"So this equation is quite simple. All you have to do is break this down, then you'll get this answer, but—" Ms. Makemo was explaining before she was cut off by the announcement.
"All students report to the cafeteria for lunch."
"Well, you heard the announcement. We'll finish this equation after lunch," Ms. Makemo said, walking back to her chair.
Then a girl asked a question.
"Ms. Makemo, how long is lunch?"
"It's one hour, but if you somehow can't tell the time, the announcement will tell you when to come back to class. Until then, leave my classroom immediately," she explained.
Everyone got up.
As I was walking out, Takashi, Soru, and Youske approached me.
"Hey Ren, you want to sit with us during lunch?" Soru asked.
"Yeah, sure. Why not?" I accepted.
I was in the cafeteria line waiting to get food with the group when I got a phone call. It was Senju.
I answered.
"Hey Ren, we see Daiki," Senju said.
"Are you sitting with him?" I asked.
"No, he doesn't allow us to sit with him—only his bodyguard and girls," Senju responded.
"Where are you?" I asked.
"Just turn around. We're sitting in the center," Senju said.
I turned around.
"I see you, but where is Daiki?" I asked.
"Look at my hand. I'm pointing," Senju said.
I followed his direction and saw a group of students at a table.
"Which one is he?" I asked.
"The one with silver hair and all the piercings."
I spotted him laughing with two girls and, I assume, his bodyguard.
"You did a great job. Call me when you get an update," I said.
"What are you going to do now?" Senju asked.
"That's not your concern.Just do your job," I said before hanging up.
"Hey, you guys, I'll be right back. I have to handle something real quick," I said to Takashi, Soru, and Youske.
"Okay, but you better hurry before someone takes your spot," Youske said.
"Yeah, make it quick," Takashi added.
"Got you," I said, walking away.
"Man, he's a weird one," Takashi said.
"Yeah, I think so too," Soru agreed.
As I walked toward Daiki's table, I saw an open spot and sat down.
"Who are you?" a boy asked.
"Daiki, do you know this boy?" the girl beside him asked.
"Hey, you little bastard. I think that spot is for someone—and it's not you," Daiki said.
"Believe me, I wouldn't be sitting here if you hadn't put a target on my back," I replied.
"How did you know? I sent those bottom feeders to handle you," Daiki said.
"Luckily, I've got fast legs and good ears. I outran them—and heard enough to know you sent them," I said.
From a distance at the center table—
"Is that kid crazy? He just sat at Daiki's table," Kenta said.
"Well, we can't do anything about it. I just hope he has a plan," Yamamoto replied.
"So why did you come here? To tell me to stop? What was your plan?" Daiki asked.
"I came here to ask you a question. How did you know about my goal?" I asked.
Daiki laughed. "I just happened to walk by your class and heard you. And for some reason, it pissed me off how serious you were."
"What, is it not normal for someone to be serious about their goals—or are you just that stupid?" I said.
"Who are you talking to like that?!" Then his guy shouted.
"Calm down, muscle head. You're not part of this conversation," I said.
"You said wha—"
"Calm down," Daiki ordered. "Let me talk to him."
"Alright, boss," he replied.
"So that's actually your name? How pathetic," I said.
"You got a problem with that?" Daiki asked.
"Anyway, you got your question. Is that all?" he added.
"Yeah, but I'll add one more thing," I said.
"What is it?" Daiki's voice deepened.
"I'm going to give you some advice—picking a fight with me was the worst move you could've made."
"Oh yeah? You're sure about that?" Daiki said, smiling as Muscle Head stood up.
"Oh, I'm going to beat you," he said, grabbing my uniform.
"Yeah, give it to him," one of the girls cheered.
"If you plan on hitting me, that's a bad idea. There are plenty of witnesses nearby who can testify. You'll be expelled—simple as that," I said calmly.
"You think I care? I'll kill you!" Muscle Head snapped.
"He's right. Let him go. We don't need you getting expelled over someone like him," Daiki said.
Muscle Head pulled me closer and whispered, "I'll handle you later—privately."
"Don't threaten me with a good time," I replied.
He let me go.
"Like I said, Daiki—that was your worst move," I said, walking away.
"Don't worry. I'm getting you expelled," Daiki said with a smile before going back to his food.
"What took you so long?" Youske asked.
"My bad. Just had a little chat," I said.
"Yeah, I thought you weren't coming back," Soru added.
"Well, let's get our food," Youske said.
"Yeah," I replied.
At the end of the school day—
"Well, pack up. It's time to go home. See you all tomorrow," Ms. Makemo said.
Everyone said goodbye as they left.
Then I got a text from Senju telling me to meet at the park near the school.
He wants to meet up? Why?
At the park—
I arrived and saw all four of them waiting.
"Why did you want to meet after school?" I asked.
"Sorry, boss," they all said at once, bowing.
"No need to call me boss. Just call me Ren," I said.
They nodded.
"So, Ren… I don't know how to say this, but how are we supposed to get information if we don't hang around him?" Hiroshi asked.
"Yeah, this is actually our first time doing something like this," Kenta added.
"That's up to you. Figure it out," I said.
"What?!" they all said.
"Then how are we supposed to help you?" Hiroshi asked.
"Yeah, come on. Give us something," Senju added.
"Please, Ren," Shohei said.
"It's simple. If you need information from someone or somewhere you don't know —spy," I said.
"Spy? Really?" Kenta said.
"Yep. And don't call me again unless you have important intel," I said, walking away.
"Great… now we have to become spies," Senju muttered.
"Yep. No way out now," Kenta said.
"Man, we never should've accepted that job from Daiki," Shohei added.
"Well, it's too late now," Hiroshi said.
I walked to the bus stop, took the bus home, and went inside. I took off my shoes, dropped my bag, and headed straight to the kitchen. I put my cup of spicy ramen in the microwave, then sat at my desk.
What a first day.
I already made an enemy that fast… but it doesn't matter. I just need to handle him perfectly and get him expelled.
No—that's irrational I barely even know the man.
First, I need to take the piece closest to him… Muscle Head.
If I can get him on my side, I'll know Daiki's every move.
Checkmate.
But how do I turn him? That won't be easy.
Getting him expelled, though… that would be easy.
I don't really want to expel him… but if he's useless to me, then he has to go.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
My ramen was ready.
I grabbed it, sat back down, and took a bite.
Nothing clears your mind like spicy ramen.
Now… my first move—
Make Muscle Head my ally…
—or remove him.
To Be Continued