25 A Weak Child(2)

--- Honoka Suzuki's POV, The Day She Met Ren  ---

Going to class is so boring.

The instructor's monotonous voice filled the room with information that couldn't have been less interesting. It left me wondering why I should bother with such basic knowledge, especially when time was a precious commodity.

My mind had been a chaotic whirlwind for a while now, and I allowed myself to drift into this sea of apathy.

It was only later, after these thoughts had washed over me, that I realized just how much I had changed. But by then, it felt too late to reverse course.

As I lost myself in contemplation, my attention was abruptly yanked back to reality by the entrance of another person.

A young man, with a poise so natural that he could have been mistaken for another Instructor, gracefully made his way to the Instructor's desk.

Their hushed exchange was beyond my hearing, but the instructor's deference was unmistakable. It was as if they were welcoming a King.

Yet, that "King" was more or less someone my age. It left a bad aftertaste in my mouth, as I had to be at least this influent if I hoped to get my parents to recognize me.

Still, his demeanor and overall character seemed way too good, I couldn't pick anything to fault him yet.

Well, the newcomer did possess an undeniable charm. Even under his clothing, it was clear that he took immaculate care of his body. But apart from his looks, did he truly deserve this elevated status and the air of superiority he exuded?

He introduced himself as Ren Hashibara, and then it all clicked into place.

He has been an acclaimed figure in the entertainment industry for a while now, the one everyone had been talking about.

The rumors claimed that every play he'd ever been a part of had enjoyed resounding success, thanks either to his direct involvement or his ability to foster camaraderie among the actors, earning admiration and respect from all corners.

No higher-up dared to speak ill of him publicly or privately; such was the aura that surrounded him. I had brushed off these extravagant tales, assuming they were merely exaggerations spun by his entourage to grow his reputation.

Yet, once again, I was proven wrong.

Envy gnawed at me. His very character seemed tailor-made for the industry, and he basked in the adoration of all. Luxuries and accolades seemed to come naturally to him.

He must have been... lucky.

Oh, how I yearned for a life so blissfully serene. If only I hadn't been born into the Suzuki Family, perhaps...

But now was not the time to dwell on matters beyond my control.

As he launched into his motivational speech, a surge of anger coursed through me, compelling me to respond with equal intensity.

"Who do you think you are?" I retorted, my tone as cold as frost. "Just because you've been a little successful so far, to come here and lecture us?"

I noticed a few of my peers nodding in agreement, their silent support providing a small sense of solidarity.

Even though they lacked the courage to voice their objections against someone with such a level of charisma and reputation, their subtle gestures spoke volumes. 

I had their support, and I was satisfied with that.

I might have been a coward in front of my parents, but I had resolved not to let that fear govern my interactions with other people at my level.

That resolve marked the final thread holding together the fraying remnants of my former self.

--- After their discussion ---

Any semblance of support I had hoped to rally dissipated as soon as he responded, directing the group to take a stance and not cower.

"What a bunch of cowards!" I muttered under my breath, though I couldn't be the one to talk on that matter.

It wasn't entirely their fault; even if they had rallied behind me, I was convinced he had manipulated the situation from the start.

Putting myself against someone who could, with a few words, make our future career a living hell, was not the smartest choice. I understood this in my head, but I couldn't hold back my anger for some reason.

His occasional subtle smirk directed at me only added to my embarrassment, pushing me to remain in my seat and avoid meeting his gaze at all costs.

I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't considered leaving the class at that very moment. Perhaps it would have been better than enduring the hushed conversations around me, all discussing how I had been put in my place or taught a lesson of some kind like I was a dog.

Soon after though, I understood.

I was too blinded by jealousy, not allowing me to appreciate the depth of wisdom hidden within his words. His speech wasn't meant to sugarcoat the truth but rather to deliver it with stark realism.

As I pondered this, curiosity started to creep in. I couldn't help but wonder how he had managed to do well, during his first experience in the spotlight, utterly alone.

I half-expected him to treat me coldly or ignore me, considering our earlier exchange. However, his response defied all my expectations.

A gentle smile graced his handsome face as he approached my desk, eliciting surprised reactions from those around us. As the distance between us dwindled to less than a meter, my mind raced through the worst-case scenarios. What if he intended to reprimand me physically? What should I do?

I panicked, feeling utterly alone in my apprehension. No one else but me, who tried to win an argument against him, could comprehend how effortlessly this man could draw you into his orbit with just a few words.

Even if he did strike me here, I knew no one would support my claim, and he might even use it as an excuse to banish me from the entertainment industry forever.

In my state of fear, I completely forgot that there was an adult present, and he would never do such a thing that could possibly ruin his reputation. 

My thoughts swirled as I did nothing but cover my face, my vulnerability on full display as in my thoughts, I lamented once again.

How weak I am.

Such thoughts, however, were brought to a half as a gentle hand settled upon my head, causing me to twitch and look up in sheer surprise.

Once our eyes met, I felt it.

What beautiful eyes...

I was captivated.

He continued to stroke my hair while speaking words that I struggled to fully grasp, my mind and heart thrown into turmoil as my face flushed crimson.

I couldn't fathom why he was doing this, but the sensation of his hand gently caressing my head was oddly comforting.

When was the last time my parents had treated me with such tenderness, regarding me as something precious? Memories of those moments flitted through my mind, and before I realized it, he withdrew his hand.

My lips trembled, and I was on the verge of instinctively asking him to continue, to keep patting my head, but thankfully, before I could potentially make a fool of myself, another student intervened.

I silently thanked them for breaking what felt like a mind control spell, preventing further embarrassment that I was already grappling with...

---

Author's Note:

To better remember this scene from Ren's POV, it's in chapter 7-8. Of course, all this POV of Suzuki Honoka is necessary for the plot so bear with it for just another half of a chapter and we can pass onto the next point.