Meeting your fellow exchange students

Figuring out where to go wasn’t too hard; the school seemed to have set up a set of signs directing exchange students such as yourself towards where you need to go, in English no less. They lead you to a corridor that looked like it led to offices for the teachers. A small crowd had congregated there already, made up of students who looked like they came from all corners of the world. The Caucasians were easy enough to pick out, but it looked like there was a smattering of students from other countries as well, including Asia. All of them were dressed in the school’s uniform like you were, and you couldn’t help but stifle a chortle as you saw that despite best efforts, the uniform still came a little short on the taller Americans.

Various small conversations were already going on among the group, some of which you passively listened in on. It seemed that most of them, like you, had come to Japan for a “cultural immersion” trip, so you’ll probably be seeing them around school from time to time.

“OK everyone, that’s enough. Settle down, please.” A voice calls out.

The murmur of voices quietened as a teacher approached, whom you take for the organizer of the exchange program. She is dressed smartly in a blouse, jacket, and pencil skirt that made her give off an air of professionalism, but her calm smile helps her look welcoming instead of frigid.

“I’m glad to see you all here today. I hope you all have enjoyed what you’ve seen of Japan so far, and I know you’re all excited to get this exchange program started.” The lady greets you all in English, so you guess it’s the common language amongst the tour group. Her introduction was met with several nods and affirmations. The whole group seemed to be buzzing with excitement; a few of the more enthused Americans whooped.

“Well then, please follow me.”

The tour lady opens one of the doors leads you into a room with a projector screen and oblong shaped table, presumably used for teachers meetings. She invites you to all take a seat, and you find yourself sitting next to a girl who looked Chinese.

“First of all, I’d like to take the time to officially welcome you all to Japan,” The lady said. “As I’m sure you’re all aware, this country is one of rich culture and deep history. It warms my heart to see so many people of different backgrounds interested in learning and experiencing that aspect of our country, and I sincerely hope you will all be exposed to such opportunities during your time here.”

Whether out of politeness or habit, you found yourself nodding in response to the lady’s speech, despite the fact that your (and presumably others’) decision was partially made just for the food and otaku culture.

“Let me explain how this exchange will work; whilst you stay here, you are all undertake what we will be referring to as a 'full student immersion experience'. As you have all proven competency in Japanese linguistics, you will take part in the regular classes held at this school, and are encouraged to participate in whatever clubs, festivals, or events take place here or around the city as well. In short, if you haven’t already guessed by your uniforms, you will more-or-less be treated as full-time students by the faculty.” The lady continued.

“Does this include tests and exams as well?” One of the female exchange students asked.

“Unfortunately, it does, but I implore you not to be concerned about them. The assessments you undertake are supposed to be a part of the student experience and ensure that you do not simply slack off during classes. Failing these exams will not be reflected in your academic record; however, if you do manage to pass all exams whilst doing your exchange program, you will be allowed to graduate either as part of the class here or back in your home country. That said, remember that the content you are assessed on will be based on the Japanese curriculum and be taught in Japanese; if you find that you are struggling, I would encourage you all to make friends and to form study groups to support one another.”

Dang, they when they say “full immersion”, they really mean it. It’s good to know that failing final exams isn’t a **** sentence, you’re pretty sure that everyone’s gonna take them seriously just out of peer pressure. And while your reading comprehension in Japanese isn't the best, you might at least be able to ask native speakers for help.

The lady continues on with the induction, going over the regular stuff such as the layout of the school, where the important facilities are, what to do in an emergency, and so on. She finishes off by giving you all packs containing documents like maps and your class schedules. She concludes the induction by assigning you all to your respective homerooms, and naturally, you’re in the same one as Emiru. As she finishes, you all stand up and thank her, which she modestly accepts, before escorting you all out of the room.

“Ah! That’s right, I forgot to mention something,” She says as she closes the door, her eyes landing on you. Her hand reaches inside one of her jacket pockets and produces a familiar blue pamphlet. “Mr. Aizawa, I presume?”

You couldn’t help but groan.

Really? Here? In front of all these people?

“I’m sure you’re aware already, but we at the administration have been made aware of your...condition, and I want you to know that you have our fullest support in service of it,” The lady explains with a undignified cough. “We have arranged your classes to ensure they will have enough girls available for you to satisfy yourself with, and we have also hired a new nurse whom can attend to you as needed.”

You knew this already, but being told how the faculty and students are (almost literally) bending over backwards just to please you reminds you of how surreal this situation was.

“And it needn’t be said, but…” The lady continued. “Please don’t hesitate to use us as you see fit. You are burdened with a terrible disease, and any one of us are willing to whatever it takes help. Including me.”

She said these words in a softer tone, whilst subtly tugging on one of the buttons of her blouse to draw your eyes to her chest. There wasn’t much to show off, but you weren’t about to complain with what was there.

Hearing those words makes heat rise in your body. Your mind sparks alight at the possibilities: If you understood correctly, you could have your pick of any girl within your class; heck, even all of them. You could have your way with a different girl each day. You could ask them to fuck you at a moment’s notice. You could get them all pregnant and carry your child. After all, the lady said they’d do whatever it takes to help you...

And yet...

As undeniably awesome and hot it would be to do all that, it felt like there was a part of your brain that was holding back. Compared to your manic base desires, it remained there rooted and stalwart, reigning them in. Its presence meant something...but what?

Whilst this was going on, you notice that other members of the group had taken interest in what was going on. It felt like a million eyeballs were now staring directly at you, shattering your fantasies and leaving you with the primal anxiety of being the centre of attention. Among the smattering of whispers and murmurs from the crowd, you manage to catch one from nearby group of guys.

“Bro, that’s him?” A guy whispered to his friend.

“Yeah, heard rumors when I came here that he’s got some rare illness that makes him to conk out if girls don’t get him to nut enough.” His friend replied.

“Aw, dude, that’s gotta suck. Can you imagine that being written on your tombstone?”

The tour lady shifts slightly, obviously waiting for your reply, drawing your attention back to her,.

“Um...thanks. I’ll...uh, keep that in mind.” You respond with the first thing that comes to your mind, **** to end the conversation.

She still looks a bit perturbed, but the sound of a bell ringing interrupts her.

“Oh dear, it’s already time for classes! You should all be going now,” the lady fusses. “Just remember that you can always contact me if you need any help...no matter what it might be.”

You can’t shake the feeling that she was referring specifically to you with that last part.

With that, the group of exchange students leave the teachers’ corridor and begin to make their way back to the classrooms. You follow suit, grateful to be out of that awkward situation. As you go, members of the group branch off one by one as they make their way towards their assigned rooms, until you eventually realise that the group has shrunk down to pretty much just you and another girl.

“I’m going this way.” You point down another corridor as you see her turning away from you.

“Hm?” She turns back to you. “Oh, yeah, see you la-”

She catches herself as you lock eyes. You recognise her as the Chinese girl that you sat next to during the induction, whilst her eyes widen in recognition as...well, obviously everyone in the group knows who you are now.

“Oh...you’re-” She starts.

“Ken Aizawa. Yeah, that’s me.” You reply.

“Right...so, Yellow Fever is real. I never thought that...that I’d ever meet someone with it…” She says, twirling a lock of hair with her finger. Her English is fluent, but there’s a slight accent that suggests it’s not her primary language.

“Yeah, well...neither did I.” At this point, you were drained; getting flustered over the fever being brought up just wasn’t worth the effort anymore.

“It must be troublesome to live with,” The girl nods. She lets out a small defeated sigh before continuing. “Well, I’m sure you can tell by looking at me, but...I’m Asian as well. So...if you ever need someone-”

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” You cut her off. “No offence, but I’m not exactly starved for helpers here. That tour lady even said I have my own nurse. So it’s not like I’ll ask you specifically to help me with it. I mean...unless you want to?”

The girl lets out a small snort. “Not really. But thanks anyway. My name is Mei Chen, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Mei...wait; Is that your first name or your family name?”

Mei smiles. “Chen Mei Feng would be how I’d introduce myself in Mandarin. And Japanese too, I suppose.”

“Is that so? Well perhaps I should have introduced myself as Aizawa Ken then.”

Mei lets out a good-natured chuckle. “It’s all the same, really. As long as we understand each other. It was nice meeting you, Ken. I hope to see you again around school.”

“Yeah, likewise,” You smile at her. “Hope you enjoy your time here in Japan. I think you’ll love it here.”

“Yes...I hope so too.”

And so, Mei bids you goodbye and walks down a different corridor from yours. You turn around and hurry along towards your own classroom, hoping that you aren’t late thanks to your conversation with her.

An authoritative voice can be heard emanating from the classroom as you approach the door, letting you know that the teacher has already the lesson. Not wanting to barge in, you knock on the door and wait patiently until you are called.

A classroom of girls...and me. I wonder how this will go. I may look Japanese, and they'll probably treat me nicely because of the fever...but I’m still just a Gaijin underneath.

“Come in.” The teacher eventually calls out in Japanese.

With a final deep breath, you grip the door handle and slide the classroom door open.