"You're late!" Figures, "Five laps." Claire blows her high-pitched whistle.
I groan but get started anyway. Sora catches up to me, matching my steady pace. I take it slow because there's no way I can do an entire five laps around this field at full speed. What's strange is why Sora's decided to jog at my snail pace, "You can run faster you know. There's…no reason to keep…up with me." We complete the first lap.
"This pace is good." He remarks, barely even a drop of sweat on him and I'm already coated in a light sheet of moisture.
Is that so? I guess he doesn't mind me picking up the pace.
I'm running, now. Not too fast but not slowly either. It takes Sora no time at all to catch up to me, our footfalls in perfect harmony. Two laps down, three to go. My back is soaked, my breathing's jagged, my legs are hurting and I desperately want to quit. I slow down a bit, Sora takes the lead. I stare after the brunet's diminishing back as he swiftly widens the gap between us. He's done with lap three. My muscles ache, screaming at me to give up but their protests are drowned out by a louder yell, "Come on Kairi! You're already halfway there!" Sora's shout of encouragement is so grand that our classmate's attention is stolen from Claire's lesson as they've all congregated under a large tree at the end of the field.
The new guy slows down significantly, allowing me some time to catch up to him. Sora's jogging backwards, the great big smile of a jovial retard is plastered on his smooth face. Showoff.
Am I slightly embarrassed? Yes I am. Did Sora's words do anything to keep me from stopping? Yes they did, surprisingly. His smile is reassuring and the heartfelt warmth of his grin has me sold. My legs are crying but I keep moving. Sora lags behind with me, all the way till we've finished all five laps.
I hold my knees to stay standing, head lowered. Breathing is hard but rewarding with each intake of air. My eyes catch Sora standing right in front of me, "Great job Kairi!" I look up at his beaming face, unable to form the words buzzing in my head just yet. Sora finally breaks out into a sweat, albeit a small one. He does look physically fit. Oh, that's for sure. He's swallowing air just as needy as I am but I can tell that five laps were nothing for the brunet. Guess that was all part of his plan to not gather attention. Although, shouting like he did wasn't the best call. If word gets out that he's got the stamina of a beast, every single sports club captain will be out for Sora's precious blood.
"Thanks." I say, "How…are you not sweating?"
"That secret is for my knowledge only." He speaks playfully and I couldn't help my smile.
I stand at my full height, a little wobbly at first, "Come on, tell me. Please?" I coo, flashing my most charming smile, "I'll be your best friend."
"I am…I'm sure that spot is already filled." Sora glances at our classmates and teacher not too far away. To think I forgot we had a class going on right now, "But I appreciate the offer."
"Hmm, still too fancy." I say, slowly walking to the mass of students listening to Claire while the pink haired lady holds a tall object. The javelin, if I'm right. Not everyone is paying her much attention though. Riku's scrutiny can be felt all the way over here. He can be so annoying. Sora hasn't even done anything! I don't want Riku scaring him off, this is my chance at getting another guy friend. Not many of them come around offering a genuine hand of friendship. Not many of them come around at all really.
"It…it's not fancy. That's how everyone I know speaks." Sora's really having a hard time with that. This must definitely be how he naturally speaks, but why? I can't think of anywhere in Radiant Garden where people talk in that frilly dialect.
I give him a generous pat on the back – nothing passes through my fingers – with a pleased smirk, "You've got to…chill out when you speak. You sound as stiff as a board." I poke him with an elbow. He seems like he's out of this world, that's for sure.
"Chill…out?" He muses out loud. This boy's just full of surprises.
We both assimilate into the group of bodies standing around Claire. I purposely settle on the opposing end from my best friend, Sora stands behind me, "…you'll each get a chance to practice the javelin throw. I need a volunteer. Riku." Our teacher singles him out, sticking the javelin's steel pointed end into the ground at her feet with a stone shattering crunch, "Show us how it's done."
Our class moves to a vacant corner of the field where black markings have been inscribed onto the grassy lot. Riku positions himself at the runway, javelin poised to perfection within his grasp. Claire blows her whistle and my best friend takes off. Riku builds up momentum, speeding towards his mark like a flash of silver lightning. He unleashes a mighty throw. The spear arcs in the air, the entire class following its descent as the javelin implants itself into the ground.
Claire has two students measure the distance of that amazing throw which left the majority of both the male and female population gawking, "Fifty-two point four five meters." A trace of a smile lights up our teacher's face, he's her star pupil after all. Riku retreats from the throwing area, our classmates cheering him on after that stunning demonstration.
Riku comes over, his eyes regard Sora apathetically before he stands on my right. I nudge him with an elbow, "Remind me again why you aren't in any club or have scouts breathing down your neck."
"Going home after school club, remember?" His hand pats the top of my head, "After all the meetings we've had. Shame on you." He shakes his head in disappointment.
I pick his large palm off my head, "I think that's enough, drama queen."
The girls are throwing first, with results that don't exactly live up to Claire's expectations. She's had a permanent scowl on her face ever since the first three throwers each got a foul. Rikku made a decent toss though, twenty-two point three six meters is better than nothing.
"Kairi!" I snap to attention when Claire calls my name, "You're up."
I groan, heading over to the runway, "I'll probably get a foul too."
"You can do it, Kairi." Their voices in sync, both Riku and Sora give their kind regards. It was comical, really. I suppress my laugh as both boys eye the other for a few seconds before turning away.
The female's javelin felt a little heavy in my hand. Hope I don't injure anybody. Claire's whistle rings in my ears and I'm sprinting. The mark grew closer and closer, I stop an inch away from it and release the green spear. It flies quickly through the air. My toss surprises even me. The javelin takes an unexpected nosedive, however, touches the grass and clatters to the ground seconds later, "Twenty-nine point one five meters." That's way better than I thought it would be.
"Nice job." Riku offers a high five, I give his hand a half-hearted slap.
"That was great, Kairi." I turn to Sora who smiles genuinely.
My smile brightens, "Thanks." After that, the three of us were silent.
The girls were wrapping up with Yuna dealing the final throw at twenty meters flat. The guys were up next. Of course, no one came close to beating Riku's impressive benchmark, "You've set the bar pretty high." I tell him.
"I didn't even try." Riku says innocently. I'm glad he's such a good sport when it comes to athletics and other competitions. Unless his opponent happens to be me, then we'll see how swell headed Riku can be.
"Sora, you're next." Claire calls.
The brunet looks a little apprehensive but he nods. Uncharacteristically, I slap him on the back. He turns to me and I give Sora an easygoing smile, "You look nervous. Lighten up and beat this brawny piece of drama's record for me." I joke, punching Riku's arm with the strength of ten marshmallows.
"I'm sure he can." This time I punch him with the strength of twenty marshmallows. No need for sarcasm.
Sora moves to the runway, griping the javelin firmly. At the whistle, he runs. Stopping precisely at the marker, the brunet releases the flying spear. Every head follows the wide arc created by the javelin's increased velocity. It felt like centuries passed before the javelin lands steadily in the ground, "Fifty-six point three four meters." Sora walks off the track but Claire is quick in seizing his shoulder.
The pink haired instructor twirls the brunet around to face her. The strict visage plastered on her face melts away to reveal a satisfactory smirk. Claire takes him by the forearm, lifting Sora's limbs while performing her inspection, "Took you for a string bean but you're not so bad now that I take a good look at you. Excellent throw, Sora."
"Thanks." The brunet says modestly, walking away from their teacher but runs into yet another road block.
Tidus grips Sora by his collar, a wide grin highlights his inspired features, "That was incredible, you even beat Riku!" I notice my best friend's slight flinch at the remark, "Want to try out for the Blitzball team? You do, don't you. Tell me you want to!"
Bewildered, Sora tears Tidus' hands off him, "Uh, what's Blitzball?"
A loud gasp echoes across the field, Tidus looks as if he might pass out, "What's…Blitzball?" The team captain blinks, "What is Blitzball!" Sora backs away slowly, "Only the greatest sport known to man! Let me educate you in the ways of Blitzball, Sora. Lead you to that beautiful, aquatic promised land."
"If you're not into Blitzball," Rikku saunters up to Sora with a wickedly playful glint in her eyes. So much for her infatuation with Tidus, she didn't spare him a smokey eyed glance as she wedges herself between him and Sora, "you can always join the cheerleading squad! We don't have many guys and we're recruiting right now, you'd be perfect!"
The shrill cry of Claire's whistle splits my eardrums in two. Everyone else suffers the same fate, disabled by our P.E teacher who glares after Tidus and Rikku, "My P.E class isn't the time for your club scouting," Smoldering blue eyes close and Claire folds her arms in finality, "A satisfactory performance, all of you. Now get-" Riku suddenly breaks away from his spot beside me during Claire's instructions, a displeased scowl appears on our teacher's stormy visage. She despises being disturbed.
My best friend gestures to the boy who retrieved the abandoned javelin just now, hand outstretched in an attempt to seize the throwing spear, "Sorry but don't I get a turn?" Riku's iron grip solidly folds around the javelin, he makes his way over to the starting point, "I thought my toss earlier was a demonstration, if not I would have taken it seriously." His blank expression transforms into that of childish delight. And there you have it, Riku's swell head.
"Alright then but if your throw is less than sixty, that's two laps." Claire states and Riku gives an easy nod, his face drawn in total concentration.
The whistle sounds and Riku soars.
"Fifty-eight point six meters." My ears can't seem to rid themselves of that disturbing thud of the javelin as it mercilessly impaled the ground moments ago.
Intermingling with the remnant ring is a chorus of praise directed at my best friend who rolls his right shoulder followed by his neck.
"Nice, Riku!" "Woah!" "How does he do it?" "Man, Riku is something else."
Claire's whistle torments my already wailing ears, "That's two laps." Our teacher says just as a student who's not a part of our class races to her with a note in hand.
My arms are folded in utter disapproval. He only did that because Sora made the better toss and was getting attention for it. Although, this works out in Sora's favor. The brunet's trying to stay clear of the limelight after all. I cast a sideways glance at the new kid. Averse sapphire eyes don't quite match the satisfied smile playing on Sora's lips, eyes that lock stares with Riku's smug sights.
I sigh, guys.
"I commend your friend," Sora turns to me, igniting a frown on Riku's face before he begins his two-lap sprint along the field's perimeter. I meet Sora's gaze, any traces of discontent once showcased on his smooth features stowed away, "He's quite the showman."
"Language." I say and Sora flinches. 'He's quite the showman.' Who even says that! "And Riku's more of a court jester if you ask me." I smile at that. Riku wouldn't appreciate me saying that but it's his fault for forming the fool all the time.
My mirth is infectious, Sora breaks out into a full-blown laugh, "Are you serious?"
"Of course not. He's my best friend, I have nothing but compliments to say about the guy." As debatable as that statement may be, I'm not the type who'd badmouth my closest friend, "Seriously though, Riku's a good guy. He can be hard to deal with sometimes but he's a great friend. Childish antics aside, you have to love him."
Sora looks thoughtful, as if a sudden realization slapped him in the face, "Ah, so he is your lover."
Wait what!
"Woah, woah, woah, hold up. That's not what I said!" Hysterically, I enter defense mode. My voice significantly lowers, "Riku's my best friend and nothing more."
"Oh, sorry. I wrongly assumed that was the case since you two seem so close, and you spoke so highly of him." Sora bows low, "My apologies for misunderstanding."
It's a good thing that everyone's attention's been diverted to Riku, "Again, language and what are you bowing for?" That is so strange, what age is he from! "Stand straight before someone sees you."
Sora shoots up as if the courteous exchange never happened. No onlookers, no seemingly prying ears. Good, we're in the clear. I sigh, giving Sora a pointed look, "Just so we're clear, Riku and I equals not an item."
"I never called either of you an object." Sora scratches his head, plainly perplexed by what I just said.
"What?" His confusion tackles my brain and I'm left to wonder if Sora's even human, "You don't know what an 'item' is?"
"An item is an object or a thing." He responds matter-of-factly.
I try my very best to keep hold of my inner peace, "Yes, that's right but do you know what an item is in terms of a relationship?" I say slowly, bringing my two index fingers together with high hopes that he'll understand.
"An item…" Sora thinks long and hard for a few seconds, "Oh, like wedding bands."
I could have facepalmed, but I didn't.
"Ah, so you and the silver haired one aren't married, but betro-" "How is that the conclusion you came up with!"
After exhausting all my energy into that explanation!
Sora is lost in thought once again, "But…"
"Look," I take the brunet by his shoulders, locking his deep blue gaze with mine, "No marriages, no engagements, no boyfriend-girlfriend, no talking. Simply best friends. Understand?"
"Weren't you talking to him a little while ago?" This kid will make me go senile.
Claire's whistle blares at us. Our P.E teacher uproots the javelin out of the dirt, dismissing us suddenly.
"As much as I'd love to continue having this conversation Sora, we need to get cleaned up before our next classes." I give him as bright of a smile as I could muster, "You know where the boys changing room is, right?"
"Yes, I remember," The brunet nods enthusiastically, "We shall continue our conversation some other time then."
"Condense your words a bit, maybe that'll help." I say, his face puzzled by my suggestion, "Say…we'll talk later, like that."
Sora nods, "Okay, I'll do that. We'll talk." That was good. He's making progress, but why must progress be made in the first place?
Sora's just so…odd. A piece that doesn't quite fit in the puzzle that is Radiant Garden. I can't think of anywhere that people display mannerisms as dated as his.
I follow the rest of our class off the field, Sora close behind me, "Kairi, when you mentioned 'talking' earlier, it's not the same as when I said we'll talk, right?"
This is when I facepalm.
)*~*(
One would think that the nauseating scent of paints and plasticine is the leading cause of my headache. Sadly, that's not the case. Just when I thought I'd get a break from the new kid, Sora's casually sitting behind me in Art class.
"Today's assignment: Dream." Squall, as lackluster as usual, draws the word on the chalkboard in bold lettering. He's a strange one. Doesn't strike you as the Art teacher type, but who am I to question the school board's questionable decisions? The young man's entire approach to teaching is just plain lethargic. Breaks out random word generator on phone, tells class which supplies to use, hand in artwork at the end of the period. Stellar teaching method. Squall might be the laziest educator in existence, but he's no pushover, "You know where to find the paint."
I wait in my seat until the insane squabble for useable paint inside the supply closet dies down. I'd take dry palettes over shoving my way through a nonsensical battlefield any day. The guys are the ones who usually tackle the shelves, attempting to score brownie points by sharing their spoils of war with any girls they might be interested in. Nothing woos the ladies more than offerings of soft modeling clay.
People like Yuffie revel in it sadly.
"Thank you, my darlings." Poor boys can't see through the girl's devious grin as they bring her everything she needs. Yuffie shifts her gaze to me, seated to my right, "Sure you don't want them to get your stuff?"
"Positive, madam dictator." My chair screeches when I stand.
Yuffie laughs with innocent eyes but a wicked smirk, "That's Kaiser Kisaragi White Rose Yuffie VII to you, peasant."
Abandoning Yuffie to her juvenile antics, I make my way to the supply closet. The arid scent hits my nose as I cross the room's threshold. Grabbing a fine brush with decent bristles, I skirt about the room for any remaining watercolours. I'll need a cup for water too. Finding all my supplies, I make a beeline towards the exit. Well, I tried to.
The supplies fall out of my hands, clattering to the dusty floor. What is up with me and running into people today? "Sorry." "Apologies."
His voice is already recognizable, great, "Language." I say while picking up my stuff.
"Sorry." Sora sheepishly scratches the back of his head, "Where do I find the paint?"
"Oh," My eyes drift along the cupboards. Two girls leaving the closet must have swiped the last tubs available, "Looks like it's all gone." I shuffle through the items in my hands. I don't need all these colours anyway, "Here."
Sora stares at my extended hand, bewildered by the gesture, "But those are yours, I couldn't."
"Look, just take the paint Sora. We're on the clock if you didn't know." I'm hoping that my small smile can mask the slight traces of annoyance in my voice. Half the paint I acquired tumbles into his large hands.
Sora hesitantly accepts it, "Thank you for sharing, Kairi." He nods his head low but shoots back up in the same breath, "I am in your debt."
"What?" I sigh, giving the brunet a final glance before strolling out of the supply closet, "Sora, it's just paint. Forget about it."
And I thought Riku was difficult to deal with.
Occupying my vacant workspace after getting some water, I pick up the weightless brush.
Dream.
Squall never specified if 'dream' meant aspirations or the dreams I've had while sleeping. The latter should be easier. My most recent escapades in the realm of slumber won't fit the lighter pastel watercolours I have. Hmm…
Brainstorming, I settle on a stupor long past.
Azure mingles with amber at daybreak's zenith, casting periwinkle projections against the cloudy sky. A quaint little town of two story houses, with a star dotted square and a central fountain. Ginger and aqua, lilac with a hint of mocha. Yet, this province's showstopper is none other than its monumental clock tower. A citadel of cogs and a panoramic view. Beige, violet and a touch of gold.
My strokes take pause at the sound of a gasp near my ear, "Kairi, that is beautiful!" Snapping me out of my daze was Yuffie, seated at the edge of her seat while stretching across the aisle. Thank goodness, if she wasn't about to pull a neck muscle I would still be daydreaming, "Always saying you aren't good at anything, liar." Maybe from her angle it looks pretty but I'd never attribute the term 'beautiful' to my meager…art piece…
Okay…I need to have a talk with aunt Aerith when I get home because…I don't recall ever being told that we come from a family of subconscious phantom art thieves! The fresh painting at my desk belongs in an art gallery, I'm serious. There's no way…I can't paint to save my life, far less pull off something like this!
Three sluggish claps draw my enraptured attention to the black haired girl, "That is talent right there. I applaud you." Can Yuffie not see me gawking like an idiot? This isn't mine, can't be mine but…
The intricate illustration is as vivid as my faint memory of that dream I had as a child. Dried flecks of orange and purple cake my fingertips, obvious signs of finger painting.
A bolt of static erupts from the school's PA system at the same moment as the bell, "Yuffie Kisaragi, please report to the principal's office. Yuffie Kisaragi, please report to the principal's office. Thank you."
"What did I do this time?" Yuffie grunts, having finished her work much earlier than me. She packs her stuff, "See you in a bit."
Listlessly, I say, "Yeah, good luck Kaiser Kisaragi." Yuffie flashes me a grin on her way out.
Most of my classmates have already pinned their pieces to the large bulletin board taking up the entire wall at the back of the room. Returning my borrowed supplies to the closet, I head to the sink near the open windows afterwards, washing off lingering paint on my hands. That painting still bothers me. Attention to detail, smooth colour blending…
What if…
What if I've tapped into a rare, latent ability sealed within my right hand!
Okay, enough with the jokes.
Signing my name at the bottom of the incredulous painting, I handle the moist sheet carefully and pin it to the holey wall. Curious, my eyes skim the beautiful creations produced by my classmates. Black and red flames, a vibrant depiction of despair and dread. This has to be…yeah, that's Paine for you. I scoff in confusion which quickly transforms to disbelief at another portrait. As if you can call that a painting. The entire sheet's white! Wait…
I squint, noticing a small splotch of white paint at the center of the sheet and nothing else.
Which genius of an 'artist' handed this in?
A fancified autograph decorates the bottom right edge of the paper. It takes some time to decipher the jargon but I do, rolling my eyes at the happy-go-lucky perpetrator. What are the chances of Pence getting any grade other than zero from Squall?
Anyway, I'd better head to the cafeteria before Riku and Selphie are left alone for too long. Who knows what Selphie might do or say to him.
One final painting captures my attention and my eyes widen. I take one step closer, observing the golds and blues highlighted on this stunning canvas. Water laps at the sandy shoreline, palm trees extend in a desperate effort to reach the deep blue, cloudless expanse above.
"Wow." I say breathlessly. Radiant Garden doesn't have a shoreline or sea, I've only witnessed such a scene in aunt Aerith's old picture books. Do places like this even exist? Discovering the artist behind such a marvelous art piece is a must.
Should I be more astonished or is my lack thereof the right reaction?
Four letters, starts with an S.
I search the room, noticing the brunet in his seat. Foot tapping, quivering pencil between his fingers and a hard, facial expression. Sora taps the pencil eraser on the spotless sheet absently, too concentrated to notice my stare-
I'm not staring!
Never have I met a new student quite like him. Sora's a little odd but he means well, the boy seems innocent to a fault. Great, now I'm smiling like a creep. I sigh, neutralizing my expression as I walk down the aisle, grabbing my bag off my chair, "Hey, Sora." I interrupt him.
"Yes?" He sits up straighter, clearly broken out of some trance. Sora blinks stupidly, his blank stare fades away as he takes in my face, "Oh, Kairi. I failed to see you there."
"You failed at more than just seeing me." I say, shifting my weight to the left, folding my arms in a condescending manner. Seconds later, I smile, "Want to join me and my friends for lunch or are you busy?"
Sora smiles back half-heartedly, "Thanks for the invita-" "Invite." I didn't mean to be rude by cutting Sora off but it needed to be done.
The brunet tries again, "Thanks for the invite, but I must decline." He tried, "I've been given a second assignment in an effort to catch up with the rest of you so I'm working on it."
I glance at the blank page, "Seems like you're having some trouble."
"Yes, the task is a challenging one." He remarks.
I fake a surprised gasp, "Sora, language." The boy looks confused by my exclamation and I laugh. So this is what it's like to be on the winning side of playful jests. I like this kid, I can get use to having him around, "Kidding, kidding, you didn't say anything wrong…just the way you said it but anyway, I shall leave you to your work. See you in History." I wave before leaving. It's not a leer but I sense Sora's eyes on my frame until I exit the classroom. Those bright sapphires are perceptive, just like in the hall this morning. Even when I leaned to the left just a moment ago…gosh, I need to stop. Right now, it's time for food.
At the cafeteria entrance, another student holds the door open for me after he entered. Now that is a leer. I regret the smile I gave him. Nothing I can do about that, finding my friends in this chaos is what matters.
There they are, in our usual spot. Riku's red in the face while Selphie's giggling with an open can of juice in her hand. She spots me first, smiling broadly as I take a seat next to Riku who was nice enough to buy lunch for me. Mental note, buy lunch for best friend tomorrow.
Our lunch hour is relatively peaceful, you can always tell when Yuffie isn't around.
"Where's Yuffie?" Selphie sighed, pulling out her phone underneath the lunch table, "Feels like I'm third wheeling." Riku and I ignore the brunette, eating our tacos as she tucks her phone away, "How was Art?"
I swallow, "Same old. Yuffie's delusional and Squall's a lazy bum. What about Chemistry?"
Selphie huffs, "Don't remind me of that evil gremlin calling herself a teacher." Oh yeah, Shantotto makes number four in the female quartet of big bads at this school.
The blonde lady might be on the shorter side of the spectrum but Shantotto's savage sass has no equal. She's a pepper, her burns are no joke. For those she's insulting anyway. Why she's still teaching here in spite of her impolite jests is one of the seven wonders of Radiant Garden High.
"Ohohohohohohoho!" Riku's spot on laughter kills me. I shove him in the shoulder, Riku's so bad. Both our eyes are watering.
"What did she say about Selphie today?" I ask.
Riku clears his throat, imitating Shantotto's voice, "Proof that your flirting in the halls is improper. Brass is an alloy of tin and copper? Your foolish answer is incorrect, Ms. Tilmitt. I can't recall teaching such a dimwit."
"No. She did not say that!" My grip on Riku's arm tightens.
"Her words exactly." Riku affirms, so does Selphie with that murderous glare she's aiming at us.
Selphie and Shantotto are both geniuses, they'll never see eye to eye. Catching Selphie in a slip up like that must have been the highlight of the dwarf woman's day.
Selphie casually sips on her drink, casting her glance between us, "I don't care what you say Kai, you two were made for each other. Taking joy in my sufferings, I thought we were friends."
"So when you do it, it's completely fine." Riku states, Selphie nods, "Okay." He whispers the last part, "Tilmitt the dimwit."
Selphie tosses her empty can at Riku who cleanly dodges the projectile. Clanking to the floor, the can rolls away from their table without turning back, "Katagelasticist." Riku looks dumbfound at Selphie's declaration. There's that snarky smirk we all know and love, "That's right, let that feeling of pure unintelligence seep into your lowly soul."
A black side bag crashes into the center of our table, startling the three of us. Yuffie's head is next as she sits beside Selphie, slumping on the tabletop. Her summons to the Principal's office wasn't favorable if Yuffie's moping is anything to go by.
"So, what are you in for?" Selphie ruffles her best friend's dark hair.
Yuffie sighs, sitting up straight with a look of utter dejection, "Olette ratted me out and now I have detention for a week."
"Ouch. Larxene will kill you." Selphie's right, the blonde tyrant will definitely throw a hissy fit. Larxene hangs a deadly guillotine of rules and expectations over the necks of her fellow squad members. Fall out of line, and you're cut.
Yuffie seeks Selphie's wisdom while slowly uncapping a bottle of water, "What are my chances of survival?"
"Slim, but I'll see what I can do." The brunette's a miracle worker, I'll give her that. If there's one life lesson I've learned from our everlasting friendship, it's that connections take you places. Selphie's the master of getting her way and she isn't shy when it comes to exploiting others for her personal benefit. Again, I'm reminded of my preference in friends.
"It's not like I dumped some toxic, flesh-eating chemical on the stupid girl, it was only water!" Breaking the stubborn seal on her water bottle without success angers Yuffie even further. Riku takes the bottle from her, the cover pops off in a single snap, "I could have done it myself." She grunts at Riku's honest smile, sticking her tongue out at him.
Yuffie can be so unbelievable. I shake my head in disappointment, "Are you even hearing yourself right now?"
"I'm with Kai and Olette on this one. Now that I think about it, you deserve some divine retribution." So much for Selphie's help.
"Agreed." Riku nods.
Yuffie huffs, grabbing her bag and uses it as a pillow, "Stupid Olette, and that dumb new kid."
Why did Yuffie have to say that?
"Did you guys have class with him perchance?" Selphie instantly perks up at the mention of Sora, "I'm trying to piece his schedule together so I can formulate my plans."
Yuffie's words are muffled by her bag but I'm certain she said, "Nobody cares."
"Okay so we're all ignoring Yuffie. Think I can score a date with him?" Yuffie glares at her best friend who excels in disregarding as well as paying close attention to people.
Riku rolls his eyes just as I did, "Ten out of ten if he's desperate."
"Okay so we're all ignoring Riku. Kai, what say you?" The brunette will run out of people to talk to at this rate.
"I really think you should lay off the new kid, Selphie." Perfect time to fulfil Sora's favor, "He just got here, you don't know his true colours and clearly he's uninterested."
Selphie props an elbow to the table, chin in hand with a neutral expression, "And how would you know that?"
"Because if he did, he'd have jumped on your bandwagon at the first chance he got." I say, chipping off dry paint beneath my fingernails.
Yuffie snuggles her substitute pillow. Yawning loudly, she drawls, "And because our girl Kairi here's the expert in dealing with the new kid. They really took their time in the art class supply room."
Riku's head snaps in my direction and Selphie's gaze widens. Oh no, "No we didn't. I was in there for like…two minutes." Should I paint my fingernails? This purple looks like a really nice shade.
"What exactly transpired in those 'two minutes'?" Now I'm being interrogated by Selphie.
I shrug, my glance leveled as I meet Selphie's blank stare, "Take a good guess, it involves searching for art supplies in the art supply closet."
"Okay but did you speak to Sora?" Why does she need to know?
Scrutiny appears on my face, "I don't see why that's relevant Selphie. If I didn't or if I did, so what?"
"So you admit you did!" Yuffie's head shoots up, the girl grinning like mad.
"Wha-no!" I fight to keep my cool, sighing, "Like I said, we were looking for paint supplies."
"Together?" Both girls lean forward in varying levels of heated expectation.
I'm done with this stupidity, "Alright, I gave Sora some paint I found, we had a ten second conversation then we left. Happy?"
Selphie and Yuffie gasp, leaning back with shock. Yuffie's voice is barely a whisper, "They're practically engaged."
"Oh my gosh." I facepalm, resting my elbow on the tabletop.
"Hn, so that explains it." I pick up the intrigued smirk in Selphie's voice, "Careful Riku, you might have a little competition."
"What!" My face turns sour, Selphie and Yuffie are unfazed by my dark glower, "First off, Riku has no competition whatsoever and-!" Ethereal is the chill that claws at our table. Its time is short, however, as Selphie and Yuffie burst into giggles.
I pack up my things and leave the table, "Unbelievable."
"Kairi, wait!" Selphie calls, "We didn't mean to-"
"Who wants to bet she'll go running off to Sora?" Yuffie's laugh dies down with every step I take to the exit.
I know Riku's trailing two steps behind me. He knows me well enough to distance himself when I'm upset, in the event where I unfairly take my anger out on him or say something I'll come to regret.
)~*~(
Tap.
Tap, tap.
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.
"Sora."
"Present!" I yell subconsciously, perfectly upright in my seat.
Resurfacing from my white world of nothingness, I look up into a pair of hard blue eyes. Mr. Squall hovers over me, voice emotionless as he glances at my work, "Lunch is almost over and still no progress?"
My sights lower to the blank sheet snoozing on my desk, tiny traces of lead mar the page from my unintended pencil tapping, "I…find a little difficulty in performing this assignment."
Mr. Squall raises an eyebrow which sinks back into place a second later, "Is the theme a touchy subject for you?" Mr. Squall paces back to his desk, "You don't have to answer."
Family.
"Not…particularly." I swallow, piecing together the best excuse in my head, "It's hard to express the sentiments I feel towards my family on just one sheet of paper."
Mr. Squall nods in some form of understanding, "That's deep." I'd ask what he meant but it's probably best if I refrain, "Well, sleep on it. You can hand it in at our next class."
"Thank you, sir." I say, appreciating the extra time. My frame of mind just isn't right at the moment.
Also, I'm starving.
Collecting the items borrowed from the second room to the back, I make my way over to the closet. Before I could step inside, my attention is stolen by the glowing wall of portraits crafted by my new classmates. One in particular stands out above the rest.
"Uh, Mr. Squall?" The man was just about leaving the room when I call.
"What is it?" He asks, face lacking emotion.
"This painting, would you happen to know the artist?" I gesture to the prominent art piece. Mr. Squall comes over, taking a closer look.
He's startled, observing the illustrious portrait as if it's something he's never seen before in a student, "This is…Kairi's work. I didn't know she had a talent for painting, this is quite impressive."
"Yes." Too impressive. This scene…she captured it perfectly.
Another piece of evidence to affirm my suspicions.
I am nothing if not observant.
From the second I entered my new homeroom, something bothering me. An odd feeling, gracefully dancing through the air. It thrives in not just our main classroom, but it envelops this entire facility. Physical Education class is where I discovered the source of my relentless unease.
Kairi – Selphie to some degree, but primarily Kairi.
This seemingly, regular girl…just what is she?
I've been unable to completely unravel the mystery, but one thing is certain. It's imperative that I stay as far away from the red head as possible.
She's a hotshot. Kairi's display of witty commentary is one thing, but her ability to draw people in is completely remarkable. Without a doubt, everyone in this school must love her. I'll admit, I do feel the effects that radiate from her charming presence, and it's frightening. Yes, Kairi is beautiful but that beauty is irrelevant in the light of her bedazzling aura.
Regardless, if I allow myself to be dragged into that soothing flame, the harsh burns I'll receive will never fade away.
I plan on laying low, logically I need to stay away from a social magnet like Kairi. So that is exactly what I'll do.
Pretty red head, begone from my mind!
Subject 'K' is easily replaced by my hunger for food.
I'm hoping that the cafeteria has pizza again. Packing all my belongings away, I leave the art room, Mr. Squall locking the door behind him. Perusing my pockets for munny, I find a decent amount of change for–
Wait!
What if she's in the cafeteria?
Approaching those doors separating me from the most satisfying meal I'll eat all day, I can't help my pause. She's in there, I can tell. The more I think about Subject 'K', the stronger that strange feeling settles over me.
Bad thoughts, bad thoughts.
Pushing Subject 'K' out of my mind, I proceed to the cafeteria door but balk backwards. In her rush out of the cafeteria, she who's name shall not be named misses me while I'm pressed against the wall behind the door she just flew open. Face tight with fury, the red head strides down the hallway with her silver haired friend in tow.
I'm curious, but Subject 'K' has nothing to do with me.
The bell sings, signaling the end of lunch when I make it to the front of the queue. Miraculously, there was no one in line…because all the food has already disappeared. My hand slowly slides down the glass barrier before my hollow eyes. They served a dish called 'tacos'. The name alone sounds delicious.
I find a vending machine and settle for a salty snack.
Not the perfect lunch I desired, but I appreciate how Fate has carried me through the afternoon. Out of anyone's lurking sights, not a glimpse of any unmentionables – Subject 'K' and Subject 'S' – who could throw me off track. Just one last class, then I'm free to leave.
History.
Fate, what a cruel mistress you are.
"I can't apologize for Yuffidiot but please don't be mad. It was all a joke, hun."
History…with her.
Closing my senses off from all distractions, my gaze trails the blackboard where our History teacher writes down instructions for an assignment due in eight weeks from today.
"This project makes up thirty percent of your entire grade this term, so try your best to do some adequate research and don't let it gather dust until the week before its due – Tidus. Work as a cohesive unit with your partner, trust me you'll see results."
Partner?
Must be a team exercise fit for pairings. My eyes sweep the classroom, ten boys, ten girls.
"Looks like Sora came in at the right time," Don't draw unnecessary attention to me! "Alright, the girls dipped last time so boys," Our teacher pats the top of a large white box at the center of her cluttered desk, "destiny awaits."
I school the sullen expression threatening to appear on my face at those last words.
"Hayner."
One by one, every male student is called, their project partner determined by drawing lots from the box. I'm well aware of my underperformance when it comes to fortuity, with my new environment I can only hope I've been dealt a new hand.
Wishful thinking.
In this life, there's no such thing as coincidence.
"Yuna, yes!" Tidus throws a fist in the air.
"Don't let her do all the work." The teacher remarks, "Riku."
The silver haired boy is up next.
His display of physical prowess was exceptional this morning. Well received by our fellow classmates, extraverted tendencies and bravado to boot.
I don't like him.
Obviously, this Riku is enamored by his close friend, but that admiration is not returned by Subject 'K'. Riku looks decent enough, except for his underlying attitude. Further observation will probably reveal that the female masses are captivated by him. Shouldn't Subject 'K' act accordingly? Socialite girl, athletic boy, the perfect…'item', so why doesn't Subject 'K' reciprocate those feelings? What am I even thinking about?
Fate, please order the object of Riku's palpable affections to be his project partner. I don't like him but I'm more than happy to wish him well in his pursuit of happiness. A predictable turn of events like that would make for an excellent story, don't you think?
Riku sighs once his partner's name is revealed, "Selphie."
No! He was supposed to pick Subject 'K', not Subject 'S'! What is wrong with him?
"Not him." Subject 'S' is just as disappointed as I am with these results.
Not exactly my wish, however, this generously decreases my chance of choosing one of the undesirables.
"Sora."
Okay, there are four names left in the box. Fate, please throw me a bone.
The dissecting stares of my classmates were easy to ignore since my thoughts are locked on overcoming this trial before me. Head low as I crawl to the front, my hand almost misses the box. Stroking each slip of paper, I'm contemplating the odds of each one announcing that name and snatch one since I've dallied long enough.
Sighing inwardly, I suppress my inner melancholy as the bitter realization resurfaces, not a grain of spite lost since our initial encounter years ago.
Oh Fate, what poor tastes you have.
"Kairi."
It's been quite a while, I feel bad...
;_;