Friday, quite possibly the laziest day of the week. Every person on earth except some workaholics, couldn't wait for it to end, eagerly anticipating their weekend escapades. Kamimura Kelly, however, was no exception. Normally, he hummed to himself with excitement as he thought about his weekend plans, which like every normal person, was to stay in bed the whole day. However, today was different. A gloomy and somber atmosphere seemed to surround him, casting a shadow over his usual enthusiasm.
"Haaaa…."
Kelly heaved a long sigh as he made his way to school. Every step seemed to amplify the weight of the night's events. Well, wetting his bed at this age was not something he could easily shrug off and right now honestly, he would love to be bothered by that, however as usual it wasn't easy. Just the physical discomfort didn't bother him; it was the underlying meaning yesterday dream represented.
"Tch..." Kelly clicked his tongue in annoyance, frustration etching deep lines on his face.
'That dream... How can I put it into words? It was more than just a normal dream. It felt like a brush with death, a glimpse into Fut... Ahhh… what am I thinking? Right! It's stupid but, The intensity of the emotions, the raw fear... It's not something I can simply dismiss as a figment of my imagination'
He paused for a moment, his thoughts colliding like turbulent waves.
'There's a nagging feeling deep within me, urging me to pay attention. Guts don't lie, do they? The old man's words keep on echoing in my mind, encouraging me to trust my instincts. But what do they mean exactly? What am I supposed to do with this unsettling feeling I have had since night'
Lost in his own musings, Kelly continued his journey, now with the additional weight of uncertainty tugging at his every step.
"Haa...haa...haa. Made it just in the nick of time,"
Kelly panted, relieved that he managed to arrive just before the first period bell rang. He gave himself a light slap on the cheek, trying to shake off his sleep-deprived state. Pushing open the door to his classroom, he was met with a sea of curious gazes. He did his best to ignore them, knowing all too well that his arrival would cause a stir. It wasn't surprising, really. After a year, the once intense scrutiny had dwindled quite a bit, he could still feel their eyes on him. However it has gotten a lot better, as before they used to stare as if he were some sort of a mascot.
Well, it's not surprising that Kelly stands out among his peers. Not only is he not fully Japanese, being half-Japanese and having lived in London with his father, being thrown into a different culture altogether took some getting used to and his peculiarities doesn't end there as he also carries the title of an otaku. His passion for anime and manga sets him apart, and he can't help but believe that people find him interesting because of it. Well, that's what he thinks, normally people would have been curious for a week at most and forget all about him However, what he fails to realize is that his appeal goes beyond his hobbies.
In reality, Kelly is quite the catch. Standing tall with a lean and cool physique, he possesses an exotic charm inherited from his father and his jet-black hair and captivating eyes inherited from his Japanese mother which draws attention wherever he goes. It's a shame he hasn't fully grasped the extent of his attractiveness, as he continues to underestimate the effect he has on others.
Kelly's popularity wasn't solely based on his otaku interests and unique background. He was also exceptionally talented in both academics and sports, which further propelled his reputation among his peers. However, despite his achievements and the attention he garnered, Kelly remained oblivious to his own appeal. No fault of his of course,
Growing up in London, surrounded by accomplished individuals due to his father's affluent status as a successful businessman, Kelly became accustomed to being in the company of exceptional people. The high standards set by his environment, whether in school or his neighborhood, influenced his perception of himself. When the pressure became too overwhelming for him, he made the decision to come to Japan, seeking solace and a change of pace in his mother's home country.
It's not a matter of Kelly being dense or unintelligent, but rather a result of the cultural differences between his upbringing in London and his experiences in Japan. These disparities shaped his self-perception, causing him to downplay his own achievements and attributes.
After mustering his willpower to ignore the lingering gazes, Kelly made his way to his seat. Just as he settled down, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom, signaling the beginning of classes. However, Kelly found it hard to focus. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of a particular girl seated at the back of the class. It was almost as if his attention was involuntarily drawn to her, a subconscious pull that for better or worse didn't go unnoticed by those around him.