"Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism;
the way you play it is free will."
-Jawaharlal Nehru-
"Ne, what do you mean by yes?" She gave up on the idea of playing innocent and sweet. There was no way, she could have explained herself for all the rules she broke and Mimiru was still upset over being followed like some sort of criminal. She did do stuff she shouldn't have, but none of them called for the total disruption of her privacy. At least in her eyes, she didn't understand why people bother so much for these things.
"What Kyriuu-kun means to say is that he saw you last night sneaking back in." the chairman interrupted to clear out that issue.
"Oh..."
"And the old man, that Takenouchi as I've stated, told me about your little outing schedule." another cold breeze made its way past her.
"Argh! That old man took advantage of my trust and sold me out like a bowl of ramen."
"My dear, I'm sure he did it for your own good." Chairman Cross got up from his desk and walked over to her side, which in turn made Mimiru turn so to not break face to face contact. The ramen commentary made him all the more curious on how the girl perceived things. That indifferent attitude and burning spirit made quite interesting. Of course being the chairman he already knew of her homely situation as well.
"Yeah, right ... So when do I have to leave?"
"Leave?"
"You're expelling me right? That seems the most obvious choice and what every other chairman would do. I don't mind."
"Well yes, that's true, though I am surprised you don't mind at all if that were the case. ... Or maybe I shouldn't be considering the facts." The chairman placed his hand to his chin, attempting a serious stance.
"If?" Mimiru inquired with the utmost curiosity. At that moment she believed that either Cross was just too soft to actually apply a punishment or a worser fate awaited her. The latter would have been tantalizing.
"You're not getting expelled. At least not yet."
"Why? Do you have a reason for keeping leeching students around?"
"Leeching?" It stroke Cross odd to hear the word used when one talked about himself. His grasp of her personality was becoming stronger and stronger. It was clear to him now that the girl didn't have any remorse and what's more, she didn't cared about her future. "Uh-no, but I believe you had your reasons and a second chance won't cost me much."
"Wha-"
"However, you will be transferred to a different class where the prefects can keep an eye on you." the man added abruptly.
"What? You mean, I'll be in the same class as him and your daughter?! Oh great, lock me in a cage why don't you?"
"If she doesn't want to stay in this place, I say we let her do as she pleases. It'll be too much trouble to keep an eye on her, people like her always are." Zero shifted his gaze so he wouldn't see the glare thrown in his direction. Mimiru was aggravated by the whole 'troublesome' part, since she hated being considered weak, just another extra luggage and could very well take care of herself. It was as if being placed in the fan-girl category.
"Now Zero, remember what we talked about yesterday."
"Chairman, this girl has no intention of complying to your request. The way she acts is the beginning of a delinquent's pattern." the temperature in the room was getting lower.
"I wouldn't call her a delinquent just yet, more like free spirit." Mimiru's eyes sort of sparkled at the mention of free spirit. Someone actually using that word on her seemed unbelievable, especially an adult and especially a school chairman. Any act of defiance and disobedience of the rules usually gave the adults the satisfaction of using that one term that seemed to be exlanation to everything bad - delinquent. True, Cross was fairly young looking for ... whatever age he was.
"Maybe, maybe this man isn't an ordinary adult."
"Whatever." was Zero's only comment before giving up and leaving the office.
"He gave up quite easy. Now it's just the two of us." Mimiru returned her focus to Cross who had went back to his desk at a surprising speed. "W-Why does he have a handkerchief?"
"Such a cruel son. Don't worry, he's just stressed with his job. You'll get along with him in time."
"Stressed with his job? Sounds like an old man." "Is there anything else you wish to tell me sir?"
"Hmm, I think I covered most of it. You really shouldn't be wandering the streets alone nowadays." Their parting was soon after that.
***
"I still don't get why YOU have to follow me around!" Zero and Mimiru, after that pleasant little meeting, had to head to class much to their dismay. They were walking down the hall, both with annoyance seeping through their core, the red head giving quick glances to the albino now and then. Back then, when she left the office, she was completely surprised to see Zero had waited for her.
"Orders and Yuuki is too soft-hearted. You'd sneak your way out of going to classes."
"How about a deal? I go stay out of your hair and you can go and pretend you did a good little job of keeping an eye on me. We both win and we don't have to go through with this mortifying idea."
"Nice try, but you forget I'm not your ally and the teachers could very well report your absence." They turned a corner, slowly approaching the destination.
"Ugh! I'm stuck with a masochist."
"Masochist?"
"That's right!" Mimiru strengthened her statement.
"I don't see it."
"Just give it time." Mimiru went ahead of Zero, trying to be alone even for a few seconds. She knew class would be a horror and how right she was. As soon as she stepped in, the prefect ordered her to follow him as part of his job and eventually sit right next to him. There was a brief moment of awkwardness because of the stares of all the other students. The typical "Who is she?" or "Why is Kyriuu-kun so friendly with her?" , "A mysterious transfer student?", "She's kind of cute." and so on and so forth. It's like people gathering at the zoo to see the latest animal on display. In this case Mimiru was the rare Red Fur Allyus Catus. Sometimes animals just want to be left alone, praying for the last visitor of the day and praying not having to do any tricks for the entertainment of others. A mere passing thought because everywhere it's the same. Teachers will think that introductions help form a bond and while in some cases it might be true, there are students that don't want to go through something so troublesome. Mimiru was one of them of course and she didn't have anything to say even if called up in front.
The clasroom door creaked slightly open as a sign it needed to be tended to after so many weeks. The man looked to be in his mid-thirties, with plain black eyes, short black hair with some bangs hanging on the sides and even going between his eyes. You could read the long hours of work on his face and something else that seemed to be unwillingness. The other students didn't care much for their teacher's mood unless it meant trouble for them.
"Okay, listen up! As you noticed we have a new classmate with us. It was the Chairman's idea of transferrin her here from another class, to get her motivated or so he says. An introduction perhaps?" He was looking with expectations towards Mimiru. The girl didn't seem like she was going to budge.
"Sorry, but I hate introductions. Always have, always will. If anyone wants to know anything wouldn't it be better to ask?"
"I-I see. Well it's not my place to force you. Then let's begin class."
Mimiru was grateful to have a laid-back homeroom teacher. Aparently his name was Li Sou - Li being his family name of course and besides homeroom, the girl would be studying literature under him. Somehow she expected something more numerical from the guy. The first four classes -homeroom, math, literature, grammar- went smoothly for her standards, though still boring for the most part. Not many of the other students came close to her and she didn't even bother going out during breaks. Mimiru just stood in her desk, spacing in and out of reality. The guys were glancing from the sides and some of the girls were gossiping. Normal. It was only about three of them that took the time to try to talk with her during one of the breaks. They seemed to be nice really, especially the braided girl with glasses. They posed some general questions like "What do you like? What was your former class like? Do you like sports?" to which Mimiru responded the best she could. It was one thing not to willingly socialize and another to be plain rude to those that don't deserve it. The main reason she didn't socialize before was, as always stated in her mind, because most of the teachers ans students were narrow minded or most of the females fangirls.
"Saeki-san? Would you mind pairing up?" Just before biology class, the girl with the brown braided hair and glasses approached Mimiru alone.
"Hmm, let see. I'm pretty sure her name was..." "Shindo-san! Uhm, pair up?"
"Yes! We're suppose to do our studies in pairs of two for today and since you're new I thought it would be nice to ask you. Kiryuu-kun isn't here either..."
"Eh? That desn't concern me. He'll probably show up later on."
"Really? I thought maybe you knew him well. You came in together and sat next to him and you looked the type to get along with him." Shindo-san looked a bit surprised ... and maybe even disappointed?
"Does he have such a type? We're only in relation with eachother because of the Chairman's orders. He has to keep an eye on me."
"Keep an eye...? I don't understand very well, but isn't it good? He doesn't get along well with the others but I don't think it's because he really wants to or because he's a bad guy. You know, Saeki-san gives that same feeling. You seemed warm earlier."
"Y-yeah, that's because your questions seemed-so tell me why you don't have a partner. I have a feeling you're sought out in these situations." Mimiru used her right hand to support her head as she looked at the other girl with questionable eyes. She got back her composure.
"My partner's sick and Kyriuu-kun probably won't attend if he's not here by now. He does this sometimes you know. Misses a few classes."
That's when Mimiru's mind took an ice bath. All of her awareness returned with those two beautiful sentences. If you would compare her feelings' intensity to presents, annoyance was the flower bouquet and as everyone knew, guys never receive flowers. This was the cherry on top of a cake that the red-head couldn't take and wouldn't take. It seemed hypocritical that the Chairman was making a fuss about her grades and future, when one of the prefects themselves was breaking the rules. Even more laughable was the fact that the said prefect was suppose to monitor the girl.
"Honestly, what example am I suppose to follow here? When I see that albino again...."
And thus class began and Mimiru decided on accepting Shindo-san's offer. It was the logical choice when one has no idea what the teacher is talking about. Surprisingly it wasn't that bad being in a team this time round, even though she was having a hard time figuring out most terms as they carried on. Time ticked away rapidly and the students found themselves savoring freedom once more. It was an early freedom as a result of a shorter schedule, but five hours was enough for any kid.
***
"Nikki~!" The door burst open with full force as Mimiru called out to her roommate. The blonde was sitting on her bed playing with Spyro. Somehow the young lady had acquired a rubber mouse, a ball of yarn and a feather on a stick. The day was looking even more gloomy with each second.
"Welcome back. How did it go?" Nicola began scratching the cat on its belly.
"Ugh, what is that creature still doing here. I don't have the mood to put up with it."
"We went to get a snack for Spyro that time, but then it crossed my mind how it felt wrong to keep him hidden from the chairman. I went to convince him later on about a temporary stay at least. I was surprised to see he agreed. Spyro here can be quite the charmer, yes he can." The blonde proceeded to snuggle and nurse the black ball of fur.
"I can't believe it."
"So how did it feel goig back to class Mimiru? The chairman also informed me of your transfer and situation, not that the teacher didn't mention it as well."
"Oh great." Mimiru sank to the floor, bracing herself on the border of her bed. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. The mind began wandering to adventures yet to be experienced, the ability to do things yet to be done. She dreamt and dreamt until wishing for those dreams to come true. She was jealous. Jealous of adventure novels, jealous of legendary tales, jealous of people seeing what others rarely see and doing what others rarely do. The rare moments when she went out in her life were her escape and Mimiru didn't want to be caged in. Even when she would finish high-school or leave Cross Academy, her career would be something adapted to her pace and style. Lawyer, banker, teacher, doctor, diplomat ... there were all bad choices. She still had time to catch up, but she didn't want to waste any moment.
"Was it that bad?"
"It was boooring! And that good for nothing prefect ditched me! I mean he's allowed to skip, but I'm suppose to be supervised?! And are we suppose to study germs so much? What happened to all the interesting books? And I hate math!"
"But now you'll get out of this room more often. It won't be hard once you catch up and you can make friends." Spyro jumped away from the blonde and walked towards Mimiru, installing itself in front of her. It was green eyes versus brown.
"What are you staring at?" The showdown continued. "Grrrr! If it's a fight you want..."
"He just wants to play. Spyro likes you, remember?"
"No, if he liked me he would have buttered up to me. This is clearly a challenge. ... Very brave of you to go against a larger species than your own. You have slept on your last face."
"No! Spyro needs his meal now and sleep." Nicola picked the cat up hastily and settled it in a basket in the far end corner of her side of the room. A miniature bedroom was arranged for and even a little dinner bowl closely by so, as Mimiru planned on saying now, his majesty wouldn't hurt his feet. "What? You like eating in bed sometimes right?" The blonde pointed out once she noticed her roommate's glaring stare.
"The amount of energy it takes for us to move our body is greater than a cat's, I'm sure of it. Anyway, doyou have any information on this Kyriuu Zero?"
"Don't tell me you're...?"
"Bingo! I don't plan on losing to them. To win this war I must clearly study the subject and make use of his weakness."
"Even so, I'm sorry to say I don't know much about the prefects."
"It's okay. I'll cope with it." Like always, Mimiru began taking off her uniform to change. This time she decided to go with three-quarter length blue jeans, a white long sleeved shirt and a green hoodie over it. She put on a pair of white socks and sneakers and set off through the usual window. Nicola was left looking at her disappearing form.
***
"Sheesh, now I'm in such a bad mood. I won't be able to enjoy my ramen like always." Knowing her character Mimiru wouldn't allow Takenouchi-san to get away with betraying her secret. She didn't like having to argue with family, but she had to know what his intention had been. She would still give him a piece of her mind and her mood would probably continue on the negative zone for a while, but it was better getting some answers. When the truth is in your reach, you must grasp it if it's what you wish for. "That's right, I have to give that prefect some tough love as well."
You wouldn't say much had changed, you wouldn't say she had been in the principal's office that morning. As always, the method of dashing and hiding was set into action and the leap of fate over the wall. There was really nothing out of the ordinary this time. The usual trees, the usual athmosphere, the usual lack of people near the walls ... it was becoming too easy for the girl. Sneaking away was already second nature to her and learning this path in and out made it look like brushing teeth. The joy came when reaching the town. The bustling of people, the news traveling...all were bringing Mimiru to a grin as always.
"I'm Back!" The crowd turned their heads towards the yell. "Ehehe, sorry." Each individual went back to his or her trivial task. They shouldn't be bothered by potential lunatics. No normal person should.
Moving along quietly, Mimiru soon came to stand in front of Hanagakure in ultimate shock. It was the first time she ever saw the restaurant closed, for as long as she frequented the place. Plus, she had heard well enough of the famous Everyday Open reputation. She double checked by peeking through one fo the windows and sure enough, the door sign wasn't for show or a cruel way of keeing other people out. Not a soul seemed to be around. It was a bit unsettling for Mimiru to not see everyone when she came to visit. Even more so considering the circumstances. Takenouchi-san wasn't the type of person to leave Mimiru in the dark, no, he wouldn't leave anyone in the dark.
"Why? Why is it closed?"
"Maybe he ran away from you." A voice broke the girl's current state. An all too dreaded voice, accompanied by an all too dreaded boy.
"Ah! What are you doing here? More importantly, what do you mean ran away from me?" Mimiru turned around and got closer to Zero, who was leaning against a street lamp. She was standing right in front of him.
"It's obvious. He gave away your secret and doesn't want to face you."
"There's no way that's it! Don't act like you know eveything Prefect-san."
"Fine. Come on." Zero made moves of walking away only to turn his view back when he noticed the girl wasn't following him. The situation was becoming tiresome already. "What are you spacing around for?"
"I'm not spacing around. How did you find me?"
"I followed you of course."
"Followed?" Mimiru was perplexed by that statement. She hadn't noticed one bit and had been completely confident of her escape. Taking in consideration all the years and months she spent when young or at the academy to seek adventure and freedom, she was more than angry to come to realise her situation. Mimiru had been confident that she could still use the same tacticts as well ... she had been naive. Everything really had changed, her life was being shackeled by one mere boy who she considered the cat's advocate. In fact everything had turned for the worst since she first saw Spyro...Black cats were no longer just superstition. "For him to follow me means I was seen first hand in the courtyard. My escape route has been compromised, my time in my room is now countable and my skills were made fun of by this, this..."
"Hurry up. We have to return to the school." Zero suddenly grabbed Mimiru's upper right arm and began draggin her away towards the main street.
"Oi! Is that any way to treat a lady?!"
"Where's the lady?"
"Cruel...so cruel Kyriuu-kun. Someone save this maiden!" As soon as they were out in the open, a fake sweet cry and anguished expression made their way in the red head's being. Some of shoppers were actually turning their eyes towards the two. Women mostly were giving the prefect a disapproving look.
"Is this woman trying to make me the bad guy and escape?"
"Going this far ... I'll quietly do what you say if you'd be a bit more gentle."
"I seem to have forgotten I'm carrying an actress with me. I was assigned to keep an eye on you. I'm not letting go." Zero stated as a matter of course, succeeding in getting some confused looks from the people. It could have been that mysterious charm Zero radiated that helped him, especially with the female audience. People swayed back as the two students continued the way they were. By then Mimiru had gone back to her stoic expression. She had thought she could get him troubled or embarassed enough to make him let go completely.
"You're very bold, aren't you? You really can let me go now. I won't run away-no I never intended to in the first place, Zero." the prefect was a bit surprised in her use of his given name.
"What do you mean?"
"I wasn't trying to run away, I already know it wouldn't do much difference right now. I just hate being forced."
"Forced?" Zero let go slowly and looked as she began walking ahead of him, in the direction of the school.
Author's Note: Gomennasai minna! It was such a long wait, but I passed the test of will in wether or not to give up writting. Been crazy with exams and my strange mood. There were days when I felt like doing absolutely nothing at all. Similar to Mimiru really, I was just daydreaming and daydreaming. Well I'll try my best and rest assure I will still practice by posting stories here. "Rome wasn't built in a day" as they say. ^-^'
Any constructive criticism is welcomed if you see anything and reviews of course.