Doctor? Doctor who? Doctor Sekimiya, that's who.

[acidhexagon]

Who: Minoru, Sekimiya
Where: Counselor office
What: Counseling
When: Tuesday, early morning.



Suzuki Minoru was a strange young man, or a moral example for all of Japan's youth to follow. By dawnbreak he had already done morning exercises, showered, secretly recited an oath of loyalty to the state, and made sure that his clothes were impeccable.

He was at the counselor's office right at the very first hour, before anyone else arrived. This was his idea, apparently, of a good start for his Golden Week's Tuesday.

Comments

[acidhexagon]

He followed along... a small smile on his face upon recognition, but that was it. He waited until she sat before taking his seat, doing so with ramrod posture: perfectly straight, hands folded on his lap.

Then, abruptly, he spoke up. "I thought it would be good to seek some guidance given my role, sensei. All to serve my country better."

[harmonizenpc]

"Of course. I admire your dedication, Suzuki-kun. I'm sure most of your classmates are out enjoying their time off."

Sekimiya had taken a seat in her own chair -- same as the others, just positioned nearer to her desk -- and was now regarding Minoru with a blend of admiration and curiosity.

"Is there anything specific you're after? 'Guidance' is very broad."

[acidhexagon]

"Time spent in anything but our betterment for the nation is time wasted. I judge them for it," Minoru replied... and then, if at all possible, he seemed abashed. "Not to be irreverent, but if I were to point out what I need guidance with... it would be this, precisely."

He paused, if only to let the words settle and not prattle on too quickly. "I have been tasked with observing my classmates, but I have some... difficulty, I suppose, socializing. You see, I understand not everyone knows or accepts their role, and... in my experience, I know I cause friction by being the way I am."

[harmonizenpc]

"Yes, I see your difficulty." Sekimiya tapped a nail against her teeth thoughtfully. "In a more typical situation, I wouldn't for see many issues, but we have the ill fortune to be saddled with a very willful group. Some subtlety will be needed. Of course, you should still strive to set a good example, but a little less outward rigidity would serve you well here."

[acidhexagon]

"I'm a bit worried I will sound dishonest to them. Hm. Dishonest isn't the word? Uh, I think... unauthentic?" he said, thoughtfully. "I just... don't understand the way they think."

He eyed Sekimiya, and then, abruptly... laughed. Not like a bombastic guffaw, but a small, relieved giggle.

"I, I'm so happy to finally talk to someone who understands!" he exclaimed. "I've been faced with everyone telling me I'm wrong, for so long. And when things changed for the better, I still... I still didn't know who to talk with."

[harmonizenpc]

Sekimiya responded to the laugh with a smile of her own. "Certainly, it takes a certain type of person to appreciate loyalty like yours. And they're few and far between at your age, more's the pity. It'll be easier as you get older.

"But for now, I'd advise you that less is more. If you try to act like them, it will ring false, just as you said. Don't volunteer anything, keep your ears open, and try to resist showing your disapproval, no matter how justified. Remember: it's for a greater cause. Trust is the most important thing for now."

[acidhexagon]

"I sure hope it gets easier," he replied, glee still in his voice as he added, without missing a beat: "I would hope that they have been fixed by the time we're older. Or taken care of. But in any case, thanks, sensei. That is advice I will follow."