Another day, full of the most wonderful things in the world. Unicorns dancing along a rainbow river of chocolate magic. The creatures of the forest all singing together, and dancing to the sounds of- wait. Erm, that's not what it was like at all. Actually, the day was boring. After having to counsel Hijikata and Sougo, Takasugi found himself annoyed to no end. So what if the little sadist wanted to kill his friend? All he wanted was a higher position on the Discipline Committee; competition is healthy. Hijikata had complained the entire time, while Okita remained calm, and tease him the entire time. Takasugi's answer to their issue was to be more discreet if they wanted to play so violently. Obviously, if they set up death traps in school they would be sent to him.

Afterwards, he contemplated his options for lunch. The man took his latest book, and leaned onto the lockers in front of his office. It didn't take long to become completely engrossed in the story, everything was being pulled together, events and quotes which had been mysteries were finally being explained, and the man wanted to find what was going to happen to the main protagonist; Ethan. Americans sure had a way to keep him guessing. Translated books were interesting in a way that Takasugi could not refuse. It was a new kind of despair, which they created in their stories. Soon, the bell rang, and students swarmed the halls, passing the man by. Of course, they would not bother him. Apparently, being sent to his office unnerved a majority of them, simply because he did not willingly speak until the end of their explanation.

One of the lockers beside the man opened, yet he paid it no mind. If anything, he was trying to tune the crowd out. He knew that Ginpachi wanted to hear the result of his talk with Okita, and Hijikata. Not like the teacher cared, if anything he was just making sure Takasugi had done his job.

A nearby conversation interrupted the one-eyed man's thoughts, and he willed himself to continue reading.
"I saw that you did not play. If you need lessons, you could always talk to me. We could arrange a small group, and teach you..."
"Mm."
"I understand it can be embarrassing to try when you do not know how. So, just find me when you need. There's no need to be shy."
"Mm. I'm not shy. I don't care."
"It's okay. I understand."
"Do you?"
"Yes. But as I said; If you want to learn, just come talk to me. If you're going to be on a team, you might as well try."

The locker blocking the pair closed, and Takasugi glanced at the two speaking. Katsura and the quiet girl. They were staring at one another, completely silent. A moment passed, and Takasugi found the line he had stopped reading on. Katsura told the girl that teamwork was important, and not to be so shy. Something about making friends and relationships being an important part of life. She did not respond, and the boy walked away.

The halls were quickly growing empty. Reading became easier, but Takasugi felt a pair of eyes on him. Glancing to his right, the man found that the girl had not left yet. She was coldly peering at him, and tilted her head to the side when she caught his gaze. A moment of silence passed, and to his surprise, the girl spoke.

"Don't you just want to kill them all?"
Raising an eyebrow, Takasugi remained in place. He contemplated the words, trying to decide on his response. It was odd, that the girl had even spoken. She had never said a single word to him before, so it was a rare situation. Moreover, it was a sort of bold question. What would make her thnk it was alright to ask something like that so nonchalantly? Moments passed, and the one-eyed man came to a conclusion.

"Yes. I do."

The girl smirked at him, and nodded.
"You're reading 'Destroying Light'. It's a good book."
Glancing at the novel, Takasugi frowned. He turned it over, and peered at the black book cover, wondering how she knew. As he thought, the cover was indeed hidden. There was no way for the girl to simply read the title and feign common interest. When he returned his gaze to her, she pointed to the page number.

"It's the only book with the tiger and dragon image in the corner. At least, in that design. I hope you enjoy the ending as much as I did." Leaving it at that, the girl walked away.

Well, that was an unexpected conversation. For the girl to recognize the book, and even speak about it, was a pleasant surprise. Sighing, the man closed his book. He knew Ginpachi wanted to hear that he had spoken to the two idiots earlier. Leaning up, the man started towards the silver haired teacher's class.

"Again? really? You're gonna eat ramen today. I can't keep-"
"Oh, come on. I fixed your watch. You know it's worth more than that." Sliding the man's watch onto the desk, Kinu offered a small smile. He nodded, and slipped the watch onto his wrist.
"Yeah, but unlike you, I have bills. Pork ramen!" The man declared, reaching into his desk.
Kinu simply shook her head, and opened a new box of pocky sticks. She sat on the table, and placed her school bag on the ground. The girl turned her back to the entrance, and eyed the pink packs of ramen in Ginpachi's hand.
"I don't like that stuff... You could have at least gotten the chicken, or beef. Maybe even shrimp..."

Surprisingly a hand was placed on her shoulder. Turning to face the person, Kinu was slightly startled that anybody was behind her. There had been no warning; the door hadn't made a sound. The hand on her shoulder was unexpected as well. She peered at the one eyed man, unsure of how to respond to his lack of intimidation.
"I talked to Okita, and Hijikata." He stated, calmly gazing at the teacher.
Ginpachi nodded, glaring at him. The teacher was leaned back in his chair, with his feet on the desk. His pink slippers matched his dress shirt, and green tie. Ginpachi crossed his arms, protectively staring at the hand on Kinu's shoulder. Without another word, Takasugi turned to Kinu.
"You can eat with me." The one eyed male offered, donning a slight smirk.
She gazed at him for a moment before slowly nodding.
"Hm..."

"Don't go with him! He's the worst guy in the damn school!" Ginpachi snapped the words at Kinu. She peered at him, and shrugged.
"Yeah? Well, you weren't going to help."
"Yeah, stupid, but I don't want you hanging out with that creep either!"

The man who invited her chuckled, and shook his head.
"Shouldn't you be encouraging her? That is what you teachers do, right?"
"Yeah, I'll encourage you... I'll shove my foot up your-"
"I don't think you should say something like that at work, Gin-chan." Kinu interrupted, only to be met with an annoyed glare.

Standing up, the girl pulled her bag on. The two started away, disregarding the Ginpachi's disapproval.