I was startled from my musings by a burst of evil laughter. My head whipped up as I gazed around with a hunted sort of expression. Where could a sound so menacing have possibly come from?
Oh, right. Nekozawa-senpai.
He was eyeing me with an evil glint in his eye.
'So, Akemi-san. Haruhi-san thought you and I might get along well; I must say that I agree. I think we'll get along like a house on fire.'
Images of my home in flames instantly burst to the forefront of my mind and I gave an involuntary shudder. I darted my gaze to the side, praying for Fujioka-sama to rescue me, but she was engrossed in a conversation with Casanova about the many useful properties of sweet potatoes.
I clasped my teeth together and raised the corners of my mouth in a facsimile of a grin. Hoping the terror I was feeling didn't show in my eyes, I nodded, somewhat manically, in affirmation.
'Yes yes, of course. I'm sure we'd get along brilliantly.'
With a sinister smirk, Nekozawa-senpai turned to Bereznoff. 'Well we'll be sure to look out for you at the next Black Magic Club meeting …' as he spoke, he lifted a wooden cat doll from his pocket, casually turning it over in his hands.
I knew those dolls. Momoka had bought one once in a desperate attempt to make Haruhi love her. She had explained to me that Nekozawa-senpai had sold it to her, telling her that it could be used to either curse or control the person whose name was on the back. I had been incredibly sceptical about the reality of it's supposed magical properties, but nonetheless I had convinced Momoka not to use it on Haruhi, pointing out to her that even if it did work, their love would never be real.
The doll spent the rest of its days lying in the corner of Momoka's bedroom, where it still resided, and it's state of unuse meant I still had no idea as to how genuine Nekozawa-senpai's sales racket was.
Placed on this side of the deal, I wasn't prepared to take my chances.
I bowed hurriedly towards him, moving before he decided that my answer was taking too long and he mays well just curse me anyhow.
'O-of course. I'll be there. Um … when is it?'
A triumphant grin shone from beneath his cloak as he slid the doll back into his pocket.
'Two days from now at this doorway. I'll be sure to introduce you to everyone – our regulars and those who have been Invited.'
And there it was again … that sinister tone which made me think of small animals being set alight – which, safe to say, isn't my usual sort of mental imagery; I'm not that psychotic.
I nodded hastily and quickly turned to stare at Fujioka-san's back. She must have sensed my piercing gaze, as, almost instantaneously, she turned to glance at me. The distress I was feeling must have been visible on my face, as she smiled at Casanova and quickly crossed to where I awkwardly stood with Nekozawa-senpai.
'Are you two enjoying yourselves?' she enquired, obviously oblivious to the tenseness of the situation.
I stretched the corners of my mouth upwards once more and nodded enthusiastically at her.
'Of course; I've never had a better time! Nekozawa-senpai was just telling me all about the black magic club. I've been invited to stop in two days from now, isn't that exciting!'
All the while I was sending her secret brain-messages, screaming 'get me out of here!'
Apparently, Fujioka-san was impervious to telepathy, as it didn't seem to be working. I had all but resigned myself to a fate as Nekozawa's new minion, when Fujioka glanced up at the clock.
'Oh! Look at the time – we'd best be going. There's a few more people I want Akemi-san too meet.' Hiking the bag of sweet potatoes over her shoulder she smiled over at Casanova, who blushed.
'Thank you again for the potatoes, Casanova. And thank you too Nekozawa!'
The Black Magic Club president grinned as he waved Bereznoff.
'Anytime Haruhi-san, anytime. I'll see you on Thursday Akemi-san …'
I gave a forced burst of laughter. 'Can't wait!' I replied through gritted teeth, mentally planning my escape.
I turned to see that Fujioka-san was already halfway down the hall. Quickening my pace, I fell in beside her.
'Well they were both certainly … lovely.'
She smiled sweetly in reply.
'Nekozawa-senpai is somewhat … unusual, but he's a very kind person. And Casanova is a brilliant friend.'
I smiled back at her, forgetting for a moment that I wasn't even meant to be a girl. Quickly rearranging my face back into what I hoped was a manly expression (but probably just made me look constipated) I deepened my voice as I replied.
'It seems like you have quite a lot of lovely friends.'
Though her brow furrowed somewhat at the sudden fluctuation of my voice, Fujioka-san didn't comment, choosing to simply carry on as though nothing had happened.
'Yes, my friends are all so kind to me. In fact I was planning on introducing you to a few more people now. These two are in our grade as well – I'm sure that you'll love them. They're twins – the Hitachiin brother, Hikaru and Kaoru. They come across as a bit mischievous , but they're very nice. I've known them since I first arrived here. I met them when –'
Fujioka's voice faded to the back of my mind as I felt my chest grow tight.
The twins.
I couldn't let them see me like this – I would be so ashamed!
I had to get out of here.
Now.
A/N
Yes yes I know – there's still no sign of the twins. But their appearance is getting closer, I promise! (Also, apologies for how long this chapter took)
