"Good morning everyone!"
That was the first thing you said as you walked in the classroom. Seeing the small number of students, you couldn't help but take a deep breath. Some of them looked just a few years younger than you, but then again. You and both your friends did skip a large number of grades throughout your academic life, so you were definitely younger than most people with your degree.
A few of them murmured back a good morning of their own, while some just kept their gaze fixed on you as you walked towards the podium. As you placed your files on the wooden surface, you turned your body to face the class.
Taking in a first look, you weren't too sure of what to think of them. Half of them looked close to falling asleep, but you figured that it was because it was a morning class of the very first day. Not letting yourself become too prejudiced towards the class, you shot them a sweet smile and turned towards the black board.
Picking up a white chalk from the chalk holder, you wrote down your name in clear, big letters.
"My name is [Last Name][Name]." You spoke up and finished writing your name. With that, you turned around to face the students and kept a professional smile on your face, "I have a Ph. D. in Toxicology and I grew up in America. I also received all of my education from there as well."
The students seemed a bit shocked when you informed them of your Ph. D. which wasn't that much of a surprise to you. People were always surprised whenever you told them that you already had a doctorate. Maybe because you looked too young.
With a small smile, you looked down at your files, before returning your gaze to the class. Placing both your hands on the podium, you began.
"As of current, I will be focused on teaching you all. If there are any problems that you may encounter even after college hours, feel free to contact me through email. If it is urgent, don't hesitate to personally address me."
A few students that seemed close to falling asleep finally woke up and sat up straight.
"I will be completely honest. I have a few things that I expect from any class that I teach. The most basic is punctuality. I would most definitely prefer if you all are punctual in terms of deadlines that are set. Tardy work is something I do not appreciate and frankly, one of my biggest peeves."
Okay, maybe that was a little harsh? Whatever it was, they most definitely seemed on edge and it made you feel a bit guilty.
"But other than that, I'm not too annoyed by other things. A few are exceptional, but except for them, you all are still young and mistakes are to be expected. Don't be afraid of confronting me if you have any sort of problem. I hope that I can become someone who can help guide you to the path that you wish to pursue, that is all."
That seemed to lessen the tension a bit. However, a few of them still seemed guarded but there wasn't much you could do for that. Instead, you focused your attention to the blackboard and spoke up, "Now! Let's talk about our syllabus and how I will be proceeding with it throughout the semester."
—————
The first class finally came to an end!
The entire time you were there, you were extra careful with your cursing habits and your body language. You made sure to show the class that while you weren't a very strict person, you were still an authoritative figure who they shouldn't take too lightly.
With that done, you were honestly still a bit surprised by how well it went. Hopefully, the rest of the semester will also go this well.
For now, you don't have anything to do. But after you begin your research and get more used to the college, you'll probably get busier. With this extra time, you decided to check in at the teacher's lounge to see what everyone else was doing.
Just when you were on your way, you heard a rather energetic voice call out, "Miss [Last Name]!"
You turned your head in the direction of the voice, only to see the eccentric Physics teacher from before, "Did you finish your first class? I hope it went well!"
Gosh, this man is so energetic.
With a polite smile on your face, you nodded and spoke up, "Yes, it went quite well." He seemed to beam at you with the brightness of a thousand suns, blinding you almost instantly.
"Ah, that's nice to hear. I'm guessing you don't have anything to do until a little later in the afternoon?" You nodded upon his inquiry, and he motioned to follow him, "Then let's introduce you to everyone else!"
What? Oh, hell no. You're not going to introduce yourself again just to be ignored like the first time.
"Ah... I already did that! In the morning... before you came." The happy go lucky male stopped in his tracks and turned to you with a sheepish smile, "Oh? You already did? Ahaha, sorry for not asking first..."
You waved him off with your hand, letting him know it was quite fine. Still, the guy was persistent about apologizing for not asking you first and just dragging you along with him.
With his apologies done, the older male offered you to come along with him since he was also free for the next period, to which you agreed because apparently he declared himself your translator, should you need any help.
Oh well, it's only helpful for you anyways.
"So, Miss [Last Name]..." He started with a eager smile, "Where are you from? The principal only told us that you were a foreigner."
"Um, I'm American." He nodded along with your statement, fully immersed in what you were saying.
"Wow! America, huh? Is it very different from Japan?" You pondered over his question, trying to think of an answer that might satisfy someone like him, "Well... I guess you could say that. There is a huge difference between them, not just in terms of culture, though..."
You went on to add, "-I mean, there's a large difference in food, weather, and housing too. Even transportation is different. We don't have that much of an elaborated train system so buses and personal cars are more in use."
"Ah! That means cars are more common, I guess. We don't have that many cars in Japan, the maintenance costs overwhelm the need so not many people get cars." You nodded along with his words, glad that at least one person spoke English in your workplace, other than your students.
"Well, which one do you like better? Japan? Or America?" His question caught you off guard. Sure, Japan was nice and all... but at the end of the day, you had all your memories associated with America, regardless of if they were good or bad.
"Oh... Well, that's a tricky question." You admitted while letting out a nervous chuckle. Thankfully, he caught on your discomfort and changed the subject, "Well, I bet both of them are special in their own way!" You nodded along in agreement as he continued, "Do you have any family with you in Japan, or are you living alone?"
"Not really, most of my family is back in America." By that, you meant your sister who was buried six feet under in American soil and your sorry excuse of a mother who was in jail.
He nodded and you took this as a turn to ask a question of your own, "What about you, Mr. Ishigami?" He smiled widely upon the question, almost having a childlike happiness sparkling in his eyes.
"I have a son! He just turned 5 this year!" As he continued to gush about his son, his eyes shone bright in excitement.
"His name's Senku, Ishigami Senku!" He proceeded to look at you with endearment evident in his eyes, "Wanna see his picture?" You nodded mindlessly and your sure you've never seen a human whipping out their phone any faster.
He immediately opened his gallery and pulled out a rather peculiar picture. The boy in the picture didn't even bother looking at the camera and kept his eyes glued to the TV in front of him. But seeing the anticipating look on Me. Ishigami's face, you smiled brightly, "Aww! He looks so focused! That's adorable!"
He couldn't agree any faster, "I know, right? He doesn't like his pictures taken so I had to snap this one in secret but he's just so precious! Everyday, he gets so excited over the Doraemon episode that airs on TV." As the older male rambled on, you couldn't help but coo to yourself.
Okay, this is so sweet. As someone who never had a father, you're so happy for Ishigami and his son having a good relationship because... that's so fucking cute!
Just as he was continuing what he was saying, you both were suddenly confronted by the principal, "Oh, Ishigami-san! There you are!" He called out and the said male looked at the Principal in wonder.
As the principal came closer to him, he also caught sight of your presence, "Ah, I see you met our famous Ishigami-san, [Last Name]-san?"
Famous Ishigami-san? Was this guy really that famous?
The said Ishigami-san chuckled heartily, "You flatter me, sir. But I must say, Miss [Last Name] is so fun to talk to!"
"I'm sure she is. I've heard that Americans are really funny people!" As he said that, the Principal ushered the dual haired father over, "Ah, Ishigami-san! Could you come with me for a moment?"
Byakuya smiled and nodded before lookinh back at you and bowing in respect, "I'll see you later at lunch, Miss [Last Name]!" Both the principal and the physics teacher scurried away faster than before you could say your goodbyes.
Oh, well... Guess Ishigami wasn't just being formal when he offered to meet you at lunch in the morning.
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Xeno sat in his office, his head buried in his hands. In front of him, an unorganized pile of files were sprawled all over his table.
"Did ya' find anything?" Stanley's voice was what brought the pompadour head back to reality. As he snapped out of his thoughts, he redirected his attention to the files in front of him, "You're working?" Yet again, Stan's question went unanswered as the feminine male entered his office.
"Hey, Xeno." This time, the said male did glance up to stare at his childhood friend but his gaze didn't stay any longer than for a few seconds, "What?" His tone was flat and voice slightly hoarse, probably from a dry throat.
The feminine guy kept his eyes trained on the astronomer, trying to decipher what it was that he was doing, "You're... not lookin' for [Name]?" The question hung in the air, followed by an uncomfortable silence.
"Xeno-"
"What is the point in all this, Stan? She's the one who left, just leave her be," he turned to meet his friend's blue eyes that shone in worry, "-you have to stop being so emotionally dependent on [Name]. We should finally leave her alone."
"You're not serious right now, are you?" A mocking smile from his friend was all the soldier got.
"It's the least we can do for her as her friends. Clearly, she wants nothing to do with us." Just as Xeno finished his statement, Stanley clicked his tongue, "Yer' seriously telling me that it's the right thing to do? After all those years we spent together, you're just gonna throw it out the window?"
"It's not about right or wrong, Stan." As he began to clean up the mess made on his desk, he continued, "It's about respecting her decision. We shouldn't force our opinions on her."
"Shut up. You're being stupid. Aren't you supposed to be the smarter one?" Stanley clicked his tongue in annoyance. Why was Xeno suddenly acting like a saint?
"It's not about opinions. It's 'cause we've been friends for years now. We can't just leave her be! What if she needs us? You're gonna let the past repeat?"
"What do you suggest we do?"
"Even if you wanna let her keep her distance, at least make sure she's safe. How are we supposed to know if she's hurt or not if we don't even know where she's at?"
A sigh escaped the scientists lips. This was a hard decision to make. As much as he wanted you to have your way and stay away from them, he couldn't help but think that Stanley was also right.
Another sigh.
"Fine. Do you have any leads?"
The soldier gave a smile smile, "Just a little idea, nothin' more than that." Seeing how Xeno's gaze was practically urging him to say it, he started.
"Her old neighbors. They're oughta know where she's at."
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Do you think [Name]'s reasonings are obnoxious or are they justified? I was unsure about it, so I'd like to hear your opinions!