Hello! Another chapter, sorry about the delay. Hopefully will have the next one up soon.  Enjoy!

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the rightful property of their owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 11: Asahina's Idea

I look quickly at my watch as I run to the train station, it will be here in only 2 minutes!  I pick up my pace and enter the train doors as they are closing.  Exhausted, I can't help but lean over as I gasp for breath.  I look up and notice people giving me strange looks, though I can see why.  As usual, there are no seats available so I hold onto one of the poles as the train shakes on the tracks.  Mamoru and Asahina must have wondered why I wasn't on the usual train.  What will I say?  I decide to think about that later as the train arrives.  I smile as I exit, remembering the box of cookies waiting for me when I return home. 

I rush to class, and after I shut the door, I hear Mamoru say, "Oi, Ayato!  You did come to school after all, thought you were playing hooky!" I roll my eyes and sigh as I approach him, Asahina, and Mishima.

"Kamina-kun?  Are you all right?"  I am surprised by this comment and the worried look Asahina has on her face, and Mamoru doesn't seem to be pleased, either. He grabs her arm, and she looks to him surprised.

"Now, Hiroko, you know Ayato sleeps in sometimes, that's what happened, right, Ayato?"

Before I answer, I look at Mishima and smile slightly, I notice she does the same.  Asahina looks at me with a confused expression.
"Yeah, Mamoru, I hit my sleep button too many times."  Even though this isn't the whole truth, it's not a full lie either, so I don't feel too bad saying it.

"See, Hiroko," says a pleased Mamoru, but Asahina is looking away from the three of us.

"Students, it's time for class to begin."  As I return to my seat, I see Asahina looking at me with a questioning look.  I wonder if she didn't believe my story.  Trying to diffuse the situation, I smile.  She looks momentarily surprised, but then smiles in return. Reassured by her reaction, I begin to relax in my seat and start to draw, when I remember that we're going to have an exam before lunch, ugh.

"Students, the exam will be starting now."

After I get my exam, I look over the problems, and suddenly feel my stomach drop, I don't understand any of them, I'm doomed! I look over at Mishima, and she seems to be struggling just as much as I am.  Asahina, too. I get to work, trying my best, but not feeling good about the likely results.  After I finish, I look over at Mamoru, who seems to have given up and is doodling in a notebook.

"Time is up, students.  Hand in your exams."  A collective groan fills the room.

After the exam, Mishima, Asahina, and I gather around Mamoru's desk.

"That was the worst!" Mamoru says while leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head.

Asahina looks at him angrily and points at him.

"Torigai, you finished early, I saw you doodling!"

He rolls his eyes and swats her arm away.

"I gave up, that's why!"

"Oh."

Asahina seems slightly guilty, but just as quickly seems to get over it.

"What did you think, Kamina-kun, were you as good as Torigai?"

"Hiroko!" Mamoru says angrily.

Trying to prevent further argument, I decide to give a prompt answer. "I thought it was really tough, Asahina."

As Mamoru continues to pout, Asahina looks over at Mishima, who has been strangely quiet the entire conversation.

"What about you Haruka?"

Her voice indicating that she's upset, she responds "I studied so hard, but it didn't seem to help at all."
Mamoru suddenly leans forward with a smile, "That's why I don't bother!"

Asahina shakes her head in resignation, but smiles at Mamoru, who gives her a goofy grin as he reaches for and holds her hand.

The little display of affection is making me uncomfortable, so I decide to recommend lunch.

"Shall we go to lunch, everyone?"

All at once, the three look at me, and Asahina responds, "Let's go eat at the fountain today."

"Sounds good to me, Asahina."

"Me, too."

"Sure."

We arrive at the fountain and begin eating.  I'm about to start a conversation with Mishima when Mamoru says, "Ayato, are you still eating lunches made by your mom?"
I glare at him angrily and say, "Marmoru!  I haven't done that since elementary school!"  I look at Mishima and Asahina, and they're both laughing, how embarrassing!  I look again at Mamoru, who has a satisfied smirk on his face.

"I can cook you know, both my parents work late, so I make the meals a lot."

"You'll be a wonderful housewife when you grow up!"

"Torigai, that was mean."

"It was funny though!"  Asahina gives me a look of pity, but I decide I shouldn't let him get on my nerves.

I smile at Asahina and say, "It's all right, Asahina, don't worry about it."  Asahina smiles at me, and I think I see her blushing, which surprises me. I notice Mishima watching Asahina and me, but she looks away quickly when she realizes I've noticed her, so I can't see her expression.

The lunch has been proceeding peacefully since that time, I'm about to suggest that we should be heading back when Asahina speaks up as she looks at Mishima.

"Ah, yes, Haruka, there's something I wanted to bring up."

"What?"

"I have this great idea!  No comments from you, Torigai!"

"Heh."

"I've thought of a great nickname for you, Haruka."

Looking interested, Mishima responds, "Really? I've never had a nickname before."

"Well, be glad you're getting such a great one, then!" Asahina answers with a triumphant smile.
"I'm sure I will be, Hiroko." Mishima says with a calm smile.

"So, if you say your name fast, it sounds like this Ha-reika, right?"

We all say it quickly and agree.

"Sooo, I dub thee, Reika!" 

Reika, Mishima Reika…that is a lovely name.

"Hmm, that does sound nice.  What do you think, Kamina-kun?"

I am so pre-occupied thinking about the name, that I forget to answer.

"Kamina-kun?" 

"Ayato, hello in there!?"

"Uh, yeah, yeah, I think it's great, Mishima."

"Well, then it's settled, thanks to me, Haruka has a new nickname, although, that doesn't mean you two can call her that!"

"Of course, of course, Asahina."

Asahina looks at her watch and says, "So, shall we go back to class, Reika?" 

Mishima smiles and responds, "Sure, Hiroko."

Next Chapter

Study Session – Part I