Sanely Insane - Karma Akabane | Assassination Classroom

Chapter 1

4 large and 2 small pumps can fill a swimming pool in 2 hours. 2 large and 6 small pumps can fill the same swimming pool in 2 hours. How long does it take for 8 large and 8 small pumps to fill 50% of the swimming pool?

Akira's thoughts were clamoring confusion as she came to realize that she had been stuck at the same question for too long. If this were an exam, she thought, she would pretty much be screwed.

She carried on, burying her head into a thick textbook, and racked her brains on the challenging problem that she was determined to solve.

Every student in sight appeared to be doing the same, having their noses stuck in books, and looking utterly detached from life as they approached the entrance of the main building of Kunugigaoka Junior High School.

Affected by the unsolved math problem, Akira's mind was clouded with troubling thoughts as she proceeded to her classroom. On her way, she was greeted with several "good mornings" from smiling teachers, as well as students, in which most of them she could not recognize. However, the everyday harmony just seemed to mock her moods today.

"Good morning, Akira-chan!", said another boy cheerily who was passing by.

"Good morning." She pressed her lips together to form a polite smile as she replied, clear and confident as usual, for the thousandth time today.

Her smile collapsed as soon as she unstoppably, once again, imagined what it would be like if she was to be degraded to Class E. Again.

Fear invaded her emotions instantly as the thought crossed her mind. Considering the achievements she made after being accepted back to the main building, she would undoubtedly be unable to take the blow if so happens.

She refused to picture herself in isolation for the second time, away from where she thought she belonged.

Every time she imagined the situation, she would find herself uncontrollably trying to convince herself that maybe, just maybe, he would treat her the same even if she was no longer considered as one of the elites.

Regardless, her rational mind would promptly warn her to keep away from false hope, brushing away her impractical imaginations. Though deep down, she was more willing to believe that to him, she was somehow different from the others.

As soon as she entered her class, students approached her, drowning her in countless documents.

"Akira-chan, they have proofread your draft. You can directly read from this for your speech later."

"Akira-chan, here are some sudden arrangements for the inter-school basketball match today."

"Akira-chan,..."

As a member of the student council, Akira took up the role of the public relations director, but it was often that people would assign her tasks that were not in her working scope. Both teachers and students found her more comfortable to communicate with when it comes to dealing with matters that are less complicated.

Seeing that Akira was close to the student council president and the rest of the five virtuosos, they would rather have Akira do the work or let her pass on the message to them. Not only because she lacked the somewhat conceited personality shared by the big five, but also Akira knew it was due to her record of once being placed in the End Class that naturally made her less respected, even though she was the most down to earth among the six.

"Akira-chan! This is your timetable for the Midterms!" Akira heard a girl shout from behind.

"Thank you," she said out of mere politeness while trying hard to sort out the messy pile of documents as fast as possible, before heading to watch the basketball match.

"Aren't you going to watch the match? It's starting soon," another girl asked.

Akira finally looked up and took a glance at the girls.

"Your hair looks nice today. You have to teach me how you do your hair some time," remarked the taller girl.

I guess she'll be the fakest person of the day. Akira silently said to herself as she touched her dark straight hair that was tied into a simple ponytail.

"Let's watch the match together, Akira," suggested the shorter girl beside her.

Akira studied their faces. Without much effort, she took a few seconds in an attempt to recall their names but gave up in no time. "Sure. We should start moving then."

The taller girl could not hide her surprise. She snaked an arm around Akira's shoulder. "I'm sure that you won't mind me addressing you without honorifics? There should be no formality between us, don't you think so?" The shorter girl, on the other hand, put on a bright smile and stared at Akira expectantly.

Well actually, she thought, I don't think I've even spoken to you two before.

Nonetheless, she agreed. "Of course, I don't mind."

"Oh, it's going to be a great match to watch!" said Short with a dramatic sigh.

"I am so excited! Ren may be giving out autographs afterwards!" Tall said with a squeal.

"I am so looking forward to Asano-kun's performance! I've brought a camera especially for today!" Short put on a look as if saying "I'm his biggest fan."

"Oh, do send me some photos later!"

Quietly listening to their conversation, Akira thought that she would join in the talk if they were friends.

The idea made her form a bitter smile. The principal of the school had always stressed on power and supremacy, but Akira guessed there is a price for being superior.

In this place, she only had one friend.
                          ※

The moment Akira stepped into the stadium, ear-deafening screams, loud whistles, roars of cheers and the enthusiastic voice of the commentator drowned her, blending her immediately into the atmosphere.

"Asano-kun!"

"Asano-kun faito!"

All the way to her seat, Akira could hear Gakushuu's supporters screaming non-stop at the top of their lungs. Orange banners and flags could be seen everywhere.

In Kunugigaoka Junior High, grades were everything. Students were too devoted to studying that the celebrity worship syndrome never existed here, but having a crush on hot boys in school usually didn't occupy too much time when they were not studying. Perhaps they were unconsciously taking a little break from their harsh school life when they do so.

The commentator's voice blasted through the loudspeaker. "Let us invite the captains of both teams, Asano Gakushuu and Maki Tojisawa to come forward for a handshake before we begin!"

At once, loud roars of cheers were heard from all sides of the stadium.

Having the authority to sit in the front with the rest of Class A, Akira can see clearly as Gakushuu and the other captain walk towards the center.

Gakushuu was slightly shorter, but he did not raise his head. He eyed his enemy with a hint of superiority, confident as he always had been.

As he turned around, walking back towards his team, he scanned the front rows of the audience, as if searching for someone in particular.

Girls held their breath in silent admiration as his gaze swept by, until he fixed his violet eyes on Akira.

The corners of his lips turned up, giving her a faint smile, in which there was a noticeable hint of warmth.

The air fell silent for a moment.

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A/N :

Hi everyone!

This is my first story that I brainstormed last year but a lot of stuff was going on so I just put it aside for a while.

I'm having my Easter vacation now so I have time to edit and post 6 chapters in one go.

I can get very busy sometimes due to my hectic school schedules, so updates may be slower in certain times of the year. But I have the story planned out already, and I will definitely finish this story.

Thanks for stopping by !