Chapter 20 : I Told You
"Would you look at that! It's Monoma himself, huh?"
The boy laughed.
"It seems so!", said he as he stood up in a goofy way.
The two started going towards Kukeiko's dorm.
"Man were these last days a true rollercoaster!", whined Kukeiko, breaking the ice.
"You did go through a lot in a very short amount of time.", responded Monoma. "But we're here to protect you!", said he patting his biceps.
"We?"
"Class 1-B, of course!"
Kukeiko giggled.
"If what you say it's true, then I'll be able to go to sleep without worry!"
Monoma was happy to see Kukeiko smile, but could feel that she was still scared. Silence broke between the two students. Monoma tried to start another conversation but the more he tried, the quieter the girl became. She most likely wants to be alone, but he couldn't just leave. Why would he? If he were scared, he would want someone to be next to him. Kukeiko is strong. If it weren't for her emotional strength, she would have already been a crying mess, yet here she was - walking straight and gently.
"So, what are you going to do?"
This question seemed to have snapped Kukeiko from staring into space, most likely deep in thoughts.
"Not much. I am indeed tired so I'll most likely work a little at the workshop and just brainstorm... and then get back in my room. Got to recharge my batteries!", said she with her childish voice.
"And... how does a movie night sound to you?"
Her smile faded away in a second, only for it to return just as fast.
"Sounds good."
"Shall I pick you up from the 1-H entrance at around 8:30?", proposed Monoma as Kukeiko was opening her dorm door.
"See you then!", said Kukeiko, entering her room.
Monoma was walking towards his class's dorm joyfully.
"Yes! Good job, Monoma!"
He was congratulating himself like a parent would to their child.
Kukeiko entered her room. Even though only one day had passed, it felt like a week to her.
'Maybe it's a one time thing', she would reassure herself.
As hard as it was to not think about what had happened, she had to move on. Life doesn't have a pause option like in videogames. The clock was still ticking. She had to work on creating something else now. Something very helpful. Something people need. If she took a break, someone else would take her place.
"What can I make? What item would help people? What would give people hope?", said the girl trying to come up with ideas."Stop thinking, start doing!"
She grabbed her laptop and some materials necessary to an average machine. Besides, if she needed anything, Mei will help her. She was stuffing everything in her bag when she felt someone's hand on her shoulder.
"Tomorrow'll be a brighter day."
"Mei?
I can't! I have to get back on track!"
Mei had a soft face.
"You deserve a break."
"No. I don't."
"I think you do. Look."
Mei gave her phone to Kukeiko, the screen showing a whole playlist of videos with people reviewing Kukeiko's items and the store where she sells them has run out of stock.
But how? They weren't even that cool to start with.
•A hearing device that uses soundwaves for a person to better block distractions.
•A bracelet that extends till one's elbow and acts like a shield.
•Fashionable skeleton hands that translate sign language to speech.
'That was the most challenging.'
•A training robot with different training methods for different types of quirks.
All out of stock. 10 each, and they're out of stock.
She stood there speechless.
"You deserve a break, Kukeiko. You made so many awesome babies! I beg they would like their mama to have her rest!"
"I know that you're trying to encourage me but, to be frank, that was one bad example!", said Kukeiko as the two girls burst into laughter.
"Anyways, I'll go to the bathe", said Mei.
"Lemme join you. I haven't had a relaxing bath in weeks! Plus, Monoma asked me out for a movie night and-"
"He asked you out on a movie night?! Oh would you look at that love bird!"
"Shut up!"
"Why? Is it because your face is red?"
The two laughed histerically. It felt good laughing again. Kukeiko really needed a good laugh. Her heart was sweet and soft again, like before this whole mess even started.
And being in that tub with warm and clean water... exactly what she needed. It was warm and nice. She wasn't tense anymore and her breathing was much more steady- it hurt less.
"Ah geez. I forgot to take that that baby of yours out of my ear. It won't do good in water. I'll come back quick."
Kukeiko said nothing as she was enjoying herself.
15 knocks
All at once
"Stupid boys.", mumbled the girl underneath the water.
"Who knocked like that?", asked Mei returning to the bath.
"Most likely the boys. They have nothing better to do."
"If you say so.", shrugged Mei.
It was 8:00 p.m. when they got out fresh and clean from the bathroom.
"Would you mind carrying these to my room?", said Kukeiko, giving Mei her bag with cosmetics and towels.
"Sure, sure. Now you go have fun!"
"It's just a movie."
"Yeah, just a movie.", giggled Mei.
