AKARI
The school walls felt like a miracle to Akari. He never imagined he would be walking inside the gates of one of his dream schools. Especially not after spending last few months unsuccessfully applying for jobs after college. But hard work pays off. Today marked his first day of work at one of the most prestigious schools in Lianhua city
The alumni of these schools were often the children the children of CEOs, diplomats, and politicians. The admission was highly selective and expecting even higher. So, Akari walking these halls wasn't just an opportunity; it was a status symbol. It was a way that could walk him out of struggle.
Alongside him walked Miss Leah, his assigned orienter. Together they moved through the quite hallways, the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly. It was class time, and most classrooms were deep in session, except for the one they entered.
The classroom they stepped into buzzed with low-level chaos. A few students were dozing at their desks, others chatted in hushed tones, while a handful were diligently reading, clearly the nerds.
Akari gave the room a quite once over. From their polished uniforms to the latest gadgets on their desks, it was clear; most of these kids came from wealth.
"Students," Miss. Leah called out, her voice sharp and commanding.
Instantly, the room shifted. Students straightened in their seats, eyes forward. Except for one student, who dozed off at the corner in the back. Miss. Leah did not bother though instead she continued.
"I assume all of you are doing great. Um...this right here is your new homeroom teacher. And he will be with you in Chemistry lessons." Miss Leah introduced a smile placed on her face. She then turned toward Akari a gesturing him to speak.
"Hello. I'm Akari Lee. Please, I ask for your fully cooperation," he introduced calmly. His face was composed, serious, and professional. No smile. Just business.
The classroom buzzed instantly, especially among the girls, who started whispering and giggling amongst themselves.
Like; he's kinda hot, is he single? How old is he? The jawline though of students overcrowded, especially the girls. Commenting on how handsome the new teacher was.
Miss. Leah snapped them back to order.
"Students quite! If you have any concerns you may raise them now," Miss. Leah announced firmly.
One of the students from the back rose up his hand.
"Ruan, go ahead," Miss. Leah said, already sounding wary.
All eyes turned to the boy slouched at the back, clearly just waking up from a nap. Akari's gaze followed and froze. For a split second, he questioned his own eyes. A strange tug pulled in his chest as he squinted, trying to place the face.
The troublemaker from the gala a few weeks ago.
It clicked. The same smug grin slid onto Ruan's face. One Akari remembered far too well.
"Hey coat check..." Ruan said lazily. "Are you married?"
The class erupted into laughter.
Akari kept cool but deep down he was burning with anger. His hands clasped tightly the strap of the bag he held, knuckles pale.
Seriously? On day one? In front of everyone?
"Ruan!" Miss. Leah snapped. "This is not the time for your jokes. One more outburst and you're up for detention."
***
The bell rang, echoing through the hallways. Students spilled out of the classroom in a rush of chatter and footsteps. Akari was gathering his things, ready to leave, when a familiar voice stooped him.
"Coat check!" Ruan called.
Akari paused mid- step as Ruan walked infront of him, casually leaning on the desk.
"Wow! What are the chances?" Ruan said with a smirk. "I never believed in coincidences at all but I guess I do now. Mr. Akari."
Akari adjusted his spectacles cool. Then he raised his head to look up at Ruan because he was a tall.
"Listen, kid..."
"It's Ruan," he interrupted pointing to his name tag. "And I'm in my senior year. So I'm not a kid anymore."
Akari sighed, tone firm. "It doesn't matter whether you are Ruan Koo or a senior student. In here, I'm your teacher. So, kid, watch your words."
"Ouch!" Ruan chuckled. "You hate me that much? Or maybe..." he leaned closer up to Akari's ear, "...did I steal your first kiss?"
Akari's brows knit sharply. "Hey, Kid!" Akari muttered, low but bitter.
Ruan pulled back, still grinning. "Oh! Then why are you so worked up? No one never meant for anything unusual to happen you know."
"Kid I'm not here for games. Know your place!" Akari insisted.
He turned and walked away, posture stiff as he headed toward the staffroom.
"Hey! Coat check!" Ruan called after him, and then muttered to himself with a crooked smile, "Oops! I guess I was too reckless."
Just then, Kev rushed into the room.
"Ruan! I have been looking for you everywhere. Let's go. The coach needs you."
Later in the evening, Akari walked to his apartment a bit tired. It was his first day at work so he had a lot to catch on that day. Well, including some rich kid who kept messing with him.
"Good evening ma'am," he greeted the old woman who was watering flowers.
The old woman nodded to tge greeting.
"It has been two weeks now since you promised you would pay up."
Akari's lowered his head, his fingers fidgeting. This was the worst part of his life. Debts. Especially the rent
"Ma'am, I promised by the end of this month, I'll pay up," he said calmly.
The woman took a glance at him before she went on with watering. "Mmh...suit yourself. Just don't be like the room 44 guy," she said.
"Thank you ma'am," Akari said and went in.
He sighed heavily after closing the door behind him. The old land lady always had something to say. Too lucky for him today, she kept it brief.
He walked over to the kitchen corner, poured himself a glass of beer, and dropped onto the worn out couch in his tiny living room. The TV flickered on with the press of a remote button, washing the space in soft blue light.
A familiar commercial played a happy family laughing around a dinner table. A mother serving food for them. A teenage boy showing off a school certificate. Laughter. Warmth. Something Akari once craved for.
His grip on the glass tightened.
His mother.
The image flashed in his mind, her walking suitcase hand, her eyes tired but determined. She didnt say goodbye properly. Just left. Said it was for the best. That he'd understand someday. But he hasn't yet.
Kian.
His so called lover. The one who said, "I'll always love you." Until he didn't. Until life got hard and Kian chose to choose a rich lady over discomfort.
Akari set the glass down gently, tears dripping.
Why is everyone so good at leaving?
His chest ached, not loudly, but in that dull, silent way you only feel when you are completely alone. He folded his legs, leaned his face against his thighs and sobbed.
Fist day at work, he thought. I should be happy. But here, I already want to disappear. Just as always.
But there was no disappearing. Not with rent due. Not with thoughts of people who left still in his mind. Not when the only way out was through.
***