After laying the foundation for Akira to one day humiliate himself, the bell rang to signal class was starting. And as expected of a Japanese high school, we got right into work. As someone who was a junior in a US high school, I already knew some of this freshmen curriculum, so it was smooth sailing. It kind of felt like one of those cheats that all reincarnated protagonists usually got in LNs (Light Novel).
There was only one shocking event. Something I was not prepared for.
We were having math class right before lunch, and, for some reason, I often got called up to solve problems on the board. This unfortunately led the math teacher to highly regard me, which led to my undeniable misfortune.
Right as the lunch bell rang, the teacher called out to me.
"Suzuki-kun, I know it's only the first day of school, but I'd like to ask for your help with something." Sensei spoke softly like she was apologizing in advance.
"...What is it?" I hesitantly asked, feeling apprehensive.
"Well, we have a student who only made it in on the condition that he gets tutoring to raise his scores. Since you've proven yourself to be capable in my class today, and I think it'd be nice to have a fellow first year teach him, I was wondering if you could do it?" Sensei, an esteemed older lady, gave me puppy eyes!
Puppy Eyes! Have you no shame, sensei?
"Oh, uh, but I don't know how busy I'll be since I wanted to see about joining a club..." I avoided direct eye contact as I gave the excuse.
"Oh! Don't worry! It'll only be a few days a week during recess! It wouldn't bleed into your after school activities." She quickly retorted, having clearly foreseen this problem.
What do I do now?
Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt. Besides, it'd be a good excuse to get away from during recess. Yeah! Okay!
"Okay. I'll tutor." I gave in. Sensei's puppy eyes lit up in victory.
"Wonderful! You'll meet in my office during recess on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. You don't need to worry about lesson plans. I'll give you the materials the day before, so you can go over them and be prepared to teach Yamamoto-kun the next day." I was nodding along until I heard the last bit.
"Who?" Sensei blinked before giving a ditzy smile, like she "accidentally forgot" to tell me who I was tutoring.
"Oh, did I forget to mention who you'd be tutoring? It's Ryuu Yamamoto-kun. Anyway, I'll hand you the materials after school, so we can start tomorrow. Have a nice lunch!" Sensei spewed out the words as fast as she could before making a swift escape, leaving me there stunned.
...
The bitch just swindled me!
I stood there in shock for a few moments until someone slapped my back. I managed to catch myself before falling over and turned to glare at the offender. Akira stood there with his usual shit eating grin.
"So? What did sensei ask for?" Akira asked with eyes glimmering in curiosity. I sighed.
"I got roped into tutoring on the first day." I tiredly replied as I slid a hand down my face in defeat. Akira's eyes widened in surprise.
"Whoa. Sensei works fast, huh? Maybe if you weren't such a smarty pants this wouldn't have happened." Akira patted my shoulder with pity. I pouted.
"I would have been fine with tutoring. That's not the problem. What's really making me hate this is who I'm tutoring." I muttered as I went to my seat to grab my lunch. Akira, of course, followed like a puppy and heard me.
"Oh, oh! Who is it? Wait, no, let me guess!" Akira scanned the room. "Hmm, who's stupid and scary? Oh! It's the Raging Dragon, isn't it?" I paused at the nickname.
It's only the first day, and he already has a nickname?
"Since you said dragon, I assume you mean Ryuu Yamamoto?" Akira nodded. "Then, yeah. It's him. He already has a nickname?" I asked anxiously.
"Yup. Apparently, this morning when everyone was checking the class roaster, he got into a fight with some upperclassmen. Everyone that saw him described him as a rampaging dragon, so when they heard his name was Ryuu, that name established itself." Akira closed his eyes as he recalled the rumors. When he opened his them, they were full of sympathy. "Damn. First day and you're already sentenced to death." My eyes widened.
"W-Wait a minute! I'll be fine! Sensei said we'll meet in her office, so she'll be there to watch over us. That dragon won't be able to do anything!" I couldn't tell if I was trying to convince Akira or myself.
"Maybe." Akira shook his head in dismay. "But what about after? If he finds you annoying, he could deal with you later, you know?"
I felt my blood drain from fear.
"But—!"
"Haru-kun, best try and refuse sensei before it's too late." Akira ruffled my hair. "Anyway, we should eat. Food is awaiting! And she's an impatient one!"
Akira then blasted me with his endless chatter for the rest of lunch as we ate our lunches.
"So, what're you doing for recess?"
There it is! I could picture the choice menu popping up.
"Most people hang out outside." Akira explained as he packed up his lunch box.
"What're you gonna do, Akira-kun?" I returned the questions.
After all, I should probably avoid him, too.
"Well, I was gonna head to the field and see what sports guys are playing and join in. You wanna come?" Akira gave an inviting smile. I shook my head.
"Nah, if you couldn't tell already, I'm not exactly the sporty type." I gestured to my tiny body. Akira nodded solemnly, which pissed off my man pride. "...I'll just walk around." And with that, Akira left to be the normal boy he was.
Okay, so, Akira goes to the field. Ryuu goes to the back of the school building. Tatsuya goes to the library, and Yuu stays in the classroom.
...Uh, doesn't that mean there's nowhere I wouldn't possibly meet anyone? Unless I snuck into a club room? Shit...
Staying here is a big no since Yuu likes to socialize and fit in. He was a normal person when it came to that aspect. I have no desire to go to the field since I'm not an active person in the first place. Don't even mention going by the delinquents at that shady place.
So, that leaves the library.
Well, all things considered, the library was a decent size, so I could probably hide. Also, Tatsuya is a loner who repels anyone who tries to get close to him, and he focuses solely on the books in front of him. I just have to sit as far away from him as possible, which shouldn't be hard as I doubt many people hangout in there.
I should be safe.
"You are Haruka Suzuki-kun, correct?" The freezing, melodic voice filled the empty aisle we were in.
So, how did this happen!?
I was just wondering the bookshelves, minding my own business, when I saw a book that caught my interest on a high shelf. I tried reaching for it, but my accursed shortness was making it impossible to reach. Just when I had given up and turned to leave, Tatsuya appeared. He, with his unfair tallness, grabbed the book with ease and handed it to me.
"Y-Yes." I nodded. "Uhm, thank you for helping me, Tanaka-san." I bowed to show my gratitude.
"Of course. As a student representative, I will look after my fellows peers." Tatsuya coolly replied as he pushed up his glasses. I stared for a bit before quickly nodding.
You could've just said "your welcome," you know?
"Then, I'll be on my way. Sorry to bother you." I gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
"However—" I stopped as Tatsuya spoke again.
This can not be good.
"-as a businessman, I must do what I can to gain advantages." I could feel a heavy atmosphere without even facing the man. "I helped you, so you must help me in the future."
What could I possibly help you with, Mr. Smart Rich Heir!?
I grimaced before turning around with a polite smile plastered on.
"Oh, of course. Is there anything I can help you with?" I almost wanted to call this man boss already.
I can help with a small favor. That's nothing too condemning, I think.
"Not now, but I will have a use for you in the future." Tatsuya said as he shook his head. "You have proven yourself to be useful during class today, so I plan to use you to the utmost that I can. As such, I will need to find what that is. I will inform you as soon as I do." I stared dumbfounded.
What!? Just because I answered a few questions well, I caught your eye as something to use!? What the fuck!?
Shit, I have a feeling that "small" favor won't be so small now.
"I-I see. I will be waiting then." I felt the corner of my mouth twitch from the fake smile that was proving hard to keep up.
"Good. Until then, Suzuki-kun." And just like that, the blizzard passed.
Fuuuuuck!!!
At this rate, I'm gonna be on a harem route that shouldn't even be possible! What the hell!?