KHR: The Inheritance Project - Prelude

The Graduation Project

As soon as Masamune walked through the gate he was swamped by all his followers. Somehow he managed to turn his absence and Katerina's paranoia into something that gave him more popularity. I'll bet only bad rumours have spread about me because of it though…

We received our new uniforms yesterday and have to wear them to today's ceremony. It was a bit depressing to find that Masamune wouldn't be going to that fancy boarding school after all. Oh well, it's not the end of the world. When Padre saw us in our uniforms he said that it had changed since he was a student there.

We both wore white button up shirts, red blazers, red and black vests, brown plaid ties, brown plaid pants (the girls have bows and skirts instead) and dark brown lace up boots. It looked smarter than our old uniforms and I'd managed to keep my appearance decent today (with Padre's help though…).

I had absolutely no idea what to do at the ceremony itself so I just copied everyone else. There were a few really long speeches by the principal and the vice principal. Then they called up the top student of our year to represent us in a farewell speech. My eyes became impossibly wide when I saw who it was.

"So, little Kai-chi really is number one in the school." Well, he does get really good marks…

His speech was very short and he stood so stiffly. He must have been so nervous… his expression looked as though he was about to murder everyone in the room. It left quite the impact. When he turned around to take his seat I could see that he was actually trying to hold back his tears…

Then one by one we were called up to receive a diploma tucked away inside a cylinder case. Luckily I managed not to trip, that 'fate' guy must be screwing with someone else today. We had to bow to the students and parents, then to the teachers and lastly to the principal and vice principal. I saw a few mums crying out there, some of the teachers were too.

I'd be crying too, but for a different reason. They'll be tears of joy! So long bastardo maths teacher, I don't have to listen to you drone on anymore! Adios Sawa-chan, no more will I have to test your poison tea or deal with your weirdness! Sayonara to the majority of the bullies, have fun at your new schools!

And arrivederci to you Kyoko-sensei, you can't bother me now! I don't really have anything against her but, Dio, that woman is so annoying! She always has to call me up to answer questions, like she's trying to humiliate me! She always has that damn smile on her face. I hate it when adults pretend they care, I despise fake smiles the most.

But her smile is so creepy, like you can't tell whether or not she's actually happy or if her face is just stuck like that. It's bright and warm but there's no real feeling in it. I hate her half-arsed kindness, I hate her warmth and I hate her gentleness. No one just gives away kindness freely like that. It's a superficial lie so they can sleep better at night. Almost all adults are liars. I hate liars…

After the ceremony ended we had a few hours to say goodbye and tie up any loose ends. I had a chat with Sawa-chan; she did look after me, somewhat, over the past five years. I should at least say thanks I guess… She practically crushed me in a hug while crying and then made me try another weird tea. My instincts told me drinking not to drink it.

..............................................................

A short while after I finally escaped I rounded a corner and immediately went back around. I could have sworn I just saw Haru-nee dressed as student. No, it's not possible. There's no way. No. Just no. I shake my head and take off in the opposite direction.

"I think you should watch where you're going—" Slam! I walk straight into someone. "Like I said…"