young man, or else!" his father warned, his anger escalating.

"Or what?" Takemichi's voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation. The words slipped out without a second thought.

"Well, I gave you life, so I can take it from you very easily!" his father's voice boomed, his threat hanging heavily in the air.

"Go ahead then! I want to see you try." Takemichi challenged, his heart pounding in his chest, fueled by the adrenaline pumping in his veins.

Without warning, his father's hand swung through the air, delivering a harsh slap that collided with Takemichi's cheek. The force of the impact sent a sharp sting through his face, leaving behind a bright red mark that seemed to burn with pain.

As Takemichi recoiled from the blow, his mother's voice broke through the chaos. " This is enough! Both of you!" she shouted at them both.

Taking one last glance at his parents, their faces contorted with anger and disappointment, Takemichi made a decision. Without uttering a word, he stormed out of the front door.

Takemichi ran out of his house, his cheek stinging from the impact. He was boiling with rage, the pain on his cheek serving as a cruel reminder of the argument.

"hey! Get back here right this instant!" his father shouted from inside of the house but he ignored it.

As he walked away from his home, a jumble of emotions flooded Takemichi's mind. He felt angry and sad, his spirit dampened and lost. He couldn't help but question where he fit in a world that seemed determined to tear him apart.

He spent the entire way to school replaying the fight over and over again, arriving late as a result. He had to rush into the classroom, grateful that he made it before the teacher.

Dropping himself onto his chair, Takemichi let out a heavy sigh. Akkun, his dear friend, tried to strike up a conversation.

"Hey, dude. What's up?" Akkun asked, concerned.

"Not much... you?" Takemichi replied, struggling to catch his breath.

Akkun glanced at Takemichi's red cheek, his curiosity piqued. "Yo, dude, what happened?"

Takemichi unconsciously hid his face, saying, "Ah... it's nothing, don't worry!" He put on his usual bright smile and changed the subject, asking Akkun other questions. Akkun reluctantly answered, gradually forgetting why he had been worried in the first place.

Finally, the teacher entered the classroom, demanding quiet. Takemichi took out his textbook, hoping that the rest of the day would go smoothly. However, based on the chaotic morning, he guessed it wouldn't be that way.

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More angst yay!

Tysm for reading my shitty story!