The Misconstrued

Akimitsu was in his class, as usual. During the end of the class, the teacher announced about an exchange student program and that anyone can voluntarily join the program. At least 4 students in each class are expected to join the program. Akimitsu thought to himself,

"Do I want to... If I don't join, a majority of the class would get me selected to join instead of themselves anyways. Maybe I'll convince Haru and Ami to join with me, since both of them are in the same class."

"Hey, Akimitsu. You up to join the program with me?" Midori suddenly asked Akimitsu.

"Oh sure."

"Okay then... And Akimitsu, are you friends with the popular sports student, Haru?"

"Haru? Oh, no. We're not friends at all."

"I know you're lying. It's written all over your face."

"Alright... I am friends with Haru... So what?"

"It's odd to see someone like you having a friend that's one of the school idols."

"Actually, he's quite nice guy. He has a noble heart even though he is seen as an idol to school girls."

"I guess... I'm starting to get my interest on him."

"Really?" Akimitsu suddenly spoke.

"I'm kidding... Haha, why? Are you jealous?"

"What, no! Why would I?"

After school ended, Akimitsu went out to walk out of the school. He figured that Ami and Haru was already waiting for him outside the school. While walking through the hallways, one of his classmates pulled him into a dark corner where only a single light lightened the hallway. The boy that pulled him suddenly punched him on the face. Akimitsu was starting to bleed and blood was rolling down his face. His shirt was drenched in his own blood.

"Wh... why... what do... you want?" Akimitsu spoke while looking up onto the boy that punched him on the face. It was the same boy that had thrown a paper note on his first day that had been jealous of Akimitsu for getting Midori, the white-haired and with a pretty face girl's attention.

The boy then kicked Akimitsu in his face while he was lying on the floor, "I warned you... Midori is mine."

Akimitsu was unable to stand up, after being kicked in the face, he was on the mere edge of losing his consciousness due to the loss of blood. While being kicked and beaten, he suddenly heard someone yelling his name. The voice was getting clearer and it appeared to be Haru.

"Akimitsu!" Haru shouted.

"It's none of your business, sports kid. Go back to your popular students' group."

Haru quickly acted and kicked the boy in his face which made the boy fell unconscious. Fortunately, the boy was no match for Haru as Haru was a sports student.

"Stay down..."

"You alright, Akimitsu? Do you need me to get someone to help you?" Haru spoke.

"N-No... Don't..." Akimitsu spoke with a trembling voice just before he fell unconscious.

Haru carried Akimitsu to his house. Haru's parents were not at home at the time since they we're on vacation. Akimitsu suddenly woke in Haru's home with a bandage covered face covering his eyes.

"How long have I been here?"

"Ever since yesterday..."

"And Ami?"

"Before I carried you back, Ami was already walking home with your brother, Kane."

"Have my parents call me?"

"Last night, they did. I told them that you were going to stay at my place for a day or two and they happily agreed to it. Ami also came by just an hour ago to check on you."

"Oh... Ow!" Akimitsu spoke while rubbing his head.

"You sure got beaten up badly... No worries though, I took care of him."

"Thanks."

"Just rest for now."

Akimitsu let out a deep sigh and rested while looking out at the window next to him.

The next morning, Akimitsu had mostly recovered. Ami and Haru was walking together with Akimitsu to school. While walking with them, Akimitsu remembered about the student exchange program.

"You guys joining the student exchange program?" Akimitsu asked.

"Yeah. Both of us are. You should consider joining it too..." Haru responded.

"I did join. Midori persuaded me to."

"Midori?" Ami asked.

"Yeah, my classmate... Midori Niragi."

"I see."

When they've reached school, his brother suddenly greeted him when he was just about to enter his class and acted as if Akimitsu were his loveable brother in front of Haru and Ami.

"Where were you? We've missed you already, Akimitsu." Kane spoke while rubbing his brother's head.

"I need to get to my class." Akimitsu responded.

Akimitsu then rushed into his class, knowing that he was already late. The teacher had a fierce look on her face while looking at Akimitsu for arriving late for class.

"Mister Akimitsu... It seems like you've arrived late today, haven't you?"

"Y- Yeah..."

"Don't you "yeah" me, get to your seat or I'll suspend you."

"Sorry, ma'am." Akimitsu bowed and quickly rushed into his seat.

He was humiliated after getting scolded in front of the class. When he got into his seat, Midori greeted him as usual.

"Ah, the usual Akimitsu face. What happened to you yesterday?"

"Got beaten up badly by one of your jealous admirers that I went unconscious for a day."

"That's sad. I mean, it's quite logical since you're the only one I usually talk to."

"Wait, are you saying that you like me?"

"Since you're good at seducing pretty girls including me. Yes... yes I do."

"Seducing? Wait, why out of all the other people, did you choose me for? I mean look at that dude, he looks quite stronger than I do." Akimitsu asked.

"I don't choose by appearance nor by their titles. Your characteristics are quite an attraction. I suppose that's the same reason why Ami likes you."

"How'd you know?"

"I observed. Though, it seems like a lot of girls are starting to have interests in you."

"Is that so?"

"That's for you to find out."

Akimitsu peeked under his desk and to his surprise, there were multiple admiration letters for him.

"Who... what in the world." Akimitsu spoke while holding up the letters.

"As I said, your characteristics are an attraction." Midori commented.

Akimitsu then shrugged it all off and continued to focus on his books.

After classes, Akimitsu walked home with Haru as usual. When he reached home, his parents came to greet him.

"How was your stay at your friend's house?" His mother asked.

"I guess it's okay."

"I hope you're not doing anything bad there." His father began.

"Aw, don't say that. Our Akimitsu has already made friends at school... we should give him some more time with his friends... maybe one day, he'll turn up to be just like Kane."

Akimitsu sighed and ran upstairs to get away from his pessimistic parents that had always seen his bad side. In his room, he sat while looking at the sunset with tears running down his face. And he thought to himself,

"It's a start... I hope the pain ends quicker."