7 Inner Demons

Author's Note: The power stones can buff an author's productivity aka writing speed. Giving me power stones equals getting more chapters to read. So, what are you waiting for?! Power stones NOW!

—x—X—x—

Takamura-kun turned to me, his expression stoic. "Hey, neighbor. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Takamura-kun," I said politely with a soft smile. "Welcome to Class 3-A. I'm Busujima Saeko."

"Ah, you're Saeko. You're a kendoka, aren't you?"

Puzzlement tilted my head to the side. His casual use of my first name was somewhat bold. He could tell I was a practitioner of kendo just by looking at my body. Could he be one of those true masters who could peer into a realm beyond ours? No, he is the same age as me. He couldn't be that stronger than me.

I managed to put a lid over my rampaging thoughts and nodded my head. "I do. How did you know?"

"I inquired about the clubs on our way here. Sensei kept gushing about you being an honorary student and maintaining the kendo club all on your own." He slightly raised his left brow. "You know, I'm something of a kendoka myself."

I couldn't help but sigh. It embarrassed me to no extent when people praised me behind my back or in front of me for that matter. Yes, I was a gifted kendoka but anybody could be if they grew up in a household like mine.

"I can tell from the way you carry a katana on your own person. Would you like to sign up for the kendo club?"

"I'd love to," he said with an imperceptible smile. "But I need a favor from you. It's kind of important."

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

"We'll talk about it in the next period. Just entertain me until then."

Like he said, he relied on me for his entertainment. I rarely engage in unnecessary talk with others but talking to him wasn't… bad. He wasn't annoying like others who kept pestering me about my personal life. He instead asked strange questions about the school's layout and the distance between the different buildings. There was a sense of respect and passion in each one of his words.

Then the talk somehow shifted to books, and I was forced to bring out my fetish for philosophical books.

"I won't lie. I have a love and hate relationship with those books," he gave his honest opinion. "They give you false sense of hope and broaden your horizons, but they take away the happiness we feel in little things. You look at the world through a different lens. World starts to look less excited, you know?"

I couldn't help but nod at his perspective. "You have a valid point. It's a good thing these books aren't for everyone. I'm a weirdo to have interest in these deep spiritual and psychological aspects of our life."

"I'm also an oddball for having knowledge about them."

"What else do you suggest I read, huh? The Tale of Genji?"

He made a 'Don't bring that up please' face, making me chuckle softly. I wasn't into teasing men but a flustered expression on his otherwise stoic face looked way too precious. Teasing him was a pleasant experience.

As the teacher's lecture continued, our talk shifted to Tokonosu City and the different facilities around here. He was curious about the city like a child. His talkative nature somehow brought out a new side of me. I never thought I'd talk this much in one day much less in a single period. His energy… was infectious.

Moreover, he had knowledge of the business and marketing sector — subjects I could hardly comprehend. The more I talked to him, the more I realized the gap in our perspectives… as if we weren't people of the same age group. He seemed like a middle-aged sage like my father…

What's funnier was that he corrected Hanekawa-sensei, our arts teacher, when she called him out for talking during class. Judging from Sensei's mildly abashed demeanor, Takamura-kun was spot on. He did it all with a twinkle in his eye, as though he reveled in Sensei's flustered look.

This man might possess a somewhat wicked sense of humor. I don't why I felt a sense of warmth from the way he teased our Sensei.

"Saeko, I'll be honest with you. The school has left me disappointed."

Anyone would be if they had to correct a teacher during their first lecture. He might have an overinflated hype for Fujimi Academy and the real thing turned out to be underwhelming.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd suggest providing feedback to our Sensei or Headmaster's assistant."

"That's too much work."

I smiled. "Hard work is often rewarding, Takamura-kun."

"Everything should be in moderation, even hard work. What's the point if you don't stop and appreciate the results of your efforts every once in a while?"

I couldn't help but give a nod at his words. "Genuine appreciation leads to joy."

"True," he said with a nod. "You can call me Genji. I don't like this superficial politeness ingrained in our culture. True politeness comes from the way you treat others, not how you're forced to address each other."

I couldn't agree more with his take. But as a daughter of the Busujima Clan, I refused to let go of our traditions. They are a part of me!

The bell suddenly chimed, signaling the commencement of the next period… I quickly glanced at the clock. Forty-five minutes already…?

With the departure of Sensei, Takamura—Genji-kun—swiveled towards me. "Can we have a spar right now?"

His polite provocation sparked something within me. I imagined the thrill of striking him with my bokken, savoring every hit landing on his arms, legs, and waist. A rush of adrenaline coursed through me at the thought of his defeated form sprawled on the kendo club's floor. The groans he made sent an excited shiver down my spine.

I quickly pinched my arm to snap out of my twisted fantasies. Stop, Saeko! Stop acting like a monster. That man four years ago deserved the vicious beating but Genji-kun is a good man; he doesn't deserve anything but respect for his willingness to test his skills against a fellow kendoka.

I wrestled with my inner demons, managing to force a thin smile on my face. "I am… not feeling well right now."

"Hmm?" He reached out and pressed his hand against my forehead, assessing if I was under fever. "I don't think you're suffering from heat exhaustion. Let's go to the infirmary just to be safe."

I nudged his hand away, blushing as I did. Don't breach my private space so easily while looking like a gentleman. Show some restraint, would you!

I shook my head, despite the swirling thoughts in my head. "No, I'm fine. Let's go to the dojo… I'll answer your request."

Seizing his hand, I led him out of the classroom. I guided him through the hallways of our school. The dojo we were headed to wasn't part of the main school building. It was built alongside gymnasium, connected to the main building through the admin office. It's because of this distance many students hated attending P.E. classes.

On our way, many students watched us together with interest and surprise. I'd be surprised if the rumors about us didn't reach every student by the end of the day. I couldn't care less at the moment.

Genji-kun, I'll show you what it means to challenge the daughter of Busujima Clan!

—x—X—x—

In some aspects, Saeko is wise and mature beyond her age, but she is still a high school student. I tried my best to capture that through her POV.