I’m My Own High School Rival: Nakamura’s Arc: Heritage

  I waited for Tiffany by the school gate, leaning against the stone pillar, watching students pass by under the dreary morning sun. I watched familiar faces that once accosted me with questions and propositions pass by without a word. Not that I was upset by the lack of attention.

  I placed my hands in my pockets and kicked nearby rocks, resigning to the reality that she didn’t want to see me after yesterday’s fiasco. What would I say to her? Sorry for trying to kiss you; don’t worry, your dad didn’t weigh that much.

  I waited and watched as the flow of students shrank. I sighed. Maybe I’ll see her in Ms. Igarashi’s class. I checked my watch—two minutes till the bell—I shoved my hand back in my pocket.

  “Excuse me, young man.” A voice called from above me.

  I looked up at a woman I’d never seen, not that I’d seen every teacher at the school. She was dressed in business casual, a white blouse, and a black, school-appropriate skirt, like many of the teachers. And she wore a badge around her waist. “Who are you, because I’ve never seen you before?”

  She smiled something warm, but it seemed strange, like I had seen it before.

  “My name is Ms. Etsuko, and I evaluate educators’ performance, and —.”

  “So what,” I said, pushing myself off the stone pillar. “I’m not a teacher, so why are you talking to me?”

  She reached up and pushed her black bangs out of her face. “My, you’re quite shrewd. I was just curious because we don’t get many foreigners in Kokiri.”

  I nodded, agreeing with the obvious. If she were an inspector, where would her things be to evaluate and whatnot? Did she leave them in a classroom? If so, why exit the building? I rubbed my chin, and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to run.

  “So,” she said, pressing her hands together. “How long have you lived in Kokiri?” Her voice was friendly enough, but screw this.

  I slowly backed away toward the school, “Too long,” I said, holding eye contact.

  “Well, it was nice to meet you—what was your name?” I moved further away from her. “Hey, wait,” she beckoned me, but I kept walking.

  ***

  I sat in my homeroom, listening to the chatter because I needed the distraction from thinking about claims and old family rituals.

  My homeroom teacher was on the phone, and her facial expression made it look like a serious conversation.

  “Did you hear what happened in Gifu?”

  I wonder what it's like in Gifu?

  “I’m not interested,” another girl said.

  “Well, a boy was killed.” My eyes widened; the desk shuffled as girls moved closer to hear the gossip. A few other boys and I turned to listen in.

  The lights hummed as we waited for clarity.

  “Somebody got killed?” They grouped up as skirts leaned over desks. I guess clans can't prevent murder, or maybe one of them did it and didn’t call it in.

  The subtle scent of perfume brushed past me with the flock of girls, circling a single desk in the back of the classroom.

  “Some boy from Imperial High was found cut up in an alley. The Veil is on high alert now.” The notion of murder didn't move me, but being in potential proximity was a different subject.

  “I thought it was about the incursion with the Ash; I heard that the Ashborn were caught trying to cross into Veil territory,” another girl said.

  I stood up abruptly, knocking my chair back. “Is there any information about the killer?” I asked. “We live in Yamanashi, so it’s close. Are they going to raise security here, too?”

  She looked at the faces of the surrounding girls before resting her eyes on mine, “It’s probably a woman. My sister was on the patrol that found his body; he had deep gashes, some cut to the bone.” Existing with minor incidents lulled me into a false sense of security, forgetting how dangerous this country was.

  “Don’t worry, Carter.” The look in her eyes gleamed with resolution. “The girls of Crimson High keep their boys safe.” I wanted to laugh at the thought of being protected and hunted by a woman, but this is Kokiri. It was a visceral gut punch, clothed in kindness; I used to protect; now I have to rely on the stringy arm of some girl.

  “T-thanks.” I sat back down and rested my head on my hand.

  “Don’t look so gloomy,” one of the girls said, reading my face. “I… I’ll watch your back from here on out.” Murmurs filled the air as feet shuffled about. “What?” I asked. The sound of the classroom door sliding open caught my ear, but I was too focused on the group of girls.

  “Why would I need protection? I’m nobody.” I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms across my chest; the weight of my hair tugged at my head. One of the girls started rubbing her hands, like she had a rash, which prompted me to look at mine… “Oh, right.” Twice now, I’ve been reminded that I stick out.

  “What about the other guys?” I asked. Pointing to the group of boys who were whispering in the far corner of the front of the classroom. I guess they have their own plans to avoid the killer.

  “They’re walking home together from now on, but—you don’t have any friends…” That's a stupid idea. Only mass panic will arise, creating a shitshow for anyone trying to aid them.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Suddenly, they bowed. I didn’t think I was worthy of a bow. “Um, you guys don’t have to lower your heads,” I said, rubbing my chin.

  “Oh, but they do, my little Hanī.” I jumped to my feet as a hand grazed the top of my head and forced me back down. “Don't stand; I like you this way. However, you all may stand.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Tetsusen,” they collectively said. I didn't know…that he was claimed, Ms. Tetsusen,” said the girl who was supposed to watch my back.

  Blond hair brushed past me as she placed herself in front of the other girls. “Is that a problem?” Yes!

  Her head dropped at breakneck speed. “No, ma'am!” How the hell did she find my homeroom? I need to ditch her.

  I stood—“I'm going to the restroom.” Tetsusen's hair whipped around, nearly slapping me in the face, and caused me to fall back in my chair. “Watch it!”

  “No,” was all she said as I sat there, perplexed. I scanned the room; the same type of submissively shocked faces as yesterday.

  “D-did you just,” I tried to calm myself by slowing my breathing. “You can't deny me the bathroom! Who do you think you are?” I said through gritted teeth.

  “The queen of the Iron fucking Court, and you belong to me, Antwon.” Her blue eyes held me in contempt. I thought back to what Emiko said: every sister is a warden to their brother. “I belong to…” Naming Sakura might put her in harm's way.

  A gentle hand lifted my chin as she placed a knee between my legs on my chair, leaning in. “Me, Antwon.” The room erupted in whispers as her face drew closer to mine. “Mine to protect, keep, and desire,” she whispered, causing my heart to jump.

  As her lips closed the gap, gently touching mine, she veered away, brushing my cheek with hers. “Besides, you've already gone to the restroom during passing.” I gasped; eyes widened. This psycho brat was watching me. “And there is a killer on the loose; if you go, I go.

  I think I’m safer with the killer.

  “M-Ms. Tetsusen,” one of the girls said. “Do you have any updates…that you could—”

  “Yes,” she said, finally getting off of me. She walked back to the group of girls; her blond hair bouncing along the way. It’s supposed to be tied. Whatever, now is my chance.

  I gently rose from my chair and made my way around my desk and to the door, when suddenly it slid open again.

  Sakura opened her mouth to talk, but I covered it, forcing her out of the classroom before she could speak, keeping her quiet with a hushed finger. Once we were out of the classroom, I gently slid the door closed.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” I whispered. She was huffing for air, like she had run laps around the school.

  “A-Antwon, don't—” she gasped for air, and then took a huge breath.

  “Shhh, Sakura,” I begged her.

  “Antwon,” she didn’t scream, but she was loud. “Don't walk home without me today. There was—”

  “Shut up, Sakura.” Her shocked face warped into a scowl, flashing her teeth. “Look, I already know about Gifu, and—” The door behind me slid open.

  “Hanī, I thought I told you to stay put.” I covered my face with my hand, trying to wipe away my guilt, wishing that Sakura and Tetsusen would vanish into their classes. Sakura’s eyes widened, and I turned around, stretched out my arms to block the hallway.

  “Please go back inside, Tetsusen—,” I whispered, but a firm hand grabbed my side, pushing me out of the door frame. My eyes locked onto Tetsusen’s eyes as she followed me. Shit! Everything I worked so hard to prevent is happening.

  “Who the hell is calling you, hanī, Antwon?” I stumbled to the floor, shocked by how much Sakura had been holding back.

  “I did!” Tetsusen said, pumping her chest out and crossing the threshold into the hall. “And who the hell are you to question my claim?” I staggered to my feet. “Do you know who I am?” Her blue eyes and blond hair brought back slivers of her adult self the night the Veil attacked Christine, her unborn daughter. She was ferocious then, but what about now?

  “I’m his sister!” Sakura said. “And I don’t care about your clan or claim; Antwon belongs to me.”

  The air grew warmer as both girls stared each other down. Sakura was nothing to scoff at either.

  Loud whispers erupted from the open door. Sakura’s eyes sliced through Tetsusen’s iron aura; I couldn’t let the two fight, but she flung me to the ground with one hand.

  “You’re not immune to the rules that govern this country, Ms. Tetsusen,” Sakura said. I assumed she was referring to the unwritten rules that govern wardship.

  They both closed the distance between each other.

  “My bloodline established those rules,” she pressed her hands on her hips, adopting a superior stance.

  I had to stop them by redirecting their attention, and I had a few ideas for achieving my goal.

  I walked up to them, close enough to catch the amalgamation of their scents. “Fine, there is only one way to resolve this.” Their eyes sharpened, and both girls started preparing for a fight. “Kiss each other right now, and I’ll judge who’s better.” Their eyes widened collectively. “Tongue gets you an extra point.”

  “Shut up, Antwon!” Sakura screamed, turning her attention towards me, oscillating between Christina and me. “Why can’t you take anything seriously, for once?” She clenched her fists.

  Tetsusen didn’t say anything; she just watched me. A sigh too deep escaped me as my shoulders lumped and my posture with it. “Whatever. Do what you want, but this day sucks. I’m going home.”

  Sakura growled, still holding Tetsusen’s gaze. “It’s too dangerous to walk home, Antwon.” I started rapidly walking toward the corner to reach the exit. However, I ducked into the boys’ bathroom. “Damn it, Antwon!” Sakura shouted, followed by a series of footsteps fading into the distance.

  ***

  I placed my forehead against the cold bathroom door and touched my lips. She really kissed me… In front of everyone. I hit my head against the door. Why didn’t I push her off of me?

  I waited a few minutes before the bell rang. I closed my eyes and exited the bathroom, praying for a better outcome.

  “Not bad, kid.”

  My eyes shot open to the sound of a familiar voice, “Ms. Etsuko!” I started to scream, but covered my mouth.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” She stood to the right of the doorway, holding the side of her face. My legs stiffened, preventing me from making a decision. Someone was killing boys, and she was an unknown variable.

  “The way you defused the tension was…unexpected.” She faintly smiled from the corner of her mouth; I know it, but from where? “What if… your plan didn’t work; what would you have done?”

  I searched her with my eyes, checking for hidden weapons; nothing. “I’d fight her myself,” I said, knowing it wasn’t true. Ms. Etsuko laughed, covering her mouth with her hand in an elegant way. “The bell—”

  “I know,” she said. “Well, you’d better get going, Mr…” Her smile faded, leaving behind a serious look of curiosity. Would a killer care about the name of her victim?

  “Um, Carter,” I said, causing her to pout. Not very official-like.

  “Okay— Mr. Carter, run along,” She said, fixing her bangs.

  Maybe the killer was already at Crimson High.