Even after playing baseball in front of 20,000 people, Ken had never felt as awkward as he did now. The stares from the 30 or so teenagers in front of him made it feel like he was naked and exposed.
“Alright thank you Ken, please take a seat next to Stephen.” Mr. Johnson said, pointing to a vacant chair at the back of the class.
Ken breathed out a sigh of relief, quickly making his way to the specified seat. Even as he passed, the teens turned their heads and stared at him.
Only when he finally took a seat did people stop looking at him, however they broke into hushed whispers. Unfortunately this was almost worse than being stared at blankly.
‘What did I do wrong?’ Ken thought, his mind racing.
“Is he a model or something?”
“He’s so tall and handsome…”
Ken’s ears perked up, his eyes widening in shock. He caught a few words of the nearby students, making him question his hearing.
Two girls in the front of the class turned around to sneak another look at him. However, when he looked at them, they quickly turned back, likely from embarrassment.
“Okay guys, I know we just came back from Easter break but please try and focus. We’ve got a lot to get through before SAT’s at the end of the school year.”
This was met with a colloquial groan from the class, who clearly didn’t like being reminded about end of year exams.
The teacher continued speaking, but Ken was not paying attention. Still wrapped up in what happened earlier, he was trying to figure out what was going on.
However, it didn’t take long before an answer was brought to the forefront of his mind.
‘Charismatic Air…’
A self-deprecating smile appeared on his face as he remembered this double-edged skill. He had spent the past year and a half free from its effects, yet now it had reared its ugly head once more.
‘Just when I thought I could blend in.’ Ken sighed inwardly.
It wasn’t long before Ken could feel a pair of eyes staring at him from beside him. He did his best to ignore it, but the guy seemed eager to speak to him.
Ken turned his gaze, looking at the teen with question. “What’s up?” He asked, trying to sound informal.
“Hey man, the name’s Stephen. But most call me Steve.”
The guy was wearing a beanie, his brown straight hair visible on his fringe. He had intelligent brown eyes which held a hint of mischief, though it didn’t seem to be malicious.
Steve was handsome, in an organic sense. His ethnicity likely hailed from Asia, though Ken didn’t believe that he was Japanese like him.
“Ken, nice to meet you.” He replied, offering his hand for a handshake.
Accepting the handshake, Steve leaned a little closer. “So you play baseball right? Are you gonna try out for the varsity team?”
Hearing the mention of baseball, Ken’s features lit up noticeably. He nodded like a pecking chicken, wanting nothing more than to go to the field right away and play.
“Stephen… I know having a transfer student join is exciting and all, but please try and pay attention.” Mr. Johnson said, his tone suggesting that this was not the first time he’d had to speak against the teen.
“Hehe, sorry sir.” Steve replied, looking a little guilty.
All of a sudden, a voice came through the speakers at the front of the class, causing Ken to almost jump in fright.
“Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.”
No one else in the class seemed surprised, quietly standing to their feet and directing their attention to the American flag at the front.
Ken was stunned, he hadn’t expected such a thing. ‘Pledge of what?’ He thought in confusion.
However, not wanting to seem out of place, he also stood up, following what the other students did.
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
After saying this, everybody sat back down, with Ken quickly following suit. He did not know the words, nor did he understand the back story to them.
“Alright, I’ll now be taking attendance.” Mr. Johnson stated before picking up a notepad.
“Stephen Adams.”
“Present.”
“Carlie Bishop.”
…
“Ken Takagi.”
“Here.”
Once he was completed with the roll call, a student went up and collected the notepad and left the class. Although it was a little different than what he was used to in Japan, it was good to know that there were similarities.
RIIING
The bell suddenly rang, causing everyone to get up from their desks promptly. Mr. Johnson didn’t even flinch, going through some paperwork and ignoring the kids as they got up.
“Hey, what class do you have next?” A voice called from beside him.
Ken turned, seeing Steve already standing. He was only a couple of inches shorter than Ken and looked to be in good shape, surprising him a little.
“Ah…” Ken pulled out his schedule, “Gym class.”
“Oh nice, me too. Let’s go together, I’ll show you the lockers.” Steve said, walking by him.
“Sure.”
“Did you bring some easier clothes to work out in?” He asked, briefly looking at Ken up and down.
Feeling a little odd, Ken nodded. He always brought spare clothes to change into after baseball practice if he needed to.
“Alright good, wouldn’t want to wear your sweaty clothes all day after gym.”
In a few minutes, Ken was led to the changing rooms for boys, equipped with benches and lockers. Ken had been in many locker rooms throughout his life, so even though it was a new place, he didn’t feel too uncomfortable.
Placing his bag down, Ken took off his polo shirt, only to sense many pairs of eyes focused on him.
Feeling his face heat up, Ken quickly put his workout shirt on before turning his head from left to right.
Steve, what a good dude. Everyone knows a “Steve”
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