Flirting With Flavor | A GenMui Fanfic

Feeling Betrayed

MUICHIRO TOKITO

With a subtle grin on my face, Yuichiro and I entered the expansive halls of our high school, eager for the day ahead. The music flowing through my air pods provided a soothing and motivating backdrop, setting the perfect tone for the beginning of my day. There's a unique charm in the way Bruno Mars infuses rhythmic beats into his releases; it never fails to captivate me. Each lyric carries a catchy allure, leaving me visibly impressed every time I listen to him.

Navigating through the bustling corridors, I couldn't help but appreciate the diverse sounds echoing in the air—a mélange of laughter, chatter, and the occasional distant notes of someone practicing their instrument. It was a vibrant symphony that added an extra layer of excitement to the morning routine.

In the morning, like clockwork, my brother would bid farewell as he headed towards his advisory, following the familiar path down the hallway. Meanwhile, I found myself lost in a melody, immersing in an imaginary music video that I just so happened to be featured in. It's just my typical day—my vivid imagination at play. While it fuels my creativity, I can't help but wonder if it's the reason I've always struggled to make friends; perhaps they perceive me as somewhat delusional.

The music in my ears abruptly faded as I caught a glimpse of someone or something familiar from the corner of my eyes. Instinctively, my gut had told myself to ignore it the instant it was brought to my attention, yet I found myself succumbing to my curious nature. Despite the potential for regret down the road, my curiosity was instantly ceased the moment I turned around and faced my intrigue.

There he was—Genya Shinazugawa—encircled by a camaraderie of friends, unmistakably a tight-knit group of athletes. From what I could see, it was definitely a clique of athletes I was discerning. The only other student who seemed to be outlied from the rest of the bunch was Tanjiro Kamado. While he was also a part of the popular group, he refrained from engaging in any physical extracurricular activities. However, he and Genya were evidently best friends, and as much as the rest of the clique disliked him, his presence was mandated on Genya's orders.

That fact alone was what led me to believe that Genya was generally a great person and allowed me to make the first mistake I made that day. I approached the group.

Now, don't get me wrong. This wasn't the first time I'd encountered that circle of approximately ten students wandering around the building. They were seen pretty much everywhere by pretty much everyone who attended Kimetsu High. However, beyond their tight-knit circle, interaction was limited to a handful of girlfriends and occasionally intrigued cheerleaders.

I had never mustered the courage to approach them in the past, and the idea of doing so seemed unimaginable. Yet, this time was definitely different. Genya's performance at my abode, coupled with the events of the previous day, had left a subtle residue of confidence within me. Surprisingly, enough confidence lingered to leave me bold enough to make a decisive move at that very moment. I felt determined to confront the group, and I was almost sure of my decision.

After all, Tanjiro Kamado found himself unexpectedly among the group, making him one of my only two friends—potentially three, considering the time Genya and I spent together yesterday. However, I preferred not to rush into conclusions about the latter. Setting aside that fleeting thought, I promptly embraced the risk and swiftly set my legs in motion.

The group remained engrossed in their own interactions as I walked over, seemingly oblivious to my presence. Progressing towards my objective, a wave of regret swept over me, realizing the potential folly of engaging with a clique to which I had no part in. Despite this realization, I pressed on, acknowledging that there was no turning back and that the moment of decision had arrived.

All I had to do was give Genya a small greeting and move on with my day. Perhaps I could converse about the little study session we had the day before with him. He wouldn't mind, right? Not in front of all of his super popular friends that probably found me weird and gross he would. No, he wouldn't.

Nope. At that moment, I realized how badly I'd messed up.

"H-hey..." I choked, tapping on Genya's backpack to receive his attention in return.

If I wasn't certain of my mistake before, I had definitely become aware right at that moment. Right in the midst of all of his friends, Genya took one solid glance at me and quickly looked away. Shock registered in my widened gaze, and despite the urge to reach out to him once more, the realization dawned that doing so would only escalate the embarrassment.

He dismissed me effortlessly, as if the events of last night were nothing more than a whimsical dream fueled by my own obsession. In fact, that's exactly what he made me look like right at that very moment. Obsessed. I actually looked obsessed.

I gradually moved back, observing as some of his friends snickered, and others asked him questions concerning my unexpected appearance. The repulsive reactions emanating from them made it clear that I hadn't been completely disregarded. Their comments had sparked a fire within Genya, and he was poised to unleash his response regarding the situation.

"Who are you?" He asked, turning around to face me once again.

Before I knew it, my heart shattered into countless pieces, irreparable. The mere manner in which he posed the question grated on my nerves, but what truly stung was the audacity of him pulling off such a stunt in the first place. I didn't even have to get in that Honda if I really didn't want to. He was the one who invited me for Christ's sake! Is this the price I pay for finally deciding to get out of my comfort zone? If so, then it'd undeniably be the last time I'd do something like that again.

"I... s-sorry," I apologized, desperately clutching onto the straps of my backpack. "Wrong person,"

I looked him straight in the eye as I apologized, looking for any signs of some hidden remorse deep in there somewhere. There had to be a hint of regret beneath all of the pride he displayed in front of his peers. However, as I delved into the depths of his violet irises, I discovered no meaningful sign. Lowering my gaze, I realized that the true revelation lay in the subtleties of his lips. Beneath the charged atmosphere, a sly smirk emerged, usurping any remnants of his humanity. I had been deceived, and reaching that conclusion proved surprisingly straightforward.

Disheartened by his unforeseen actions, I slowly shook my head, severing the excruciating eye contact and turning towards my advisor. Behind me, I discerned the sinister snickers emanating from each member, except for two distinct voices amidst the usual ten. Genya and Tanjiro remained silent, refusing to partake in the laughter. For reasons unknown, I harbored a desire to never encounter them again.

Long story short, that declaration wouldn't last for long.

Word Count: 1217