Ayanokouji What If: Popularity Time

V7 Chapter 4: X's Puppet

Kiyotaka Pov

"Ah, what a gloomy day," I thought aloud. This morning it had been cloudy. Dark clouds rested above ANHS and the surrounding area, already starting my day with a boring start.

I find that I vastly prefer sunny days compared to dark and gloomy rainy days. The sun always reminds me of freedom in that I can do any activity I wish when it's bright out. With rain, however, it limits what I can do. Reading and staying inside isn't awful per se, but it is rather annoying to know that I'm only choosing to do that because there is nothing else to do.

Nevertheless, life marches along its path. We must continue with the day no matter how bleak it may appear.

Merciless? I couldn't tell you.

Perhaps I'm being too hard on rainy days.

"Life has no limitations, except the ones you make."

I saw that on a poster.

Some may discredit modern-day philosophy and quotes as very ridiculous, almost trite. I find interest in these quotes.

These beliefs often conflict with older beliefs held by our ancestors. These beliefs would often paint the picture of humans as weak, almost negligible creatures in the grand scheme of our universe.

Predestination comes to mind. Founded by Calvinists during the Protestant Reformation, it is the belief that no matter what our actions are during our time alive, we are destined for either Heaven or Hell.

A bleak belief ultimately. It tells anyone who believes in it that our actions are meaningless. So, why even try?

Pessimism is a common belief for that reason. Combined with the tragic events that can happen on any given day, it forms a hopelessness that pulls at the smallest inches of your mind, infecting every moment of your life.

Despite this common belief for centuries, we ignore it.

To me, our world is in a renaissance, a constant one that shifts with each era depending on the events and beliefs held within it. In our current times, we still look to the light of hope drifting in the distance.

It's not awful to believe in something I suppose.

What might I believe?

I'm not sure. I see the truth and lies in every side, some I consider, some I turn away from.

Hopefully, I'll be able to choose one day.

Walking to school with my blue umbrella, I observed the sheet of rain falling in front of me. I was alone for my walk, but the hairs were on the back of my neck.

Somebody is watching me.

I decided not to look behind me, assuming it was someone from Class D. Still, I disliked the feeling. Puts me on edge.

Still, I arrived at school with no notable issues and took my seat.

While I was talking with Hirata and Sato, I noticed Koenji was on his phone. Usually, he's only inspecting his appearance, but today, he seemed interested in whoever he was talking to.

I wonder what he is planning...

Depression Pov

Ryuen sighed audibly as he leaned against the rooftop's fence. The rain still poured down, and he allowed it to fall onto him.

Ibuki scoffed, "Regretting that you didn't bring an umbrella? Pathetic."