PokeSchool of the Elite

Chapter 1: Decisions

The dinner table was eerily quiet. This was normal.

"Son," that man broke the silence. "Have you decided which high school you want to join this year?"

"I have been thinking about that, yes." I replied stoically. "Although, I do wonder, why cannot I just continue–"

"You know why." He interrupted me sharply, and I knew I had upset him. "You cannot be isolated from the real world forever. Someday you will have to take over me and you will have to deal with other people. It is better that you learn to do it now."

"Understood." That was all I could say for now to pacify him. "I will give you the answer by tomorrow evening."

"Good," he grunted. "And if you are not quick enough, then I might just have to make your decision for you."

I nodded my approval, bowed and left the room.

'What a hassle...'

***

I turned off the bedside lamp and got comfortable on my bed.

~tring tring~

I sighed. 'Who must be calling me this late?'

I picked up the phone. It was an unknown number.

"Hello." I greeted neutrally.

"Kiyotaka," A soft, sweet and feminine voice called my name and I knew who it was. "I did not disturb your sleep, did I?"

I could be polite and say something like, 'Not at all, I was just about to go to bed.' but I was feeling sassy.

"Yes, you did, actually." I ended up saying.

The voice turned wry. "You're lying, aren't you?"

"You caught me." I said flatly.

She sighed. "Your conversational skills are as charming as always."

"Arisu," I interjected, "Why did you call me?"

"Ah, yes." She murmured. "You were looking for a high school to join, weren't you?"

So that's what this is about.

"No, I wasn't." I sighed. "But now that he is so adamant, I might–"

Who am I kidding.

"...well, I have no choice, have I?"

A moment's silence.

"Kiyotaka..." I felt as if she wanted to say some more but she stopped herself and merely sighed softly. "I suppose you don't."

"If you must, then I suggest you join ANHS." she said. "It is run by my father, and you would be free there."

"Free?"

"I know you despise that man," she declared bluntly. "At ANHS, students are isolated from the outside for 3 years."

"A school cannot stop that man."

"At least it's something."

"True."

A lull in the conversation.

"Anyways, I would love it if you decide to enroll there." she said. "I'm obviously going to be there, so we would have each other for company at the least."

"I will think about it." I said and cut the call. 

***

Author's Note: 

Atsuomi Ayanokoji is a jerk.

Perhaps Arisu might have a little crush on Kiyotaka.