Tokyo, Japan
ANHS
School Gate
Tuesday, March 31st, 2020
Morning
SUZUNE POV
Me {The wind tugged softly at the ends of my newly cut hair as I stood by the school gates, my fingers brushing along its shorter strands. It felt... foreign yet liberating. Like shedding the weight of something I no longer needed. My big brother always said he preferred long hair on girls, and for a long time, I listened without question. But today, for the first time, I chose for myself. Short hair. Not to appeal to him or anyone else, but because I wanted it—although I couldn't ignore the faint echo of Nagi's voice in my mind: "Short hair would suit you, Suzune." A small part of me wanted to know if he would notice}
Me {I spotted my brother, Manabu, waiting near the gates. He stood with the same disciplined posture he always carried, radiating an air of authority that I once thought was unattainable. I walked toward him, steeling myself, but with every step, there was no fear, no desire to prove myself to him anymore—only clarity. The spring breeze carried a faint chill as I stood near the school gates, my fingers absently brushing the ends of my hair. Shorter now. Lighter. Each time I felt the sharp cut against my skin, I was reminded of why I did it. A silent rebellion against expectations—his, theirs, and even my own}
Manabu [Your hair's shorter]
Me {Manabu's voice broke the silence as he stepped forward, his presence as imposing as ever. He wasn't the sort to comment on appearances. In fact, the last time he'd mentioned my hair, it had been an offhanded remark about keeping it long because "it suits you better."}
Me [It's practical]
Me {I replied coolly, though the faint flutter of nerves betrayed me. My brother was a towering figure in my life, one whose approval once defined me. Even now, the idea of disappointing him still lingered like an old ghost I hadn't yet exorcised. Manabu looked at me for a long moment, his sharp gaze seeming to search for something. I forced myself to meet his eyes}
Manabu [And does it suit you?]
Me {He asked finally. That caught me off guard. I blinked at him, unsure if this was some cryptic judgment or genuine curiosity. But there was no malice in his voice—no superiority either. I hesitated, then nodded}
Me [It does. I chose it]
Manabu [Good]
Me {It wasn't praise, but coming from Manabu, it was the closest thing to it}
Manabu [I wanted to see you one last time before I leave. To hear what you've learned.]
Me [What I've learned?]
Me {I echoed, straightening my posture. It felt like another test, another way for him to measure how much I'd grown. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came. I didn't know what he expected to hear. Manabu sighed faintly, the corner of his lips turning downward}
Manabu [You're hesitating again. Stop trying to think about what I want you to say.]
Me {I flinched but remained silent}
Manabu [Why did you cut your hair?]
Me {He pressed. I frowned at the question}
Me [Because... Because I wanted to change. I didn't do it for you, or for anyone else]
Me {Manabu nodded slightly, as if that was the answer he'd been waiting for}
Manabu [Then say it like you mean it]
Me [I didn't do it for you]
Me {I repeated, this time firmer. My voice didn't waver}
Me [Or for anyone else]
YOU ARE READING
The Lazy Defect, Year 1: (Classroom Of The Elite Fanfic)
FanfictionSynopsis~: Yoshida Nagi, a laid-back teenager, has spent his entire life immersed in video games and dozing off in class, coasting through life with minimal effort. But when a determined Senpai calls him out on his lazy ways, Nagi's world is turned...
