With Tragic Eyes and Bloodshot Dreams

Chapter 2: Fear it, Don't Be Rude, Something New

One of his earliest memories is of himself at four years old, learning how to freerun through the mountain with his father's first students. It had been less than a year before Ikeda jumped. So this was back when his father's smiles were gentle, and his hands soft, as he showed Gakushu the right way to climb a tree. He barely remembers the other kids, but never forgot the way Ikeda swung from branch to branch, his arms fast, and his determined expression.

It was something that the two of them did often. They would head out to the mountain often and run around there. It was something special for him. Most kids don't grow up freerunning, but he did. It was one of his favorite things back then.

Then Ikeda died.

And his father closed down his cram school over the mountain. And started building a new school below. His father started just leaving Gakushu alone in the mountain while he went and finished up the construction. He was forced to roam around by himself. He fell often, came home with cuts and bruises from slipping from tree branches and tripping over roots.

His father was too distracted to really care.

By the time he was 6, he had to start school along with a very rigorous schedule of extracurriculars. After that, he very rarely had time to head up to the mountain.

But even though it's been a few years, and he's a bit rusty, Gakushu's hands still know how to move through the mountain. He knows the fastest route to the building and the best branches to grip.

He tightens the strap on his school bag and leaps into the air.

A few minutes later, he lands silently on the top of the mountain. His hair is in disarray from the wind, and his uniform is slightly askew. He doesn't bother fixing it, though. His eyes are locked on the building.

He's seen it over and over again whenever he walks to school, and yet, it's different up close. This was basically where he grew up. It was more of his home than the house they live in now. This place was only associated with fond memories, no matter how faded and old those memories were.

His father often brought him to work while he taught, ever since he was old enough to walk. He's been here as a toddler, looking out of the window. He remembers himself as a child, dribbling a soccer ball down the front here.

So many memories.

It's almost sad that he has to ruin those perfect days by showing up here again. He feels like he's tainting his childhood just by being here, spreading his darkness over the perfection that once was.

He snaps out of his musing.

"Asano-kun?" Gakushu turns, to see a group of 3-E students towards the entrance staring at him. Akabane is the one who speaks, "What's a bore like you doing up here?"

"Just enjoying the view," Gakushu's voice drips with sarcasm. He rolls his eyes, "What do you think I'm doing up here, genius?"

Then he walks right into the building after them.

"No way ."

" He's the new student we've been warned about?"

"The principal's son?"

"Student Council President ?"

"Wait. Does that mean he's going to be an assassin?"

There's a sudden silence.

"We're screwed."

Gakushu ignores the whispering as he introduces himself to the teachers in the staff room. Karasuma and Jelavic-sensei—as they introduce themselves, look mildly confused by him being here.