Hi! How are you?

Chapter 10

"I'm sorry, Seiko," Naomi murmured, being strong for the sake of her best friend's hanging corpse.

Naomi blamed herself for everything. Though her death only strengthened Naomi's desire to escape. For Seiko. For Maryon. Even for Ezerath. Naomi was so caught up in thought when she walked out of the bathroom door someone ran into Naomi. They both fell down.

Naomi looked up. A teenage boy a couple years younger than her sat there. He had vibrant ginger hair and big, glowing green eyes. Freckles dotted his cheeks lightly. This boy had a soft gaze and a friendly smile.

"Sorry, ma'am. I wasn't looking where I was going," he said, getting up and offering her his hand.

Naomi took the offer and stood up. Her eyes met his gentle gaze, "It's alright. My name is Naomi Nakashima, I'm from Kisaragi High."

He smiled more. The tips of his bangs hung over his eyes very slightly. Naomi was caught off guard when he slid his foot back and bowed very politely, "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Nakashima. I'm from Kimimoto Junior High."

Naomi bowed slightly as well, "Well aren't you polite."

"Kimimoto has taught me to be said way to all strangers until given permission to be informal," He said, brushing his bangs out of his eyes. (*le wild Sage appears* BULLCRAP YOU SUCK-UP YOU'RE JUST SAYING THAT TO BE A LITTLE SUCK-UP! RAWR!)
"You have my permission. Say, I don't think I caught your name," Naomi said.

He pouted and murmured, "Don't laugh. My name isn't very mandly. My name is Ginger Ryoushei."

"I think it's a fine name. Gentle, like your personality. Oh, you're hurt!" Naomi noticed Ginger's shoulder was bleeding.

"Yeah, I got ambushed by some one-eyed ghost girl. Be careful around here, Naomi. I'd hate to see such a beautiful face as yours get harmed," Ginger said, smiling politely.

Naomi blushed, "Thank...thank you. How about we stick together!"

"Sounds like a plan," Ginger said, "It's kind of cold in here, are you cold?"

Naomi nodded. Ginger though for a brief moment before he took off his button-up school jacket to reveal a simple white shirt. He placed the shirt around Naomi's shoulders.

"Thank you...," Naomi murmured.

Ginger smiled and nodded. He sighed as he tapped his hand against a window, "It seems like finding a way out naturally in this nexus of closed spaces can't be done."

Naomi held up a key, "Well, before...a tragedy occurred..., I did find this. Could you ever find room 3-a?"

"Oh, yeah? I did," Ginger said, walking to a gap in the floor. Naomi gasped as Ginger recklessly jumped across, clinging to the other edge. With a little effort, the boy pulled himself up.

"Ginger! Be careful!" Naomi said, walking up to the edge, "Now what do I do?"

"Jump with your hand extended, I won't let you fall. I promise. Hold onto my school jacket with your other hand," Ginger said gently.

Naomi had no idea why she listened to his near stranger, but she did. She jumped and quickly felt a gentle hand grab hers tightly and pull her the rest of the way. Naomi tripped when she landed, but Ginger caught her with his arm around her waist. Their eyes locked for several minutes. Then Ginger quickly let go and turned away, blushing heavily.

"S-sorry!" Ginger said, embarrassed. (A/N: Smooth. Smooooth.)

Naomi stared at Ginger still, not sure what to say about what just happened.

Hi again! So, what do you think of Ginger? Is he enough of a suck-up? XD I'm so sorry this chapter is REALLY short. o-o It looks so much longer on paper.

~Sage~