Tarin awoke to the distinct sound of nothing. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and glanced around the room. Everything was just as it was; her door was closed with her bag leaning against it. Her window was closed and locked, with her soft Vermilion curtains covering them. The blackette's attention then was caught by her digital alarm clock; its numbers reading 12:27. She swung her legs over the side of her bed and stood up, walking over to her window. She pulled back the curtains and peered outside, the driveway empty.
'They're not home yet...' she pondered.
She unlocked her window and opened it slowly, allowing the cool summer breeze into the stifling warm room.The wind brushed past her and blew open the curtains. Tarin was about to move away from the window when chatter resonated from the streets below, closer to her window. Below on the empty streets of the town were a trio of kids; A female redhead, a dirty blonde haired male, and a certain silver haired male. Her eyes widened.
'What the hell are they doing here?'
She quietly watched them, listening intently.
"I'm telling you, this is getting us nowhere." Riku sighed.
About four hours ago, Sora had convinced his mother that he needed more help studying and that staying at Riku's house was a way to help under the notion that he was serious about finishing school with high honors. Kairi had convinced her father with the same lie, saying that she was staying at Selphie's. The true plan, however, was to stay at Riku's house for the night, after they investigate the scene of the falling star. After 4 hours of searching, they had finally found the impact site. Sora held the saffron colored star from earlier in his left hand while now holding an identical shaped star charm in his right; the colors were shamrock green that lightened up to yellow at the tips. In the middle was an oddly shaped heart. Sora compared both of the stars in his hands, his gaze switching between the two.
"Now there's two stars..." he sighed. Riku glanced over his shoulder and into the blonde's hands.
"What do they mean, though?" he sighed. He glanced around the neighborhood with a stagnant frown. The entire town was quiet, what with it being midnight and such. It was a peaceful, yet unsettlingly quiet.
"We don't have enough to go on. Maybe we should ask the king?" Kairi questioned. The group thought to themselves before ultimately nodded their heads in confirmation.
"We'll find a way to do that later, but for now, we have to figure out how to understand what this means. So let's get back to my house." the silverette concluded. As the three picked the pace up, Riku's attention was caught by long flowing red curtains. There was an open window of a blue two story house and a girl standing in said window, with black and blue hair. His eyes widened.
"Hey, what street are we on?" the flustered male asked, his aquamarine eyes latched onto the girl. Sora and Kairi both glanced at each other.
"Schenect." they said in unison.
'So she lives on this street...'
"Um Riku, are you ok?" Sora asked, worry settling in his face. Riku's unfaltering gaze lightened up as he looked back to his friends.
"Yeah...let's hurry."
Riku sat at his desk, glaring at Tarin's back. The class started as usual, what with Selphie's constant screeching about how cool the transfer student looks, and the entire class saying the same thing. The exception was Kairi, Sora and Riku. They remained to themselves that morning, even though they all left Riku's house early.
Tarin, on the other hand, had noticed that the silverette had found interest in her. She felt as she did the day before; under the microscope of the class constantly being supervised. But today, he was actually glaring at her. She felt her chest clench and tighten up. Anxiety was setting in but just before she could get to politely ask if she could visit the nurse's office, the instructor had closed her book, pulling the classes attention.
"Alright. We'll answer one more question and then I'll dismiss you to Physical Education." the brunette woman smiled. She side stepped the board and pointed to the problem; a parallelogram with numbers on it. "The parallelogram shown in the figure on the board has a perimeter of 44 cm and an area of 64 cm squared. Mr. Harada, can you come up to the board and find angle T in degrees?"
Riku's, completely unfazed by the question, stood up and walked up to the board. Tarin watched the boy carefully as she clutched her chest in relief. The attention was no longer on her as Riku solved the problem with ease. Her relief was short lived, however, when she noticed that he was already done. He placed the chalk down on the board and stood to the side to admire his work.
2(3x + 2) + 2(5x + 4)
x = 2
= 64 / 14 = 32/7 cm
sin(T) = (32/7) / 8 = 32/56 = 4/7
T = arcsin(4/7) = 34.8 Degrees
"Excellent work, Mr. Harada. I'll explain what he wrote."
Riku bowed to the teacher and walked back to his seat, all the while glaring at Tarin. Her eyes caught his in a four second staring contest where his eyes, even though they were a cool aquamarine, almost glowed with an angry blue. Her forest green eyes widened and heart almost stopped.
'Those eyes...I've seen them before...'
He passed by the black haired girl and sat in his seat. "And with that, I conclude this lesson. I'll leave the rest to the class representative. Have a good weekend." the instructor said with a bright smile as she erased the board. Suddenly, Selphie stood up and skipped up to the teacher's podium.
"ALRIGHT. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!" the overly cheerful girl started. "I'm going to politely ask all gentleman to proceed into the classroom across the hall so we all can change for P.E."
The chattering began once the girl stopped talking. Chairs moved as did the males, exiting the room as Selphie had instructed. Once all boys had left the room, the doors were closed and the girls had started to take off their clothes, changing into their gym clothes. Tarin stood up from her seat and walked over to her cubby, undoing her tie. She barely listened to the various conversations going on in the class. She unbuttoned her shirt and took it off, earning her a series of soft gasps. They were watching her again. Tarin's bust size wasn't something to laugh at; not many girls in the room were any bigger than a C-cup and considering that her cup size was a D-cup, she was ultimately bound to have a few lookers. Quickly, she grabbed her gym shirt and pulled it over her head, allowing it to fall at her waist. She pulled her skirt down and pulled on her sky blue bloomers. She felt as though she looked silly, like an underclothed child. After folding up her clothes and placing them in her bag, she grabbed a hair tie from her bag, tying her long ebony tresses into a high ponytail. Tarin allowed her side bangs to fall over her shoulders and didn't feel the need to pin them back. She wanted to quickly walk out the classroom to avoid all the stares. But as the faculty had told her on the first day, she had to wait for everyone to finish changing and then proceed to the field. The longest five minutes of her life.
Outside, the sky was clear, with only a few clouds in sight. There was a light breeze and quite a lot of sunlight; the perfect day for having class outside. Once the entire class walked onto the field and sat on the bleachers, a tall man with spiky cut dark maroon hair walked out from the building. He wore a matching green and black tracksuit with regular white sneakers. "Morning, you lazy turds. Today, you're running. Like usual." he said with an evil smirk. The entire class groaned. Tidus raised his hand and spoke up.
"But we ran last class, Ikuso!" he whined. The instructor sneered at the male.
"I don't give a damn! You'll keep running until you drop! And because you decided to complain Mr. Allistar, you'll be running laps all period!" Tarin glanced over to the male and watched his expression turn sour. In fact, everyone's expression was on the sour side. She concluded that this teacher wasn't the most loved. "Alright, It's safe to assume that all of you are here cuz if you miss my class, I'll find out and have you run more laps. So I won't take attendance. That'll give us more time for P.E. Pay attention, cuz I'm only gonna say this once! Today's objective is to beat your records from last class. If you manage to beat it, I'll allow you to sit out for the rest of the class. If you can't beat it, you'll be joining Mr. Allistar. Now, ladies first."
All girls stood up on the bleachers and began to walk down, half of them wore looks of determination. The other half were unsure. Tarin followed the group and sat at the bottom of the bleachers, glancing around the field. She sighed and waited for her name to be called. As she watched the girls go in a single lap, the blackette found herself pulling at her side bangs, examining the length.
'Should I cut my hair? It's really growing longer than I would like it to be…' she pondered quietly. Suddenly, she felt a hand tap her shoulder. She stiffened up slightly as she turned her head. Red hair caught her vision as the girl stood next to her.
"May I sit here?" Kairi asked with a smile. Tarin stared at her for a moment before she sighed and nodded, gazing out to the field. The redhead quickly sat down. There was a moment of silence that was stifling, before the blackette spoke up.
"Tachibana, right?" Tarin said. Kairi looked at her and nodded happily.
"Yeah. That's right."
Another silent moment.
"Forgive me; I'm not good with names. I might accidently forget, so try not to feel offended." Tarin said apathetically.
"I won't. I was just wondering if maybe you wan-"
"Tachibana! Let's go!" Ikuso screamed. It caught both of the girls off guard and caught their attention at the same time.
Kairi sighed and stood. "Never mind..."
"Just tell me later." Tarin sighed. Kairi looked back at the girl, surprised. Tarin, however, just rolled her eyes. "We're in the same class, so it's not like you won't be able to fine me. You can ask me whatever it is you want to ask me later." The girl stood there for a moment before nodding and quickly running over to the field. The blackette gave a sigh of relief for finally being alone. She relaxed and closed her eyes for a moment, only focusing on the air around her. She listened to the chattering of students and the ungraceful stomping of feet on the track. It was safe behind her eyelids; what with the feeling of no one invading her personal space. That was until the pattering stopped a few minutes later. She opened her forest green eyes and looked out to the track, Kairi had finished her lap but didn't make it past her old time, ultimately joining the growing group of girls in running laps. Ikuso glanced over at Tarin.
"Let's see...ah yes the transfer student. You're not on my roster yet, so what's your name?" he shouted over to her. She stood up and walked over to him, stopping in front of him.
"Gessekai Tarin." she said simply. He pulled out a pen and began to write on a piece of paper.
"Moonworld, huh? Interesting...anyways, you're up. And since this is your first day of MY gym class, you'll run twice today. Once right now, and a second time after the boys go. I need a time for you to beat." the man finished, pointing to the makeshift starting line. She quickly moved to the line and stood there, waiting for the other four girls to get to the area. Once they stood with her on the line, she waited for the man to get his stopwatch ready.
"Alright, on your marks."
Tarin took a deep breath in, calming her nerves. This wasn't something to get worked up about, but for some reason she felt obligated to set a nice record.
"Get set."
She exhaled slowly and balled her hands into fists. She was ready.
"GO!"
And without a second thought, she took off. The girls that stood with her on the line was suddenly a good time behind her, and the gap was growing by the second. Tarin felt a sharp pain attack her heart halfway through but didn't allow it to stop her progress. She wouldn't allow it to stop her. As she made quick work of the lap, she slowed to a stop by the teacher, panting heavily for all the breath she lost. She rested her palms on her knees, trying to breathe.
"Gessekai, you made an impressive time of 46.3 seconds, the fastest for the girls." Ikuso smirked. Tarin slowly made her way to the bottom bleachers and sat down, breathing deeply. The murmurs of the students had gotten louder. One of the male students said that she was absolutely amazing. But Tarin could only focus on her chest. The pain was torturous, but she managed to hold back the need to vomit. Once the other girls made it to the line, the teacher had instructed all the boys to meet at the bottom of the field. Tarin sat back and clutched her chest. The pain had increased at a moments notice and was suddenly worsening.
'Dammit...this is bad...' she yelled in her head.
The blackette was able to sit down for a few minutes, but she was completely dreading that second run. She wasn't sure if she was up to it, but her pride was too strong. Tarin nodded in silent confirmation. She was going to run regardless of her current condition.
But she would be lying if she said that she wasn't about to regret it. The blackette watched wave after wave of boys run and either succeed or fail. She had to admit, at least the Allistar kid wasn't alone anymore. But the moment she was caught off guard, she heard a couple of familiar names.
"Harada, Yamamoto, get down here!" Ikuso shouted to the bleachers. After a duo of groans, Sora and Riku both walked down to the field, standing side by side. "And...let's see...Gessekai! Round two!"
'Oh shit...' she shouted in her head. She slowly stood up and walked over to the small group. The entire class watched carefully at them and didn't dare utter a sound. Even substantial group of kids forced to run laps stood still and watched. Although Tarin wished they continued as they were. She glared at the man with razor blades for eyes.
"What's with the face? I told you you'll be running again!" he cackled loudly. "So here's the deal. There aren't anymore boys that can run with you two so she's gonna run with you. You three aren't racing each other. You're racing the damn clock. And Gessekai." Ikuso paused. "The same rules still apply. You lose time, you'll be joining the lap group next class. So actually try. Alright, on the line!"
Sora and Riku both casually walked to the starting line, with Tarin right behind them. She stopped between the boys, one of which were tying his sneakers tighter. The pain in the girl's chest did not subside for a moment as she braced herself for the inevitable. She took in a deep breath for the second time that period.
"Hey Riku. We should continue that bet from yesterday since we actually got someone to watch and time." Sora smiled, stretching his arms over his head. Riku tilted his head, piqued at his proposal.
"I don't see why not..." He smirked.
"On your marks."
"Get set."
She exhaled.
"GO!"
The three of them took off from the line together, all in time with each other. With each passing second they were together, completely synchronized. Until Sora began to burst ahead. Riku smirked and passed the both of them with ease, and considering that since Tarin had ran earlier that day, her exhaustion level was pretty high.
Or so he thought.
Tarin gained a final burst of energy to pass the both of them and put a good distance between them, at the expense of her health. The pain in her chest was completely unbearable at this point, but she persevered. In a matter of seconds, the three of them crossed the finish line. A great shower of cheers came from the bleachers and field as their fellow classmates celebrated the race with happiness. Sora had fallen onto the ground with a soft thud and Riku stood doubled over, both completely out of breath. Tarin was panting heavily, palms once again on her knees and sweating profusely. Her legs shook slightly and her eyesight played tricks with her. Ikuso clapped.
"Bravo, you turds. You actually did really well."
"What was...our time?" Sora asked through the panting. The teacher flipped through the clipboard in his hand to write something down. Then he cleared his throat.
"Yamamoto, your time was 34.9 seconds. Harada, you had 35.4 seconds. You both beat your times from last class." Then he glanced over the the girl. "Ms. Gessekai, you are absolutely impressive. You beat your record and on the first day too. 32.2 seconds." The boys stared at her as she wiped sweat off her forehead. The class began to murmur and whisper all over again.
"Your stamina is incredible." Riku commended the girl.
Tarin clutched her chest. "You're not so bad yourself."
"My fucking ribs!" Sora shouted as he collapsed onto the ground miserably.
"Let this be a lesson to you tweeds!" Ikuso shouted to the bleachers. "Those that work hard will persevere. DISMISSED!"
Suddenly, the entire class flew down from the bleachers and track, some complaining about lesson, others complaining about everything else. Kairi stood by the gate of the field and waited patiently for her friends. Riku pulled Sora up to a standing position and walked over to the redhead. Tarin, whose body should have been rendered immobile, carefully walked to the gate as well. She walked past the group, but was caught by a soft voice. "Um..." Without flinching, she slowly turned her head to the redhead. By now, her annoying voice was already committed to the blackette's memory.
"...What did you want to ask...?" Tarin said carefully. Kairi looked uneasy as she stared at her classmate.
"Lunch time is next...so would you like some company?"
The girl thought about it for a moment and sighed. "...Fine..."
Kairi smiled brightly. "Ah great! We'll be on the roof then."
The blackette nodded and began to walk inside the building. A few minutes later, the trio walked in too.
"So she actually said yes...you must be excited, huh Kairi?" Sora sighed. The redhead nodded happily.
"I am! I can't stand it when people eat alone."
"Well at least you'll have another friend." Riku said.
"Whatever happened to a friend of yours is a friend of ours?" she pouted.
Riku crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "Don't know her like that yet."
"Well whatever. I'm going to go change." Kairi shrugged and dashed off towards the classroom. "Meet me upstairs!" she called back to them before she disappeared, leaving the boys behind. With a small frown, Riku glanced back to Sora, who was still panting lightly.
'What would you do if I suddenly went missing?'
"Sora."
"Yeah?" Sora muttered.
"Back in Traverse Town last year, when we found each other after this entire thing began, I wanted to apologize. You invited me along to find and save Kairi, but I was selfish. I thought that you were just acting like a child and had forgotten about us. I fell into darkness so fast...and I can't forgive myself for that."
Sora stood up straight and carefully listened to the boy, his eyes never leaving the silverette's form. "I put you through hell in the past two years. You waited for me to get my shit together for two years. And you still went looking for me."
"Riku…" the blonde started.
"Just let me get this out...I wanted to ask you to forgive me; for everything. I now completely regret not coming with you, Donald, and Goofy that day. Even during the Mark of Mastery exam, I felt as though I couldn't help you as much I should've. Sora Yamamoto, if you went missing, I would fucking go after you and I would go in a heartbeat."
Sora blinked for a moment before a bright smile lifted his cheeks. "I'm happy to hear that. But I forgave you back then." Riku stood quietly, mouth slightly agape.
"You...you did?"
"Yeah. I mean you're my best friend! I would've forgiven you a long time ago if I weren't so pigheaded. C'mon. We should get go changed." Sora smiled and walked past the silverette, patting his shoulder. All Riku could do stare at the boy's back as he walked away.
"You...really are a moron…"
'Your stamina is incredible.'
"He just sounds so familiar to me..." She muttered to herself. Since the last lap of physical education, Tarin had quickly changed her clothes and went to the restroom where tried her best to regain control her breathing. Once she regained a good portion of it, the blackette then grabbed her lunch and made up to the roof without any physical incidents. She leaned against the gate with a sigh. Her chest was still hurting though, so she couldn't do anymore strenuous activities. And so far, merely walking around was proving to be an issue. She closed her eyes, focusing on her on breathing. It was difficult, yes, but not impossible to keep it from bothering her. However, it was still a challenge.
'If this keeps up, I'll have to visit the hospital...'
"Did you wait long?"
Tarin opened her eyes to the redhead and her friends standing before her. "No. I just got here myself." she lied. They sat down at the bench next to her. The silence was completely awkward for the first ten minutes, but Tarin appreciated it somewhat. It means less of a hassle trying to breathe. Sora looked at though he wanted to speak, though. So against all good nature, she spoke.
"You have a question, Yamamoto-san." the girl implied. Sora jumped a bit, but nodded.
"Yeah...I did." He said hesitantly.
"What is it?"
"Well, how do you like it here so far?"
Tarin through for a moment before answering. "It's quieter than the mainland, so I suppose it like it."
"What's the mainland like?" Kairi asked, curiosity piqued.
"It's busier than this little place. There's too many people." she answered honestly.
"Well, here everybody knows each other. It gets kind of boring." Riku sighed.
"I'd rather be with people I know than a stranger who won't give me a sideways glance if I need help." Tarin said.
Riku thought for a moment before talking again. "Touché." The silence set in again as the group continued to eat their food. Tarin, however had lost her appetite.
"...I...would like to apologize..." she started, catching the trio's attention. She ran a hand through her cobalt blue and black bangs, revealing those deep forest green eyes. Riku caught a glimpse and froze. "Yesterday, I was...a bit unbearable to the say the least...I'm not...the most successful people person...mostly because I keep to myself quite often..." she trailed off. Kairi smiled at the girl.
"It happens." she replied.
"Are you sure...?"
"Yeah! Hakuna Matata!" the blonde smiled.
"Excuse me?" Tarin said.
"Oh! Uh...it's a phrase that some friends of mine always says to me. Hakuna matata means no worries." Sora chuckled.
"I understand..." Tarin said, smiling softly. All three of them stared at the girl. She stared back, confused. "What? Is there something on my face?" she asked.
Riku blinked.
"Yeah...a smile."
