Titanmaster 117 = Thanks for the suggestions. Once I finally decided, I'll pick the second one.

CazyPhuc = You're welcome. Maybe. But I'm still going to do it. I gotta revise the chapters to make it look good like the 1st chapter, maybe it'll deliver a different outcome.


The Door of Debate.


It was actually a flesh wound, a very ugly and disgusting wound. An open red slit made its way to my knee and a large red smudge on my knee indicated that it had been bleeding for a long time and my pants plastered it all over the moon-kissed skin I worked so hard on earning by years of sun-deprived living.

I cannot imagine how shocked I was when I cannot measure how much blood I have lost. The right leg of my slacks literally reeked of blood now, it would be a good idea to not wear this one for the entire week and instead change for the extra pair saved at the house once tomorrow comes. Cleaning blood off clothing is not so much of a job anymore after the right decision to research about it years ago.

I asked for how damaged my knee was to the nurse (I was horrified for the result), thankfully the good woman specified that it was not so threatening, just a fracture and no dislocation. I just need 2-3 weeks before it perfectly heals and I needed to cool it down a little more. I can freely walk on limp but I must not apply pressure on it much as possible. The information helped, I cannot waste all of my friend's energy on me. Shina must have been tired carrying me from 4 flights of stairs. The good nurse gave me an ice pack, I would have preferred a cold soda can over it; a cold compress and a drink, two birds with a stone. My knowledge of first-aid was that anything can be a first-aid. It really explains why in some situation we rip the fabric of our clothes just to pressurize bleeds.

When the medical treatment was over I bowed in gratitude to her and left. I kept the ice bag provided pressed to my newly cleaned and treated knee, now covered with gauges, bulging from the joints of my pants, and made sure to keep it at the right spot, but I also made sure not to press too hard. It still hurts after all.

"So, what're you gonna study once we come back?" Shina asked curiously. She is now relieved of duty; which means it is not necessary for her to carry me anymore. Now she is walking in a relaxed stride beside me, though she had to slow down just to match my pace (I lost just half my normal walking speed because of this leg). She could have just went ahead, no need for her to be with me now that I can handle myself.

"….Hmm." I lowered my head for a thought; Rep did say that I have to cover 4 hours answering my best subjects once the war begins. Quite a coincidence, my bests are English, Japanese language, Science and maybe Physical Education. Maybe I can cover each, one hour at a time. I just need to be very focused if I want to be through with them fast enough. "….I could continue studying Science for now."

"Really," My blonde friend's eyes lit up in interest. "You want me to tutor you? I'm a good scientist candidate, you know?"

I would have accepted it, just for a chance at socializing with my friend a little longer. But because of the (officially called) bullshit approval oral exam that happened, I wanted nothing more than to study in silence. No one in this school can compare a Filipino boy's bitterness.

"….I refuse," I politely answered, though my bitterness might have spilled out. "….You must spare me from your ego. Your mouth would run itself and criticize me multiple times."

"Aw, come on. I'll be gentle." She begged, going so far as to place her hands together and display a pleading face to me.

Still, I have made a note to myself never to take tutoring in science from her. What she said before gave off the most obvious hints, "….No, and I stand by that. I do not trust you to being gentle. Your personality defines a surefire way to humiliating me in every mistake I make. And to be frank: I am not so eager to be called 'Bitch' every time you try to point out something."

Her snapped expression was relative to that of a person who had his intentions seen through. If I said that I said all that in random, I would be lying.

It was indeed a good idea to deny the offer.

"N-n-nooooo~~" She drawled in a zigzagged pitch; deny all you could, Shina, but your nervous smile does not hide anything. "I wouldn't do that~~ Why would I bother doing that when all I want to do is tutor you?"

She may say that she was a valedictorian candidate but she has poor skills in terms of deception through words. Only the punishment inspector would be fooled by the likes of her (not that he would ever learn anything, even if he was motivated to study science).

"….For the final time, Shina-san, No. And that is final." My firm voice delivered a sad face to form on the blonde. I forced myself from feeling the guilt building on my stomach, I diverted the subject to keep her from being persistent, "….Rep had told you to cover your best subjects under 4 hours. Surely, Science is not the only subject you best."

She sighed in defeat, (thankfully) having given up on her motive to call me a bitch constantly. "I guess….."

We found our way to the last staircase we had to pass before we could be in the 3rd floor, right where our crappy classroom is. I passed the ice pack to Shina to hold it; This time I will do this on my own. Keeping balance with my good leg and my arm gripping the handrail, keeping my bad leg off the ground in between, I hopped in quick succession, step by step. I used my free hand to rest against the steps in between jumps just to restore some energy before I take another leap again, the memory of me breaking my knee because of these unnerved me.

All the while, Shina simply watched just behind my left. I was once again thankful that I have long hair to cover my eyes: while my direct stare was looking straight-forward, I calculated my body to appear natural to my movements as I tried to look over my shoulder, getting a glimpse of her behind me; she never noticed that I caught her eyes carefully watching my movements, she was also staying nearby me, her tense arms and body ready to catch my form if ever I fell.

She does care.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

We arrived.

"….Shina-san…"

And somehow we had not moved for more than a minute. Is any of us going to bother opening this door? I know I would not.

"Rino….."

She felt the same way as well, I could tell. Because we all know what Rep was going to say once we enter, and neither the both of us want to deal with that first.

"….May I ask you to please open the door?"

"No, you do it."

"….Please do not start this, I cannot stand a repeat of our arguments."

"Likewise, so please open it."

"….Come on, Shina. This is just one favor I ask of you."

"No can do, doesn't the guy open the door for the lady, and enter first before her?"

"….Bullshit, the gentleman should give the lady the honors first."

"I don't care, just fucking open the door already."

"….Please, Shina. I do not want Rep's teasings to be directed at me."

"Why not just yell like you usually do? You could even scare the shit out of him."

"….Is that supposed to make me feel confident or is it just an excuse?"

"Just whatever, open the fucking door already."

I sighed exasperatedly, this debate was actually turning into complete bullshit. "….This is getting nowhere, Shina-san. Why are we having this argument over such a simple task?"

"I don't know!" She snapped at me, "Why do we even bother!?"

*KASSHAAK! SLAM!*

The door slid open with a loud slam and a pair of severely irritated red eyes looked us over.

"Geez, you two! Either one of you just do it, or do I have to throw you both in myself!?" The F-Class Representative, Sakamoto Yuuji growled, clearly annoyed with the both of us.

…..

For once, in a very, very long time, I could not say anything in retort. Neither did Shina, she was as shocked at the sudden appearance of the reason of our debate in front of us.

A long silence. I cannot believe that I was feeling uncomfortable under the frown of my Class president.

"Uh….." Shina was the first to break the silence, fidgeting in her steps, likewise uncomfortable under the tall man's gaze. Then she asked in an innocent voice, "Wassup?"

"Don't just 'wassup' me! You two were out for too long, and we only got two and a half hours before lunch, and we're having the war after that! Come on, you two were the only ones slacking off while we're studying our frickin' heads off, don't think that I'm letting you off that easy!"

I made no comment as I hurried in, practically shrinking as I limped passed by his form, not eager to hear any more of his demanding words and cracked open my Japanese textbook the sooner I knelt down. Shina even scampered off to her chabudai, eager to get away from the imposing figure of Rep.

For once, Sakamoto Yuuji took his position seriously. And it scared the fuck out of me.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

Shina was actually reading her textbook, Rep had done an actual number on her attitude. I must take careful caution not to make him be cross with me, while Rep had merely intimidated me, the fact that Shina was not defying him just by his words lined with authority left me the clue that I should not tempt fate.

I sat still on my empty cushion, reading the Science book in my hands, nearly through with the concept of Genetic Inheritance. I was through with my Japanese study several minutes ago and the aftermath left me confident enough to think that I could earn 300+ scores for my Avatar to have as his source of power. That amount is good enough to take on 100 F-Class students together, and I aim to give the little demon a good fight once I deliver him from his sleep. He must have been dying to fight; he was dormant in the 'Realm' for more than a year the last time I saw him, and I am starting to forget his physical appearance.

Just a little more time before the lunch bell begins, and I am quite eager for it to arrive, for an entirely different reason besides the summoning war. I am very impatient for the ESB to begin but because of a certain promise I made with someone, I am more than eager to make do with it.

*Ding-Dong! Dang-Dong!*

Yes!

I slammed my book shut in triumph with a relieved sigh, glad to have my wishes finally granted. I lifted the ice pack off my knee and shook it, hearing the sound of sloshing liquid within. I thought the ice would last a little longer before it melted, considering how cold the F-Class is. I squeezed the bag, it had already lost its cold temperature now.

The classmates began exiting the F-Class, heading off to wherever they would be in their lunch time. Rep and his circle gathered around him, as if he was the first person to go whenever the occasion. Rep's friends really place him as a leader, both as a friend and as a class president. They began heading towards the door, probably to make do with what they agreed: having lunch together with Shina.

The latter was coming to my seated form, somehow, "Up you go." She said, extending a hand to me. I took it and I raised myself up, testing my knee. It still hurts, but not like before, maybe I can walk on it with slight limping. "You coming? We're gonna go to the cafeteria for a munch."

I instantly shook my head, I want to see her again, "….No," My voice was purposely lower than my usual one, I neared my head to her's so she could hear me. "….I have someone to meet." This is something I do not want anybody to hear but my confidant.

"Really?" Her voice was genuinely intrigued, "Is it a girl?"

Had it not been the truth I would have been very, very furious for the attempt of teasing me. I nodded.

"What!?" She hissed, her face gave the sign that she wanted to hear the details.

I don't think so.

As soon as she opened her mouth, I grabbed her wrist and deftly placed the useless ice pack on her hand. "….Will you return this to the nurse? It will be very late for me to reach the 1st floor, and I do not want to delay anybody with my leg. Anymore." I let go and I limped past her, not intending to hear her response.

I walked past Rep and his circle of friends who watched me silently, I was not sure if they were mindful with my leg but I did not bother to think about it. Before I reached the door, I faced Rep, "….I look forward to our victory, Rep."

He widened his eyes for a short second before he deviously smiled, "Yep, wish our class luck."

I pounded my fist to my left chest as a form of salute to my leader and I left.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

Once again, I was at the doorstep of A-Class. The double doors were closed as well, keeping the noise of the hallways from entering. If I were to guess, A-Class had soundproofing accommodated in their classrooms. Among the Summoning wars I spectated last year, they were all loud; full of shouting voices, orders from commanding officers barked to the pawns, even the realistic sounds of pocket-sized holographic arsenals clashing against armor or an opposing weapon was as loud as if they were life-sized. These modifications had to be made considering how studious these A-Class students were in their quiet A-Class; their attention is regularly on their textbooks than their cellphones. It is one thing I respect, and spite at the same time. The reason why? I will never say.

Turning the gold knob I entered their extravagant classroom. Caring not of their facilities (though I have not noticed the paintings on the walls before) I looked around, noticing a few other students still inside, eating lunch together with their friends on their coffee tables. Though when I entered, everything became silent, conversations trailing off, backs turned and fronts facing me, their eyes turned to the visitor who was me, staring at me in surprise, wonder and, the prominent of all: fear.

I turned my direct stare to them and they nervously looked away, eyes down on their lunch boxes.

Hmm~

Keeping the door open, I looked around for the particular girl, who they hypothetically (and definitely) called 'Kirishima Shouko's twin'. It would be so ludicrous if they actually had called her that, she has the blood of a Pinoy while the Valedictorian was of Japanese descent, plus she was a rich girl. Me and Meiko are simple owners of a large house while she owned a bloody mansion, we might as well be living in a box in her eyes.

Now for Meiko, where could she be? Blue-dyed hair can be easy to find in this quite sparkly environment but with someone who has the height of a child which was considered to the common eye (by Filipino standards, that is) 10 years old is not one to match when this classroom is so spacious compared to an auditorium. Should I have to go inside to find her?

Oh, there she is.

She was by the grand piano, sat at the bench. The location of where she is (including the knowledge that she was the best Pianist I've known in my life) implies a lot of things, and one of them is something I might be happy about if I confirm it from her. Ma'am Takahashi was there, and she was talking to my bunso. The look on Meiko's face as she listened to her advisor like a good student was something that surprised me: there was absolutely no sign of fright and nervousness unlike the last time I left the A-Class.

She improved. And it was only the first day of school. How? Whatever the A-Class did (or whatever Ma'am Takahashi did), Meiko had grown self-confidence at a wide margin in this amount of time. How?

Instead of going over there and give her a surprise hug like I usually do (and also to give Ma'am a big thank you as well), I held down my movements and simply stood still, waiting patiently the sooner I boldly entered the classroom and closed the door. I did not want to disturb them. Any sort of interaction Meiko has is worth it. The more she interacts, the more she opens up.

While they talked about whatever, I took the time to look at the paintings on the walls.

But not without this:

I snapped my stare on the A-Class students who sat on the coffee tables and caught a glimpse of them staring at me before they immediately shot their stare downwards, avoiding my eyes.

Ah~~, so amusing.

Crossing my arms, I looked at the extravagant artworks on their curved walls. Whoever painted the walls, they were very good in terms of detail. Probably another one of A-Class's privileges, hiring the best artists to do their work. They catch the eyes quite well and it might be displayed in a museum had it been in a canvas. I recognized the face of Socrates, the first Philosopher, painted on a wall near the snack bar standing atop a large rock as he lectured to his student, Plato knelt before him. There was the image of Murasaki Shikibu, the author of the ever first psychological novel, painted near the windows showing the outside, the artist definitely had no clue of what she looked like so he/she hypothesized the memorable author's face and the job was quite well-done, she actually looked very beautiful, especially as a painting on the wall.

I cannot doubt that the artist hired was well-known.

I turned my eyes to the persons of interest, and in a perfect timing, Ma'am had likely ended her conversation with Meiko as the two of them nodded in agreement and the former found me in her sights. She waved at me afterwards. I returned the gesture with a raised hand, faltering on my return wave; hardly anyone was there to wave to before so I cannot return it properly. Meiko looked in the same direction her teacher waved to and her eyes practically lit up in flames the sooner she saw me. I likewise felt the same way: I was happy to see her again. She bolted upwards from her seat and ran straight towards me with open arms, her long hair flaring behind her.

That happiness suddenly turned into dread the sooner I remembered what happened to me at the stairs.

Not good.

I tensed greatly, slightly spread my arms open, preparing myself for a blasting collision on my lower body. The speed she was running at could knock the air out of someone, plus with the fracture on my leg, I might not be able to hold down her impact. This is not going to end well.

Those 2-3 weeks of recovery would likely become a month.

Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!

Just as she was about to crash into me, she instantly snapped to a stop just before she could meet contact, the momentum brought her hair to flare forward, her face framed like a dark lion before they fell like silky cloth by her shoulders, and simply wrapped her tiny arms around me waist and rested her head on my chest with a gentle thud.

Here comes the reaction of the students present in this room: "EEEHHHHHH!?" The room literally echoed with their chorus.

I just rolled my eyes, I was expecting the same response anyway.

I ruffled her head to a messy bundle for her little mischief (making me worried for nothing) before I hugged her back with affection by her neck, squeezing. Her emotional energies; so pure~ The moments where she was overcome with emotion, either glad or simply really happy is what makes these hugs very fuzzy. I looked around, glaring back (without turning my head) at the stupid shocked stares of the students as they watched me hug the Kirishima Shouko Kalokalike.

One of them is likely going to cause a rumor by the sight, inevitably they will. It would be an uproar, especially for most of the student body. Seeing Kirishima Shouko (or they thought she was, unless they knew whom is which) being hugged by a morbid-looking man like me, it will be a grand rumor, just like among the other rumors these youths make with their ignorant minds.

It will be a problem but it can be solved. I just hope that I do not ruin the dignity of the valedictorian just by simply hugging her counterpart. If it happens otherwise, I will fix it. I brought it on the valedictorian, I should deal with the problem as my responsibility.

There was a particular rumor spreading amongst the student body before and I simply eavesdropped to obtain the information: The Valedictorian was a lesbian.

What a load of bullshit.

I knew how they came to that conclusion, anybody with an average level of logic could figure it out without thinking too much. Due to the fact that the person in question was beautiful, smart, and skilled in sports games, it would unsurprisingly draw the interests of many men. But her reply was to reject every single one, not in the least interested with a relationship. Just how could that escalate to the conclusion of her being a lesbian? If she was actually a lesbian she would have a woman under her arm by now, she could have anybody she wanted. Honestly, these young minds are almost as demented as the ones in F-Class. Why could they not have presumed her to have better priorities to be mindful of instead of wasting her time in a relationship where it would overtake her personal time?

Sigh. I hardly cared, and I seriously hoped for these rumors to be proven true or otherwise.

I gave a small peck to her flower-scented blue locks and gave her a tightening squeeze by the neck, the friction of the hug caused a lot of ecstatic emotions to ripple in me before I let go, one hand resting on her right shoulder. I took her hand and traced, How was class?

In response, she stood on her toes and reached for my face to pull me in for a kiss to the cheek, close enough to the corner of my lips (I saw the girls present in this room poof red in their faces when I glanced) before she took my hand again, How was class?

I pressed her palm with my thumb, You first.

She returned the pinch, but her strength was beyond what I had given, You first!

I silently sighed, albeit hiding how very happy I was, she was being rambunctious around several unfamiliar faces in the room, that never happens. How far did her development reach under that amount of time? It was bizarre. There were so many idiots.

A huff of breath escaped her lips as she smiled; she laughed. Mine got lots of smart people.

I rolled my eyes at that, the difference between classes was so bloody obvious (especially when its 5 letters apart). I smothered the smooth surface of her petite hand with my thumb before asking, How did class go by? I fiddled with her thumb afterwards.

It was alright, the presidente was sitting next to me.

'President'? Class president? Kirishima Shouko?

Interested to find out, I traced, Does she look like you?

Her eyes widened in remembrance, she nodded vigorously, shaking my hand in a display of excitement. I was so shocked too. I got a kalokalike!I huffed a breath, she actually did not forget the term. I was surprised she could remember that word even after 4 years. Showtime had likely ended by now back home, or not. That show was alive for more than 5 years, last I remembered. How did your class get?

I sighed in disappointment, finding how her experiences contradicting mine is getting a bit too numerous because of the both of us having a different classroom. It was annoying, but I'm getting excited.

Her face contorted to both curious and concerned, she took my other hand that rested on her shoulder and squeezed it, an action she usually does whenever she wants to hear more, and is worried. What happened?

Given her attitude towards me, she focused on the first set of words I have said than the second.

I gave her other hand a gentle squeeze, It's fine. Nothing serious.

She lowered her eyes down, reluctant to believe me but still nodded. I placed my hand on her cheek and rubbed the smooth surface with my thumb for reassurance.

I cannot blame her for worrying, she knows me well and knows exactly when to believe what I say or not. Even if it was just a small problem, she would exaggerate her concerns as long as she does not know a thing, and I intend to keep it that way, but her concern was sometimes heartfelt had I put myself in her place. It was mainly because of the times I come home with a sour mood or with evidences of a fight stuck on my person and she was there to see it all (she would always make a fuss just to fix me up), I only state half the truth and she could always tell right away if I was making an understatement or not. But I was glad that she only wanted to hear what happened and did not ask for the details, it saves me from the emotional stress and it also shows that she understands.

"Good afternoon, Shimuya-kun. She missed you so." Ma'am greeted as she came into talking distance just beside me.

I gave her a polite nod, "….Good afternoon, Ma'am. I came to make do with my promise." I swiveled Meiko to face her teacher and had her lean back against my chest before I draped my arms on her shoulders. She reached for both my hands and interlocked fingers.

She played a smile, "To have lunch with her, yes?"

I shot her a half-surprised look, "….How did you know?" I have not mentioned this to her, did I?

"She told me, and she was actually looking forward to it more than anything else." Her face was kept still with a smile, her eyes never leaving the hold I have on my little sister.

I squeezed a tiny hand with affection, "….She just wants to see me again, it is impossible for her to be so hungry after the good breakfast I served her today."

I received a very tight squeeze on my hand for that comment, what I said was not what she wanted her teacher to hear.

She gave a small laugh, "You are really close with your sister, aren't you?"

I was not able to bear looking back at her for a second, "….The feeling is mutual, she likes me, I like her back." That was a heavy understatement for me to say; I am beyond liking, Meiko was beyond loving.

I felt something soft, wet and warm peck the joint of my thumb before I received a soft squeeze, I felt a smothering warmth in my chest before I cleared my throat unnecessarily, "….So if you excuse me, Ma'am, the two of us will eat for now." I dismissed, taking my buno's hand. Come on, let's eat. I swiveled Meiko to my left side so she will not accidentally hit my bad leg, and we began to make our walk for the canteen, careful not to let my limp show lest she makes a fuss again.

"Wait."

I stopped mid-step, applying my body weight on the wrong leg, I could not hold down the growl that rang in my throat. I half-turned my body to face Ma'am before I inquired. "….Yes?" I asked, keeping my voice low without being guttural.

"I have a lot of questions regarding Marikawa-san, would you allow me to join lunch with you and talk about it?" Her expression bared no smile, the visible signs of a grimace lingering in the areas of the eyes.

Most likely she wants to know more about Meiko's case, if she wants to support a student she must understand that student's problems. I see no problem with that, I could allow her to acknowledge at least a few details, I also like to know of her progress in class.

"….Please do." I should also acquaint myself with Ma'am even more, she would most likely be burrowing herself into my case in a later date, just as Sir had. It is a possibility, and I definitely know that it means trouble, but I know that I need all the help I could get.

I must recover from it, the mess I have left would never be cleaned up unless I mature myself.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

The 3 of us took a slow stride throughout the hallway (because of me and my leg) but Ma'am made no comment about the speed, which I appreciated, I never been in school with my Palangga before, might as well relish the moment throughout. I will have to prepare a few things for her as well, a tour and maybe a lesson about the Summoning System as well. Her avatar was already gratified at her placement test, what kind of Avatar does she have? I should take note to train her, it would be a nice excuse to see it for myself (Since she made it to A-Class it would be a strong avatar).

I noticed her staring up at me from the corner of my eye and I met the concerned and now worried gaze of Meiko. As she met my eyes she pointed to my right knee. It was kept bent and never straight the whole time.

Sigh. She found out. No one could easily hide something from the family long enough until it was gone.

I sighed. I took her pointing hand and dismissed it, Just an accident. I was not lying, and I do not want to talk about it. It'll pass. After that I stopped hiding it and just released the false stride I have been carrying, now I walked with a limp. Meiko, in response, swiveled to my right side, slipped an arm around my waist, gripping firmly, took my right hand with her other and rested it on her right shoulder. We began walking with a feeling that she was trying to carry me with the arm around my waist. Is this not what Shina had done hours ago when she walked me to the clinic?

"….Hm." I find it funny, how could she manage to do so when she is so tiny? I could barely rest my body weight on her, even if I want to. But the gesture was sweet, I had no choice but to take the offer.

I gave her a squeeze in appreciation on the shoulder. I likewise received a 'you're welcome' squeeze on the same hand.

We came to a stop at the stairs to prepare myself for the descent (I have not walked down on my own but I have to try), but it was here that Ma'am decided to speak up. "What happened to your leg?"

Tapping the floor with my foot as I gripped the rim of the stairs, I looked away, "….A mishap happened during a meeting."

"What kind of mishap?" She pressed.

"….Staircase." That was too vague, and I would not have cared and just left it at that, just like what I would do in my first year, but Ma'am was a different case and I cannot shut her off. I do not want to leave misunderstandings lest I end up with more pressing questions from her. I hate talking about it in this manner. "….An accidental mishap my friend had done brought a rather unexpected blow to my knee."

That was actually more annoying to say than I had expected.

"Are you going to be alright?" I cannot miss the concern in Ma'am's voice. I can already tell that Meiko was feeling the same. I squeezed her shoulder again. "Have you went to the nurse already about that?"

These questions are becoming unbearable already.

I shook a head, "….I already have." I answered, feeling my annoyance coming. "….This is not the first time I had a similar injury." I blankly remembered my younger self in his days as an elementary 4th grader, his attempt to vault over a wall with a pole horizontally placed atop it brought a different result when he wanted to take a shortcut.

She stared before she inclined her head in understanding, "Okay, if that's what you say."

I sighed in relief, finally making way to the stairs. I was surprised to see that Meiko could actually carry my weight as I heaved my body from the ground with my hands (one hand on the rails and the other lifted by her), step by step down the stairs. I cannot deny my bunso's strength but I never thought she could actually reach the point where she could do this without crinkling her face in exertion. I should watch my words, unless I was looking forward to making her angry and cause her to throw a tantrum at me (a bruising tantrum, that is).

Once I finally reached the ground floor we were drawing quite a few onlookers, they were most definitely one of my batchmates in this area. A few had admiring glances as they directed their stares to the girl beside me, a contradicting feared glance was always sent to my direction. Looking at us both altogether without missing the other, the look of jealousy and suspicion amongst them were not a good sign. But sticking close to Ma'am should definitely deny all false claims, hopefully this school year with my sister now involved does not go horrible.

What they said, however, was devastating:

"Is that Kirishima Shouko?"

"It is!"

"Why's she holding unto him?"

"I thought she was a lesbian."

"Keep it down! You'll be heard!"

"Who's that guy?"

"Boyfriend?"

"No way, I never heard of her having a boyfriend before."

"He looks scary. He looks like a Goth."

"'Gosu?' What's that?"

"People who had black hair, white skin and they worship the devil."

"Really, that's scary."

"That guy might be forcing her."

"He really is, look at Kirishima, she's paling."

"No way."

"Should we stop him?"

"No way dude, do you think we could go up against that guy! He'll kill you!"

"Yeah. Didn't you hear, I heard he beaten up a guy so bad that he never came back to school."

"What!? I thought he was expelled."

"It might be a cover-up!"

So. Many. Painful. Words.

Everywhere around me, all of them, because of Kirishima's reputation I might have caused a harsh result with the way I am now; having a small and weak girl that looked like her under my arm as she shakes in fear, this is all going to lead to a misunderstanding. I cannot believe what I am hearing. I have been stereotyped, accused, and assumed. I hate it. They misunderstand: Meiko is scared of them, not me. These young minds, so ignorant and foolish.

Grabe nga chismoso'g chismosa!

Violent impulse. Violent impulse. Suppress it, suppress it! I must not lose control here! Bear with it, I went through better than this. I should be admiring these idiots' fear and feeding on it, they are mere words. That is what they are, just words.

The right to act is when they raise their hand.

An eye for an eye?

Bah!

Might as well be a single strand of hair lost and I return a few broken bones.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

Since the hallway, since entering the canteen, since Ma'am left to order my food for me in my expense (I could have objected but I mindlessly said yes instead, I didn't know what came over me), since she left—those bastards had not stopped staring at me. Same bastards from the hallway must have called more people over.

It was possible Kirishima was at her own classroom, eating her lunch there, but nobody knew better and everyone in this cafeteria began FUCKING staring once they saw me walk in with the person they thought was the valedictorian. The 3 of us took the spot at the corner, me and Meiko's back facing the entirety of the place just so she cannot see people staring at her, but there was no way for the both of us to calm down: she could feel their stares like me. She inched closer to me to be comforted with my presence. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and rubbed her side, hoping the action could assure her that I will stay with her until she goes back to her classroom, and also send out a message to the onlookers that whatever bad thing they think I was doing is not happening.

It did not work, I felt the stares behind me intensified, Meiko pressed herself even further to my side (which I knew, in their eyes: was me pulling her close), I saw her eyes water up and one tear managed to escape and slip down to her cheek. I brought my forearm close to her face and she grabbed it, rubbing her eyes on the wrist to wipe the dampness, and held it close to her mouth, her lips nipping my palm.

I never felt this tense before, everyone literally avoided my presence and always looked away when I sent a warning glare towards them last year, but such an action is not likely to deliver the same result, and I was hesitant to try.

But at this moment here, something came to my aid.

*BANG!* The sound of something wooden (probably a table) getting slammed rang throughout the cafeteria in a magnitude that it caused everybody present in this cafeteria to yelp in surprise, it even caused Meiko to jump in my hold. The booming, feminine, familiar voice that followed was very firm with authority:

"HEY! THIS IS NOT A FUCKING ZOO! EITHER YOU LOT STOP STARING OR DO I HAVE TO DO THAT FOR YA!? SHOW SOME GODDAMN RESPECT, YOU'RE MAKING THEM UNCOMFORTABLE!"

Shina?

I turned my body adjacent to Meiko's direction and saw my blonde friend standing up high (her natural tall height made her obvious) with a fierce expression on her face, sneering over everybody. I also found Yuuji and his circle sitting together in the one table Shina slammed her fist on, looking at her both in surprise and fright. When her eyes met mine, she gave me a one-eyed blink, a thumbs up, and a victorious smile

I gave her a heartfelt nod; Bless you, Shina.

I turned to my sister and rubbed her back, up and down, trying to calm her down. She eventually settled into hugging me for security. I provided what she needed. Kuya is here, nothing to be afraid of now.

It took one more minute before Ma'am came back, sitting across the table.

"What's wrong, Shimuya-kun? You look tense." Ma'am said as she placed the tray down on the table.

I spitefully glared at her for asking such a thing, thanks to my bangs she will never see them. Did she not notice that rant Shina made?

"….Many people were looking my and Meiko's way, they mistake Meiko as Kirishima Shouko and found my interactions with her spectacular." I was successful in keeping my voice even, but I cannot promise myself that I could hold it up until I finish lunch. I rubbed Meiko's back, she parted the hug and had seemed to have calm down a little in the presence of Ma'am. The sign of trust and dependence she gave to the first adult she met outside other than me was a better consolation for me to lose all tension in my system because of what I feel:

Proud.

Even if it is just a small progress, it was a major achievement for my house-confined sister. Recovering from being a shut-in would be long but patience is key.

Ma'am Takahashi gave a small chuckle, "Well, whoever it was that shouted, she saved you."

She did, indeed. And I plan to return her the favor. Though, I still felt the stares behind me, but much milder. Maybe the sight of me eating lunch together with Kirishima and her homeroom teacher might pacify things with those fucking onlookers.

I looked down on the tray on our table and I saw the mouthwatering, saucy steak that I so loved from this school's menu since the day I have eaten it. The sight of its grilled texture, the barbecue sauce and ketchup mixed together glistening from the sunlight at the window, plus the familiar smell of it freshly roasted had me nothing to think about than to eat the hell out of it.

"Itadakimasu." Ma'am began eating before us.

I took the dish off the tray and placed it in front of me. "….This makes my day." I looked over to the second steak dish; the one for Meiko and Ma'am helped herself with a dish of fish fillet that she picked for herself.

"Is it your favorite?" She asked before bringing a piece of the fried salmon meat to her mouth with her chopstics.

"….Very much." I answered, taking the second meat plate from the tray and bringing it in front of my little sister. She does seem like the type of girl that lived off of vegetables to earn pretty physical features but she has a ravenous appetite when it comes to grilled meat. The habit is part of our blood; we like our meat grilled, fried or roasted.

There it is, the hungry look on her eyes. Eager to start she placed her hands together and prayed silently before doing the sign of the cross and helping herself. Taking the chopsticks—

She froze, perplexed at the object she was holding.

I sighed, given the life she and I lived in under my influence (which is to live like a Filipino, eat like a Filipino), we clung to our standards, eating with spoons and forks ONLY. Not that we do not know how to use chopsticks but…we just do not want to use them. We never knew about people using 2 little sticks to pick at their rice from the bowl in their hand.

I stood up and gave her a squeeze on her shoulder, sending a silent message that I will get some utensils before I walked (limped) over to the ordering counter. All the while, I noticed that the other students, who I certainly can tell where 2nd and several 3rd years, were sneaking glances at me and Meiko. Most of them were judgmental, some were wary, taking caution as not to be noticed, I cannot even miss the spite in most of their eyes.

They leave the impression that I was hated. Hmph, No matter. In the end…..

They were all afraid of me.

I turned my head to meet their eyes and they immediately lowered their stares to their food. I deliberately closed a slight bit of distance to 2 female students (who were leering in malice earlier) sitting together at another table: their forms were practically shrinking under my presence as I passed them by.

Is there anything more satisfying than that?

Reaching the counter I headed over to the small, silver bucket blowing off hot vapor at the left corner, containing the spoons and forks I needed. There is also another rumor amongst the kitchen and it is quite abiding: The Spork. I have heard of The Spork hidden in the bucket was rumored to bring good health to the person who eats his/her food with it for a whole month. I have seen 3 people managing to find it last year, I hope I find it today.

Reaching for the utensils I prepared myself to feel a little burning from the hot water before I pinched two out and…

A spoon and a fork.

Sigh, not my luck then. I reached for the second pair for my sister's—

"Oh! If it isn't Kuroi-kun!?" A gruff and mirthful voice boomed beyond the counter.

The lights of my mood became brighter than a spotlight in the lighthouse the sooner I recognized that voice. I looked up to meet the smiling face of a rough-edged, grizzly face that pertain a certain charm, the type that would certainly catch the eyes of the women. He wore a standard white tank top that was covered by his stained apron. He donned a well-kept green bandana on his head to keep his dark hair from showing. His build was impressively round, implying more muscle than fat and he was a tall gentleman too, except that he was 3 inches below me, I think.

And I missed him very much.

"….Good to see you working as the grand cook again, Takahide-san." I greeted my favorite chef, the maker of the Saucy Steak dish. "I was wondering how you have been."

"Likewise, you frickin' Walking stick!" I felt undignified for having such a nickname, he created it out of the fact that I was 'thin as a stick'. He had a boom in his steps as he stomped towards me. "How've you been', my boy!?" He practically slammed against the wall of the counter, the bucket of utensils moving 2 inches close to the edge and reached his…..greasy hand towards me across the counter for a handshake.

Urrgghh.

I dared to show a critical stare, even though he might not see it through my bangs, "….Even with the passing of 2 months you still do not have the courtesy to rinse the impurities off your hands."

"PPPHHAAHAHAHAHAHA!" He instantly boomed to laughter, certainly shocking a few of the other chefs who he deemed his juniors behind him. "THE SHIT YOU KEEP SAYING, I JUST CAN'T GET—"

*PONG!*

"OWW!"

I saw a frying pan reared back over his head before it swung over and struck him right at the top of his head and the sound it made ensured more than a concussion.

The burly cooker held on to his aching head as he straggled to the side, revealing the pan-wielding youthful woman with a very displeased expression that was behind him, "Papa, you're causing too much noise!"

Damn, how did I get forget about her?

"….Kumusta, Ana." I greeted the young adult chef, Takahide-san's dutiful daughter. Though so lowly I spoke, little Ana cannot hear me over the laughter amongst the other chefs behind her, whom she deemed are her peers and friends.

"Did you really have to hit your old man in the head!?"

"I have to do so in order to not embarrass yourself! Seriously Papa, you gotta learn to keep the volume of your voice down!"

"But it doesn't mean ya gotta hit me in the head with a fuckin' pan!"

I brought a hand to my face and hid my mouth from view; this small family always leaves the laughs. I cannot mistake the laughter who I could not doubt belonged to the other student's behind me.

Takaishi, Takahide earned a reputation amongst the student's as the most sociable chef of the school. He was quite the man to go to in times for a good time, especially if one demands a moment of laughter. He has a good sense of humor and his gruff attitude has the heavy impression of a tough father with a sense of humor; the certain type that anybody could admire so easily. I even fell under the same category, I like the man just as much.

Takaishi, Ana; the young little chef, was quite young. Though I never asked for her age, I was certain she was at the age to be a second year college student had she enrolled after high school. She was a slim girl with an average height, earning coffee-brown hair that might reach her back had she released them from her top bun. She was wearing the same shirt she liked wearing under her apron and she was as full of life as her rambunctious father. Though it confuses me who has the most authority among the two of them, she acted way too mature than her father. She even had the nerve to hit her father in the head with a pan, out of all things, just to reprimand him.

"Oh, hi, Rino-kun." Ana greeted as she turned her eyes to me with a bright smile, dangling her punishing pan in front of her waist. "Forgive my Papa if he ends up delaying ya from ordering."

"….Hm." I raised a hand to imply no apology needed. "Ma'am Takahashi brought the initiative. I simply came to get my utensils to disregard the chopsticks."

Why do I always get flamboyant with my words with them?

"Hm." She hummed as if she was satisfied with a task done. "You haven't lost your touch with your words. You get a girlfriend yet?" She asked with a jest.

These questions are always annoying, but special exceptions deserve a witty counter instead of a harsh reply. "….Have you enrolled yet to college?"

Her eyes shot wide open, the offended look in them was there, unsurprisingly. "Hey! That's not funny!"

"Calm down, sweetie!" Takahide-san managed to recover from the blow. "You know he was just joking."

"Do you do the same, Papa?" The look on her face answered that question with a 'no'. "You always embarrass me in front of the kids, and you always tell me you were just joking, even though you weren't!"

"Hey! I was serious, you were really cute when you were still my baby girl!"

"You didn't have to state out every embarrassing thing I did my life!"

"Was just answerin' their questions!"

"Doesn't mean you always gotta answer all of 'em?"

"….Hm." Appreciating the little family being themselves, I take the second utensil pair for my bunso, slightly burning my fingertips because of the hot water before I grit my teeth and took them out.

No Spork here as well.

That is disappointing, maybe next time we might get luckier.

"How've you been, Rino-kun? How was the break?" Ana asked, the victorious look on her face told me that the argument between her and her Papa ended with her as the victor (tends to happen).

"….Bearable." I simply replied, blowing on my still-heating metal spoons and forks. "….How was life to the both of you? Have you two learned a new recipe yet?" The pair were quite great cooks, and are quite ambitious on the matter. In some cases they learn recipes on the internet and perfectly create them on the first attempt, in their summer time they go to other countries to search for more recipes for diversity. I had the suspicion that they went to the Philippines as well, the saucy steak dish had a certain familiarity that I could not help but see as a type of copy-cat dish from the original dish back home.

"Nah, nothin' for now." Takahide answered, standing beside his daughter. "We worked part-time at some restaurants. We got a big haul of salary money though, just a little more and we might pile them up for a pyramid."

"Papa, I keep telling you, that amount was enough to get us to Thailand. I've been telling you that for the last 2 months!"

There it goes, another argument.

"Sweetie, I keep tellin' ya, I count our funds almost every day, not a damn day did I miss out on doing so. We are still low."

"….You are planning for Thailand next?" I softly inquired. I do not want to keep Ma'am and Meiko waiting because of me entertaining myself with a 'Takaishi argument'. It is sometimes funny.

Takahide broke away from the argument and faced me, "Yep, Thailand dishes comin' up after summer. Look forward to it!" He announced with a giddy and cheerful voice as he pounded his chest with dignity, it was quite refreshing to hear.

"By the way," Ana quipped, leaning on the counter, resting her elbows on the surface and looking at me quizzically. "Who's that cutie over there? Never seen her before." She pointed passed me.

I looked and she was pointing at Meiko, who was trying to pick at her rice with her chopsticks. She was not doing a good job.

"Who's that, you're girlfriend? I thought you prioritize your studies before relationships?" Takahide may say such words but his cheeky grin does not help with my annoyance on the subject; he was fooling around and I do not like it.

"….Little sister." I corrected, holding down a biting tone and instead spoke with the usual low voice. "….She is newly enrolled."

"Wait, you had a little sister?" Ana asked, quite surprised. "You never told me you had one."

"Ya got a really cute looking sister." Takahide remarked.

Takahide received an elbow to the side for that remark. "Papa, that's weird."

For once, I appreciated her for doing that.

And I had just realized that I delayed Meiko long enough. "….I will see you then." I bowed before turning and limping back to my table in hurry with the utensils in hand.

As soon as I came back and sat down, Meiko swiped her demanded tools out of my hands and wolfed down on the steak, having no time to say thank you, which I understand because I wasted too much time on the Takaishis. She stabbed the stake once again, separated a slice with her spoon and she popped the second mouthful of rice before she bit on the steak stuck on her fork, and she swallowed.

Wait for it.

There it is: Her back suddenly straightened, her belly shrinking inwards and her chest expanding before she froze. Her eyes shot wide, a single hand came up to cover her mouth.

She choked.

Not lethally that I have to do Heimlich maneuver but more like her food clogged in her throat, her breathing tubes blocked, and it is taking a long time for her food to slide down from her esophagus to her stomach. Right now, she is waiting for the food to flow down before she proceeds breathing.

After a few seconds she sighed in relief; her food in her throat finally in her belly, her oxygen pipes unclogged, and she proceeded to eating her food at a normal pace.

Hm. Now that is over—I placed my hands together, [Bless us o Lord and this Thy gift, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.] I allowed my taste buds to be reacquainted with the taste of good barbecue.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

"How did you meet Takaishi-san, Shimuya-kun?" Ma'am asked, resting her chin on her hands supported by her elbows.

I drank from the lemonade soda can, I just cannot stop the spiking tang on my tongue with the additional lemon flavor giving me the bone-chilling familiarity of Royal Energy drink. Lunch went on fine, there was also a feeling that the students were no longer staring at me behind my back. My interaction with the Takaishi family must have pacified their animosity towards me.

"….He began as a stranger and I shunned his personality." It was true, I did not like Takahide before. His attitude came off as annoying last year. "….I was loitering at the school fountain, expecting something spectacular to occur and he arrived, sitting in the same bench as me, smoking." I did not hide the venom on my voice for Takahide's habit. "Such a habit that I do not like, but he did nothing except minding his own business." I paused to take a drink from my lemon can, shaking my head to banish the powerful spiking on my entire head, "….After several minutes, he began socializing with me."

"What did he talk about?"

"…." I looked to the side to remember, "….He made remarks rather, commenting about everything he went through as a high school teen and comparing it to mine." I mindlessly tapped on my can with my fingernails, finding my first meeting with the big chef quite odd that it lead to the relationship we had now, being close enough to give me a nickname that was somehow wounding my pride. "….He mentioned about projects being tough and difficult, especially with group members that do not seem to do anything except be a name on the group list."

She looked to the kitchen, trying to see if Takahide was there. I followed the stare: he was gone, probably cooking more of his delicacies. Ma'am turned to me, "Fortunately, second years do not do projects anymore. Now that you all have access to summoning avatars, you only have to focus on studying your books."

I lowered my head, not in the least appreciative with the fact that I have to study. I may be an honor student by name, but I do NOT like studying at all, but because I knew that my education is very important, I had no choice but to make an effort, "….At least studying can reward me with a strong avatar."

"Are your grades any better to have such an avatar?" She quipped.

"….Well," My hand holding the drink tensed up, creating a creaking sound for what I am to say, "….I was an honored student in my first year, having a strong demon is already guaranteed."

She had a slight frown on her face, "'Was'?" She repeated in disbelief, she noticed it. "You mean, you're not an honor student anymore."

Hah. That was what I expected.

My breathing became sharp, and the loud creak of my canned drink definitely ensured a dent in the metal. "….An accident in the placement test had me put in the F-Class in default." Before she could say anything I slapped the table with a small amount of strength with my other hand, cutting her off. "….And I do not want to talk about it. Please, Ma'am, do not ask anything about it." The tone of my voice had altered to a cold snap. If she ever saw past my bangs she would have seen the glare and the frown on my face.

Ma'am did not look like she was satisfied with a lack of information (and was quite surprised with me snapping) but she did not press it, so she simply nodded. "I understand."

I lowered my head in the form of a bow, "….Thank you." I felt a hand grab on to my wrist, I looked to the right and Meiko's concerned gaze stared right through my bangs.

I pulled my hand away, her grip slipping off, I grabbed on to that hand and squeezed. A silent message of 'its fine' passed on and she mulled over it, half-believing my words but did not press it so she nodded in understanding and looked away, staring into her drink.

"….Forgive my rude attitude, Ma'am. I was bitter when I realized it." I slid my can close to me, inspecting the damages: there was quite a large dent on the center. The sudden anger fit might have caused my arm to grip it even harder without me noticing. "….Anymore you want to ask, Ma'am?"

She lowered her head in thought. When she thought of a question she asked, "How close are you with Takaishi-san?" She rested her hands on the table and interlocked them. Looking at the analog clock: 12:39 p.m., there is still time for talk.

"….Well," This topic is something I am confident of talking about, since there is nothing to hide. "….I might be the only one he could talk to randomly; we are in a good relationship that he gave me a nickname: Kuroi-kun."

She raised an eyebrow at the name, "'Black'-kun?"

I shook my head, "….I like to translate it to [Darky] instead of [Black], it seems childish but I do not mind."

Ma'am giggled, managing to cheer up after being snapped at, stifling it down with a hand, "That was a quite good English pronunciation, Shimuya-kun. You even managed a perfect L."

I was quite surprised that she actually pronounced the letter 'L' perfectly.

"….I am trilingual. But I am losing touch with one." I have not spoken bisaya for a long time now and I am barely remembering the meaning of most words already. I cannot blame my sister for being mute and I am not the one at fault for being anti-social. There are 100,000 Filipinos in this country and I barely found one among the Japanese men and women around here.

"Really?" She asked with interest. "What's the third one? I can already tell that you know English and Nippongo."

"Filipino." I answered proudly, straightening my back. "….And Meiko here is trilingual as well." I was quite confused there for a second. Does understanding 3 languages but not speaking them even consider one a trilingual?

Something poked my shoulder, I turned to Meiko I met the sight of her handing me her can of orange soda. I took it, shook it and a sloshing sound came out of it: she is giving it to me since she cannot finish it. I am full, but it seems I have to bear with it. After placing her drink in front of me she crossed her arms, placed them on the table and lied her head on top, trying to rest away the time. She must have been bored with me talking to her teacher about a topic she is not interested in.

Ma'am took a long stare at her student's actions, it is almost impolite to sleep at a place like this, but can I even blame her? This discussion is not something she is interested in. "Do you see Takaishi-san often?"

I unconsciously tilted my head before straightening, my dumb custom of shrugged shoulders (how did I become this?), "….Mostly when lunch starts. He has the tendency to keep me talking because he finds my vocabulary funny."

"Is that so?" Ma'am asked, "He finds your words funny?"

"….I indulge him, sometimes I speak flamboyantly for his amusement."

She played a smile, "Well, it seems spoiling him affected your words. Do you talk formally all the time?"

I nodded, "….Except when I get angry, I lapse from using 'Watashi' to 'Ore', 'Anata' becomes 'Kisama' and my volume gets loud."

She gave a small laugh, "Well, let's hope that doesn't happen." She had a hopeful tone in her voice.

I did not share the same optimism as her, however. Glancing behind me: most of the other students are sometimes truly malicious. This school might be unique with its Summoning System, but its society does not stray apart from any other normal school. There is always a bully in the vicinity. With me in the vicinity, there is violence in the midst.

"….Not likely, Ma'am." I muttered, not taking a chance to say it out loud and be questioned by her for what I mean. "….Are you familiar with Takahide-san's daughter, Ana?"

"Mmmm." She mulled, "Maybe. But the name is quite familiar."

"….She shares the same attitude as her father." But has more authority than him, apparently. "….It is fun to be with Takahide-san, but with her in the vicinity, the entertainment rises fivefold. She holds a reputation amongst the students, quite popular with them as well, especially among the girls. If I had to choose which among them is more dutiful, it would be her."

She hummed in interest, "You seem to know a lot about the Takaishi family."

"….Well…" This is getting a little awkward, "….I am not entirely oblivious to the attitude they display to me apart from the other students."

Ma'am rested her cheek to her palm, "You mean they favor you more than the others?"

Tsk.

"….I would not say 'favor', but that can apply. They even call me by my first name. They treat me as a second child in their family." To be honest, I really did not know why they would do such a thing. I have my own family; I have a little sister and both my parents are just away. But it does not stop me from appreciating them filling the gap my parents left. "Takahide-san once entitled me as Ana's big brother, which is stupid because she is the elder, and he made that suggestion out of the fact that I was taller than her."

Ma'am was suddenly silent, her visage gave the impression that she realized something with what I said, "Shimuya Rino-kun." She muttered.

I stared at her, tilting my head, "….Yes?"

"Marikawa Meiko-san…."

I raised an eyebrow.

Ma'am Takahashi wore an expression that I had not seen yet till now, a critical stare, "You lied about the two of you being siblings, didn't you?" Her tone was an exact match, and it struck me to the bone.

Thankfully, there was nothing she could say to reduce me to a single particle of dirt. "….We are siblings, Ma'am." I firmly said. "….We do not have the same mother."

She does not look convinced yet. "Then explain why the two of you do not have the same last name. Such cases are rather impossible unless one is adopted or some other case."

You will regret saying it like that.

My fingers curling to a fist on the table, I enforced hostility on my being and I made my glare VERY GENUINE, "My mother gave birth to me and died. I do not have a damn clue of what she was or what she isn't, nor did I even know a single thing about her. Not even the day I woke up; I don't know a thing. My father remarried to her sister; my aunt. Meiko was born from her and she kept my mother's maiden name in honor of her name. Due to the fact that she came from my mother's TWIN, who definitely has the same bloodline, she is NOT as much as a half-sister. Do you want to know what else? My uncle said that Meiko looked exactly like MY Mother, how does that even make her APART from me….….!?"

The tone on my voice did not even match how absolutely offended I was for what she said.

I had known Meiko since the day I had woken up from the hospital bed; she was the first face I have ever seen that time. She had known me longer than me, possibly after the year I was born. She and I had lived together since; we were inseparable, we cannot live without the other. There were things we wanted, things that no piece of coin could buy, it took so long for the both of us to notice that only the other had it. She wanted comfort, I wiped her tears dry. I needed love, she was there to remove the pain. My relatives' affection could not even reach my heart, not even one could draw Meiko from sulking. She needed me, I needed her. That's why she will always be with me, so she could stop crying in despair. If the words of scientific minds actually stated that Meiko is not Biologically my sister just because of the fact that she was simply born from a DIFFERENT mother, then who gives a fuck? Family does not go by blood and flesh—Meiko was beyond being a sister to me, I am more than just a simple Kuya to her. We are more than anything some ignorant would say about us.

And to think that this woman, who was my bunso's teacher, just started saying that she is NOT my family because of having my mother's—MY MOTHER's LAST NAME!?

She was lucky, VERY lucky.

I would have yelled, guttural voice and a crazed expression rolling off my throat and face, respectively, but no. It is better reserved for the worst, Ma'am was just an accident. She does not deserve such punishment just by not knowing anything.

Her eyes shot wide open, the apparent dread at what she said towards me had struck her deep in shock, "Oh dear." She said in a weak whisper, her hand came up to cover her mouth. "I'm so sorry, Shimuya-kun. I wasn't thinking."

Had she not been a staff member of this school I would have given her a piece of my wraith, her apologetic voice did not even draw a surge of guilt in me for using such a tone against a teacher. Who decides what Meiko is to me? No one, no one but ME!

But still, if I do not forgive, the memory will nag me for life until I forget about it.

I gave a bow, only forgiving her half-heartedly. Any wrong word said about my family, and I cannot grant forgiveness to whoever until one receives a physical injury.

Drinking what is left of Meiko's can before I crushed it with my hand, I switched to another talk, "….Random question, Ma'am: Are the A-Class planning an ESB?"

She looked to the side thoughtfully before answering, "Nnnnno, I don't think so. Why do you ask?"

….Maybe it is okay to tell her, I will simply have to avoid saying that her advisory classroom is F-Class's prize. "….F-Class plans to start one, and I am part of it."

Ma'am's eyebrows lifted up in interest, "The F-Class?"

I nodded.

She stared, "That's.….quite ambitious for such a class." Likewise, Ma'am. "Who'll be your opponents?"

"….D-Class."

"D-Class?" She repeated with a slight surprise filling her tone, "But aren't they 2 classes above yours? Shouldn't E-Class be a fitting opponent? You might have a chance against them instead of D-Class."

Hm. "….E-Class would be a waste of time, Ma'am. The fact that there are 3 A-Class candidates in the F-Class makes us a fair match against D-Class."

"Wait, did you say '3'?" She was quite surprised with the information. Damn it, I should not have told her that. The surprise factor is very crucial in the coming ESB. No one expected me, Shina, and Himeji to be in the F-Class. Other classes would underestimate us when they think of F-Class's bad grades, the 3 of us could take advantage of that and use their overconfidence against them. "How did such people end up there?"

I shook my head slowly, "….I will not tell you the circumstances they had, but I will tell you their names. The 3 are Himeji Mizuki—" I bit back the venom that threatened to spill out of my mouth, I still hated that woman. "—Kina Shina, and me, Shimuya Rino." Drinking what is left of my can of lemon soda (the spiking flavor's all gone), I crushed the cylinder until I practically formed a fist before I placed it on the table and asked, "….Do you want to talk about the matter you wanted to know about?" When she gave me a confused frown, I clarified, "….You wanted to learn certain things regarding Meiko."

Her face grimaced, understanding the notion I was implying. Time for small talk is now over, it is time for serious business. After a moment, she gave a nod.

"….Wait here." I stood up, took the 2 wrinkled cans with me and threw it to the bin residing at the wall next to the vending machine, all both hit home in a bank shot.

~~~~~ « ҉» ~~~~~

When I came back with two bottles of water in hand (bought from the vending machine), I passed one over to Ma'am and I opened my own bottle, drinking an ounce before I took a deep breath. Before she could ask why I would go so far as that for a very sensitive conversation, I cut her off, "….It is going to be a long talk, Ma'am. Prepare yourself, because this conversation might be unbearable." Glancing at the clock; 15 minutes before time, this will not take long.

"This can last until 1:00."