Ordinary Prince

Ch. 1 - The Field Trip

(Tick, tock, tick, tock)

The minutes seemed to drag on endlessly in this dreadful class, and you couldn't wait for it to end. Your gaze remained fixed on the clock, which was nailed at the top center of the classroom. The teacher's monotonous lecture on 'the history and hierarchies of...who knows what' made time crawl, and you absentmindedly tapped your finger on the desk to keep yourself from falling asleep.

A sigh escaped your lips, and you rested your chin on your free wrist, trying to fight the heaviness that threatened to pull your eyelids shut. Thoughts of what you'd do after class raced through your mind, acting as a temporary escape from the mundane lesson.

(RIIIINNNNNG, RIIINNNNG).

"About time," you whispered under your breath.

Without wasting a moment, you rose from your desk, swiftly grabbing your school bag and slinging it over your shoulder. As you made your way towards the classroom exit, Mr. Makino, your teacher, halted the class to remind everyone about the upcoming field trip.

"And please, for those attending, do not forget to turn in your field trip slips to me by tomorrow", he voiced.

The field trip. To the royal palace. It didn't exactly thrill you. Sure, the Yamada family's prominence and wealth piqued your curiosity, but the prospect of writing a report about it all sounded tediously dull. Nevertheless, the chance to skip a day of classes outweighed the boredom, so you decided to attend.

-

Walking through the halls of Okane Academy, thoughts of the trip still lingered as you noticed a throng of students rushing past you and towards the doors leading outside of the building for lunch. The thought of food stirred your hunger, and you headed to the restroom first to wash your hands before meeting with your friends.

As you stood in front of the mirror, you couldn't help but take a moment to reflect. (F/N L/N), 17 years old, a senior high school student, and a transfer student from a foreign country. It had been over a year since you came to Japan for a supposed six-month study abroad program, but you fell in love with the country and decided to extend your stay. Remembering your old public school back home, you couldn't help but compare it to the sophisticated environment of Okane Academy and the exclusive district of Yuga. The transition hadn't been without its challenges, but your dedication to your studies and your independence helped you adapt swiftly.

Your exceptional scores on the midterm exams had caught the attention of teachers and officials, earning you a place in the prestigious private high school's IB program in Japan. Although you initially questioned the decision to study on the other side of the world, the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture was too enticing to pass up.

Bidding farewell to your family had been bittersweet, but you reassured them of your independence and reminded them that you could take care of yourself.

*Flashback*

Upon arriving to Tokyo, you quickly gathered your belongings and caught a taxi to drive you to your destination. You were to be living somewhere on the edge of the city, not rural but not in the heart of the capital. When your cab turned towards a secluded (and gated) area of town, you were immediately taken aback by the grandeur of the Yuga district, with its towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the sky. Opulent fountains that danced with glistening water and the captivating play of lights that illuminated the night sky, you were nothing short of impressed.

As you rolled down the taxi cab's window, you noticed that you were surrounded by endless rows of luxury shops and boutiques, each offering the most exquisite and extravagant items. The aroma of gourmet restaurants and cafes filled the air, enticing the senses and promising culinary delights like no other. The activity centers were nothing short of impressive - cinemas that boast the latest technology for the ultimate movie experience, museums showcasing exquisite art and artifacts from around the world, and karaoke lounges that exude a touch of class and sophistication.