The moment their homeroom teacher, Hoshinomiya-sensei, stepped out of the classroom, Toji was already moving. Without a single backward glance, he followed her out, his bag slung casually over his shoulder.
The low buzz of chatter that immediately filled the room—murmurs of surprise, disappointment, and lingering excitement—seemed to fade around him, unable to penetrate the bubble of his indifference. It was as if the sounds belonged to another world entirely, one he had no interest in acknowledging.
…
[Class B-1]
Inside the classroom, the atmosphere shifted. Several girls, who had clearly been hoping for a chance to interact with the famous model now in their midst, visibly deflated. Their earlier excitement crumpled into slumped shoulders and disappointed sighs. It wasn't every day your idol became your classmate, only to pointedly ignore everyone.
Noticing the downturn in mood immediately, Ichinose stepped forward, her presence naturally drawing eyes. Her expression was gentle, understanding.
"Everyone," she began, her voice warm and clear, effectively cutting through the gloomy pockets of conversation. The disappointed girls looked up, their attention caught by her gentle and calm demeanor.
When she had their focus, she continued kindly, "Maybe we could give Fushiguro-kun a little space to settle in? Seeing him leave like that... well, perhaps meeting so many new people at once is a bit overwhelming for him." She scanned their faces, reading their reactions.
"Think about it – if everyone rushed him all at once, it might be pretty stressful, right? Why don't we try taking things slow? Let's create a comfortable atmosphere where he feels okay approaching us when he's ready."
A wave of understanding seemed to pass through the students who had been most eager. Ichinose's words gently reframed their own eagerness, making them consider how assertive, maybe even unsettling, their collective attention might have appeared.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed some faces; the last thing they wanted was for him to dislike them from the start.
Ichinose added, offering a reassuring perspective:
"I'm sure Fushiguro-kun is very professional, given his work. He's probably used to attention to some degree." She paused thoughtfully.
"But being a model doesn't automatically mean someone is comfortable with constant, intense focus from strangers in their personal space, especially at school. He might just need time to adjust, or maybe he's naturally a bit reserved."
She offered a small, polite bow, a gesture of request rather than demand.
"So, let's just focus on being welcoming to everyone and getting along as a class. We can show him we're friendly without crowding him, okay?" Her suggestion, rooted in empathy for both Toji's potential feelings and her classmates' social concerns, effectively soothed the disappointment and guided them towards a more considerate approach.
"Ichinose is absolutely right!" Immediately, Mako Amikura nodded firmly in agreement. Her earnest gaze sweeping over the other girls.
"Think about it – how would you feel if a bunch of people you just met suddenly swarmed you? Giving him some breathing room is definitely the way to go."
"Mmm, yes. It's much kinder to be patient. If we make the classroom feel welcoming, maybe he'll feel more comfortable joining in later." Chihiro Shiranami added her softer voice, nodding along.
Hearing Ichinose's words echoed by her friends seemed to solidify the understanding among the other classmates.
"Yeah... Ichinose-san has a point," one girl admitted, looking a bit sheepish. "I guess I got a little carried away. Seeing him in person was just... wow."
"You're right. We were probably coming on way too strong. It might have looked kind of creepy." Another student sighed lightly. A murmur of agreement went through the small group.
"Okay, okay, lesson learned," said a third student with a nod towards Ichinose. "Give him space. We can do that. Thanks for pointing it out, Ichinose-san; I wouldn't want us to scare him off on the first day."
A sense of collective agreement settled over the classroom. Slowly, the students' attention drifted away from the empty doorway where Toji had disappeared. Conversations picked up again, buzzing with the energy of new beginnings – plans for after school, initial impressions of classmates, and exploring the unfamiliar school grounds.
Naturally, occasional mentions of the famous model in their class and admiration for Ichinose's handling of the situation were always brought up in their chatter. However, by the time the students excitedly began heading out in groups to explore the school's facilities, the immediate sting of Toji's abrupt departure had largely faded, overshadowed by the broader prospect of their new school life.
…
On the other hand, Toji was still in the Academic block, walking carelessly inside the second-year building. He walked inside like he owns the place, and is on leisure walk in the park. The second-year students seemed to notice him, their murmurs reaching his ears easily.
'Hm? Annoying buzz,' Toji thought, his expression unchanging, bored even. He didn't even bother glancing directly at the source of the whispers. 'Like flies bumping against glass. Pointless noise.' His sharp ears picked up the gist easily enough, even without focusing.
"Hey, look. Who's that guy?" One of the Upperclassmen nudged his friend, eyeing Toji.
"Huh? Never seen him. Definitely a first-year. They all enrolled today." One of them muttered, in confusion, his voice was loud enough to attract the attention of other students that were still present.
"A freshman? Seriously? What's he doing just waltzing through our building?"
Generally First-Year students won't venture into Upperclassmens area, unless it's important. And the very Freshmen who seem to carefree roaming in there doesn't seem to add up.
"Maybe he's lost? Some firsties get turned around easily."
"Lost? Really? Look at him strollin'. He looks about as lost as a shark in water. More like he doesn't give a damn where he is."
"He's got some nerve, I'll give him that. Just... ignoring everyone."
"It's disrespectful! Acting like he owns the corridor. Should we tell him to scram?"
"Look, maybe he is looking for someone specific? Let's not jump on him yet. But keep an eye out. If he heads towards the third-year block or starts trouble, then maybe we step in... or get Nagumo."
"Good point. Don't want to start beef over nothing. Still... creepy dude."
"Yeah. Definitely creepy."
These were some of the boys speaking aloud, and didn't even try to hide their confusion(?) and jealousy.
"Oh my god, Yuki! Look! It's him!" Eyes wide, clutching her friend's arm. Her eyes, wide and sparkling with disbelief, were glued to the figure strolling down the hallway.
"No way... Toji Fushiguro? Here?! In our building?" Yuki's breath hitched, her gaze following Maya's.
"Seriously?! It is him! The model? The one who just did that huge campaign?" Joining their huddle, another senior voice hushed with excitement.
"What's he even doing up here? I thought the first-years were already gone... wait, is he... visiting someone?"
"Who cares?! He's here! And he looks even better in person." Maya didn't care about logistics.
"Right? He has that 'too cool for school' vibe, literally. Like, he models for a living, why would he care about enrolling in our school rules? His future is already set."
"He looks exactly like in his photoshoots, but somehow more... real? And maybe even more intimidating?"
"Yeah, that's the 'bad boy' image they sell, but seeing it up close... it's intense."
"Imagine having classes with him... or just seeing him in the halls every day. This school suddenly got a hundred times more interesting." Sighing dreamily.
"Do you think... Do you think he knows everyone's staring? Of course he does, he's used to it. But he acts like he doesn't even notice us."
"That's part of the appeal, isn't it? The unattainable idol walking among mere mortals."
"Well, unattainable or not, I'm definitely adding this to my 'most unexpected things that happened today' list."
Their chat continued but their focus remained on Toji.
His eyes scanned the hallway, taking in the architecture, the slight differences from the first-year block, utterly unconcerned by the gawking onlookers still murmuring somewhere behind him. 'Same construction, just smells a bit older,' he registered absently.
Toji noticed that the classroom is the same as the one in the first-year building, equipped with Whiteboard, TV-Screen, but not quite 40 student tables.
'Forty seats are standard for funding, usually.' His gaze sharpened infinitesimally, the lazy detachment momentarily overlaid with sharp, automatic analysis. 'Missing two. Breakage they haven't replaced? Or maybe a smaller class size this year? Weeding out the runts early, maybe.'
'Doesn't matter much either way.' The flicker of analytical interest died as quickly as it arose. Not his concern.
He didn't bother to enter the classroom. Leaning against the doorframe, a hand shoved casually in his pocket, Toji's eyes scanned the numbers on the notice board. Another hand idly scratched the back of his neck, a picture of utter disinterest.
'Points, huh?' he mused, his gaze flickered back to the numbers, a flicker of something sharp behind the lazy droop of his eyelids.
His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, taking in the vast gulf between the top and the rest. Class A way out in front. The others… a gradual, pathetic decline. He didn't know the exact mechanics behind these points, but the spread spoke a universal language he understood perfectly. Power. Dominance.
××××××
[April]
Class A: 1954
Class B: 1198
Class C: 883
Class D: 754
××××××
'Hierarchy,' The word was soft, a mere breath carrying the weight of his understanding. It wasn't a question or a surprise, just an observation of the obvious. His lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk.
'This school has already established the pecking order. Interesting. 'At least they're not pretending otherwise. Makes things cleaner.' He wondered briefly if Class A earned their spot, or if they just knew how to play the game better. His gaze lingered on their score for a beat longer, then he pushed off the wall, continuing his lazy exploration.
"Aren't you first-year students? What are you doing here in the Second year building?" The voice, brimming with an almost theatrical confidence.
The sudden hush in the bustling second-year hallway was almost comical. All eyes swiveled, drawn by a voice that wasn't just loud, but practically dripped with self-assuredness.
The man who posed it not as a question, but as a mild reprimand, expecting immediate deference. His light blue eyes, sharp and assessing, lingered on Toji, a flicker of something akin to curiosity—or perhaps territoriality—in their depths.
'First years, wandering into our territory? Ballsy, or just lost lambs. But this one…' His gaze lingered on Toji. 'He doesn't react like the usual rabble. The way he stands, utterly unbothered… almost insolent. Interesting. Still, hardly a threat to someone of my caliber.' His internal monologue was a constant affirmation of his own superiority, a quick assessment followed by dismissal.
Toji, for his part, paused with the languid grace of an interrupted mid-yawn.
Toji's movement was minimal, almost insultingly slow. He paused, mid-stride, turning his head with the lazy economy of a large cat disturbed from a nap. His dark red eyes, flat and unreadable, met Nagumo's bright blue ones. There was no flicker of surprise, intimidation, or even recognition. Just… observation.
The comparison was immediate and stark. Nagumo, with his polished appearance and self-assured stance, certainly drew the eye.
But next to Toji, it was like placing a brightly colored songbird beside a silent, powerful hawk. The sheer indifference radiating from Toji seemed to dim Nagumo's inherent vibrancy.
'Blondie likes the sound of his own voice,' Toji registered, his mind processing with detached speed. A quick scan took in the tailored uniform, the confident posture, the expectant look.
'Grade-A narcissist. Thinks his position makes him king.' It was a type he'd encountered countless times – energetic, driven, desperate for validation disguised as authority.
'Sees himself as the main character. Predictable.' His gaze briefly flickered to the other first-year, noting the slight nervousness, before returning to Nagumo. 'This one's the leader, the peacock.' His gaze flickered over Nagumo, a quick sweep.
'Neat. Thinks he's hot stuff. They usually do.' He registered the slight arrogance in Nagumo's tone, the expectation of compliance.
'Another one who mistakes confidence for… something else.' He has met hundreds or rather even thousands of men like Nagumo.
And now his attention was drawn towards this golden retriever who seemed to be gentle on the surface.
Seeing Toji's expressionless face, Nagumo felt a prickle of annoyance at the utter lack of reaction. Where was the stammering? The wide-eyed respect?
'Nothing? Interesting. Is he shy or just slow? Rather Deaf? Or deliberately ignoring me? Preposterous!' Yet, beneath the offense, a sliver of something else crept in – an unease sparked by Toji's unnerving calm.
It was like looking at a perfectly still lake and suspecting something massive lurked beneath. He quickly plastered on his most winning smile, the one usually reserved for charming teachers or disarming rivals.
"My apologies, I haven't introduced myself," Nagumo announced, his voice regaining its smooth, magnanimous tone. He extended a hand, a gesture of calculated grace.
"Miyabi Nagumo. Class 2-A." He paused for effect, letting the name hang in the air. "I am your Vice Student Council President, and," he added with a confident tilt of his head, "the next Student Council President." He watched Toji's face closely, anticipating the dawning recognition, the shift in attitude.
"So," Nagumo continued, keeping the smile firmly in place, though his eyes were sharper now, "what business brings you kouhai to the second-year building? Shouldn't you be exploring the designated first-year areas? They're all quite similar, really, just… newer." The implication was clear: You don't belong here, and there's nothing special for you anyway.
Toji's gaze drifted lazily from Nagumo's face down to the offered hand, then back up again. He didn't move to take it. The silence stretched, punctuated only by the distant murmur of students further down the hall.
Then, a soft exhale, barely audible.
"Lost," Toji said, his voice a low, monotone rumble completely devoid of inflection or concern. His eyes, however, held a glint of something coolly, almost mocking.
They swept over Nagumo once more, a final, dismissive assessment.
'All flash, no substance. Barely worth the effort.' The sheer, unadulterated confidence radiating from Toji wasn't loud or boastful like Nagumo's; it was intrinsic, effortless, and deeply intimidating in its quiet certainty.
That was life. Nagumo's smile tightened fractionally. The hand remained awkwardly outstretched for a second too long before he retracted it, trying to maintain his air of casual command. But the interaction hadn't gone as planned.
This rude first-year hadn't been impressed, intimidated, or charmed. He'd simply… looked, and dismissed. And for a fleeting, infuriating moment, Nagumo felt profoundly, uncharacteristically, ordinary.
The carefully constructed image flickered. This wasn't the difference he expected. This was… nothing. And that nothing felt disturbingly like a failure.
"I see, if you are lost, you should follow, turn back, and take left and downstairs." Nagumo, hiding the flicker of irritation behind his practiced smile, quickly gave the directions. The sheer lack of deference was galling, almost insulting.
He felt a spike of anger towards this impassive first-year, but quickly suppressed it, mentally categorizing the boy as merely a foolish, perhaps slightly dense, kouhai who simply didn't understand the hierarchy and school rule yet. Thinking about it, his mood returns back to his usual demeanour.
'Still… that reaction, or lack thereof. It's worth noting his evaluation file when the time comes,' he made a quick mental note, already filing the face away.
Toji gave him a small, curt nod – a gesture devoid of gratitude or any real acknowledgement – before turning his back with the same unhurried pace and walking towards the exit Nagumo indicated. He disappeared down the stairwell without a backward glance.
The moment Toji was out of sight, the suspended animation of the hallway broke. Nagumo stood for a beat, watching the empty space where the first-year had been, before turning back to the assembled students, his charming facade fully restored.
Immediately, a pair of second-year girls fluttered closer, their expressions a mixture of admiration and concern.
"Nagumo-senpai, are you okay?" one asked, her voice laced with sympathy.
"Honestly, that first-year seemed a bit rude, just walking off like that!" the other chimed in, shaking her head slightly. "He was quite handsome, though, wasn't he?" she added, lowering her voice.
"Maybe just intimidated by you? You should forgive him, Nagumo-kun; he had no idea about the future Student Council President! Or this school."
Further down the corridor, small groups of boys exchanged hushed words and knowing glances. Low hisses cut through the chatter.
"Thought for sure Nagumo was gonna put him in his place."
"Yeah, weird he let him go so easily."
"He looked totally unfazed, that first-year..."
"Maybe Nagumo's planning something? You don't just ignore him like that."
There was a palpable undercurrent of expectation, a slight disappointment that the potential drama had fizzled out so quickly, replaced by speculation.
Nagumo let out a light, dismissive chuckle, skillfully drawing the attention back to himself and away from the whispers.
"Ah, think nothing of it," he said, addressing the girls but projecting his voice for the benefit of the wider audience. He waved a hand airily.
"Just a lost little freshman, clearly overwhelmed. It happens." He offered a reassuring, confident smile.
'Forgive him?' The thought was almost amusing. 'Why waste energy on someone so insignificant? Rude, yes. Handsome? Not as me.' The boy's passive confidence was annoying, a discordant note, but ultimately, Nagumo reasoned, meaningless.
This kouhai was just a background character. 'Let the others gossip. They see confrontation as strength. Real power lies in deciding who is even worth confronting.'
He subtly adjusted his collar, a small gesture reclaiming his poise.
"Now," he announced, smoothly steering the conversation back, his blue eyes scanning the nearby students, re-establishing his command of the space, "regarding the upcoming exam..." The energy shifted back to him, the brief interruption already being framed as a minor, forgettable incident by the sheer force of his personality.
The hallway slowly resumed its normal rhythm, orbiting around Nagumo once more. Yet, for Nagumo himself, the image of those flat, unimpressed red eyes lingered, a faint, unwelcome static beneath the surface of his carefully managed world.
××××
A/N: It's a very long chapter, 3K words without this Author node. Please gimme power stones for it.
Anyways, I was against the idea of having a Toji personality similar to JJK Toji, but I think it's the best personality already.
He doesn't have the memory of Fushiguro Toji(JJK), But his personality will.
However, there's no Jujutsu Sorcerer in this, there's no hatred, so I think I'll make up for this by making him more shrewd, and dark. You will know in future.
I'll try to improve my schedule, by 1 chapters/2 days, or more of a weekly days based upload schedule, taking one day break for catch up with the source material or thinking about the personalities of the characters inside the light novel.
I generally watch the Anime Episode, and read the light novel chapters, relevant to the characters to get more depth to characters. But it has limitations, as Class-B or other classes besides Class-D don't have enough exposure to all the characters. Or even when they are introduced, they later become irrelevant. So I just made them based on wiki information.
I'll see what I can do in future. I want more drafts, so I will have to write more. (っ˘̩╭╮˘̩)っ
I'll do what I see fit.