Disclaimer: I do not own Azumanga Daioh
Azumanga Bitesize : A Collection of Short Stories by RobDaZombie
Role Call
Kimura resembled a hunchback as he plodded his way through the classroom corridor. His hair was unsurprisingly messy (perhaps more so than usual), and his agape jaw was an invitation for flies and other small insects to venture inside. He wore his usual wardrobe combination, with his shirt collar hanging out and his tie arranged not-so-neatly below the third button. His briefcase had bits of worksheets poking out at the sides, looking as though he unceremoniously stuffed everything in one go.
Kimura opened the door and walked into his classroom. He was three minutes late, but that didn't seem to bother him or the students much. Kaori instinctively swallowed a lump in her throat as she remained seated on the front row. Who knows what humiliation awaited her from the looming figure that is her home-room teacher. Kimura stopped behind his desk and opened up a black book he retrieved from his briefcase.
"Role call," he announced, in a quiet voice.
The students waited for him to call out the list of names.
"KAAAOORIIIN!" Kimura suddenly shouted at the top of his voice.
Wincing from the loudness, Kaori nonetheless raised her hand and replied with, "Yes, Sensei!"
Kimura slowly lowered his book to his waist, his jaw still remaining agape. He then addressed his favourite student by immediately tilting his head violently to the left.
"Hello Kaorin," he greeted her, reverting back to his normal voice.
"H-Hi Sensei," Kaori nervously greeted back.
A pause.
"How are you feeling, Kaorin?" Kimura asked.
"I-I'm fine Sensei," replied Kaori.
"Please... call me Kimurin," said the teacher, in a pleading sort of way.
"I'm fine... Kimurin," corrected Kaori.
Kimura made a quiet, yet satisfied 'aah' sort of noise. He readjusted his neck and stared into space for the next five seconds. Afterwards, he unconsciously closed the book shut, the pages making a quiet 'poof' sound when they made contact in the middle.
"Role call over," he concluded quietly, earning many confused and surprised sounds from the rest of the students.