The morning sunlight spilled across Nowhere High's courtyard, highlighting the swarms of students gossiping excitedly about Gray Aster.
Gray sat slouched on the rooftop, legs dangling over the edge, eating a slice of toast that was more crumbs than bread. Riku was beside him, nervously adjusting his oversized hoodie.
"I can't do this anymore," Gray muttered between bites. "I didn't ask to be a leader. I can't even lead myself to school without tripping over my own feet."
Riku tilted his head. "You mean you don't want to be a leader?"
"Yes!" Gray exclaimed, throwing the last bite of toast into the air and missing his mouth entirely. "I'm weak, lazy, stupid, and I have zero strategy! Leadership is… leadership is not for losers like me!"
Riku sighed. "Gray, you're not just a loser. You're… the luckiest idiot alive."
Gray groaned. "That's not reassuring."
The Rooftop Ambush
Before Gray could fully despair, the rooftop door burst open. Ten of his gang members—each varying from scrawny nerds to timid athletes—bowed dramatically in unison.
"Gray Aster!" the tallest one shouted. "We, your loyal followers, request your guidance!"
Gray choked on air. "Guidance? I… I don't know anything about guidance! I can't even make toast without burning it!"
A petite girl with bright eyes stepped forward. "Boss Gray, it doesn't matter! You inspire us. Even if you think you're weak, you never back down. That's what we follow."
Gray flopped onto the ground, staring at the clouds. "I… I'm not inspiring. I'm a disaster walking on two legs."
Riku patted his back. "Gray, people don't follow skill. They follow heart. And yours is… accidentally huge."
Gray groaned again. "I hate my life."
Unexpected Advice
Suddenly, one of the taller gang members, a quiet boy named Sho, stepped forward.
"We need a plan for next week. Another school wants to challenge us. If you don't lead, we'll fail."
Gray's eyes widened. "Fail? Wait, what? I didn't agree to fight anyone! I just wanted a nap!"
Riku whispered, "Gray… leadership isn't about agreeing. You're the symbol now. People trust you."
Gray rubbed his temples. "I'm not smart enough for this! I can barely count to twenty without getting dizzy."
Sho shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Just tell us what to do, even if it's nonsense. We'll make it work."
Gray blinked. "…You'll follow my nonsense?"
The gang cheered. "Yes, Boss Gray!"
Gray buried his face in his hands. I just wanted a peaceful life… now I'm leading a mini-army of misfits.
A Day in Leadership
The rest of the day was chaos.
Gray attempted to give instructions. They were… less than helpful.
"Uhh… everyone… walk in a line? No, wait, crouch and wiggle? Maybe…"
Some gang members mimicked him. Others shrugged and did their own thing. Surprisingly, the results were… effective. The rival school's scouts left confused and intimidated, spreading rumors about Gray's "incomprehensible genius tactics."
Gray collapsed on a bench, exhausted. "How is flailing around winning battles?!"
Riku grinned. "You're a natural, Gray. A comedic natural."
Gray groaned. "If natural means 'stupidly lucky,' then sure. I'm a natural."
Rival School's Attention
By the end of the day, the word had spread beyond Nowhere High. A rival school, notorious for their elite delinquents, had heard of the Weak King and his gang of misfits.
"They say he doesn't even fight properly," one rival student said, flipping through a scroll of rumors. "And yet… he never loses."
Another whispered, "He's unpredictable. We can't plan against him."
Back at Nowhere High, Gray slumped against the rooftop railing, staring at the sunset.
"I didn't ask for this," he muttered. "I just wanted to sleep, eat, and exist quietly… but apparently, the universe has other plans."
Riku nudged him. "Gray… it's happening. You're becoming a legend whether you like it or not."
Gray buried his face in his arms. "Legend… more like an accidental disaster…"
But deep down, a tiny spark of excitement flickered in Gray's chest. Maybe, just maybe, he could survive this.