Runway Academics ❀ {ohshc}

schoolle

"And now, I will be telling you your assigned partners for the summative task. Keep in mind they will also be your homework buddy for the rest of the semester--"

Like she predicted the day previous, Josie arrived at the Academy just after the start of her third period class---English, 3-A. She had come not billowing through the doors like some crazed madwoman (as most heroines tend to do when late), but instead entered in a smooth and nonchalant manner that seemed to tick teachers off just as much.

"--These are completely random and are also multi-gendered--"

Josie casually walked over to her seat as shrill (and not to mention immature) whines erupted throughout the class, making sure to keep a hand over her brown skirt so it wouldn't hike up her ass. Because apparently, the girls middle school uniform was made for people shorter than 182 cm beanpoles such as herself, and she couldn't exactly say that was in her favour.

But hey, at least they weren't hideous like the high school uniform was.

"--Watanabe Miwa and Sakura Kaname; Kanji Sora and--"

Taking her notebook out along with a grey mechanical pencil and an eco-friendly water bottle, Josie organized the things on her desk while the teacher---or rather, sensei---droned on and on in his monotonous voice. She tuned the man out for the most part, till she heard her own name being called.

"--Tashodi Josie and Haninozuka Yasuchika--"

On cue, another student clad in the traditional white and gold-trim uniform, a boy whom she could only assume was Yasuchika, flashed her a sharp look.

'Well, aren't you quite the sugarcube,' Josie thought with a mental roll of her eyes. The boy continued piercing his caramel orbs into her skull.

She didn't really know that much about the kid---in fact, she barely knew much about her own classmates in general. Being away so often, she never really had the chance to socialize, and it wasn't as if they were super welcoming either.

Often she'd receive the dirtiest of glares, hear the hushed whispers of "gaijin" every time she turned her back---it was hilarious how they all thought she was so dumb and clueless when in reality, she had her ears more perked than a dog after hearing someone utter about treats.

Did she do anything, though? Not necessarily. Josie let them play their little game; it's not like she was bothered by it, anyways. They could have their sick satisfaction, and she could continue on donning a mask of obliviousness.

"--I expect you and your partner to get together on your own time for the upcoming project--remember to manage it wisely."

Sensei spoke extra slowly for that statement, ensuring to look every single student in the eye. Because oh boy, he knew how wastefully they spent theirs. With their family wealth ready to be handed to them on a silver platter, they were free do whatever they pleased without a single care in the world. Hardly anyone even listened to the man's lessons anyways---and that included Josie.

Though, she tried to at least.

It just wasn't really that important to her, especially when she already knew the language inside out. Living in America for five years had its benefits.

Before she knew it, the period had already whizzed by, and, just as Josie began to pack up her stuff, she noticed something shift beside her desk. Giving a curious glance to the side, she raised an eyebrow upon noticing that it was none other than Yasuchika, looking like he just swallowed a lime.

"Josie-san," the male stated. "I just wanted to tell you that, about this project sensei assigned--" His eyes, half-hidden by a pair of stylish transparent specs, seemed to harden even more. "--Do not mess it up."

" . . . " She stared at him---at this guy practically half her size who seemed like he was trying to be intimidating yet failing miserably in her point of view---and quirked her brow even more.

"What?" he said almost icily. "I am not going to fail this. I value my studies, and there's no way I am intending to let some slacker classmate bring down my average!"

In response, Josie simply stood up and slung her frog-emoji print backpack around her shoulders, not at all bothered by him calling her a supposed 'slacker.' Because at school, she was to some extent. (To most extent, actually.)

"Listen," Josie began. She seemed much too casual. "I know English. For god's sake, I've lived in the U.S. And even if we fail, guess what, it's not that big of a deal." She emotionlessly gave him some jazz hands before mildly snickering and rolling her eyes. "You're such a laugh." With a swift twist of her heel, Josie weaved her beanpolish body around the other, finished with the conversation. "Ta, now."

Yasuchika gave her a bewildered glare as she walked away.

'The hell is up with that reply-- ?'

"Hey! I wasn't done with you, Tashodi!"

When the other made zero efforts to stop nor so much as give him another glance, the sandy brunette crossed his arms and grumbled something incoherent, and likely harsh, under his breath.

First impressions were just a futile effort anyways.