[Shujin students had always been horrible about gossip. the rumors that flew around school when Akira first arrived-- he has a criminal record, he assaulted someone for no reason, don't get involved with him or he'll attack you on sight, he's so incredibly dangerous!-- are still fresh in his mind this soon after his transfer. and while he had always let them roll off of his shoulders (who cared about what a bunch of strangers thought, anyway?) the new ones that suddenly fly up, whispered in the hallways and in the student bathrooms, kind of take him off guard]
[he'd almost assume that this new batch of gossip was about him, if there weren't mentions of a school with which he was familiar-- where is True Cross, anyway? it doesn't take much eavesdropping to realize they're talking about the new kid in Ryuji's class. the spiky headed kid, who seems to keep to himself (or is forced to stay by himself, because no one will associate with him) and yet always wears a smile nonetheless. Ryuji and Akira decide right away to approach him, because as Shujin's resident problem children, of course they do]
[unfortunately, Ryuji isn't around when Akira catches Rin walking home from school. something about having to run some errands for his mom before heading home. but that doesn't stop Akira from letting out a thoughtful hum and approaching, hands in his pockets, shoulders slouched]
no subject
[he'd almost assume that this new batch of gossip was about him, if there weren't mentions of a school with which he was familiar-- where is True Cross, anyway? it doesn't take much eavesdropping to realize they're talking about the new kid in Ryuji's class. the spiky headed kid, who seems to keep to himself (or is forced to stay by himself, because no one will associate with him) and yet always wears a smile nonetheless. Ryuji and Akira decide right away to approach him, because as Shujin's resident problem children, of course they do]
[unfortunately, Ryuji isn't around when Akira catches Rin walking home from school. something about having to run some errands for his mom before heading home. but that doesn't stop Akira from letting out a thoughtful hum and approaching, hands in his pockets, shoulders slouched]
Yo.
[of course he isn't wary?? OF COURSE HE ISN'T]