7 years later...
Daily Life of Your Lazy Genius
(Rem's POV)
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!
A sharp, repetitive screech clawed at my eardrums, dragging me out of whatever blissful dream I had been enjoying. My eyelids flickered, barely cracking open as I let out a slow, miserable yawn. With all the enthusiasm of a corpse, I blindly reached out, my fingers fumbling over my nightstand in search of the infernal device.
After what felt like an eternity, my hand finally found its target—the alarm clock. Without even looking, I jabbed at the power button, silencing the relentless noise. Peace, at last.
For a moment, I considered just flopping back onto my pillow and surrendering myself to sleep again. But, unfortunately, the day had other plans. With a sigh that carried the weight of all my regrets, I forced myself into a sitting position, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as if that would somehow convince my body to function properly.
"Ahh… morning again, huh?" I muttered, my voice hoarse from sleep.
My gaze lazily drifted around my room, taking in the familiar sight of the golden morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. The warm glow illuminated the space in soft hues, casting long shadows across the floor.
I swept my eyes over the usual suspects—windows, cupboards, wardrobes, and…
My thoughts stalled. My vision locked onto something unfamiliar, something that didn't belong in my daily routine of minimal effort and maximum comfort.
A neatly pressed uniform. Brand new. Ironed to perfection. Hanging just outside my wardrobe like some kind of ominous herald of responsibility.
Ah.
Reality crashed down on me like a tidal wave.
"Right… high school starts today."
I exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of my neck. So much for hoping it was all just a bad dream.
With a yawn that could rival the roar of a lion—if lions were perpetually exhausted—I stretched lazily, cracking my back with all the urgency of someone who had no intention of rushing through life. I shuffled my way to the bathroom, taking my time as though I had all the hours in the world.
The warm water of the shower helped pull me further out of my morning haze, though only slightly. By the time I was out and standing in front of the mirror with nothing but a towel around my waist, I was back to my usual carefree self. With my toothbrush in hand, I began the familiar ritual, brushing my teeth with all the enthusiasm of a snail climbing a hill. My movements were slow, deliberate, and completely unhurried. Why rush? The day wasn't going anywhere without me.
Once I finished, I meandered back into my room, water still dripping from my hair. I slipped into my underwear, then dragged on the neatly pressed uniform that had been mocking me earlier. One button at a time, no faster than necessary. If there was a world record for slowest dresser, I'd probably be a gold medalist.
As I adjusted the collar, the sound of my grandfather's voice boomed up the stairs.
"Rem!"
I sighed, long and exaggerated, rubbing my temple like a man burdened with the weight of the world. "Ahh, coming, Gramps!" I called back, grabbing my school bag with the enthusiasm of someone being dragged to their doom.
By the time I reached the kitchen, the smell of bacon and toast hit me like a warm embrace. My stomach grumbled appreciatively, though I'd never admit it out loud.
"Ahh, it seems even after all these years, you still haven't lost your touch, Gramps," I teased with a lazy grin as I spotted him by the stove, apron tied around his waist. Shinichiro Kotsuki—my grandfather, the culinary master of our household.
He glanced at me over his shoulder, shaking his head with a chuckle. "If I didn't cook, you'd survive on instant noodles and snacks."
"Convenient and cost-effective," I replied with a smirk, helping myself to a few slices of toast and some bacon. I made myself a quick plate, then sat down at the table, eating at my usual unhurried pace. Each bite was deliberate, as if savoring every morsel would somehow stall the inevitable start of the school day.
Gramps watched me from the corner of his eye, shaking his head in resignation. "You know, you're going to be late if you don't hurry up."
"Late?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow as I leaned back in my chair. "Isn't that just a matter of perspective?"
He sighed, though there was a faint smile on his face. He knew better than to argue. Stopping me when I was like this was as futile as trying to stop the sunrise.
With a piece of toast lazily hanging from my mouth, I continued eating at my usual unhurried pace, the faintest trace of a smirk tugging at my lips. The morning sunlight cast a warm glow over the kitchen, filling the space with an easy, familiar atmosphere. Yet, as I took another bite, I caught my grandfather watching me from across the table—his gaze laced with something between fondness and mild exasperation.
"Ahh, Rem…" he said, his voice calm, almost contemplative. "To you, this might just be another day in your hassle-filled life, but don't forget—you're entering a new stage."
I raised a questioning brow, eyes half-lidded as I chewed. "Hmph? Whwa duya muean bwya thwat?" I mumbled, the toast muffling my words.
Gramps let out a quiet chuckle before his expression softened, his next words carrying a weight that lingered in the air between us.
"Look… I know things have been hard for you. Separating from your parents after the divorce… adjusting to everything on your own." He paused, as if carefully choosing his words. "But all things happen for a reason. You can't keep living like this, Rem—coasting through life as if it's meaningless. Yeah, bad things happen, we all know that. But there's always more to life than running away. There's someone or something out there waiting for you… and when you find that reason—"
He smiled faintly, looking at me with quiet conviction.
"Only then can you truly live."
Silence.
For a brief moment, I paused, my hand still hovering over my plate. The air between us grew still, as if the universe itself had taken a breath to let his words settle. I swallowed the last of my toast, my expression unreadable.
Then, with a sigh, I leaned back in my chair, my smirk returning—this time, softer, more thoughtful.
"Ahh… don't go getting all sentimental on me, Gramps. You almost had me there," I said, my voice light, easygoing.
Without missing a beat, I reached for my glass of juice and downed the rest in one go, my lazy grin firmly back in place. "I think that's enough lecturing for one day."
Gramps simply smiled knowingly as he stood up, stretching his back with a quiet chuckle. "Ahh, we'd better get going then… you're already late enough as it is."
I grabbed my school bag and slung it over my shoulder, my smirk widening. With one hand, I picked up my medium-sized box of belongings, shifting it easily in my grip.
"Ahh, I already told ya, Gramps, didn't I? The word 'lazy' is just a matter of perspective."
He shook his head with a chuckle, but said nothing more.
With that, we stepped out of the house and made our way to the truck waiting in the garage. The air outside was crisp, the morning sun casting long shadows as we climbed inside. As Gramps started the engine, I leaned against the window, my gaze drifting to the passing scenery as the car rumbled to life.
And just like that… our journey to Seirei High began.
Morning Routine of a Perfect Student
(Tamaki's POV)
-
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The sharp chime of my alarm echoed through the stillness of my room. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the faint silver light filtering through the curtains. For a moment, I simply lay there, allowing the quiet hum of morning to settle around me before reaching out with practiced ease to silence the alarm.
With a measured breath, I pushed myself into a sitting position, stretching my arms above my head. My muscles, still lulled by sleep, protested slightly before giving way to the familiar relief that followed my morning routine.
Glancing to my bedside drawer, I picked up my wristwatch and flicked my gaze toward the time.
5:30 AM.
I still had time.
Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I moved with fluid, effortless strides-movements woven from years of precision and discipline. With quiet efficiency, I changed into a fitted grey tank top and yoga pants, my actions as seamless as the ticking of a well-tuned clock.
At the end of my bed, my yoga mat awaited me. I stepped onto it and eased into my stretches, each movement controlled, purposeful. The rhythm of my breath synchronized with the motions-inhale, extend; exhale, hold. These stretches weren't just habit; they were a necessary part of my routine, a quiet moment of control before the day's responsibilities took hold.
Once I had completed my routine, I rolled up the mat and made my way to the bathroom. The warm water cascaded over my skin, washing away any remnants of drowsiness. As soon as I stepped out, I reached for my toothbrush, brushing with the same meticulous care that guided every part of my life.
By the time I emerged from the bathroom, my uniform was already laid out, ironed to crisp perfection. I slipped into it with practiced ease, fastening each button with smooth, methodical precision. A final glance in the mirror ensured that everything was in place-neatly tied ribbon, flawless pleats, and an overall composed appearance.
Satisfied, I descended the grand staircase, the sound of my footsteps soft against the polished floor. The familiar scent of scrambled eggs and French toast greeted me, filling the otherwise quiet space with a fleeting sense of warmth.
As I entered the dining room, my gaze swept across the long, immaculate table. Empty, as expected.
My parents weren't here. They never were.
Without hesitation, I took my seat, picked up my utensils, and began eating-calmly, precisely, and without a single wasted motion.
-
As I ate, my movements were precise, deliberate-every cut of my fork, every sip of water executed with an elegance that had long become second nature. The quiet clink of silverware against fine porcelain was the only sound in the vast dining hall, save for the faint hum of morning activity beyond the estate's walls.
The door to the kitchen eased open, and from the corner of my eye, I caught the familiar figure of Mrs. Nagayama, one of the head maids. She moved with practiced grace, carrying a glass of water with both hands before setting it gently beside my plate. As always, she bowed slightly in greeting, her expression warm yet deferential.
"Good morning, my lady."
I gave a slight nod, acknowledging her presence as I reached for the glass, taking a measured sip before responding.
"I already told you... 'Tamaki' is just fine."
Mrs. Nagayama merely smiled-soft, knowing, and tinged with quiet amusement.
"Ahh, but that won't do, my lady. I've already served you for five years... I wouldn't dare."
Her response was predictable. She had said something similar countless times before, and each time, I would counter with the same polite insistence. But in the end, she would never yield.
I exhaled lightly, setting the glass down.
"Very well, then. I suppose my parents would agree with you."
A fleeting shadow crossed her face at the mention of them, but she said nothing more. Instead, she simply stood beside me, waiting patiently as I finished my meal.
Once I set my utensils down, Mrs. Nagayama moved swiftly to clear the table. Her hands paused briefly, and in a softer voice, she spoke.
"So, the young Miss is really starting high school today? I'm so happy for you."
I sighed, carefully dabbing my lips with a napkin before answering.
"It's no big deal. If anything, it only presents an avenue for more responsibilities."
She hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. Then, with an uncharacteristic gentleness, she asked,
"But... is the young Miss really fine with this? All the expectations and responsibilities you carry, surely it's-"
"Nothing I can't handle."
My voice was steady, my words sharp and unwavering. I pushed my chair back and rose to my feet, reaching for my bag as I turned toward the door.
"Now, if you'll excuse me."
She did not press further. Instead, with an apologetic nod, she stepped forward, picking up the medium-sized box that contained my belongings for the campus dormitories. Without another word, she followed me out of the mansion, her quiet footsteps trailing behind mine.
-
The estate's garage was massive-lined with sleek, polished cars, each gleaming under the soft morning light that streamed through the high windows. But my attention was drawn to only one.
A black limousine stood waiting, its polished surface immaculate as always, reflecting the morning sun in sharp streaks of light. The sight was familiar, routine. Without a second thought, I opened the front passenger's door and slipped inside, adjusting my bag onto my lap. Behind me, Mrs. Nagayama carefully placed the box in the backseat before stepping aside.
Moments later, the driver's door swung open, and Mr. Korozaki slid into his seat with the ease of someone who had done this countless times before.
"Good morning, young Miss. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
His voice was light, tinged with just the faintest trace of nervousness-perhaps still wary from yesterday's incident. The previous driver had been dismissed abruptly for something as simple as oversleeping. In this household, efficiency was not a preference; it was an expectation.
I inclined my head slightly in acknowledgment, my tone composed.
"No, you didn't. It's fine."
A quiet sigh of relief escaped him. He had passed today's unspoken test. Without wasting another second, he twisted the key in the ignition, and with a smooth hum, the engine came to life.
As the limo pulled out of the driveway, I turned my gaze toward the window. The scenery drifted past-rows of towering buildings, pedestrians weaving through sidewalks, the pulse of Tokyo already alive and thriving.
This was it. The moment I would begin high school.
To most, high school was a time of newfound freedom, of friendships, of experiences that shaped the trajectory of youth. A place where students could explore their individuality, make mistakes, and learn from them.
But for me?
High school simply meant more expectations. More responsibilities.
I had lived under these expectations for as long as I could remember. Always striving for perfection, always maintaining my image, never wavering, never vulnerable. From the moment I could comprehend the weight of my family name, I had been the prodigy, the untouchable star. It was a role I had accepted, a path that had long since been set before me.
Yet, as the limo glided through the streets, an unwelcome thought crept into my mind.
Would things be different this time?
Would high school bring change?
No.
I shoved the thought away as quickly as it came. Irrelevant. Unnecessary. Unneeded.
I would not waver.
I would not stumble.
I would not show weakness.
That was how I had been raised. And that was how I would continue to be-until the very end.
A voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Ahh, young Miss, we've arrived."
My gaze flickered slightly as I lifted my head.
Seirei High School.
The towering campus stood before me, its prestigious reputation preceding its very walls. This was one of the most elite institutions in all of Tokyo-a place where only the best and the brightest thrived.
I had returned from Switzerland for this.
I had come here to excel.
To uphold my image.
To ensure that Tamaki Nanase remained unrivaled-the perfect student.
--
(Rem's POV - The Opening Ceremony)
The hall was already packed by the time I arrived, a sea of eager first-years buzzing with chatter. Some were making new friends, others were reuniting with old ones, and a few were glancing around nervously, still adjusting to the prestigious walls of Seirei High. The upperclassmen, on the other hand, seemed more subdued-watching the first-years with varying expressions of amusement, curiosity, and mild disinterest.
I, of course, was no different. Hands in my pockets, I strode in with my usual lazy grin, my gaze lazily scanning the room before settling on an empty seat near the back. Just close enough to see everything, but far enough to stay unnoticed. Perfect.
As I slid into the chair, I leaned back comfortably, letting the excitement around me pass through one ear and out the other. This whole ceremony was just a formality-one I had no real interest in. I had already decided how my high school life would go: low effort, low profile, and most importantly, no unnecessary attention.
A few moments later, the opening ceremony began. The principal, a middle-aged man with an air of authority, stepped onto the stage. His deep voice commanded instant silence.
"Welcome, students, to Seirei High," he began, his tone steady and dignified. "You have entered one of the most prestigious institutions in this country, a place where excellence is not just encouraged, but expected."
I half-listened as he went on about discipline, ambition, and upholding the school's legacy. I had heard it all before. Instead, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through it absently.
Next, the Student Council President took the stage-a senior with a crisp, professional demeanor. Her speech was just as expected: leadership, responsibility, and how they, as the student council, were always here to support us. Standard procedure.
Everything was going smoothly. Just a little more patience, and I'd be free from this ceremony. But then-
"And now," the principal's voice rang out again, "the opening speech for the first years will be delivered by the student who achieved the highest score in the entrance exams."
I barely paid attention, still scrolling through my phone.
"The student who earned this honor through outstanding academic performance is..."
A brief pause. I sighed internally. Whoever it was, I just hoped they didn't drone on for too long.
"Tamaki Nanase of Class 1A! Please step forward."
...
...What?
For the first time, my grip on my phone tightened slightly. The name echoed in my ears, rattling something deep inside me.
I slowly looked up, my smirk still intact-but frozen in place.
Then I saw her.
Walking towards the podium with effortless grace, her every step exuding confidence. Her long, jet-black hair was tied up in an elegant bun, secured with a silver pin. She moved with the same poise that had been drilled into her since childhood, and yet-those eyes.
Violet, striking, and filled with the same intensity that had once held warmth.
A forgotten memory, locked away for years, slammed into me like a crashing wave.
Tamaki Nanase.
She was here.
She was really here.
My mind reeled, but before I could process the weight of it, her voice rang out-strong, unwavering, and perfectly controlled.
(Tamaki's POV)
"Good morning, everyone," I began, my voice steady as I stood before the gathered students. My gaze swept over the sea of faces, some filled with anticipation, some indifferent, but all listening.
"My name is Tamaki Nanase, and it is an honor to address you today as we stand at the beginning of our high school journey."
I allowed a brief pause, just enough for the weight of my words to settle.
"Seirei High is a place of prestige, of discipline, and of excellence. Each of us has worked hard to be here, whether through our academic achievements, extracurricular pursuits, or personal ambitions. We have all arrived at this moment with different dreams, different challenges, and different expectations placed upon us. But what unites us is the opportunity that stands before us-the opportunity to grow, to excel, and to shape our future."
I shifted my stance slightly, maintaining a composed and unwavering presence.
"Some of you may feel excited, eager to embrace the challenges ahead. Others may feel uncertain, wondering if you truly belong in a place with such high expectations. To all of you, I say this: the years ahead will test us. We will be challenged, we will face obstacles, and at times, we may even falter. But it is not our struggles that define us-it is how we rise from them. Seirei High does not simply demand excellence; it cultivates it. It is a place where discipline and ambition are rewarded, where we push ourselves beyond our limits, not because we are forced to, but because we choose to."
I took a breath, letting the words sink in before continuing.
"As we begin this new chapter, let us not shy away from hard work, from responsibility, or from the pursuit of greatness. Let us support one another, learn from our failures, and above all-strive to be the best versions of ourselves. High school is not just a stepping stone; it is a foundation. What we build here will shape our future. So let's make every moment count."
I lifted my chin slightly, my final words clear and firm.
"Welcome to Seirei High."
The hall erupted into applause.
________________________________
(Rem's POV)
I didn't clap.
I just stared.
Tamaki Nanase. She was the top scorer. She was standing up there, commanding the entire hall's attention as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
And I-
A chuckle slipped past my lips before I even realized it. Low, almost inaudible.
"So, you really went and became the perfect student, huh?" I murmured under my breath, eyes locked onto the stage.
The past had a funny way of catching up to you.
And in that moment, I knew.
This high school life... was not going to be as peaceful as I had planned.
__________________________________
The ceremony was nothing more than background noise. Speeches, acknowledgments, applause-it all blended into a monotonous hum, fading into insignificance as my mind drifted elsewhere.
Tamaki Nanase.
It had been years since I'd last heard that name, but the moment I saw her standing up there, delivering her speech with practiced grace and unwavering confidence, something clicked. The way she carried herself was different-poised, untouchable-but there was something unmistakably familiar beneath the surface.
I barely recognized her. But at the same time, I did.
It was almost funny.
A smirk tugged at my lips as I leaned back in my seat, arms crossed lazily as the ceremony dragged on. Childhood memories flickered at the edges of my mind-days spent running through the park, playing hide-and-seek, watching the sky shift to gold and crimson as the sun dipped below the horizon. Memories I hadn't thought about in years.
And now, here she was.
The ceremony was over, and with it, the noise of formality faded into the hum of a school just beginning its year. Walking out of the main hall alongside the crowd, I should've been relieved-finally free from the structured expectations of the event. Yet, my mind wasn't on the passing conversations of the first-years, nor on my phone screen as I absently scrolled through it. No, my thoughts were tangled in something-or rather, someone-I had never expected to see again.
Tamaki Nanase.
The name itself carried an almost bitter weight, yet it wasn't bitterness that stirred in my chest. It was something far more complicated, something I refused to dwell on. The poised girl who had stood at the podium, her voice unwavering, her presence commanding... she wasn't the same Tamaki I once knew. She had changed-transformed into someone untouchable, someone distant.
Or perhaps, I was the one who had changed.
After heading out of the building, I walked towards a tree at the edge of the campus's courtyard before leaning against the broad trunk of the courtyard tree, I let my gaze drop back to my phone screen. The artificial glow of meaningless notifications flickered in my vision, but none of it registered. Instead, the distant echoes of laughter and chatter around me filled the silence I wasn't quite sure how to shake.
I was supposed to be done with the past.
Yet, in that moment, the past had come back-standing in front of a sea of students, holding herself like a star that could never be reached.
And I... I was just a shadow beneath the tree.
---
(Tamaki's POV)
The moment I stepped outside, I was immediately met with a wave of voices. They surrounded me, eager, expectant. Compliments, admiration, curiosity-it was nothing new.
"You were so amazing back there, Nanase-san!"
"Yeah! I was totally rooting for you!"
"Me too!"
I smiled, my response practiced, measured. "It was nothing, really. I just did what anybody else would have done."
But they didn't believe that.
"Huh? But you were so confident back there, Nanase-san!"
"Yeah, and you didn't stutter one bit, almost like you were born for this!"
Another polite smile. Another practiced answer. This was familiar, predictable. It had always been this way, for as long as I could remember. Admiration followed naturally when you worked hard enough, when you became the best version of yourself that you could be. It was expected. It was earned.
And yet, as I glanced past the sea of faces, something else caught my attention. Or rather, someone.
He was standing beneath the large mahogany tree, his posture entirely at ease, as if the world around him was of no consequence. Dark, messy hair fell lazily over half-lidded amber eyes, a lopsided grin permanently resting on his face as he scrolled through his phone. There was an air of utter indifference about him-one that spoke of someone who cared for nothing and no one.
For reasons I couldn't quite place, it irritated me.
"Is something the matter, Nanase-san?"
"Yeah, that guy over there, do you know each other?"
"Well, she doesn't seem to like him very much."
I blinked, forcing my expression into neutrality as I turned back to them. "No," I replied smoothly. "I have no such ties with him. I was merely curious."
Curious.
Or perhaps annoyed.
Everything about him-his slouched posture, his nonchalant demeanor, his utter disregard for the world around him-opposed everything I had been taught. Everything I had worked for.
This school was filled with students striving toward something greater. And yet, there he was, content in his apparent mediocrity.
No. I would not let myself be distracted by someone like him.
I had come here to excel. To continue on the path I had chosen.
And he would not be a part of it.