Lilly turns her head towards Hayato's direction, and it takes all of my self-control to keep myself in the place I am. It seems that he doesn't know I was watching him. Thank God
"I'm sorry but who might that be?" Lilly answers
"Oh, right. I'm the guy who crashed into the vending machine earlier" he answers shyly
Heh, such a big scientist and everything but he crashed into a machine.
"H-his name is Hirosawa…Hayato" I introduce him to Lilly, and she seems surprised I know his name
"Well, pleased to meet you"
Please don't-
"And can I ask how do you know Ikezawa-san?"
Dammit!
He thinks for a moment
"Uhm, I sit next to her –he looks at me and then to the floor- and… she has a baby bird I hatched in class… for science, of course"
She keeps that polite smile she always carries and nods. Is she somehow pleased? I hate that expression, makes her face hard to read sometimes.
Hayato looks at me all of a sudden and starts signing something in an odd manner.
Me. Lilly. Stairs. Lift?
Hayato's POV
Take. Lilly. Away!
It's a surprise, for the love of god. I want to see everyone's expressions tomorrow when they see what I did. If Satou-san knows it before it's finished, it loses all the mystery of who did it.
Ikezawa-san understands the message after doing it a couple of times again. She nods.
"Um, Lilly… were you looking for me?" they seem to be pretty good friends
"Right, you ran out of the library and I was worried"
Is that a habit of hers? To have something like panic attacks? Combining this data with my own knowledge of her, I have a specific result
Social phobia? But why?
I lose the rest of their conversation lost in my thoughts, and before I know it they are calling out for me
"Excuse me, Hirosawa, but we have to go. Take care"
"Oh? Er, right, you too"
They both turn on their heels and leave on the opposite side, towards the stairs. I mentally thank Ikezawa for taking her away. I wonder if Lilly always talks politely like that. Never mind
Now where was I?
After some time I'm done for today, walking through the dorms' hallway I take a look to the name plates to make sure it's the same Nakai of my class. Yep, it is
I get into my room and keep my lab coat, take my toolbox to its rightful place, and start with today's homework. On the middle of the work, I turn and see a single small lonely firework on my desk.
It reminds me of the festival. Well, there must be something I can help with, right? This here seems like a bright idea. I'll ask Hakamichi about it tomorrow
Maybe I can do something nice with it, I have some gunpowder somewhere around here.
I dismantle the firework and look at the structure. It's the blow up type, the ones that you have in your room so you can light them up in the night on the street and blow up something like a bottle. Like a mini grenade.
I change the carcass and the fuse, closed it and grabbed the electrical gauntlet I had abandoned and spent so much time cleaning so I could light it safely. When I light it, someone knocks the door
"GODDAMMIT!" I yell as I throw the firework off the window, the explosion is heard and I finally open the door with my gauntlet in my hand
"Yeah?" I ask
Two guys, one of them being Hisao, are standing behind the door. The other one looks like a complete geek, with those damn big glasses. He looks frightened and Hisao is confused
"THE WAR HAS FINALLY STARTED! THE ULTIMATE FEMINIST ATTACK IS HERE!" the other guy yells and hides in his room
"But I just threw a firework" I say after he can't hear me
"Why?" Hisao asks
"Well, I was just playing with it before you showed up. What is it that you need now?"
"Just knocked because he was freaking out, saying that you were a war engineer or something when I told him of you. I said this: The guy is a scientist and inventor, pretty intelligent. He said he wanted to make sure you weren't the weapon handler of the school's feminist movement"
"What?" Was all my answer
"Nothing, dude's crazy. What is that?" he points my hand
"This? It's my newest invention and the reason I ended up here. But that's no stopping me!" I raise my fist like a superhero
"Jeez, why couldn't I have normal hall mates" Hisao mumbles
"Hey, your hair isn't the exact definition of normal either" I counter
He rolls his eyes as I smile
"Whatever, I have work to do. C'ya" I say as I close the door
Now I will finish my homework for once
...
On the next day, I take a screwdriver and some screws in my bag to finish yesterday's work, putting a plate on the right on the machine with the products in braille. I am the first to arrive, and I use the advantage that nobody is here to get this done.
When classes begin, it's said that we'll split into groups for that. Heh, no need, I already have half of the exercise solved in my mind, easy problems with most part being reading. I am done with probably half of the class hour left, so I let my sight wander around the classroom. Well designed, very spacious. And I want to use the bathroom. I stand up, ask the teacher for permission and leave for the nature calling
Hanako's POV
As much times I read this there is no way I can remember the equation. Half of the class time and I only have one problem solved; Hayato-kun is just done and surprisingly is not doing anything.
He stands up and leaves, so I look at his desk
A little look wouldn't hurt, right?
I manage to grab his book without anyone noticing, and I get it on the supposed page
Jesus Christ now I feel stupid. It was this simple?
I put it back to it's place and start doing the equations marked on Hayato's book, everything making some sense now. I am done by the time he returns about a minute later. Pleased, I lean back on my chair for minutes on end, waiting for the lunch break. At a determined moment I look at the weird guy next to me.
Seriously?
He is swinging a plastic bag in circles outside the window like a maniac. Is he bored or something?
Then he takes it in and squeezes it on a sunny spot on his desk. Is that water?
He looks at the small amount of water before blowing the plastic bag and swing it outside the window once again. Oh, now I got it
The steam of his breath expands to the limits of the bag, where it rests in an adequate temperature for gas substances. By swinging it outside the window the air cools the steam and it condensates, generating water. Of a human being's breathing, but water. And probably cleaner than saliva
After squeezing the bag, he looks at the puddle on his desk while tilting his head to a side. Now what? It's just a bunch of water
Bell Ring
I try to get a nice sight of whatever he's looking at, but lunch break has arrived, and I have better things to do than just look at some random water.
I take out my notes to make sure it's the correct thing. As expected, Hayato's equations were correct, no flaws. This guy is not normal.
None of us are
"Hanako"
"Hayato?!" Jeez he scared me
"Uh, uhm, s-sorry for startling you. Anyways, I came here to know about the bird. How is she?"
Hayato's POV
Heh, I've never been good talking to girls, but since girls in here seem to be more sociable than men, then I have to get my head up and try. Everyone but the one in front of me
"Uh, she's o-kay" probably that's all I'll get from her, well, let's take out the real reason I talked to her
"You see, I wanted to know…"
Whoa, she's red as a tomato and her eyes are wide open… Oh, damn, I think I know why, I'm talking to her as if I want to ask her out and that's not the case.
"If you could help me show Lilly the thing I made in the hallway!" I blurt out but keep my distance
After she seems to process my words, Hanako's blush lowers to the usual as well as her head
"B-but, why don't you show her by yourself?" I look away and watch her from the corner of my eye
"I want to keep the incognita of who did that, and if I show her she will know it was me"
"I think… she doesn't know anything about you"
"I don't want to risk it"
"O-kay…"
"Thanks, oh, look she's there"
Hanako looks to the door where Lilly is standing, waiting for her. Actually, she is blind right? It would make more sense if Hanako was the one who picked her up at her classroom, never mind.
Name: Satou Lilly
Noticeable traits: Blind, tall, outsider looks, polite vocabulary and good manners
No more known data
I write and get to Lilly with Hanako
"Hi, Satou-san" I greet
"L-lilly" Hanako greets as well
"Oh, Hayato?"
"Yes, that's me"
She nods and talks again
"Is the student council president here?"
"Hakamichi? Yeah, over there" I instantly regret my words, but it seems it doesn't bother her
"Hm, in that case, I'm afraid we must go. It was good to meet you again, Hayato"
"Actually, I was going to go to a vending machine here nearby; I can come with you for a part of the way to your room" When I mention the part 'vending machine' I wink at Hanako
"Okay" she responds after meditating for a moment
We walk together until we reach the machine, where there are a couple of students that noticed the change already. I start faking a scene
"Eh? Where did the letters go? I can't read this… wait, is this braille?"
"Lilly, can you… help him read that?" Hanako says almost whispering
"Yes, but can you…?" Lilly raises her hand, and that's enough for me to know what she means
"Can you find one that says chips?" I ask while guiding her hand towards the plate on the side
She moves her hand around the plate, probably reading, and I look at her face with an enthusiastic smile, waiting for the results
"My my, you did this right?"
WHAT?
"Ergh, w-what are you talking about? Of course not!"
"Yes, you did. Your suggestion of coming with us and naming specifically where is a part. And you definitely aren't the best actor. Neither you Hanako"
I stand shocked and steal a glance to Hanako from the corner of my eye, she's just as me.
"P-please don't tell the teachers" we say in unison and Lilly giggles
"No, it's a very special contribution from a student to this school, I'm glad you decided to do this, actually"
"Really?"
"Yes, have you ever considered having an official science club?"
"Come to think of it… No, but it's a nice idea"
Nobody would join, though
Wait, how did she know I liked-
Hanako's POV
That was unexpected, definitely.
I have always admired Lilly, and now I think I developed some admiration for Hayato as well, using his gifts for good. I feel like I want to do the same. And if you think I love him you're wrong, because if you like someone because of the personality, it's interest; if it's because of the body, it's lust; if it's because of the intelligence, it's admiration. If you don't know why, that is love.
But that's something else. If Hayato decides to open this science club, then I think I'll join; now I have to find a way to tell him. After standing for a moment, we relax and he smiles at Lilly. It's actually pretty sad that she doesn't know how valuable a smile is.
"I still need my chips, though" We laugh lightly at his joke.
Lilly stands next to the machine and gives him the instructions to get his food out, once finished, he opens up the pack, opens his arms and
"Woo! Haha! It works perfectly!"
He reminds me of doctor Frankenstein for a moment before he looks down to his chips, his smile fading away in just a second
"Ugh, 99% air" Heh, he's actually a funny guy, in his own way
"Well, now that you know about this, I will take my leave. See you later you two!"
No, wait, don't you dare to-
"W-wait!" I want to get his attention by calling him out, but everything that leaves my mouth is a whisper for myself. I sigh and look at Lilly
"What do you… think about him?"
"He's certainly a nice person to do something like this"
"A b-bit weird, but interesting" I mumble these last words
After classes, I have nothing to do, so I go to my usual spot in the library to keep on my reading. I think about random things, and realize that the black haired guy next to me is either slow, dumb or too focused that he didn't notice I was almost stalking him yesterday
Hayato's POV
After classes, I stay in my room working on something. I asked the class rep (well, Mikado) earlier if I could help with something for the festival, they asked if I was able to help the music club's presentation. Piece of cake, for now I have nothing to do.
Buzz
Hm? A message?
Hey, how are you doing kid? I hope you're enjoying your time there, anyways, we sent some of your stuff by mail yesterday evening, so they should be on the post office by today. C'ya. Dad
Oh, nice, I should get them right now.
…
I return to my room with a box in my hands, quite heavy if you ask me. I open the box and leave it on the entrance, while ordering the stuff I received. Oh, look my favorite manga!
A doorknob spins and the weird guy of the hallway comes out with a frying pan
"This is it! I will face your evil plan you feminists!" This guy's probably living in another universe. Eight grade syndrome, maybe?
"Hey, pal" I call out, he is surprised
"You survived! We haven't lost the war yet!"
"Eh? What the hell are you talking about?"
He gets closer and closer to see me, I cover my nose and mouth because of the disgusting breath he has, stinks like garlic and milk.
"You! You're the feminist army weapon engineer! Stay away! You have their battle plan on your hands, huh?"
He steps back hurriedly and gets in a guard stance with his 'weapon' as I rub my eyelids
"What's wrong with you man? It's just a manga and I'm not a war engineer!"
A yuri manga with a blue cover, hehe, I'm glad my parents didn't looked at it.
"Hm, prove you're not in their side, where's your ID card?"
"Eh?"
"The feminists' ID card! Every member has one! They operate from their headquarters in the moon"
I'm getting tired of this dumbass, seriously
"The only card I have is the school's and for the last. Holy. Time, I'm not a war engineer"
"Hm, I will trust you, but as soon as I see a missile going out of your window expect a surprise attack"
You're probably blinder than a bat and you wouldn't see an elephant In two inches. He retreats back to his room, so I carry my box inside so I don't catch up with him again.
I sit on my bed and start taking out all my stuff. Some clothes, my computer, other mangas (other genres than yuri) and personal hygiene stuff I forgot to pack, a shave to be specific.
Let's just do homework, order this and get this day done.
I wake up, cook my lunch and do the rest of my morning routine. On the way to the school, the incredible amount of posters and stickers about the festival get to my nerves; perhaps I should check the music club's room right now just to see if I could find someone.
Walking through the hallways, I see a tall blonde figure walking towards me. My analysis suggests it's Lilly, but I don't have any desires to interrupt her. I greet her in the simplest method I know and walk past her
"Good morning, Lilly"
"Oh? Good morning… Hayato?"
"You got it" I turn my head to her and stop walking, and just as I'm about to keep moving, she calls out something
"Excuse me, but have you seen Hanako today by any means?"
"Nah, sorry. Maybe she is just still not here, it's pretty early yet"
"You're right, I notice you are completely awaken. Are you used to get up this early?" It seems she is not busy, just taking a morning walk
"Since elementary school, indeed. I have my own routine for the school. Umm, I know it's still early, but don't you think is way too empty?"
"If you ask me, it's all about the festival, everyone's busy doing the last minute preparations. That's my opinion" I sigh heavily
"Heh, it must be pretty important for you if you are all busy. I got something for me as well, Hakamichi asked for my help on the music club's show and since not doing anything gets me nervous, I was heading to the club's room to see if there was something I could do for now"
Why does everything have to be about the festival?
"I'm glad you are willing to help us. Well, I won't hold you back anymore, but if you see Hanako please tell her to look for me"
"Got it, Lilly, don't worry. Have a nice day!"
"Same to you"
We both turn to separate directions, and she leaves me wondering about Hanako. I know that she isn't doing any paperwork or something, so there's no reason for being late. Ah, forget it, maybe she is just getting ready. I feel like I'm worrying more than I should about her.
By the time I finish my thoughts, I have reached the music club's room. A sweet light piano melody is flowing into my ears, I stand for minutes on end listening to the music, and enter once it is finished.
A slim redheaded figure is sitting in front of the piano, stretching her arms and back, before she starts playing again, I call out
"Good morning, are you part of the club?"
She turns and reveals her face, and her cheery aura instantly flows out. She has white skin, her hair is untied and gets to her neck, her left eye is covered by a white patch, I swear that's the model used in animes, leaving the other eye to show her brightness, finally, she has well defined nose and lips; she stands up and I notice she is about 5'5. If you ask me, she is a bit cute.
"Yup! I'm the president actually!"
"Oh, that's convenient. You see, I was asked by my class representative, Hakamichi Shizune, if I was able to help your club with the upcoming festival"
Her eyes show a spark of light and she smiles, I swear I almost die of cuteness. I can't suppress a smile.
"Thank you! We need some help with the stage setting and such, we have already received all of the materials, but even though the club has a various amount of men, none of them know how to install everything, and obviously the girls don't know either"
"Well, you're lucky. I know everything about that, but that's until Sunday. Is there anything I can help with at the moment?"
She thinks for a moment, tapping her chin. She looks like a little child.
"For now, nothing. Well, if you want to stay for a while and tell me your opinion about a couple of songs, it'd be great" I look at my phone to check the hour
"Yes, I can stay here for a while, still got some time left before classes"
She claps and returns to her piano. While she gets herself ready, I sit on a nearby chair and look at the room. There are lots of instruments here, but I notice specially a DJ set, it carries good memories to me. You see, I know how to mix and do all the recording and editing stuff, learned the basics from a school trip and instantly began experimenting in my room with my computer, eventually I familiarized with everything and made my own creations.
"So… what's your name?" the voice of the girl brings me back to reality
"Oh, uhm, Hirosawa Hayato, class 3-3"
"Uhh, yeah, I know which class you're in, Hakamichi is pretty famous around the school. Anyways, I'm Kagurazaka Aika, class 2-3. Did you like those machines? They used to belong to a classmate of mine, but he left school and apparently forgot to pack that thing. Some months later, he called saying that we could keep it, since he decided to do something else"
"Interesting… now let's see what you can do on the piano"
She gives a thumbs up and I take out my notebook
Name: Kagurazaka Aika
Noticeable traits: A patch on her left eye. President of the music club. Friendly and easygoing
I think twice about writing "cute", but abandon the idea since I'm writing a report, not a journal. She has started playing already, and I listen quietly. Time passes and we both leave to our classrooms, I notice how Hanako didn't showed up on the morning classes, leaving me with a big question in my head
Is she always like this?
Well, as you can see, I introduced another OC, just to give the story a bit of humor. And no, I don't plan a romance with Lilly, Hanako nor Aika, more like a friendship wih Lilly, best frienship with Hanako, and about Aika... I have some nice funny plans for her *wink*
Another advice: I might change the rating of the story to M, depending on how the story develops. Mainly because it will include sexual jokes or references, but lemon, nah. I'm not very good writing that. I'm more like a humor type of writer.
C'ya next time!