¦¦ Pearly's Writing Prize | Fanfiction ¦¦

Please keep in mind that the following will contain spoilers of the series, an extra warning towards those who dislike profanities/swearing, there are some written in here but is in no way excessive. There's also mentions of blood but just as accidental injuries.

Please also that this is fan fiction, I've written these characters to be a bit more different than how they are when Canon. It also means that the story here will flow a bit more cartoony since I wasn't going for complete realism here.

This writing is a prize for the , WisdomPearl.

Asano Gakushuu, an adept in most things, having a title out of many, one of the top students. A leader type who's thought out to be dependable and modest, he who stood in endless limelight's, someone like him is not to simply capitulate when he sets his eyes on an end result. It's clear to those especially close to him though that he looks down on those who aren't matched or above him, easily described to be similar to Asano Gakuho, his father.

It's hard to pinpoint the stage where it just felt natural, them not seeing eye to eye and the cold and unusual relationship they have as father and son. He finds it difficult to get along with the man normally but he does care for him.

The council room came to be lucidly lit when the plain curtains widened free, the area is empty and calm, the air breezing in is almost still. His back brushed against the seat when leaning back, the male's gaze fixated on paper sheets whilst his posture relaxed. Gakushu appeared restless but composed, the workload was more than the average can handle. He scorned at the memory of those useless student who dumped the work on the table freely, excuses sure, played along with their troubled little faces. Why are they here if they aren't competent enough to complete simple tasks? It seemed fruitless to whine or complain now, he might as well finish them quickly and worry about keeping schedule plans intact later.

As the student council president and top student, Gakushu is held responsible for both the reputation and performances of the student council and Class 3-A. Despite having such an ideal presence, he is far from being someone inhuman like his father.

He moved his head towards the side, his lips mouthing the last reading prints on the paper-sheet before setting it down. Moving towards the far windows, the male's arms extended and his hand hooked onto the curtains. Movements stopped while he made a pause, his eyes peering down, seeing the students of Class 3E entering through the gates and heading towards the forest mountain area surrounding their building. His expression turned sour, glaring at their playful attitude towards one another, childish as they are, Gakushu understands their frightening potential to excel in anything if they put their mind to it.

The door slid open, two students entering with their playful and loud bickering, of the council who ditched work as he recalled. Their faces clearly turned blue at the sight of him glaring daggers, Gakushu moved away from the windows and stepped towards the two who took a small step back. Stopping beside them, his lips curled when they started to break a sweat from nervousness, " I've completed the work you were having trouble with. Just please make sure to look over the notes I've written for you. The materials in there will help you next time, I trust that you'd find them easy to understand." he finished his sentence and flashed a more sure smile, shutting the entry door behind him. Leaning close towards each other, one whispered, " uhm hey. don't you think the president seemed a bit scary today? He's extremely pale as well..." said the student still nervous while their friend agreed upon their unsure statement. Upon feeling bad the two observed the notes over carefully, quickly being thankful and praising their president.

Gakushu quietly exhaled, his head resting against the hallway's wall, his palms glued to the wall to his position. "President?".

He slightly jumped at voice, his head turning towards the surprised student. "A-Are you alright? You seem unwell- I'll call for a te-".

"No.There's no need for that." he quickly interrupted the panicky student and sends them a small smile before moving away from the wall and facing them. "But President-!", the student stared in hesitance while they looked up and down from the floor and his smile. "Now. What did you need?" he raised an eye asking them calmly.

"It's Mr. Asano, he requests for your presence in his office..". Gakushu felt a familiar lump filling up his throat, his chest racing painfully. "Thank You."

He entered the dimly lit office once he faintly knocked on the door, shutting it quietly before approaching the middle area of the room quietly, his eyes focused on the opposite facing chair behind the wooden desk. The male's smile widened, his gaze looked vicious, "What do you need sir? Is there any news I haven't been informed of perhaps? As you know, I'm a busy man and is in a really foul mood, it'd be great if this was over quick.".

The chair swung around, having the man face the student, displaying a grim smile, "Wipe away that fierce gaze of yours son. I won't keep you here for long. I was just wondering if you would me for dinner at a table I've preempted for the night. It'd be nice to have some father and son time seeing as today is...".

"I hope you don't take me as some fool. I'm well aware that's not what you sent me in here for, father."

The two met eyes, their expressions dark and cold, simply covered over with a wide smile. Gakuho grinned at his son's quick reply, "Seems not. How were they? Class 3E. I expect that you are watching over them just fine no?", his tone changed to a curious grin.

Gakushu kept quiet while his stare turned blank, " 3-E...", his sight shifted towards the side while he clearly smirked. " They are an impressive bunch. Nonetheless, there was finally some entertainment around here.", his gaze moved back towards the man, grinning under his breath the male leaned forward. "Other than that, I don't see anything special about the students. Though I suspected it's something to do with those teachers of theirs. Hence your sudden interest. The plan of following your ideals were at risk is that it? You had also failed to take care of them and was beat, I wonder who ordered them to.", it felt a little harder to breathe, the air inside the dark room felt tight, the male felt as if he was being strangled by it.

A hand slammed onto the desk, a loud thump that slightly startled the boy, " That's quite enough young man. I myself failed to deal with them and there isn't a need to now. Don't try anything. Your last fail proved enough. That'll be all."

The boy's hand trembled, soon clutching together when he averted his gaze, a splitting headache along with his head burning up, "I understand. Tasks in the student council are well sorted as usual, nothing.. new."

Gakushu frowned his eyes while smiling after a few moments of silence, turning and heading for the door.

"The dinner offer is still up son, what do you say?".

He stopped in place, a quiet exhale being heard before seeing the door open and shut, Gakusho turning his seat back 180.

His palms covered over his uncontrollable smile, "Hmph. The boy is sounding responsible so soon. How did i get so lucky with you Gakushu." , he does a spin on his chair before making a sudden stop. The old man sighed deeply while picking up his office phone, "I should order plenty. He has gotten so skinny and pale."

He slammed shut and locked the bathroom stall door and sat down on the toilet seat, panting roughly while he crouched up. His fingers dug into his legs when he hugged his knees tightly, his back leaned in. The male's teeth grind against each other, his pale lips trembling when he mumbled in whispers " I have to make room in the schedule for the rooftop and lunch benches problem." His teeth dug deep into his thumb while the panting gradually became heavier, his head becoming numb with his vision turning hazy. "Faculty meeting talk. extra studies. club reminders. sponsor handles. I won't have time." his eyes shut tightly while sitting up straight. "I could ask the 4 dorks maybe to.. No. you're council president just figure it out on your own without any nuisance. That old man would just go on about it endlessly if I end up making mistakes. I'll do fine by myself, that's just what I'm capable of.", his faint mutters echoed throughout the empty bathroom stalls. His hand reached up and placed itself over his apricot silk hair, putting strength into their fingers Gakushu slightly tugged on them while his eyes teared up, keeping in any whimpers. "how..tiring."

Tomoya, who sat still watching his leader in painful silence. Was his president always this quiet? Teppei, another member of the Big Five, in the same room, in the same painful silence. He moved over to Tomoya, flapping his work sheet in a 'come closer' gesture, whispering in his mate's ear he said "Ahem. is Gakushu good? He looks like a cow who got his bell stolen or something..--". Natsuhiko immediately used the 'pssst' card to silence them, nervously mumbling under his breath, "what cow?! Just shut up man- he'll hear us. It's already awkward enough!".

"Hm what's this?", the three jumped, dropping their work when Ren butted in without notice, appearing out of nowhere. Ren frowned and huffed, loudly speaking to his fellow pals, "Oh boo hoo. what's with the reaction I've been here the entire time! Let me be in your talk man--". The four were silenced when they heard an audible bang from the opposite direction, "If you're not going to finish work seriously and just babble then I highly recommend you bunch leave. You're just a bother."

The boys stared, dazed from the cold tone their tired mate had spoken in. He seemed out of breath, his eyes clouded with stress while sweat ran down his pale skin like traveling bullets, Ren took a small gulp and made a step forward flashing a jittery smile, "Gakushu- Are you feeling alright? Y-you can go ahead and rest in the infirmary while we take care of things oka--". The male took a step back in shock when a stapler barely missed his face, being thrown and crashing against the wall then dropping. Gakushu's lips hesitantly curled up, smirking forcibly while his gaze sharpens "Take care of things? I bet you'll just ditch it and dump it all on me. You morons can't even complete simple paper sorting without gossiping like children.Who are you trying to kid? Get out."

"Asano calm down! we're just trying to-". Teppei stopped his sentence when he felt his hand tremble at the piercing gaze pricking him, it wasn't just him, the others felt it as well. Gakushu turned away and moved from the desk but stumbled a bit, holding onto the desk edge to hold himself up. His chest is tightening, his cheeks burning a rose red "Sorry. Just leave early. I'll handle the rest. I'm sure you're already tired.". Ren reached out his hand to grab his mate, they were beyond concerned " Gakushu you're not well don't be silly and rest."

He turned his gaze and looked over to his companion, dumbfounded, "Not well? Rest??". The male gritted his teeth, coldly slapping away the hand approaching him, his glare filled with resentment "I'm stubborn. Not stupid. I know, but it's none of your concern so keep out of it. Ren, don't cross any unnecessary line. We're long term friends but that doesn't give you any rights to tell me what to do. ", he groaned painfully, moving away. The boy grinned and faced away, " there is already one too much doing just that.".

Gakushu bit down on his lips when he saw his friend's somber face, "as you wish, President."

He quietly watched the four leave and shut the door tight, his eyes shot down at the work pile, his exhausted sigh came out loud. "My temper is ridiculous today.", his fingers rummaged and spread the sheet while his free hand reached out to pull his chair back in. A strike of pain and pitch black ed by his head and vision, his knees dropping onto the floor, his arm smashing against the desk in front, an attempt to save his fall although his forehead collided against the desk's edge.

" Shit! " he gasped and breathed out heavily while pigmented blood ran down his forehead and down to his chin, his head leaning against the desk as he stayed sitting for a bit.

"Dumb-ass.", his hand reached up for his wound and wincing at the touch. Covering the napkin taken from his drawers over the cut, he stood back up and dropped down on his chair sighing. His arm resting over his eyes when he leaned back, " I need to finish before lock up."

As a young child, he grew up through the years looking up to his father. It was just at one point that it felt a bit much, it was all fun and filled with excitement in the past, hearing praises and encouragement from the man he thought out to be his irable hero. Hearing him not only point out but rather help build the boy's flaws into wonders that would continue to need hard work for proper growth. It was hard for the young naive boy to understand things when the happy tone just abruptly shifted away. It's now just often uneasy to be around his so-called hero, the distance always grew further away the harder he tries.

The firmament grew murkier while the clouds appeared to hold heavy rain, Gakushu shoved in his loafers and shut close his locker and slid on his shoes. His finger further pushed the tissue sheets in hand to cover and block the blood dripping down from his nostrils, the tissues almost drenched and painted with cruor on one side. He wasn't expecting a bleeding from the nose at the end of finishing those work piles but was impressed with himself, he finished earlier than estimated.

His ride pulled the brakes and stopped in front of the usual gate, the boy exiting through the car door and shutting it close while keeping his flower batch close in his arms. He stepped onto the grounds and walked through the gate, locating his mother's grave and quietly heading towards it when he noticed his uncle was already at the spot holding a lit incense in hand. He settles down beside him and lowered his head once facing the gravestone. After sorting the flowers and placing them in their vases, his uncle finished up with the offerings while Gakushu hung his bucket over and poured water over the grave.

He finished paying his respects and walked back to the gate with his relative, "Uncle. Has father been here today?". His eyes raised after seeing him shook his head, "...that's strange. He's usually early. Every year".

The boy saw his uncle off, deciding to stick around for a bit, going straight home isn't going to do him much on the relaxation part.

The male's hand ran through strands of his hair, pushing it back when his free hand loosened the buttons on his collar.

"Hm?"

A ball of fur lying on the dirt ground near caught his attention, after a moment of silence, he walked up to the being and crouched down. A soft purr being heard made the flustered Gakushu blink. "What a beautiful pair of eyes.", to be intimidated by the creature's piercing eyes that can compare to a Tsavorite, the boy was interested. He quickly noticed the injured leg, a flash of thought blinked by as he saw that no collar was on the creature. " a stray? I should be able to get him treated."

His body jumped when he felt the fee-line claw gently onto his arms and held onto it, "hah. meow is it?".

The male's eyes moved down to his wrist watch, agreeing that there's still a bit left to fool around, he stood up, holding the creature close while making his way out and onto the path, finding the nearest store to grab snacks before stopping at a park. He rested down on a big swing, setting the cat onto his lap, his fingertips brushing against its jet black coat. "My head no longer hurts after all that. Don't go ruining my mood and claw me okay...Cat. I'll just call you Cat." he blankly smiled while the creature punched the boy.

Gakushu sighed in relief as his gaze turned cold when petting Cat, "Mind if I talk for a bit? Say no and I'll sprinkle the water on you." The creature blinked while nervously sweating at his words, so it doesn't have a choice?

"I feel as if. I'm always off this time around. Since it's mother's death anniversary, father becomes more cranky and I'm less composed around others along with being distracted whenever I'll finish work. Sure. " he leans back and hugs the creature. "There's people saying I need to rest or rely more on others. They think I'm a fool for shouldering it all. It sucks that I lost my temper and seemed unreasonable but no sane person would want things to be harder for themselves. It just seems way more exhausting to take the help. I somehow feel weak for doing so, maybe the past glued to me more than I had calculated. I'll work on it."

"I miss mother's voice. It was ridiculous of me to pretend like I've moved on back then. All I got out of it was that man's feral-like behavior."

"I should make up with those dorks tomorrow and apologize. As for the old geezer, it is what it is." he ended his talk with that in a sarcastic tone. His eyes lowered while his smile weakened, " Was I insensitive? The things I said to the others. Especially Ren?"

Cat stared up at Gakushu, tilting it's head to the side after swaying it's tail. "I like you. I'll take you home with me and get you checked up tomorrow. Aren't you lucky? Even if it's a little girl that's your owner and somehow lost your collar, not handing you over. " his smile seemed more, scary? The creature's shaking mate.

The boy's head moved down when he heard his phone vibrating, once taken out, he checked the messages sent and completely fell silent. After the lost pause, small mutters eventually came out of his lips, " Father. he collapsed."

The vehicle pulled up at the front driveway, Gakushu leaving the car and heading up the stairs with Cat clung to his arms, his head still burned red, heat fuming while he was easily out of breath, the boy rushed through the entry door and was directed to the room where Gakuho was resting at. Leaving Cat with a house cleaner, the male walked towards the room and knocked twice on the door before entering, his face displayed an uneasy and worried look when he saw his father's Doctor standing beside the bed the man was resting in. He moved over to a chair set beside the bed and sat down, changing his expression, "Doctor. How is he" .

"Mr. Asano is perfectly healthy. He ed out due to lack of rest, looking at his usual schedule, it's taboo he even lasted this long."

Gakushu looked up at the Doctor before glancing at his father who opened his eyes and sat up, "I see, thank you. I'll be taking my leave then."

"Wait, son. It was unfortunate that I wasn't able to go with you this year. I'll get dressed and at least attend tonight's booked dinner." Gakuho reached out to grab his son's arm, having an amazing grip around it.

The boy looked back, clenching his teeth while his glare looked grim, "Hm, What's the purpose of this dinner? It'll simply end the same way, like usual. You've always taken out your anger on others and have them suffer because you couldn't handle blaming yourself. Does approaching me this way after so many years make you feel like some saint? Like a father? but what about after this play.. what more? do you wish to blame me again for letting mother run out that day after your rampage?"

His eyes widened as he jolted, the painful and heavy blast to his red and swelling cheek, he felt the slap his father made stinging. A shadow hung over his lit eyes that averted, "Let go of me, sir.".

"Sorry, Go and cool yourself off Gakushu."

After the boy had left, the doctor who was clearly awkward the entire time jumped when Gakuho spoke again, "leave some medication for colds on the table."

"Colds?"

Gakushu shut the door to his room and saw no point in locking it. He stepped back and sat down on his bed, falling backwards as his body felt heavier. There goes calming down, his mood didn't get any better and he riled up his father. He didn't mean to bring any of that up again but his terrible state just keeps making him slip up, it's not like him to become all nervous and anxious. The boy's eyes soon became wet with tears, his teeth biting into his tongue to shut himself up. "I've never blamed him for it yet I dare use it on him." he continued softly muttering through his tears, the male's hand rubbed against and covered over the red mark on his cheek. "Amazing. his terrifying strength."

The messy strands of hair brushing against his cheek fell to the side as he opened up his eyes. He sat up and groaned loudly, feeling the gust of wind hit and by him. His eyes were shown as slightly swollen and dry from tears, he faced a direction and noticed the open window, his gaze traveling up, he then saw a wet cloth resting on his forehead. The male moved over to the medicine laying on the desk and reached out to carefully grab the clear glass of water and tablet packet, gulping and washing down the pills.

Gakushu turned his attention towards the door opening and shutting, seeing his father entering the room.

He isn't the play ignore type so it'd be best to keep speaking out his mind, "Oh? Have you recovered?".

With a frightening look in his eyes, Gakuho returned the smile immediately, his aura filling the room purple,anyone in it would easily be crushed with lack of air, though its all exaggeration, the feeling isn't too far from it, "I guess i was wrong about you being grown up son. Not properly taking care of yourself are you?"

His eyes can't help but display slight irritation, "No need to worry father, I'm no average 'kid' so I'll get over the cold by morning.", no response was given right away, just a calm exchange of quiet stares.

"Don't be stupid. Given how you are now, it'll be better if you have the day off tomorrow." the man explained it clearly as he took the wet cloth and pressed it into the bowl of water. "Perhaps i should wear my new apron and take care of you once I'm home, mm." Gakuho broke character and went off into a quick dreamworld.

"I'd die."

"I'll inform the council of your absence. I heard from your little friends earlier that you were behaving strangely and looked ill."

Gakushu quickly frowned as he heard, "I told them not to..".

"Now now don't be upset. I'm sure they were only worried." his hand moved over to his son's forehead, checking his temperature.

"and. that cat."

The boy jolted up grabbing his father by the wrist and slightly twisting it, his breathing turning heavy, "What did you do with Cat? I won't forgive you if you threw it back on the streets with that injury old man." his way of speaking sounded rough.

" Old- Don't panic. 'Cat' was treated while you were unconscious, it isn't in any physical danger now but checking up with a professional is still needed." he shook off his hand, sitting the boy down.

The boy deeply sighed in a relieved way.

"I must ask. What's with the normal father like behavior, it's a bit strange coming from you" he asked, slightly curious.

"???"

"Was I not the father type?"

He shook it off and rolled over," Crazy loser is to say the least."

Gakuho grinned, it's hard to figure out if it's scary or a natural reaction, "Is that so".

"Hey. before you leave, just to visit mother tomorrow, she'll be sad if her feral husband suddenly stopped showing up", Gakushu scratched the back of his neck in silence when he heard the door shut.

Nothing much has really changed from today, the two aren't ready to move on in a flash and their relationship hasn't gone through miracles and worked out, but it's been awhile since they understood that they'll need patience, after graduation will be another step forward to moving past things. Nothing's starting fresh, it's just a growth that'll need continuation on being built until a goal has been reached while another forms.

The student attended school as usual the day after, surprised when he saw work being done and the students were more than extra in saying how worried and sorry they were. Gakushu barely managed to handle the chumminess but it was clear as day that it put the boy in a better mood.

Cat was checked up and brought into the Asano household, Gakushu continues to have one-sided complaining and babbles with the creature daily, its surprising how much locked up stress and arguments there is in this child's head, Gakuho is dejected every time he meets it since Cat seemed to like hissing at the man.

The father and son never went on that dinner, they just stuck with their usual silent dinners at home.

A coloured doodle of Gakushu and Cat I did when having trouble writing and just relaxed,,