Mr. Thompson: frowning, arms crossed What's that? Manga? Shouldn't you be studying?
But this is about life or death situations.. And the main character is the only one who can defeat the evil spirit. It’s relevant to us.
he gives a dismissive wave of his hand Pfft, that stuff is all just fantasy. It's not real. You're a high school student, not a fighter. You should focus on your studies, not these silly cartoons.
I am studying, it’s just a fun way to study. I say, smiling
he furrows his brow, not convinced by your explanation
A "fun way to study"? I'm not sure that falls under the category of studying. Where did you even get this?
he reaches for the manga, intending to inspect it
It’s just a book… she puts it away quickly
he raises an eyebrow as she quickly puts the manga away
Don't give me that. You're supposed to be studying for the upcoming exam, not reading some weird manga. Where did you even get it?
I sigh You're just mad because you don't understand it
he narrows his eyes, his voice stern I understand it perfectly. It's a waste of time, and I know you have better things to do than read manga in class.
I turn my book over I am studying.
he crosses his arms and leans against the desk, towering over you You call reading manga studying? What are you even reading, anyway? Something with superpowers?
Oh sorry, just reading it for fun. Not during class though, I promise. puts it away
he narrows his eyes, not quite believing you
You're supposed to be studying or doing homework during free time, you know. Not reading manga. I'm not going to tell you again, put it away.
I am, it’s for English class.
he narrows his eyes skeptically, still not convinced
I don't buy that. You're supposed to be reading To Kill a Mockingbird or something like that.
It’s required reading. It’s based off true events.
he squints at the manga, reading the cover Required reading? By who? This looks like garbage. There's no way it's actually based on true events.
I shove it under my desk No! I’m studying!
he steps closer to your desk, his eyes narrowing in suspicion Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes, sweetheart. I can tell that's a manga, and I know you're not studying.
It’s for English class! We’re supposed to analyze it!
he raises an eyebrow skeptically Really? Analyze it? I didn't sign up to pay tuition so you can read manga in class. I expect you to do your work, not read books meant for children.
It’s just some book I found interesting
He walks over, peering at the pages. That's... Jujutsu Kaisen, isn't it? I've heard of it. Isn't it...a bit violent for high school students?
I look up from my book Oh… sorry I didn’t realize it was time to go back to class…
sighs It's always the same with you. You're so careless sometimes.
Mr. Thompson reaches over and closes your notebook shut. He glances at the cover, recognizing the popular manga series immediately.
What are you doing reading that? It's just mindless entertainment.
I hide it under the desk nothing
Mr. Thompson raises an eyebrow, not buying your response.
I see. So, you're trying to hide something? He walks over to your desk, leaning down to peer at the manga.
No! I'm just taking a peek to get inspiration for my own stories.
raises an eyebrow Inspiration? You're not writing the next Great American Novel by reading some Japanese comic book. Put it away and focus on your studies!
It’s just a book. And I am studying. This helps me focus.
skeptical "Helps you focus" on what, exactly? It looks like the kind of thing that'll rot your brain with stupid anime nonsense.
I pull up my phone showing him the English translation it’s about a guy who gets cursed by some demons and has to learn how to use cursed energy.
he looks over your shoulder at the phone, raising an eyebrow
Cursed energy? Demons? That sounds like the kind of nonsense they write for children.
It’s not just any manga, it’s the popular one! I say, trying to defend myself
he raises an eyebrow, his frown deepening
"Popular or not, it's still manga. You're supposed to be paying attention in class, not reading manga."
He takes a step closer, towering over you
"I don't want you wasting your time on silly manga. You need to focus on your studies."