Still here? I'm impressed.
With the school day at its stump, I wait on the bench inside of the local train station. The sudden urge to sleep hits me. It may have something to do with my posture since my head lulls on my knuckles as my elbow sits on the bench rest. I'm usually tired 24/7. Tired of school, tired of life, tired of anything that doesn't have to do with me being back home in bed with a bag of potato chips in my boxers. Not to mention a certain auburn-haired creature who I'm certain is from another species. Perhaps an intoxicating species of beautiful specimen only created from the finest alignments of ingredients producing pure perfection. The nonsensical description fits Kairi to a tee.
The worst thing about a train station is waiting. Not to mention the color of nearly everything in the area; the dreary grey does little to arouse much visual interest at all. The people, for the most part, all look like shit. Heavy clothing garners the majority. Not a smile among us. But of course, there's not much to be smiling for. It's like a basin of the world's most average all cooped up to enjoy one average, run of the mill afternoon together where the term average may even be an understatement. All excitement has been flushed out and disintegrated from our grim moods. It's the rare ones like Kairi who are supposed to balance us out.
It's times like these where I find myself so confused. I hate boredom, yet I shiver whenever Kairi comes up with a wicked scheme. I seem to have a fine appetite for contradictions, if you couldn't tell from the last chapter. I should be jumping for joy that Kairi is boiling up another plot. It beats homework, for sure. Still, I can't seem to find the will to be excited. In fact, I'd almost say I'm quite apathetic. But I hate sitting here doing nothing. I hate when she's not around. The rest of the world feels like it kicked back a few notches, or that I ended up in some kind of—lost, dejection of open space. I don't know what I'm getting at here anymore. Just finding excuses to exalt my frustration with an obnoxious scream.
By the way, where the hell is he? Well, by story laws I can expect that the character would show up right about...
"Sorry it took me so long."
This is just too damn predictable.
Roxas walks up to me with two ice cream bars. It's sea-salt ice cream. It's purified with sweetness that can be observed at a mere glance as glistening sugar cubes blink at me like stars in a deep, raven flushed sky. It almost illuminates throughout this entire station. Thank you authoress for this gift of sugary goodness!
He hands me my ice cream bar and takes a seat next to me. We wordlessly lick our treats as the echo of the train hums in our ear. Unfortunately, it's not our train. But at least it lets me know we've still got five more minutes until our stop arrives.
"Hey Sora," Roxas suddenly says. I can't help but notice the slight melancholy cloaked beneath his tone. "Have you ever felt... like you weren't meant to exist?"
Fantastic.
Although, I'm not very surprised. From time to time, my brother relishes in sudden bouts of depression seemingly out of nowhere. One minute, he's the neutral, down to earth Roxas that I've grown to respect, and other days, he's more like this; caught in the crossroad between what he should be feeling rather than what he wants to feel. Poor guy.
"Roxas, we've been through this before. You are a very special person, and you were meant to exist. Call me crazy but I doubt you'd be here otherwise."
He chuckles, but it's far from happy. "I see."
"Where is this coming from?"
"I don't know. Just something on my mind. Naminé wasn't there today. It seems like every time she's not around, I can't help but feel depressed."
It's like he's got autism. The only time he can truly be happy is when Naminé is around. Look at him, sitting there with a blank stare. His eyes seem to only blink every two minutes. Steady, cold, lifeless... dead. Don't ask too many questions, unfortunately, I don't hold many answers. I just wish I could find a cure. Maybe Naminé is exactly what the boy needs. But at this rate, he's never gonna get her as his girlfriend if he doesn't ask her out. But I have to admit, if anything, he's closer to obtaining Naminé than I Kairi. He's just not taking advantage of that.
After finishing my ice cream, I decide to sit here and stare into space. What do you want me to say? This might come off as me being a bit selfish, but I'm not a therapist. I don't know what to do under these circumstances. The best thing to do would be to find out what could sweeten that sour disposition of his. I don't plan on babysitting him anymore either. Hell, one of the main reasons why we mature into adults is to learn how to handle our own problems. One day, I won't be there for him. Maybe he just needs to figure his own turmoil out for himself. Or maybe...
Maybe I'm just making excuses.
The train finally arrives and we hop on board.
I make my way into my house. Talk about same old, same old. The living room is the first space I'm greeted to. It's a small room with yellow walls. A fireplace sits on the right, with a conveniently sized wooden table in front of it. Roxas passes me by and staggers upstairs. Still he wears that emotional void of expression.
"I'm gonna go to sleep. Tell Mom I said," he stops for a moment before turning back to me, "good luck."
I sigh, letting out the air of stress from a long day. It's only four thirty, so Dad's definitely not back yet. He won't be back until eleven. Rough shift, huh? But let's not talk about him, okay? He's the last person I feel like talking about. I decide to head up the stairs that's located around the corner of the living room. The second floor hallway isn't anything more interesting. The floor is all wood. I set my bag down by the door to my room. I stagger down until I reach a door at the end. I rap my knuckles against it. It seems pointless for some reason, but it's the polite thing to do.
"Come in," says a frail voice from the other side.
I enter the room to be greeted with a dim bedroom. Stray candles give the room what little light they have to offer. The most eye catching detail would have to be the flat screen television set right before a king-sized mattress.
I pull up a chair and sit myself, clasping my hands together before the woman in the bed before me. She gives me a weak smile.
"Sora..."
"Hi, Mom."
I take her hand. Her skin is far too dry for my comfort. That smile isn't very comforting either. I know how much pain you're feeling inside.
"I'm so glad I have a son like you, always checking on me and making sure I'm okay."
"Yeah," is all I can muster. "You look better." Actually, it doesn't look like much has changed since the last time I saw her. But I suppose it's better that she looks the same rather than be looking worse.
"The doctors say that after a few more treatments, I should be good as new. I'm actually starting to feel a little bit better already."
Liar. I know you're hurting on the inside. You're just using a mask to hide your misery. I get that you don't want me worried but it doesn't really matter because I'll worry about you either way. What don't you get about that?
"What treatment is it this time?"
"Kimo treatment, of course. They'll be checking my bones to make sure everything is okay. If anything, that's what's hurting the most. My bones—it's like they're tingling."
"Anything else?"
"The exhaustion I usually get from doing even the simplest things like going to the bathroom is a bear, but other than that, I'm fine. Really."
Yeah, I'd like to hear you say those words if death comes knocking on your door, waiting for you to give in. What's with this upbringing of denial? It doesn't help anybody. All it does is delay the truth. It's looked at as a good deed, yet it's such an impractical cause. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. "If you're not feeling all that hot, you can just say so."
"It's fine, honest," she yawns. "But I'd really like to get some rest, sweetie. If you don't mind...?"
I guess part of her denial comes from the fact that the ill usually don't like to be looked at as someone in need of extra pampering as if they weren't normal. I can understand that. One day I'm a normal citizen of the public—sought at with respect and dignity. Next thing I know, I need a babysitter. But she can't blame me for being skeptical to her pleas of wellness. It's only human nature that I'd be scandalous.
"Okay," I relent. I stand from the chair and kiss her on the forehead. "Have a good rest."
She nods. "I'll be sure to call you if I need anything."
"You better," I tease. "I don't want to see you walking around the house too much."
She sticks her tongue out. "You're no fun at all anymore. Fine, okay. You win." I win? Yeah sure, okay. Might wanna save that for an April's Fool joke or something.
So, there you have it. My brother has low self esteem, borderline depression, and my mother has kimo cancer. I'm not a Mary Sue, remember? I'm not entitled to one of those flawless households you probably get in any other fic. I'm a character first—and a role model last.
I make my way back to my room, dragging my backpack along with me. I toss it by my bed and I show no reluctance to slump on my mattress. It's been a long day. Sleep my most prideful form of escapism. Not books, not movies—just sleep. Problems that are technically quite trivial such as Kairi, or real problems like my mother's sickness, don't seem to matter anymore.
A man once said that black was a bold color. I believe him.
After my usual morning wake up routine, I finally make it to Destiny High. It's the same as every day; a cluster of adolescence cramps the main lobby as Roxas and I shift through the young bodies. Through my blurred half awake vision, I barely notice someone bump me in the shoulder a tad bit more than I'd preferred. I turn around and sport a scowl. "You know, you could watch where you're going next time!"
The face smirks at me. "What are you gonna do about it, chicken wuss?"
Seifer. I'm assuming you already know what he looks like from his original source of creation. The only thing worth mentioning is his beanie and that scar across the bridge of his nose. Either way, I'm in no mood for him. Dad rushed Roxas and I out of the house today for some reason, and I wasn't able to have any of my mother's famous sweltering hot coffee—of which, she'd make for me even during her illness. This guy's lucky I don't punch him in the face.
"Not in the mood, Seifer."
He flicks me on the forehead, as if I'm no more important than the dirt underneath his feet. My impulsiveness would have gotten the better of me if Roxas hadn't stepped in.
"Hey, chill out," he says, his face stern. Sorry brother, I know you don't need me stressing you out like this. If my parents get a call about my reckless behavior—we both get it. Come on, Hikari, be the bigger man.
I shake my shoulders a bit before giving Seifer one last glare. I head upstairs without a word, and thankfully, neither Roxas or Seifer follow me.
"Hmph. You shouldn't have stolen my girl from me, then we wouldn't have a problem," I hear Seifer say as I make my way up to the rooftop. Whatever. Is he really still on that? That moron needs to learn how to move on. But I guess he wouldn't be a jerk if he did that. That would imply that he's—gasp! Mature!
Fuck him and his feelings. They can both go down the toilet for all I care. I didn't steal anything, but I sure wish I did. It's times like these where I wish I wasn't so closeted in the nice guy category. Sometimes, I want to be able to go out and get what I want without procrastination constantly lurking around the corner. As much as I hate to admit it, maybe if I were a little bit more like Seifer—I wouldn't be batting so low with Kairi right now. The friend zone is a trap and it's not hard to tell when you're stuck.
I realize my feelings are pretty much impractical. The chances of them being flushed into an unsatisfied pipe of despair seems very probable at this point. What was I thinking? What point would there even be in telling her how I feel? I'd be wasting my time, and quite frankly, I'd be making things way more difficult for our little trio of misfits. We, the three musketeers, would be doomed. Our unbreakable bond will have been shattered and cornered by awkwardness. Am I willing to risk that?
I'm thinking way too much right now. Thinking is unhealthy. Thinking is bad. Especially for a content, nonchalant guy like myself. I have a fear of change. At least, a change in a negative consent. And I'm afraid to make changes—even if they're for the better. It's just not part of my lifestyle.
"Sora?"
Kairi's sweet voice brings me out of my thoughts. Holy crap, how did I get here? The sun glares at us once again for our bad skipping habit. No wonder why it's so hot, especially on this roof. I must have dozed off so hard that I didn't even realize I had been mindlessly making my way up here.
She caresses me on the face. "Sora," she hums, her eyes whimsical. Maybe she does have some feelings for me. Normal friends don't just caress each other in the face, do they? Or am I just missing something? I start to think that maybe I do have a chance with her. That is, until she karate chops me right on the head. "You're late! Not too sure if I should be surprised. You are a lazy bum, after all!"
I clutch my head as I give her the evil eye. "What the hell was that for? I'm still recovering from the abrupt halt in my beauty sleep, woman! I don't need your disdain."
She rolls her eyes. "I've been waiting for you for almost twenty minutes! I told you to get here early this morning!"
"You should know better than anyone that I'm not very reliable when it comes to a shift in my morning system. I'm a man of consistency." And you know this, so stop trying to act all surprised.
"Excuses, excuses..." she trails. She's a little disappointed, but of course, that might be because she's hiding the fact that she's happy to see me. It's something she does all the time. "Next time, you get here on the dot, mister!" She huffs as she crosses her arms and directs her body to the side.
"Aw," I coo. I pat her on the head. "Sorry Kai, won't happen again. But I find it cute that you missed me so much."
Her cheeks redden as she smacks my hand away with a growl. "That's not the case!"
We hear a step from behind us. I turn around to see Riku with two bagels in his hands. "Kairi, I don't think they had the ones you usually like." He lifts his head and immediately smirks at my face. "Well, well, look who decided to show up. I told Kairi that she wasn't going to be able to depend on you to make it here on time, so that's why I offered to come up here in your place to at least keep her company." He hands Kairi the bagel. He knows good and well that Kairi depends more on him whenever I don't exactly come through, but he insists on rubbing it in my face.
"What? No breakfast fuel for me?"
He feels on my nonexistent muscles. "Well, you could use a little extra meat on your bones, but Sora, this is a bagel. I think you should start off slow, don't you? Maybe some peanuts." He chuckles.
I need to add asking the authoress for a different character to play the part as my best friend on my to-do list. But hey, he's been with me since I was four. It'd be impossible for me to have an actual grudge against him. Still, to say he's irritating is an understatement. This is the morning you mad man! Cut me some slack.
"Don't feel too bad about it," he continues, "baby steps is always a good place to start. Then, if you're lucky, you'll be up there with me." He flexes his muscles. Even Kairi groans.
I wear a smirk. "You know, Riku, a wise man once told me being humble shows how confident you are. Bragging just shows how insecure you pretend not to be."
He shuts up immediately. Kairi points at him with both fingers. "OOH, BURN!"
He's one of my best friends, it's my job to shut him down when he's charging up his own ego too much.
"Since you know everything, I guess you know that you're a dick too, right?"
"Hey, all I wanted was a bagel. Some coffee would have been appreciated. But I guess I'm not inclined."
"Get here on time then, bakaaa~!" Kairi yells at me. Okay, seriously, whose side is this bitch on? And I don't understand the point of switching from English to Japanese, but questioning her on those things isn't worth it. I guess we're satirizing anime.
"Instead of antagonizing me, how about you guys tell me why I needed to be here so early. Did you come up with something, Kairi?"
Riku presents her as he lay down on the concrete, his hands folded behind his head. "Let the boy know, Kai Kai."
Kairi smiles proudly as she hops onto the ledge of the roof with her fists on to her sides. She clenches her fingers with determination. "This group meeting has been called because I have a brand new idea!" she declares. Way to state the obvious.
If I were a smart man, I'd run away. But unfortunately, I'm blinded by my love for her.
"We're still fairly early in the school year. Things have been going by pretty slow. So, I feel like it is our duty to spice things up!"
Déjà vu, anyone? "I think that obligation is geared more towards you than to me." I'm no hype man. I like when things are normal. Normal means I don't have to push any unnecessary boundaries. Of course, with Kairi around, normal is impossible. I've grown used to it.
"Of course!" she beams. "It's my job to make school more interesting! Otherwise, my name wouldn't be Kairi Hart!"
Because I totally forgot.
"Anyway," she continues as she clears her throat, "I was wandering around the school yesterday to see if I could find anything interest, but of course, nothing worked. That is, until I made it down the electives hall. You know, where classes and activities like Woodstock, art, and music band are. I couldn't help but find myself glued to the club rooms. Then it hit me; if I can't find anything that piques my interest, then I make things more interesting."
"I thought that was your motto," Riku thinks aloud.
"That isn't the point. The point is that I know what we're gonna do." She turns around and faces the sun as she punches a determined fist into the air. "We're gonna make a club!"
This reminds me of something. Can't remember what, though. All I know is that I can tell this is already going to be a handful.
"Okay, what are we going to do for this club?" I ask.
Her shoulders slump. She turns to me with a sheepish chuckle. "That's where I'm a little lost at..."
I sigh. Typical Kairi, always thinking up of a plan without piecing together the context. Come to think of it, why do I adore her so much?
She hops down and pats my cheek. "But that's where you come in, silly. I need you to help me gather up some group members and a room for us to meet up at! I'm counting on you!" She kisses me on the cheek, and I suddenly remember the reasons for my adoration.
Can you blame me? She's counting on me to get this done for her. I'm her best bet, although neither Riku or me are really dependable. I'm a couch potato, and Riku's so full of himself he might end up forgetting the task at hand. But even I can vouch for some harmless excitement every now and then. This, however, seems pointless. I don't get how a club will do anything to zest the flavor of our school lives, but she's the expert. I'm not. So lead me on, fearless captain. I guess I understand why Roxas doesn't mind being whipped. I don't think I mind so much either.
"Alright, we'll meet up here after school with our results!"
I look down at the slacker resting below us. He's probably working on his tan. "What about him?"
She rolls her eyes. "He's of no use to me. He'd probably fall asleep during most of the recruiting portion." She looks at me yet again with fierce determination. "But you—you'll be there to help me out, won't you?"
Why even ask that question? Even if I said no, you'll drag me along for the ride anyway.
"I know you, Sora. You try to act like you hate partaking in my plans, but I see right through your fascia! You usually end up getting really into it by the times we kick things into full gear!" She winks.
Yeah, maybe to your whacked perception. It can only lead me to less than desirable results in the future. Let's just see how this pans out. If this is nothing else, then it is at least, interesting.
"So, are you in?"
"Sure. But can we get all the details straightened—"
"WOO!" Kairi cheers as she jumps up and down for joy. "See? This is why I love you, Sora! You're my main man!"
It's funny how a certain tone can alter those kinds of declarations. Just a few notches down on the volume column and she'd probably be confessing her love for me. I'm enveloped into a hug. It shamefully brings heat to my face.
"God," Riku groans. "Can't you two get all lovey dovey somewhere else? I'm trying to allow the heavens a good view of me while I soak in the sun's rays." He puts on some shades.
Judging by his sweat, "All you seem to be soaking in is heat."
"No, I am the heat, son."
"Be quiet!" Kairi yells. "I have no further use for you, Riku, because I knew Sora would pull through! Begone!" She looks at me again. "I'll see you later!" She waves as she runs back down the steps. She left rather quickly. I suppose first period is about to start soon.
Wait a second, what have I gotten myself into? An unorthodox club severely deficient of planning or purpose is now in my hands. And what the hell am I supposed to do anyway? Find club members? Oh, yeah, because this is an easy idea to sell. Hey, join this club we're making! We have no idea what we'll be doing, where it'll take place, what the hours are, or any of the information you want to know! Nor can we confirm your safety or anything that we will do to you will be entirely legal, but hey, sign up for the ride! We might as well just put up a poster and splash "Kairi Hart" across the front for our marketing strategy. That alone would reel in some suckers, and I'm not being sarcastic.
Riku stands up and places a hand on my shoulder. "I'm glad she trusts you more than me now, bro. Even though we both know that I'm way more on top of things."
His arrogance has been on a new level lately. Has he been digesting douche flakes for breakfast? Trust me, he's not usually like this. "What's with you? Why are you acting like this?"
His smirk falls almost immediately. Just what are you up to, Riku Nekai? "Okay, you got me. I'm trying to help you out."
"Trying to help me out? With what, exactly?"
He rolls his eyes. Why does everybody think I'm a mind reader? Just say what's on your mind, and we build the conversation from there. "I thought someone as smart as you would have figured it out, but I guess it's true when they say the academically gifted are clueless when it comes to their social life."
"I'm so confused..." And just for the record, I'm not what I would call academically gifted. That would imply that I care about school.
"Hello! I'm trying to look like an asshole in front of Kairi. All so that you look better!"
"You are?"
"Yeah, but it doesn't exactly help the situation at hand when you're constantly late to her meetings. I mean, come on, I tried being late and I still got here before you."
My household runs on high adrenaline on school day mornings. It's a pace I'm not wired to keep up with, so don't blame me for that kind of stuff. "I appreciate it, but really, there's no point."
"There's not?"
I let my bag rest as I lean against the wall of a building block behind us. I think it's about time to let the cat out of the bag. "Listen, I was thinking about my relationship with Kairi two days ago. I kind of came to the conclusion that I'll go on ahead and tell her how I feel."
His eyes light up to the announcement. "Dude, way to go!"
"I wasn't done," I interject. "I've thought it over, and I think I'll have to postpone on that for a while."
"Dude, way to go," he says, this time with a lot more sarcasm. He sighs, as if not entirely surprised. "So, why'd you change your mind?"
"With these club shenanigans, it'd be pointless. She's so intent on it. If I spring something like that onto her out of nowhere, it'll be too much. It's just not the right time." I decide to leave out the fact that I don't want to ruin the friendship we have either. But that's cliché.
"I guess I can see where you're coming from," he agrees, picking at his teeth. "You better be careful, though. Kairi's a catch. And we don't want anybody else going in for the kill before you."
I'll be damned if I let that happen. No way am I letting a random ass faceless background character swoop in and steal her away from my grasp. You're probably thinking that won't happen in a story like this, but you've got to learn how to expect the unexpected. I'm not letting anything past me.
"Putting things off is procrastination, and we all know that procrastination is an excuse."
"You may not be wrong, but I have my reasons." A weak retort, but what else can I say?
"Lucky for you, Kairi isn't so easy to sweep off her feet."
"Yeah. It has its ups and downs. The good part is that I haven't had to deal with her tossing away her single status to some random jerk. There's a long list of guys she's rejected. The bad part is that I'm afraid I might be on that list if I ever attempted to ask her out."
"I don't think you would be."
"But what if that's the case?"
"I think it depends on what you do with your circumstances. Good luck, Sora." He leaves without another word. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Get back here, you dick! I guess he just wanted to give my mind something to chew on. I might as well pack my pita and leave as well. Riku's probably going to stumble into class late with a pathetic excuse while Kairi's off doing... something.
I'm not very keen on going to class just yet. How about one last detour? First period is Spanish class anyway, and when the hell am I ever going to use that in life? This is a well deserved skip. My brain is going through a tornado. One part of me is saying that this is the perfect time to gather some members for this club nonsense. It'd make Kairi happy. Another part of me is rubbing my shoulders telling me to relax and put my stress to rest. I usually like listening to the latter, despite how unhealthy its poisonous persuasion is. Hey, I still have a whole day to gather up some members. I'll be fine.
I enter the school library, the sanctuary for peace and quiet. It's pretty tidy in here, with the books all organized in their respective genres. The walls are painted green with book shelves on the right and the left side of the room. In the middle, we have space for tables and computers. Students usually come here to skip, but the administration do little about it. A handful of my peers are on the computers looking up not school appropriate things. They use a proxy to avoid getting caught for doing stuff under the school wifi. I find a seat at a table close to a big window. It gives me a nice view of the sidewalk.
I really need some coffee right now.
I look across me to see someone delved into a book. They haven't even acknowledged my existence yet, but I recognize the cover. It's a book that's been tossed around campus by all the social standings more intellectual cliques. It's supposed to have a lot of detail on urban myths like Big Foot and the Big Bang theory. Though I haven't heard much of a positive reaction for it.
"So, you enjoying your book?" I decide to ask.
They put their book down to give me a dull look. He has steel-blue hair and thick bangs that cover his left eye. He sports reading glasses. "It's actually pretty interesting. There are some paragraphs the author may have needed to look over a couple of times, but overall, I think it gives us nice background information. There's less than decent context of certain revelations, though."
"Don't tell me you believe in all of that stuff."
"Of course not," he says, but then smirks. "However, if the proof is valid, then I can only accommodate myself into altering my view of the world. I'm quite fascinated with the mysteries that have yet to be solved by some of the world's most top notch scientists. But still, they can't be that smart if they haven't concluded anything after years, centuries even, of research. Sometimes I think they're all just wasting their time, but I admire their persistence."
Damn it, I didn't want to start this type of conversation with him. It can only mean one thing; this guy is going to play a role in the story. He must be a brand new character, and he seems to be a little bit on the wacky portion of the scale.
"I don't think you'll find your answers through a book like this."
"Every bit of information counts. You can use it to your advantage when—wait a second, what am I doing even talking to you about this for? I'm sure you're not interested in my theories. I don't like wasting my time with strangers."
Okay, run Sora! Run while you still can before this guy turns into a bonified character! I stand up, ready to dash out of the room. "I guess not. Make sure you keep your little scientific mumbo jumbo a little less exaggerated."
"Typical. I suppose I shouldn't have expected much more from a delinquent," he says with a grin.
I stop in my tracks. Who does he think he is? He must hold the title for most passive aggressive dick in the entire universe. Is he trying to pick a fight with me? "Listen pal, you're a pretty big talker. But a sharp tongue doesn't make a keen mind. Word of advice, if you want to bash our scientists for what they do, then you're talking shit for no reason. I suggest you get out and make your own discoveries before you judge someone else's."
Just some guidance so that he knows I'm not an idiot. I may be a delinquent who likes to skip class and drink unhealthy amounts of coffee, but I'm not stupid. I begin making my way out.
"Wait."
I want to move, but I can't. It's probably the physics of being a character. I can only do so much before I'm forced into something against my will. I hate FanFiction.
I turn around. He pushes up his glasses and gives me a smirk. "You make a valid point, Hikari, is it?"
"That's me."
He extends his hand. "I'm Zexion Ishida. Nice to meet you."
I give his hand a shake.
"You're definitely not the perception I originally had of you. I thought you were a slacker just like your no good pal, Riku." Gee, thanks. "But I see now, you aren't as bad as I thought. Anybody who can hit me with such a reality check can't be all that bad."
I don't see why he's making such a big deal out of this. I simply stated the obvious. "If this is your way of making an acquaintance, let me be the first to tell you that your system is severely flawed."
He chuckles. "Relax. To be honest, I was just joking around with you earlier to see if I could push your buttons a little bit." Ah, so you are a passive aggressive dick. "But I didn't expect you to come up with a reasonable argument. If I want to find out more about the world's mysteries, I can't just sit around and read about it. I should go out and do something about it for myself. The world could use some more brainpower, don't you think?"
"I guess so."
"Then my destiny is set. I like to think of myself as an adept scientist."
Yes, that's very shocking news.
"Zex!" I hear a voice ring out. A raven-haired girl busts into the premises with a huge grin. "Hey! Zexion! I finally found you!"
The lady at the front desk hushes her.
"What?! I can't hear you!"
This girl, I know her. Her name is Yuffie Kisaragi. She's the new kid this year and is quickly making a name for herself as being Kairi 2.0. She's a cutie, but doesn't live up to Kairi's standards. Yuffie lunges towards me and Zexion. She does a random ninja-like roll until she's up on her feet, her fists planted at her sides.
"Sexy Zexy, I've been looking all over for you! I should have known you would have been here in the boring old library!"
Sexy Zexy?
"You'd be surprised. Maybe that brain of yours might get an upgrade if you simply spent a day here with me from time to time."
Sorry, I'm still stuck on Sexy Zexy.
"No can do! I have a life, thank you!" Yuffie turns to me. "Hey, I know you! I see you around the school all the time! What's your name again?"
She seems friendly enough. "Sora Hikari. You must be Yuffie Kisaragi."
"Aw, did the hair give it away? I thought you mighta took me for Xion or something!"
Xion?
"She's my little sister," she answers, as if reading my mind.
"I see. So, what's the status between you and Zexion here?"
"Status? No status! Just best friends!" She wraps an arm around him. An unlikely duo, but judging by the smirk on Zexion, he appreciates her prattle.
"You guys don't seem like each other's type."
"That's what I used to think! But Zexy's really just a big softy once you get to know him."
Sure. Whatever you say. I'm sure he'd open to you, since you probably annoyed him to death for weeks until he finally accepted you as a friend at long last. It's ideal for someone like you.
"Best friends might be pushing it a bit, more like, I just have a much better tolerance for you these days."
"Naysayers gonna naysay!"
"I'm just telling it like it is."
"If you can't be positive then at least be quiet!"
The lady behind the desk scowls. I can't blame her, Yuffie's voice definitely carries. I chuckle. She seems to have the energy that will allow her to keep up with Kairi. Perhaps, even more so than me.
Time to round up my first member. "Yuffie, you think you might want to join this club me and my friend are putting together?"
She rubs her chin. "A club? Hmm, sounds fun! What kind of club?"
You tell me. "Uh, that's a surprise."
"A surprise? Oh, I love surprises! Sounds like fun, doesn't it, Sexy Zexy?"
Oh crap. I didn't want him in on this. What scares me the most is that he looks like he's actually taking this under consideration. Please, Miss authoress! Whatever you do, don't make him say yes!
"A club with an unknown premise. It sounds quite interesting, even I must admit. I think it'd be worth checking out."
Sigh...
I want to be angry, but quite honestly, I saw this coming. This confirms him as another character, but on the bright side, so is Yuffie. Things seem to be happening a little fast, aren't they?
"Give us the details, Sor!"
"I'll fill you in on the details later. Meet me here tomorrow and hopefully I'll have some more information for you two."
Zexion chuckles. "How unorganized. Why even give us an invitation if you can't sell it properly?"
This guy is like a bag of pampers. Self absorbed, and full of shit. "Well, you don't have to come if you don't want to. Kairi is going to be head of things, so if you have any questions, I'd recommend you go talk to her."
Zexion chuckles warmly while he rubs the back of his head. "Sorry if I'm offending you. But you gotta learn how to take a joke."
Oh, shut up.
The bell rings. Thank God, I don't need to be around Zexion anymore. I'm pretty sure he's trying to get a rouse out of me at this point, but I won't reward him with impulsive behavior.
"I'll see you guys later." I turn for the door.
A hand grips my wrist. "Hold on just a second! What period do you have next?" Yuffie asks.
"Economics."
"Skip it and go to the cafeteria with me! You seem cool!"
I'd love to, but I value at least attending some classes of my day. Trivial classes like the electives don't deserve to relish in my presence. Some classes are a waste of time, but to not go to any of them, then I'd just be wasting my own time. "Can't, sorry. But we'll see more of each other as long as you join the club."
She makes a pouty face. "Aww, but okay! I understand!"
"Aren't you going to class?"
She scoffs. "I have health next period."
I know what you mean, but that class actually has useful information if you pay attention. Not that I enjoy it or anything.
"So, are you gonna join?"
"Yeah, sure!" Her enthusiasm is contagious. I'm getting a little antsy myself. "But hey, I need to get up to the cafeteria soon before the late bell rings, and I don't want to be the reason for your tardy, so see ya! Come on, Zexy!" She skips out while giving me a wink.
Zexion steps up to me. "Well, it looks like we may be potential fellow club members. Exciting, huh?"
I roll my eyes, making sure to exaggerate it so that he takes the hint. "Sure. If you say so."
He doesn't even seem to notice. He still has that stupid smile of his. What's this guy's deal? He's fucking creepy. He extends his hand. "I suppose we ought to start getting along. I'm glad we could meet each other."
I reluctantly shake his hand. I still don't exactly trust the guy, but I guess it'd be rude to not shake. So I do. That's when he pulls he me closer to him and gropes my rear end suggestively.
Wait, what?!
"Maybe if I can get some alone time with you, we can make this something worth while. I've had my eye set on you from the start, Hikari. See, this is all just a big gamble. Play your cards right, and you might have something of merrit."
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! What is he doing? What's going on? I didn't know—but—I—he didn't—but I thought—
I almost lose my sanitary, but he stifles fits. Without warning, he detonated into laughter. "It was just a joke! I must say, your face was quite amusing!" He pats me on the back. "Oh, but we are gonna have a fun time if you're that easy to get a reaction out of. I'll see you!" He makes his exit.
What the hell just happened?
So, yeah, this is turning out to be really Haruhi right now. But trust me, this story is only taking a few cues out of it, like the club, a super enthusiastic leader, and the dynamic between Sora and Zexion is gonna be similar to that of Kyon and Koizumi. This chapter showcases a very exaggerated version of it though. There might be one more little thing in there. But yes, my recent obsession with Haruhi is transcending into this story. I hope it isn't too much of a problem. I promise this won't be some bland rehash of the story with just KH characters.
So, tell me what you think? Sora's home life isn't as carefree as you thought it might be, huh? And I'm leaving Sora's father out of the picture for now on purpose. We'll go more into him later.
So, tell what you did/didn't like in a review! I appreciate honesty, so if you're really not feeling this chapter all that much, by all means, let me know! Tell me what you think I need to improve on!
I give a big ass thanks to blissfulnightrain, 90sboy, RandomReader7600, Guardian's Solace, Ken7700, and Clogallie for your reviews last chapter! I appreciate it tons!
