AHHHH..! Well, hello, I've returned from a millennium away from here (10 months, same thing)! I'm so sorry for the wait on this. I could always insert my long list of excuses on why I had that hiatus, but I figure I'll save you all the trouble of going through that. Also, in my recent activity, I managed to edit both Chapter 1 and 2 for your reading pleasure. So, at least they're not that bad anymore (especially Chapter 2, cause yikes)! So, if you need a little refresher, then go ahead and skim through 'em! ANYWAY, read on, you crazy kids!
"I'm leaving now!" Lydia called as she swung her head into the kitchen.
"Okay, Sweetie," Her mother replied.
"Have fun," Kosei encouraged.
She nodded before grabbing her bag and heading out the door. As the door swung open, she was met with a fresh burst of morning air. The expected heat of the day wasn't yet on full display, but residents anxiously anticipated the return of autumn air.
Downtown grew closer with every step, making the skyscrapers lining the city appear taller and more defined in texture. As the scenery expanded, Lydia couldn't help but break into a run. Her chest pounded not only from the increase in activity, but also from the pure excitement of the chance to reach her destination quicker. Crowds of citizens seemed to emerge out of thin air, making prompt timing of their usual schedules. Despite the added crowds, she pushed through them like any other weekday.
Just ahead at the base of the sidewalk was their meeting point; a long post with an image of a bus perched at the top. Looking around, nobody stood out from the masses matching a specific description. She stopped running and scanned the area further. The more she looked, the more apparent it was that the person wasn't there. Where is she?, she wondered as she continued to scan the area.
Checking her phone, she determined that she was there on time. Yet, nobody was there waiting. Pushing her way past the masses, Lydia perched herself just under the sign; still no one. Looking up from her phone once more, she noticed a transit bus coming around the corner. Soon, it made its way to a stop just beyond the sign. Putting on a hopeful smile, she watched as the transit doors opened. Another group of people joined the crowds in their usual commute to an unknown destination.
The dark-haired girl began to tap her foot as she peered at the group getting off. Is she there? As the next group walked up to board the transit, the line blocked her field of vision. Trying her best to see over them, she caught a familiar face. The person glanced around the area while brushing some midnight strands of hair out of her face.
"Haruna!" Lydia called out.
The girl turned towards the post to inspect who was trying to get her attention. Realizing who had called her, her expression brightened. "Hi, Lydia!"
The two girls ran to each other before locking in a tight embrace. "How are you?" Lydia beamed. "I haven't seen you since June! How was your trip?"
"It was so nice!" Haruna replied excitedly. "Kyoto's such a beautiful place! I have pictures I can show you later. But, what about you? What have you been doing?"
The two friends informed one another of their summer's activities as they walked down the streets. The commotion of people around them deafened compared to the conversation they held. As they walked, the initial excitement still filled their voices with each new recollection.
"So, I heard your family has a new deal with Kaiba Corp now, right?" Haruna questioned.
"Yeah, I don't know any details though."
"You'll have to let me know when they announce it, I'm sure it'll be impressive!"
Lydia chuckled. "I don't think I'd be allowed to."
Their conversation continued as they trekked up a small hill. Although a small range, the view was still slightly impressive showing off the sight of Domino High School just ahead. Atop the multi-floored building was a clock plastered against the wall signaling that there was still plenty of time to make it on time. Hordes of other students noticed the same sight as they made their way within the building's gates.
"Can you believe it?" Haruna spoke.
"Believe what?"
"It's our last semester of senior year; it's hard to believe really."
"I know, but there's still six months to go."
Haruna nodded. "That's true."
"So, don't get sentimental just yet!"
The duo laughed as they continued on with their commute. Making their way into the school courtyard, they were greeted with the atmosphere of anxious students. Echoing throughout the area was the murmur of voices seemingly joined into one. Separate groups of students occupied claimed areas to house their groups to converse with one another. If students weren't conversing, they'd simply make their way indoors to prepare for the coming day.
"Haruna! Hey, Haruna! A group of girls called as they ran towards the duo.
The group smiled as they crowded around the midnight-haired girl in an attempt to initiate conversation. Haruna politely greeted them as they consumed her. Over the loud greetings, she turned back towards Lydia, who shook her head at the event.
"I'll meet you outside after school," she promised. "We can walk home together."
"Okay, see you later!"
Stepping away from the crowds, Lydia made her way into the school. She placed her belongings in her locker before venturing through the hallway. Students began cramming inside, making the traffic much more congested, but all too familiar. Squeezing past each passerby almost seemed identical to walking the streets of Domino.
Finally entering the classroom of 3-B, she was greeted with the familiar faces of the few students present in the room. The students hung out near their assigned seats awaiting the start of class. There was a low murmur of discussion between a few strays. Soon enough, the first warning bell prompting the remaining students to enter and take their seats. Despite awaiting further instruction, conversation ensued like it had all morning.
Just after the final bell rang, the homeroom teacher made his way into the classroom. After going through a formal greeting, he took his place at the front of the classroom.
"Alright, before we begin, I'd like to take attendance," he announced.
The teacher began to slowly read off every student's name from his list, to which every name was given a 'present' response. As he read through the list, the group of teens seemed restless anticipating another day of boredom.
"Nosaka Miho,"
"Here,"
"Akagi Lydia,"
"Present," the dark-haired girl responded.
The list went on for what seemed like the entire period. Each name read off appeared to take another minute off the clock. The amount of time to get through everyone almost made it seem that time was not moving at all, but rather a void moment of boredom.
"Kaiba Seto,"
A few students perked at the sound of the name while others treated it just the same as others. No response was given.
"Kaiba Seto,"
"Present," a low voice replied.
Lydia's eyes widened. She twisted around to scan the back of the classroom, and there he sat. His chestnut hair swept in front of his cold, sapphire eyes that were focused on the paperwork upon his desk.
She spun back around to avoid detection. Something about that one second of realization became very jarring. Has he always been in this class?, she wondered. The very thought that she would've missed the idea that someone as infamous as him was in her class was unreal. Scanning her memories for answers, she began deciphering whether or not she'd known his face merely from publicity or personal viewing. She concluded that perhaps she hadn't previously noticed because the fact wasn't relevant until now. Although, from what she could recall, he did seem absent from class pretty frequently. That thought, paired with the possibilities from his reputation alone, made the whole situation less alarming. With this in mind, she realized it wasn't best to over think the idea.
O.O.O
Come on, just say something. Introduce yourself! It can't be that bad. The final bell for the day had just rung, signaling the expected afternoon rush within the hallways. The dark-haired girl gathered her things and looked to the other side of the classroom. Kaiba clicked his steel briefcase shut preparing to join the other students in their departure. It's not even that big of a deal, she convinced herself. Lydia let out the breath she had been holding and made her way over to him.
"Um, hi," she began.
The brunet didn't bother to look up to meet her gaze.
"I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Lydia Akagi."
This time, his eyes looked up to glance at her with his stare narrowing. "I don't waste my time with fangirls." He stated.
"I'm not a— Anyway, my grandfather is the owner of Akasei Design."
Kaiba gave no inclination of a response. Did he hear me?
"You know, the—"
"I'm aware of who they are."
"Right," she drawled. How does my grandfather withstand doing business with him? "So, I just—"
"Are you done wasting my time with your pleasantries?"
Lydia frowned. "Do you mind? I'm just trying to be nice and introduce myself."
Kaiba looked to her with the corners on his mouth falling deeper. "I don't see how that's my concern. Next time, do yourself a favor and stay out of my way."
The brunet picked up his briefcase and turned towards the door. Lydia opened her mouth to retort, but shut it promptly. Don't say anything you'll regret or get your family in trouble. She watched the brunet fade from view and took a slow breath. Calming herself, she made her way out of the classroom and headed downstairs to the main entrance.
'Not his concern'? Tch, the nerve! She huffed as she reached the courtyard outside. The sun illuminated the area, warming up whatever it touched. Groups of students made their way out of the gates to enjoy the day's warm temperature.
"Lydia!" She looked up to see Haruna jogging towards her. "Hey, are you ready to leave?"
"Yeah, let's go." She smiled.
Haruna nodded as the two began their walk. "Are you okay? You seem a little tense."
Lydia then began to notice the tightness stored in her muscles. She unclenched her fist and took another slow breath. Just let it go. "Huh? Yeah, I didn't even notice."
"Well, okay. Hey, do you wanna stop by the mall on our way home? I hear there's a sale going on."
Out of the corner of the duo's gaze, a black limo was patiently parked by the entrance to the school. By the time Lydia noticed its existence, the back door had already shut, leaving the chauffer to hurriedly get back in the driver's seat. Within seconds, the limo drove off in its descent downtown.
"Sure, Haru. I could go for some shopping."
"Then, come on!" With that said, both girls ran to the outer edge of the shopping district.