NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Jokes about Parents
(It's a normal school day at PK Academy. Saiki is sitting at his desk, staring out the window, already annoyed.)
Saiki (thinking): Yare yare, another school day. Can't I just get a holiday to stay home? Not like they'd let me enjoy it. Here they come…
(Aren walks into the classroom with a forced smile. Kaidou and Hairo are already chatting nearby.)
Kaido: Yo, Saiki! Saiki-kun! Saiki!
Saiki (thinking): Why do they think saying my name a hundred times will make me listen? I'm not deaf,though I wish I was, just to escape these conversations.
(Aren joins the group, quieter than usual. Saiki watches at him, already sensing something is off.)
Saiki (thinking): Aren's faking it again. What happened this time?
Hairo: Hey, Aren! You've been kinda quiet today. Everything okay?
Aren (forcing a laugh): Yeah, i am fine.
Saiki (thinking): Fine ,huh classic lie.
(Saiki sighs as he hears Aren's thoughts.)
Aren (thinking): Why didn't I say something? I should've punched that guy for making those jokes about my parents. Now I can't stop thinking about it…
(Saiki's expression doesn't change, but he's already tired of the drama.)
Kaido: Don't worry, Aren! I bet it's the Dark Reunion's fault. They're trying to mess with your head again!
Aren (snapping): Kaido, not everything is about the Dark Reunion!
Kaido: That's exactly what they'd want you to say!
(Saiki sighs in his head again.)
Saiki (thinking): Why do I have to listen to this nonsense so early in the day?
Hairo: I know what'll help, Aren! Let's hit the gym after school. Punching something always clears my head.
(Aren hesitates but nods. Saiki watches, knowing where this is going.)
Saiki (thinking): Good. Maybe he'll stop sulking if he punches a bag instead of regretting not punching someone.
Later, at the gym.
Hairo: Alright, Aren! Let it all out!
(Aren punches the bag hard, his frustration pouring out.)
Aren (thinking): Next time, I won't freeze. I'll shut them up. They'll regret messing with me.
(Saiki watches from the corner, arms crossed.)
Saiki (thinking): Great. Now he's imagining a future fight. At least he's stopped whining about the past.
(Aren steps back, breathing heavily, but smiling for real this time.)
Aren: Thanks, Hairo. I feel better now.
Hairo: That's the spirit! Now let's do 100 push-ups!
(Saiki turns to leave, shaking his head.)
Saiki (thinking): Problem solved. Now, if only I could get a holiday from their endless drama.