Work Text:
Maybe it was a bad idea.
After mulling over the thought for a few days, he decided to try it.
His friends were nothing close to "normal," but he figured that they would at least see something he didn't.
Because he was even farther from normal.
And besides, asking a lot of different people should be efficient, right? That way, he could compare and contrast all the different answers, right?
...
Even if it doesn't work out, I can ask Satou.
Best to avoid it, since it might be seen as "weird."
And that was the last thing he wanted.
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"A dark warrior such as I wouldn't concern myself with things considered 'normal', as it might hold me back during battle! What you call 'normal' is a petty standard for people who don't have incredible potential to stop Dark Reunion! If we fall prey to the ideals of..."
This was a bad idea. As if Kaidou would know what "normal" meant.
"Hey, Saiki? Where are you going?"
To find someone competent. But he wasn't going to say that to his face.
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Normal? Why would anyone want to be normal? You should always strive to do your best! You can't let the limits society has placed on you hold you back!"
Of course, Hairo went off on one of his motivational sermons. Saiki thought Hairo might be better at answering the question, since he was relatively "normal", but of course, he was wrong.
"Saiki? Why are you leaving? Always remember to push past your limiiiiiiiiiits!"
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Normal? Huh, I guess I never really thought about that. Sorry pal, I don't think I can help you with that. I'm not exactly 'normal' myself, hehe. Thanks for asking."
At least Kuboyasu was self aware.
He was stupid and he knew it. A good time saver.
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Why do you want to be normal? That's so boring. No chicks are gonna be chasing after you if you're some boring guy. The ladies want some spice, and hey! Stop that! Put that chair back! I'm sorry Saiki-saaaan!"
Stupid Toritsuka. Of course Saiki wouldn't actually hit him with the chair. He wouldn't damage school property.
"Waaahhhh, you're so mean! I was only trying to help!"
'You were not.'
"Hey, are you just leaving the chair in the middle of the room like that?"
"Hey! Toritsuka! Don't play with the chairs!"
"Mr. Matsuzaki!"
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Ah, so you want to be normal? But like, why? You want to be like Normal-kun AKA Boring-kun? What does it matter, it's no fun being normal."
Asking a girl should've worked better. But maybe this was the wrong girl, Mrs. Abnormal.
"Kusuo? You don't have to be normal for meeee! I like weird guys too!"
'Sorry, Aiura. You were the wrong choice.'
"What? Kusuooooooo!"
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Oh, Saiki-kun?"
Why is he talking to me? I barely know the guy.
You already forgot all about the first few episodes? That was fast.
"I'm not sure. I like to think I'm normal, but someone else might say otherwise. Besides, who wants to be normal? Kaidou- I mean, people! People! They uh, uh... I have to go!"
...
What the heck has that? And Saiki thought Yumehara was normal. Guess not.
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Mmpf mm hmm?"
'Never mind.'
Seeing food spill out of Mera's mouth was enough to make him leave.
********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Normal? Why would a peasant want to be normal when you could be extravagant? Absolutely stupendous? I would've thought normal commoners would've envied the life of the rich and pampered?"
He had no words. He thought he was used to Saiko's stuck-up attitude, but it still caught him off guard at times.
"What's wrong, peon? Your face makes you look as though you're troubled. Is it some sort of ailment from the bacteria crawling all over this school? Maybe you'd like to come over to my mansion. I can promise it's fully sanitized. Hey! Why are you leaving? Ah, forget it. I don't need to waste time with the likes of you."
*******************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Hmm? Kusuo-kun? Normal, well, there's a lot of different-"
Instant regret.
"-definitions of normal, depending on what you're referring to. For example, society generally has a set idea of what is considered 'normal' for people in different age groups. There are plenty of stereotypes and cliches of teenagers, such as being overly dramatic and narcissistic, which do hold a bit of truth to them. After all, things are stereotypes for a reason, though most people's personalities and attitudes toward the world..."
It took fifteen minutes, an annoyed look, and a frantic apology to get away.
*******************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
Normal? He's asking me about normal? Do I seem ordinary to him? Am I boring? Is there something wrong with me that he thinks I'm normal? He's probably bored with me! No wonder he never fawns over me! Am I not doing enough? Is he-
'Never mind, forget I asked.'
"What? No, Saiki-kun, it's okay! Where are you going?"
*********************
'What does it mean to be normal?'
"Huh?" Nendou blinked. "What do you mean by that?"
Saiki didn't know what to say. To him, he didn't see a need to question his question. It seemed like a perfectly normal thing to want. He asked the question, he was supposed to answer, what more was there to it?
'I was thinking about it.'
What a stupid idea, asking you of all people. I should've skipped you.
"Do you want to be normal, buddy?"
He did. More than anything, he thought. It didn't seem like such a strange thing to want.
Saiki nodded.
Nendou's expression changed from his usual cheerful grin to something slightly more serious.
"Why?"
Why? Why not?
He didn't see any reason to want otherwise. It was his lifelong dream, as boring as it was. He never understood how people did it. How their very existence went unnoticed by others for their whole lives, and why it was so hard for him to achieve the same.
He remained silent, and Nendou grabbed him by the shoulder, a bit more gently than usual.
"You don't need to change, buddy," he said, flashing him a smile and a quick thumbs up. "I like you the way you are, all quiet and stuff."
Nendou released his grip and walked away without another word, including the daily ramen invitation.
Saiki walked out of the classroom.
Of course, he was no help.
He mentally checked off another name off his list.
I should've just skipped Nendou.
He walked out of the school, his bag slung over his shoulder. He sighed and rubbed his temple.
I should've known he'd say something like that. That corny dork. Stupid Nendou.
At this, Saiki smiled.