Chapter 105
April 20th
Chiba and Hayami have only talked once in the last week and it was about starting high school.
Rukia opens Chiba's door "Get ready? You're gonna be late for school."
Chiba groans "go awayyyy"
She pouts and grabs his blankets pulling them off "Ryuu. I know you're dreading this, but come on. Dad's gonna drive us."
He sits up annoyed "I don't wanna go! No- I CANT go!! Nee-san, I get recognized a lot! My face is still everywhere! My name was never mentioned at least not yet! They all still want answers! They'll-"
She covers his mouth "Okay. Shut up. We have time before school. I know what to do. Look. Get dressed. You have a new uniform. I'm gonna check on Tadashi and Sen then be okay. Got it?"
He nods as she moves her hand "Alright…"
Rukia smiles then leaves.
Chiba sighs getting up 'high school… I wonder how this will go… new uniforms… people who want to know about the mission… What does Nee-san even want? I know I gotta change my look to avoid being recognized? But maybe… I should let her do what she wants? It'll at least help make things feel normal again?'
He shakes his head and changes into the uniform. It's different from his middle school one. Gray slacks, white shirt, black vest, red tie, and navy blue jacket.
"I don't wanna do this…"
He changes and as he puts on the jacket Rukia comes back.
Rukia "Good. You're dressed. Sit. I'll make sure you're not as recognizable."
He nods sitting down on his bed while she starts messing around with his hair.
Rukia "So aside from the questioning, are you excited? You're finally in high school!"
Chiba shrugs "I dunno… I haven't really had time to think about it… Last year I was always focused on the mission. I'm prepared for this academically. Korosensei made sure we're all ready. But… with him gone…" tears start to form in his eyes "I… I don't know… I'm not sure I can do this…"
Rukia runs her fingers through his hair "You're gonna be okay. You aren't alone. He's still with you. You'll do great."
He looks at her "Nee-san…"
She smiles and continues styling his hair to show his face completely.
Rukia stops then starts laughing which confuses him.
Chiba "What? What's so funny?"
"I- I got distracted talking and- pfft!! Ha ha!!! I'm sorry- it's just- you look ridiculous with a middle part!!"
Chiba growls gently pushing her away so he can look on the mirror "Nee-san!!! Just cause YOU sometimes do a middle part doesn't mean you need to do it on ME!!!"
Rukia smiles "Sorry sorry! Here- let's just style it so it's messy and kinda more like- flops to one side?"
He pouts "Better look decent enough for this…"
They finish and Rukia puts her hands on her hips looking at him.
Rukia "Perfect! You're not nearly as recognizable now!"
He smiles "Good. I can't let anyone know…"
"C'mon? Sen's ready and Tadashi's probably ready too."
They go downstairs and see their parents and sister.
Rukia "Senna, did you want Ryuu to do your hair for school?"
Senna smiles "Of course!"
Chiba "Alright. Come sit on the couch for me?"
They go over and Chiba starts running his fingers through her hair to detangle it.
Chiba "What ya want today? Small braid on each side coming to back?"
Her voice is low "I don't care. Just finish quickly."
He smirks "So Sen-chan. Are you excited to be a second year?"
She clicks her tongue "Cut it out. I hate you."
His voice is soft "I'm aware. But you said you'd fake it for them. Nee-san is listening on the other side of the wall."
She sighs speaking normally again "I guess. What about you, Ryuu-nii? You're starting high school! Is Rin-chan going there too?"
"Yeah. We were originally gonna walk together but since Dad's gonna drive us… maybe I'll ask if she wants a ride too?"
Senna's fists tighten but she keeps the act "Great idea!"
Chiba shrugs finishing the small braids "Maybe."
She stands up as soon he's done. Her eyes and cold and full of anger. Chiba doesn't flinch. He's used to the stares, but it does hurt coming from her. The two return to the others
Tsukki "We're we giving Rinka or Hitoko a ride?"
Tadashi nods "Please?"
Chiba "Yeah."
Haruka "Tsukki, make sure to take the bigger car."
"Of course. We have online meeting when I get back. Can you get my suit ready?"
"Mhmm. Bye kids, have a great day!"
The siblings say bye before following their dad to the car and getting in.
Tadashi grumbles "Why do you get shotgun…"
Rukia laughs "Cause I'm the oldest? Besides? Process of elimination. You and Ryuu have your date mate coming so it'd be weird? And Senna. Well, self explanatory."
Senna nods "Still a child."
They get to Hayami's then Hitoko's and pick them up. The ride is rather awkward but Rukia and Hitoko did their best to liven it up.
Skip to former snipers getting to school.
Hayami gulps "High school…"
Chiba hesitates before holding her hand "Rin? It'll be okay. We can start over here."
She nods touching her hair. She abandoned her pigtails and her bangs have gotten longer to fall more on the sides of her face.
Hayami "I really hope we aren't recognized…"
They take a breath before going on campus. They check their class schedule and darken seeing their in different classes.
"Well that isn't surprising… I'm in the architect course and you're in business after all…"
Hayami nods sadly "Right…"
He nudges her "Hey? We'll be okay."
She relaxes a little "Yeah… let's go find our classes."
They make their way and see two semi familiar faces
Hayami "Okuda… Takebayashi…?"
The two nod "Hey…"
Chiba "No braids? Are those new glasses?"
Okuda plays with her straight hair "Yeah. I needed glasses anyways, plus looks like we all had the same idea?"
"Yup."
He nods to Takebayashi "Contacts? And no gel?"
"Yeah… it feels weird…"
Chiba laughs "Tell me about it? Contacts can be a pain. And so is trying to change hair style."
Takebayashi nods "It's like- my hair wants to do what it normally does and won't cooperate."
"I look down slightly, and my bangs threaten to hide me. Not that I'd mind that…" he insecurely touches around his eye.
Hayami shrugs "Not like we had much choice…"
Chiba quickly changes the subject before things could get to depressing "Have you two checked classes yet?"
Takebayashi "We're both in G-1. You guys?"
Chiba sighs "C-1"
Hayami "A-1"
"Oh right? You're in business and architecture courses?"
"Yeah but the first years are all really close, wanna walk together?"
The agree and find their separate classes.
They fill with dread having to part at the start of class.
A-1
The teacher introduces himself and speaks in English but has an unfamiliar accent "I'm Mr. González. I wanna know how well you speak English, so introduce yourself and say how many family members and pets you have in English."
Hayami doesn't pay much attention until the girl besides her stands up.
She has tan skin, brown hair in boxer braids, her left eyebrow is pierced and so his her nose. Both piercings are stud diamonds. The piercings in her ear are silver. Her black eyeliner is sharper than any blade.
But the thing that stood out most, her English is nearly perfect "Hisa Kimika. I'm the oldest of 5. I have 3 sisters and one brother. We live with our grandparents. As for pets, we have 2 dogs and I'm not sure how many cats?" She sighs annoyed "Gran just leaves food out and more show up…"
Gonzalez raises an eyebrow "You're English is amazing!"
Hisa shrugs "I lived in America for awhile. I picked up some of your native language too, Mr. Gonzalez."
"¿Hablas Español?" [you speak Spanish?]
She nods "No muy bien. Pero sí." [not very good. But yes]
He muses "Not bad."
Hisa sits back down and looks to Hayami "Your turn?"
Hayami tenses before standing up and relaxing a bit. Her English is better than most the classes but not as good as Hisa's.
"Hayami Rinka. I'm an only child and live with my mom. We have kitten who's about 5 months old."
She sits back down quickly.
Hisa keeps her eyes on her "You're name… actually… you in general…"
Hayami looks at her in panic but doesn't let it show 'Does she know?! No- there's no way she'd know? Right?'
Hisa smirks "Bonita." [pretty]
"What?"
Hisa smiles going back to drawing on arm leaving her confused.
C-1
Teacher "I'm the Japanese teacher for first years, Sakakibara-Sensei. Pleased to meet all of you."
She looks at the seating chart "Looks like everyone found their seats, I hope you all become close friends! I'm gonna pass out a few things, I just need you and a guardian to sign them. While I do that, I want you each to stand up and say you're name and one thing about you!"
Chiba sulks silently 'Our names weren't broadcasts… It was only our pictures and class… I still don't like these…'
A boy in the front row stands up. All Chiba can tell from is that he has dark red hair thats fairly long on top. It covers his right eye. It looks like his ears are pierced a few times but Chiba can't tell for sure.
"I'm Futoshi Gin. One thing about me… I want to be able to build a world famous sports stadium!"
A girl near him scoffs "Gin, you've been saying that since we were in elementary."
He smirks "Yup! I'm gonna do it! Just you wait, Momichi."
"And stop calling me that!" She sighs standing up "Sugawara Momo. You might have guessed, but I've known those idiot since we were little. I really like dyeing hair. I did mine myself. I want to dye his, but he doesn't let me."
Gin "I like having long healthy hair! Last time you dyed my hair, I had to shave part of my head!"
Momo crosses her arms sitting back down "That was one time and I was still learning! Sit your dumb butt down so others can introduce themselves."
He sticks his tongue out sitting back in his desk.
Chiba rolls his eyes a little from the back of the class.
The other students introduce themselves until it gets to him and he stands up.
"Chiba Ryūnosuke. I enjoy going to arcades with my friends and playing guitar."
He sits back down shyly.
Skip to break
Chiba's about to stand up when someone puts their hands on his desk catching his attention
Chiba looks at the person "Um…"
The guy pouts "Ehh? You don't remember me? Futoshi Gin!"
Chiba averts his gaze "Sorry… I didn't remember anyone's names…"
"Chiba Ryūnosuke. You like arcades and guitar."
"Y- yeah- did you remember everyone?"
He shakes his head "Nope. You looked interesting. Wanna hang out? What school did you go to?"
Chiba stands up "Sorry, but I… I'd rather not talk about middle school…"
"Oh- no worries man! We all have things we don't wanna talk about. What type of guitar do you play?"
"…bass and acoustic…"
"Nice! You and Momichi both play bass!"
"Cool…"
"You're not much of a talker are you? Or just first day nerves?"
"First day nerves. I'm meeting with someone. Excuse me, Futoshi-kun…"
"Gin."
"Hm?"
"Call me Gin…"
Chiba nods "I'll consider. See ya."
He leaves the classroom and sees Hayami leaning on the window.
Chiba goes beside her "Well? Hows the first few classes?"
"Could be worse. Girl next to me seems… interesting… you?"
"This guy tried talking to me just now. I don't know what to think of him yet. He asked me to call him by his first name."
"Fun…"
"I guess. He seems intimidating at first glance, but once he starts talking it's like an overly friendly extrovert…"
Hayami nods and they stand in silence for a moment until the bell rings again.
Two days later
Hayami's sitting alone at her desk before school when Hisa sits in hers beside her.
Hisa "Cool bracelet."
Hayami smiles "Thanks. I like your piercings."
Hisa smirks "I can give ya some too if you'd like?"
"Ah ha… I'm good… I have my ears pierced once but I never wear earrings."
"Hm… makes sense."
Hisa takes a book and starts writing stuff down.
Hayami raises an eyebrow slightly but ignores.
C class
Chiba's scrolling through his phone when a shadow appears in front of him and he looks up
"Futoshi-kun?"
The boy smiles "Wanna sit together at lunch?"
"Maybe… I've been meeting up with some friends…"
"Ehh! You've already made friends!! Lucky… I only have Momichi and she ditches me a lot."
Chiba looks slightly surprised "Really? You seem like you're already getting along with most the class?"
"Believe it or not I don't have many friends. I'm not good with people… you probably think I'm weird right?"
Chiba shrugs putting his phone down "Not really? What's wrong with not being good with people? Not everyone is an extrovert, you don't need to force yourself to be something you're not."
Gin flinches a little "How did…"
"Just a hunch. Also, I haven't made friends in high school. A couple from middle came here and I usually meet with them. You can come along if you'd like?"
Gin hesitates "Are you sure…?"
"I'm offering but it's entirely up to you. My friends are pretty shy and quiet at first."
The bell rings
Gin gulps "I- I'll get back to you on that!"
Chiba blinks watching him rush to his desk.
Skip to lunch
Chiba grabs his bento and makes his way out of the classroom but stops at Gin's desk
Chiba "Futoshi-kun? Did you want to join us?"
Gin nods "Yeah!"
Momo raises an eyebrow beside them "Hm? You actually made a friend Gin?"
Gin pouts "It's progress!"
Chiba smirks a little "Let's go?"
Gin grabs his bento and follows him trying to hide his smile.
Chiba goes to the window in the hall "Give her a sec. the other two will meet us at the field."
"Eh? You guys eat lunch at the field?"
"Well, the bleaches. We don't really know where else to go? There's not many people there either."
Gin muses "Makes sense."
A moment later Hayami comes out carrying her lunch "Ryuu?"
Chiba smiles "Hey, hope you don't mind? I invited him to eat with us."
Hayami nods and looks at Gin paying close attention 'He's the overly friendly but intimidating guy Ryuu mentioned? His eyebrow is pierced like Hisa? His ears are pierced a lot too. His hairs really long… it looks like it's shaved except the top? But the top is down to just pasts his shoulder…'
Gin smiles nervously at her focused gaze "Yo? I'm Futoshi Gin, class C-1. You?"
"Hayami Rinka. A-1."
They starts walking together
Gin "A class huh… business right?"
"Yeah."
"How do you two know each other? Middle school friends? You have the same bracelet? Are you dating?"
Chiba blushes softly "Oi? Chill with the questions… but yes."
Gin laughs nervously "Sorry!"
Skip to them at the Pe field on the bleachers
It's slightly awkward as they wait for Okuda and Takebayashi to show up
Takebayashi "Hm? Chiba… you brought another person…? He looks more intimidating than Terasaka…"
Chiba laughs nervously "He's harmless. Futoshi-kun, the boy is Takebayashi, and the girl of Okuda. They're in the health course."
Okuda bows nervously "N-nice to meet you Futoshi-kun."
"Ah- likewise Okuda-chan~"
It's awkward for a little while they eat
Hayami "Futoshi-kun? What school did you go to?"
He perks "Oh! I went to Uehara Junior high!"
Takebayashi "Uehara… isn't that a really athletic school?"
"Yup. I'm pretty good at most sports. Do you guys like sports?"
Takebayashi "Not really."
Okuda shakes her head "I'm not very good at them."
Chiba "I don't mind playing sports. Not my favorite, but I'm decent."
Hayami nods "Same."
"Oh? Well… um… what sorta stuff do you like?"
Okuda "Science. Especially chemicals!"
Takebayashi "Anime. And medical things."
Hayami thinks for a moment "Arcades and cats."
Futoshi perks "I love cats! There's so cute!"
Hayami smiles "I actually have a kitten. She's about 5 months old or so! Ryuu got her for me."
"Really? What's her name? Can I see a picture?"
Hayami nods pulling out her phone and going to a picture "Her names Kayda."
"Aww shes so cute!!"
Chiba smiles a little listening to them talk about cats.
Okuda and Takebayashi eat their lunches half listening.
Skip to after school
Chiba and Hayami are walking out of school together.
Chiba "Sorry for suddenly inviting a random guy to join us earlier."
Hayami shakes her head "No. I'm actually kinda glad you did… it made me forget about everything for a little… like for a moment, we were just normal students starting at a new school."
Chiba smiles "Yeah…"
End chapter
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@lumigo akvo9504 *silently hands you life jacket*
@Le055Li0n Same- I'm awkward as hell and have no idea how to respond to things :) and Thanksssss
