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the_big_ol_book_o_stories2022-11-22 05:16 pm
For Ritsuka
The first day of is a harrowing even for some but it gets harder the farther you are from what you know. A new school, a new city, a new class, any one of these is a challenge for most teens and this is only harder when the pressure to succeed hangs on their shoulders like a weight. One Noah LeClair feels all of this anxiety and more.
A foreign learning program where only the brightest can qualify. He'd worked hard, harder than he ever had in his life and he had made it - the third slot of only three open spaces, but he couldn't be relieved just yet. The program brought him to Japan, the other side of the globe and worlds apart from what he knows, but he was told to learn the language beforehand so some part of him expected it. What he was not expecting just how hard the culture shock would hit. The night he arrived already had him furrowing his brow in confusion, then there was how cramped the streets were, then all the people in those outrageous outfits but the weirder thing was that no one was paying attention at all. Information overload was an understatement but thankfully he could hide in his apartment and focus on just prepping for school.
Once there, which was an effort all on it's own, he was late and with no good excuse other than "I got lost". His teacher was understanding enough but it didn't stop her from laying it on him for being late and wearing outdoor shoes indoors. Oh boy. There were expectations of him and he can't afford to betray them. Still, he made it and soon enough he was waiting outside the room where he'll have to figure out how to be a highschool student.
"Come on in." He was called and he stepped into the room as confidently as he could, though the bit of sweat at his neck and brow may tell a different story.
"Please introduce yourself." He took a breath and looked out the crowd of students, their eyes looking like they're about to roast him alive.
"Noah LeClair. Fr-" He stopped, nearly introducing himself in English. "F-From England. Please call me Noah. Nice to meet you." His accent was very very apparent in his speech, not to mention he raised his hand to wave. "Noah-kun, here in Japan we bow when we meet new people." The advisor corrected and he quickly did as told....a bit too much as he bowed three times. A few giggles and chuckles reverberated around the room and his face turned a slight slight shade of red. "Well, now that we've finished, why don't you sit down over there in the back." "R-Right."
Such is his first day, walking awkwardly to the back of the class, avoiding gazes and quietly taking his seat....and wanting to see where he can hide.
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After a moment, she waves him over, still grinning. "I'll take that one," she says, pointing.
It's not the biggest cake, or even one of the more expensive ones; it's just a small single-serving round thing, with just a bit of decorative piping and several glossy red strawberries on top. Frankly, it's one of the most basic things in the whole case.
"I'll split with you, if you want, but it's the best thing they've got."
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"That's alright. You can have it. Excuse me." He paused with an 'ah' before switching to Japanese to make his order. The strawberry cake for her, a slice of apple pie for him, and two cups of coffee. He manages to order well enough as the cashier girl goes to prepare their order.
"So other than volleyball, going home, and ignoring homework, what else do you do, Ritsuka? Hobby-wise I mean." A beat. "Oh! I actually managed to say your name right. I must be getting better."