The Observant (Isekai OC x Lookism)

CH 5: Bread and Beginnings

As the morning sun cast its warm glow upon the school campus, you stepped through the gates, preparing yourself for this new life. With anticipation and apprehension, you made your way to your class, Language being the first subject of the day.

As you entered, the classroom once buzzing with chatter as students settled into their seats, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to you, and you couldn't help but feel tense from the attention. The teacher introduced you to the class, but you simply nodded in acknowledgment and took a seat in the back, unbeknownst to you that your presence had already left quite a big impression on those around you.

The morning passed in a blur of lessons. Unsurprisingly, you already knew these topics. Having previously lived a not-very adventurous life, you were a very studious person. If you look at things objectively, you have enough knowledge and experience to qualify for advanced classes in prestigious universities. So it was during the Artisinal Bread class that you truly came into focus. As the teacher launched into a discussion on the origin of types of bread, you found yourself engrossed in the topic, eagerly absorbing every detail. When choosing what type of bread to research for the upcoming project, you had to think hard about what you wanted to do. After all, this was something you had no experience in, and you wanted to do well in the project.

As you were jotting down notes in class, you were absorbed in your own thinking. Your classmates only watched, some nervous, some curious, and a few out of interest. But one thing they could all agree on was that you had to be no ordinary person.

'too intimidating' 'must be some street thug that wanted a change' 'Probably a gangster' 'I wonder if she's nice?' 'those scars aren't too pleasant to look at' ''I think she looks kinda pretty' 'cool.' these things were whispering throughout the classroom as you jotted the notes down.

'How hypocritical,' I thought as I listened to some of the things being spoken about me. Well, I couldn't be too surprised. After all, this comic was about 'Lookism,' the construction of a standard for beauty, and made about people based on how well or poorly they meet the standard. And, well, I don't quite meet their standard. But that's ok, I never really planned on it anyways. Plus, I think Ilook cool, and I am attractive, at least to myself, I am. 

At lunchtime, the cafeteria buzzed with activity as students mingled and socialized. You observed the various cliques, noting the burn knuckles, the fashion department, and the girls swooning over Daniel Park's every move. Despite the attention, you chose to focus on the task at hand, discussing bread types with a lone girl who approached you, intrigued by your stoic demeanor. Her name was Hae. She was nice and quiet, though. She was smaller than average, I towered over her, and she kept to herself. She reminded me a bit of a mouse. 

While talking to her, you didn't think you gained much attraction, but you did feel eyes, so you decided to remove yourself from the scene. You excused yourself and made your way out of the cafeteria. 

Little did you know that leaving early would make more of an impression because you were able to be singled out easier, but with you lost in thought, you didn't pay any mind to the eyes trailing you. 

"I've seen her before," Burn knuckles, no. 2 Jace Park, thought as he watched you leave the cafeteria. "I gotta keep an eye on her and the new kid. I don't know if she's one of the good or bad ones yet. She did help that woman out in the street though."

"Two new kids in a week, huh. I wonder if either of them will let me do their hair," The only man in the Beauty Department, Eli Jang, said with a smile. The girls swarmed him, asking for his attention and not to pay any mind to the girl leaving the cafeteria. When going to the cafeteria, Diandra slipped her jacket back on, but while leaving it must've slipped because Eli's eyes narrowed a bit as he watched the females figure, scars, and he looked away; it was none of his business. 

"...," Fashion departments, Jay Hong's, careful observations.

As the day drew to a close, you found yourself walking home with ALI, who filled you in on the school's various characters and their reactions to your arrival. You damned yourself for already gaining the attention of pretty important character. You vowed to stay away, and if they approached...well, I guess you had two options for that. Being curt and giving bland answers. Or, well...running. You clenched your eyes a bit and furrowed your eyebrows. 

"Man, ALI it'll be pretty lame if I ran away like that if they came up to me, huh?"

"It would be up to which recipient you did that with, Diandra." 

"well aren't you ever so optimistic," You said sarcastically.

"Always," ALI said courtly. You humphed and continued on your way.

While walking, ALI highlights and explains your strengths and abilities, making you realize the potential that your body you have has.

"While your base skill is Kickboxing, the main skills you are efficient in are Jeet Kune Do and Kali Arnis. This does not mean you cannot learn any other martial art. This body has gone through rigorous training and fighting. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to fight,  your body will automatically maneuver and protect you. Survival instinct is what it's called. This that has been engraved into the body will protect against formidable opponents now with there will be a time where it won't work. You need to look up moves and skills in these martial arts so that you can help your body as it fights."

"Sooo basically I'm pretty OP already, but in order to truly protect myself, if I were to ever come across really strong people is actually know what moves I'm doing and be smart when I fight?"

"Yes."  You could almost hear a sigh in ALI's voice, and it made you smile a bit.

"Thanks ALI"

"My pleasure, Diandra."

ALI had informed you of a job opportunity at a local bakery that needed employees. Without hesitation, you agreed to sign up, eager to put your skills to good use.

As you parted ways with the owners and head baker, a sense of satisfaction washed over you. Despite your desire to keep a low profile, you couldn't deny the attention you had gained throughout the day. With a wry smile, you acknowledged with a little tick forming at your temple, knowing that this was only the beginning of your journey at this school.