Chapter 1 - Bend The Rules
In the midst of the crowd at the front gate of Keto Private High School... Stood the guy who would go on to change my entire life forever.
---
Ruyji: "Hahahaha! Here comes Keto Private School's new fashion icon!"
The words echoed across the courtyard like a gunshot at a funeral.
A hundred heads turned. Whispers flew like flies.
"Who is that guy?"
"What is he wearing?"
"Is that... allowed?"
"Is he filming something?"
"Wait. Is that a cape?"
He stood proudly under the school arch, hands on his hips like he was about to conquer it.
Ruyji Odoro, freshman.
And walking fashion felony.
He was wearing:
A white military-style blazer with gold trimming, tassels swaying from each shoulder like some fallen prince
A crimson silk turtleneck that looked two sizes too tight-on purpose
Black dress pants, but one leg was rolled up to the knee, revealing floral-print socks
Platform loafers that clicked too loud with each step
And yes-a velvet beret with a fake rose stabbed through it like a murder scene from a fashion magazine
Also? He had a purple cape.
A real, billowing, lined-with-stars cape.
At 8:01 AM. On a school day. In April.
"Is this real life?" I muttered, trying to blend in with the tree behind me.
And then he looked directly at me.
His eyes sparkled like he'd found a fellow soulmate in this grey, pleated universe.
Ruyji: "Yo, glasses guy!"
...Glasses guy?
Me?
No. I refuse to get involved with someone like that.
I came here for test scores, quiet hallways, and polite seating charts.
Not drama. Not flair. And definitely not capes.
Ruyji: "You are now officially my butler, manager, assistant stylist, emergency lint-roller operator, cape fluffer, hallway spotter, dramatic pose timekeeper, emotional support human, daily outfit photographer, fashion blog ghostwriter, hype-man, shoe de-scuffer, inspirational quote reminder guy, scent tester, shoulder to cry on, and also-my friend."
I smiled. At least, I think I did. My cheeks lifted, my lips curled-just like I'd practiced. But I could feel it. That twitch at the corner of my mouth. That weird tightness in my jaw.
Kanada: "You're kidding... right?"
Ruyji: "Of course I'm not kidding. Great fashion requires a great team."
What kind of team needs a "dramatic pose timekeeper"? What even is that?!
Wait, no. Don't ask. You don't want to know.
Back away slowly, Kanada. Pretend you're a bush. Fade into the background like a side character-
Ruyji: "Also, you have great glasses. Very symmetrical. You are now one of my lackeys."
I blinked.
...I'm being recruited for a fashion war I never enlisted in.
And worse? I'm now his lackey???
I thought school couldn't get worse.
Kanada: "What are yo-"
PRRRRP!!
PE Teacher: "YOU THERE! WHAT IN THE PUSH-UPS ARE YOU WEARING?!"
Push-ups?? . I cringed
Ruyji (with utmost confidence) Ah. Excellent eye, sir. Today's look is titled: 'Rebellion Against the Dullness of Institutionalized Youth.'
This crimson turtleneck-imported, by the way-represents the suppressed passion of adolescence.
The asymmetrical sock placement is a metaphor for individuality within manufactured systems. The cape
PRRRRP!!
PE Teacher: "DID YOU NOT READ RULE #1209 OF THE SCHOOL CODE?! You are to wear your official uniform. Not-whatever... this circus act is!"
Ruyji (unbothered, brushing off his sleeve): "Ah. I must've missed that one. I stopped reading after Rule #15. Something about... weapons on campus?"
PE Teacher: "TO THE OFFICE! NOW! And you-are you his accomplice?!"
Kanada: "No sir, I was jus-"
Ruyji (cutting me off smoothly): "Yes, he is. My butler, manager, stylist, cape fluffer, emotional support human, blog ghostwriter, hype-man, shoulder to cry on-"
Oh my god.
He's listing it again.
He's really doing it.
I'm going to be expelled before first period.
Ruyji: "-and most importantly, my partner in fashion-based justice."
I looked at the sky.
Please. Just drop a piano on me. End it.
PE Teacher: "THEN BOTH OF YOU-TO THE OFFICE!"
I just wanted a peaceful, normal life.
Morning roll call. Timetables. Lunchboxes. A desk by the window.
Was that so much to ask?
But no.
Now I'm standing in front of a man whose blood pressure could flatten a bus, while the guy next to me is dressed like a rejected Final Fantasy summon.
We stepped into the office.
A clock ticked on the wall. A single teacup steamed on the desk. A framed calligraphy scroll read "Order is Strength."
And behind that desk sat the man whose veins were more caffeine than blood.
Principal Tsuneda squinted up from a stack of disciplinary forms.
He adjusted his glasses, slowly. Deliberately.
Then he saw Ruyji.
And the vein in his forehead popped to life.
Principal Tsuneda: "...What in the Ministry-certified, rule-abiding HELL is that student wearing?"
I swear I heard a blood vessel snap.
We haven't even sat down yet.
This man is one cape away from a heart attack.
PE Teacher (snapping to attention, practically saluting):
"Sir! This student was spotted at the front gate violating at least nine-possibly fifteen-uniform regulations! And this one-"
(points to Kanada like he's pointing out contraband)
"-was standing next to him, and possibly encouraging him!"
Principal Tsuneda (trembling):
"Encouraging...?"
He stood up.
The chair squeaked in protest. The teacup rattled.
Why do I feel like we just triggered a national security alert?
Principal Tsuneda: "This school is a pillar of dignity! Of tradition! What do you think the Ministry would say if they saw one of our students dressed like this? This isn't a... a cosplay convention!"
Ruyji (straightening his cape with complete poise): "Gladly."
He took one step forward like he was about to take the runway.
Ruyji: "Today's look is titled: 'Rebellion Against the Dullness of Institutionalized Youth.'
This crimson turtleneck-imported, by the way-represents the suppressed passion of adolescence.
The asymmetrical sock placement is a metaphor for individuality within manufactured systems. The cape-"
PRRRRP!!
PE Teacher: "ENOUGH!!"
Principal Tsuneda (adjusting his glasses again): "Mr. Odoro. Do you think this is a joke?"
Ruyji: "Not at all. In fact, I propose a deal."
PE Teacher: "Did you just cut the principal off?! How dar-"
Principal Tsuneda: "PE Teacher #09... let's hear him out."
Wait... PE Teacher NUMBER 9?
He doesn't even know his name.
I was gonna laugh if i wasn't terrified.
PE Teacher: "But sir-"
Principal Tsuneda glares.
PE Teacher: "...Okay."
Ruyji: "Let me wear whatever I want. In exchange, We clean the entire school by the end of the day."
We??? What do you mean We
Principal Tsuneda (silent, then sighs): "...If you fail, you'll be suspended."
Kanada : but si-
Ruyji: "Deal."
I didn't even get to say one word
Im practically invisible
PE Teacher (after they leave): "But why, sir?"
Principal Tsuneda (villain laugh): "If they actually do it, that's free labor. Saves on staff fees."
PE Teacher: "Sir, you're a genius!"
Principal Tsuneda: "Shut it."
---
Cleaning.
Hours of it.
Sweeping, mopping, wiping chalk stains, organizing files, and even scrubbing toilets that looked like they hadn't been touched since the Meiji Era.
Ruyji worked in complete silence for a while, which was scarier than his loudest moments.
Then...
Ruyji (quietly): "...You can go, if you want."
I looked up. He wasn't smiling. Just calmly wiping a window.
Why does he look like a sad cat waiting to be picked from a shelter?
I turned to leave.
He looked up.
Those eyes.
That face.
The silent, not-quite-asking expression.
Kanada: "Okay, okay. I'll stay."
Why am I like this.
Ruyji (beaming, back to his usual self): "Hahaha! This is why I like you, man! You're solid!"
Ruyji: "Btw, we never introduced ourselves."
Kanada: "I'm Kanada. Just... Kanada."
Ruyji paused. Looked at me with intense focus.
Why is he staring at me like that?
Kanada: "Wha-what?"
Ruyji: "I gotta say Kanada, you have a horrible fashion taste."
Ehh??
Kanada (nervously): "Well, we're supposed to wear uniforms..."
Ruyji: "Should we clean the school again for you?"
What is he talking about?!
Kanada: "No way!"
Ruyji (grinning): "Loosen up, I'm just kidding."
Kanada: "Loosen up, huh? That might be the hardest rule to follow around you."
They both chuckled, the tension easing like a soft breeze after a storm.
Ruyji: "Y'know, Kanada... I never really had many friends in middle school."
I wonder why, I thought sarcastically.
Ruyji: "Because I never really liked anyone there. But you're different. I really like you. Glad I hired you."
Kanada (nervously): "Th-thanks..."
Ruyji (striking a pose): "Watch-I'll change the entire world with my fashion!"
He said it with so much confidence, I almost believed him.
Almost.
Ruyji: "Oh no, Kanada! We forgot-we still have to finish cleaning the school!"
We panicked. Again.
I guess... he's not that bad after all.
