"Seishun High, or Seishun Academy. Weirdly enough, the name doesn't mean anything. The truth is that it's an Academy for gifted students. Competition, scheming, lying, cheating, etc. They're all viable strategies there, and I quote from the letter of acceptance: "Use any and all means necessary to succeed." In other words, if you think you can get away with it, try it. Being caught cheating is grounds for failure and expulsion for repeat offenders. Fights are allowed, and martial art duels are welcomed and oftentimes televised." I paused, taking a moment to wipe the bloody knife across my white hoodie.
"In reality, It's a breeding ground for ruthless uncaring youths to dominate corporate culture. Or, that's what it's supposed to do. In reality, it only hurts people, scars and discards them like trash. Well, I'm not sure why I'm telling you." I glanced down at the wheezing woman on the ground in the alleyway. Her breaths were shallow and blood soaked the pavement beneath her.
The brown-haired, green-eyed girl was coated in her own blood. She struggled to make any noises with her throat slit. I wiped the knife on my white hoodie once again, smearing more blood across it. It was a habit I had picked up, the red blood against white clothes made me feel giddy. I leaned down to watch the woman struggle against death.
'It's always refreshing to see this. It's an unhealthy obsession, but I can't seem to help myself. Father had twisted me in ways I never thought possible. She'll die soon, suppose I should wrap this up.'
I pulled the small journal from my bag, it's a brand new one for a brand new set of victims. I pressed her thumb into the first page, leaving a bloody fingerprint. I knew I'd never forget it, but the momentos always elicited the most vivid memories.
I took the white hoodie off and tossed it onto her corpse. Pouring a small pint of bleach on her body. I wasn't an idiot, and I knew what I was doing. A year of performing my "hobby" had honed me into a fine edge. I was nearly caught the first few times, but now it was merely routine. Within moments, the smell of bleach filled the air, and I quickly departed. My black wig and colored contacts were removed in a nearby 24/7 clothing store. I took extra care to not be seen in the store. I was an exceptionally efficient serial killer.
.....
I woke up at 6:30 AM sharp. I always woke up at this time, routine was one of the most important things to me. Breaking it would cause an unpleasant feeling to swell in my chest. It wasn't impossible to break my routine, but I didn't like doing it.
My morning routine never changed. Wake up at 6:30, go for a half-hour run (usually five miles), shower, eat a salad and take my nutrition supplements, then head off to class. This morning was no different, but there was a strange...hiccup that interrupted me.
"Mizune! What're you doing out here so early?"
It was a girl from my class, Akamine Mari, who spoke to me. Suzumi was with her as well.
Even at a glance, I could tell that they had been expecting me. Both of them were wearing workout attire. 'Is there some kind of ulterior motive?' I was pondering that thought, and I'd almost said it out loud.
I instead spoke casually. "I'm going to work out."
Akamine smiled at me. "Mind if we join you?" Suzumi didn't seem all that bothered by being volunteered. She seemed to be somewhat flustered around me.
'Ah, so that's it then? Suzumi probably has a crush on me. Her elevated heart rate, lingering gazes... yeah, she definitely does.' I nodded silently as I began my calisthenics. The body has to be properly warmed up before a workout of any kind.
The morning runs were always pleasant. Crisp, chilly air hit my face as I ran around our school grounds. Some of the students lived off campus, but I had elected to take a dorm room. It was easier that way.
My two tag-a-longs weren't the most athletic bunch. They both struggled to keep my pace and eventually, they gave up. From that point on, they ran side by side with each other. I lapped them a few times.
I took a drink of my electrolyte solution. I always maintained my health and cleanliness. Unfortunately, eating meat was an impossibility. My body was conditioned from a young age to eat only vegetables, not by choice, of course. I had developed an insensitivity to it over the many years of eating only lukewarm rice, and eating it would make me sick.
I opened my phone, noting the transfer of 1000 school credits. Even the supplies needed to live were bought with these. They were our lifeline in Seishun High, and having them opened a whole new world for you. Using them, you could theoretically buy test answers, move classes, get people expelled, join the student council, or bribe teachers. It was a fascinating concept, albeit a completely foolish one.
I glanced up as the two "hiccups" came to a stop near me. They were wheezing and breathing heavily. They weren't athletic in the least.
Akamine spoke first. "Wow Mizune, you run like this every day?" Her breaths were short and she spoke hastily.
I nodded. "Yes. It's relaxing. I have strength training tomorrow, so I won't be out here." It was true, Wednesdays were strength training and Fridays were cardio. This was a system deeply ingrained in my psychology.
I glanced down at my phone, pausing my speech. I had roughly five minutes before it was time to make my salad. I spoke up, cutting off what Suzumi was about to say. "I have to make breakfast and shower, I will see you in class."
Akamine spoke hastily as I began walking away. "Ahh..do you think we could join you? Ahah! I meant for breakfast." She looked somewhat flustered, assuming I thought she was talking about a joint shower. Regardless, I knew what she meant.
I was reluctant to let them into my dorm room, but I didn't see the harm in it. Though, they likely weren't going to enjoy my breakfast. I nodded. "I guess...though, I don't eat much for breakfast."
Suzumi perked up, and the two girls followed me up to my room.
.....
"Mizune, you don't have...like...anything in here. It's so empty." Akamine spoke, testifying to my lack of personal effects.
I nodded, but didn't say anything. Approaching the cooking area, I took out a larger bowl and knife.
Akamine seemed startled. "Oooh. You're going to cook for us?" I noticed she was playing ice-breaker and wing-woman for Suzumi. The girl who most likely had a crush on me. Suzumi herself was blushing and looking around the room curiously. She didn't touch anything though, which I was appreciative of. I'd have to rearrange the room if she did.
My lack of response to their girlish words and phrases didn't seem to bother them. I merely continued chopping the lettuce, adding some spinach for flair.
The dish ended up being a large bowl of salad. Everything was meticulously cut and hand-tossed together in one of my favorite salad dressings. I set the bowl down and grabbed a pair of tongs, scooping some salad into a smaller bowl.
The girls waited patiently, and I served them some of the salad. They were weirdly happy with it? It was just a salad though. I didn't see the point in being so happy with it. I ate and finished the morning electrolyte solution. I reached into the medicine cabinet and took out my nutrition supplements, startling the two girls.
"Ehh?! Mizune is a vegetarian?" Akamine seemed surprised, and Suzumi widened her eyes.
I nodded. "It wasn't my choice, but yes."
Suzumi looked a bit sad. "I...I don't mean to pry. Was it your family?"
I nodded in response, downing the pills with a bottle of water. After taking the supplements, I glanced down at my phone. "I need to shower. I will see you all in class."
The girls left after that, and my shower was pleasant. The cold water was always refreshing. I've been largely unable to take warm showers, perhaps due to the ice baths I was forced to take. Regardless, I dressed myself in the school's uniform and proceeded on my way to class.