CH.2 More than Meets the Eye

Nagi doodled in her notebook, glanceing over at Suichi every now and then. After and hour of listening to Mrs. Tama, it was almost time for the bell to ring. Everyone relaxed and packed their bags, ready to go to their next class.

" What is your next class?" Suichi said, trying to start conversation.

" Umm," she said pulling out her schedule. " Uhh, algebra. Urgh, I hate algebra. The teachers in those classes acually care if your paying attention or not."

Suichi gave a crooked smile, but found it iresponsible for her to not pay attention. Espeacilly on her first day of school.

" If you want, seeing as how you seem to be haveing trouble, I could tutor you." He said.

" No," she said. " Thats okay. It's not like it matters anyway."

" Well," he said." Don't you want to go to college?"

Nagi looked at him. Why was he so concerned? What buisness was it of his? But something about this boy interested her, she felt almost drawn to him in some way. But despite her better judgement, she took the hook.

" Alright Suichi," she said. " I'll let you 'tutor' me. Where do you want to do it?"

" Well," he said. " We could meet after school and walk to my house. Is that alright?"

" Sure," she said, raiseing an eyebrow. " So after school?"

" Yes," he said," By the cherry blossom tree in front of the library."

" Alright." she said, a smile slowly comeing to her lips.

Suddenly, the bell rang. And everyone in the room scattered like cattle being herded out a small door. Nagi and Suichi rose and slipped on their bags.

" So I'll see you later, Suichi," she said in an almost excited tone as she walked towards the door.

" Alright," he said after her, " Don't forget."

She winked at him and walked out of the room and into the hallway of husseling students. Suichi didn't notice at first, but he found that a knot of excitement was forming in his stomach.

The day passed very slowly for Suichi. His thoughts kept trailing back to Nagi. He wondered what class she was in, if she was excited about their tutoring session as he was. Finally, the last class of the day ended. And Suichi walked out of his class fast, a little faster then he entended. He reached the school yard, and he saw the big cherry blossom tree. And their, standing under it was Nagi. He walked over to her, said his hellos, and then they walked towards the exit. The talked, Nagi telling him about how much today had been a waist of time, then suddenly Nagi stopped. She was looking ahead, her face emotionless.

" Nagi?" Suichi asked, stopping himself.

Then Suichi looked ahead of them and saw why Nagi had stopped. There standing with evil smiles on their faces was three of the most athletic boys in school. And they definitely were had the look of trouble.

"Hey Nagi," the biggest one said tilting his head "I'm not sure what you see in Suichi, but why don't you ditch that loser and come with us. We could have some fun if you know what I mean."

His friends behind him snickered. But Nagi didn't seem to be affected. She simply closed her eyes for a minute then looked back up at the thugs. Suichi had no idea what was going to happen next. But Nagi had the look in her eyes as if this was a challenge. She was smiled, but only for a moment.

"Thanks for the offer," she said calmly "but the thing is I don't hang out with losers. So I guess the only ones I should be ditching is you."

It didn't seem to phase the guy, because he was still smiling.

"Ooh, we got a feisty one here boys," the thugs snickered. "Come on sweetheart, lets not get physical."

Nagi rolled her eyes and cracked her knuckles "Sweetheart? Please! It wouldn't be a fair fight. It would be like fighting second graders. Don't embarrase yourselves, just shut your mouths and walk away quitely."

Their snickers turned into howls of laughter "She actually thinks she can beat us! Oh man... that's a good one babe, but come on. There is no way you could take on all three of us! No one could! Especially Suichi and a girl!"

Suichi finally spoke up "There is no need for this."

The big one stepped up in front of Suichi, and grabbed the collar of his shirt. But Suichi remained calm and just frowned.

"Hey punk!" the thug spat "Why don't you mind your own business and shut your mouth!"

Suddenly, Nagi calmly gripped the thug's arm with her free hand and squeezed. Suichi could hear what sounded like cracking bones. The thug hollered in pain and released Suichi, but Nagi didn't let go. She twisted his arm around his back making him cry out more. Then she leaned close to his ear and whispered.

"Don't start something you can't finish. If you don't take your fat ass out of here right now, I'll break more than just your arm. Count on it."

And with that Nagi placed one foot on his back and kicked him forward. He scrambled to his feet, holding his arm in pain and crying.

She looked at him, her eyes ablaze.

And with that, the punks took off and ran out of sight.

"Stupid, arrogant, little bastards," Nagi mumbled. "You alright?"

Suichi stood there, a little shocked by what he had just witnessed. How could she be so strong that she could break someone's arm? That guy was the strongest athlete in school, and she was just a girl. But suddenly, he found himself smiling. She was...interesting. Beautiful, mysterious, even though she was a little stand offish. But he smiled and nodded.

" Of course." He answered.

" Alrighty then," she said. " Let's get going."

And with that, they continued to walk out of the school yard and down the street.