Heya! So someone pointed out a small error near the end of the previous chapter, and it has now been corrected! I'm not sure what happened in the transfer over, mostly it was the line regarding and entering the office as well as an understanding of when they actually move from the front desk office to the personal office and that's my bad. The line wasn't missing anything per say but my wording wasn't A+, I'm not sure how to describe there's the principal office where you wait to be called, and then they're actual office, I hope the new edit is sufficient!
Also, I pray I haven't missed anything this chapter ;0; Anyway! Here's the next chapter! The real fun happens soon! ;3cc
Enjoy!
Haruhi was an interesting individual, the first thing they talked about was how odd the situation was. Sure, they could see the point in which the school would likely try to bring the few lower classmates together...but...
Anyway, Haruhi was a soft-spoken but blunt person and Sota couldn't help but think they'd become great friends.
As the two made their way to the classroom, Haruhi asked a question that had been brimming in her mind once finding out he was another scholarship student, "How were you able to afford the uniform? I took a look at the price once and never looked back.."
Choking out a laugh, he took a look at her face that meant she was serious. Chuckling a bit he shrugged giving a sheepish grin,
"...I didn't.. It was a...gift, you could say.."
She hummed at that, nodding, he was telling the truth and she didn't bother probing for more.
Sota replied in turn, "If I'm being honest with you, I'd rather wear something like what you've got on instead, looks a thousand times more comfortable..."
Her lips turned up in a small laugh, "Yeah, I guess you could say so, I just kinda threw it on this morning you know?"
Sota smiled agreeing with the notion.
The two made an odd pair passing by through the halls towards class, but they didn't notice it or pay it any mind, happy to find a friend to relate to amongst their elite classmates.
~/~
During lunch Haruhi went off searching for someplace quiet to study, he couldn't blame her, it seemed the students were ever constantly chatting when not in class session. He couldn't blame them, but Haruhi was clear that she enjoyed the silence more than the hum of noise.
He wished her luck in finding a spot and spent his lunchtime outdoors enjoying the bento his mother had made. Sota smiled fondly finding a cupcake Kagome snuck in with a small note attached.
"Knock em dead"
He snorted, knock em dead indeed.
Sota ate with gusto despite having eaten plenty at breakfast, while he chomping down he pursued a list of sports clubs.
While he had gotten in on a soccer-focused scholarship, he would need to join another athletic group to truly fill all qualifications.
Looking the list up and down, he pondered over archery, he had seen Kagome in action only about two or three times, his sister generally carrying a more clumsy nature and was often humble about the skills she did carry more often than not. But when she actually held a bow in hand, she was filled with a grace and confidence that was a wonder to see. The sport was enticing, but while interesting, he'd rather leave the sport to her.
The second club to catch his eye out of the list was kendo. Sota had long given up the fantasy of fighting and yielding fantastical gigantic sword, a passion of which when younger that had only grown when he first met InuYasha.
Though over the fantasy aspect, the idea called to him.
A small thought of him beating up all the annoying males that seemed to pop up in concerns with his sister, gave him just the slightly added push to check it out after school.
Realistically, he knew learning kendo wouldn't suddenly make him an all powerful force, it was a noble and tradition based sport. Still, didn't hurt it was an entertaining idea...
Wouldn't hurt to check it out at least? Right?
~/~
Haruhi for her part knew she had made a huge error the moment she stepped into the music room and found a group of boys and not a room full of musical instruments.
Knocking expensive vase was the catalyst that sealed her fate, oh how fate was a cruel mistress indeed...
~/~
With permission, Sota sat on the sidelines out of sight to observe the club activities.
Kendo was more than anything he could have imagined, it was engaging and riveting, he wondered if he could ever hope to move as quick and deft as the players.
The attentive sparkle that shown in face caught the eye of an upperclassman who looked him over with a sizing eye.
The vice-captain hadn't been sure what to make of the first year who asked to sit and watch, but he seemed observant and eager, with those two qualities to build on top of, it wouldn't hurt to recruit him among their ranks.
Calling him over, he decided to see if he was really worth the effort.
The way Sota's eyes shown as he came over, the vice-captain was sure he had the right choice.
Presented with a challenge, Sota grinned.
~/~
At the end of the quick run through of exercise and basics, Sota could quite plainly say he was exhausted but bringing with an eagerness to do more.
As he wiped the sweat from his brow, the vice-captain offered him a hand up from his spot on the ground.
"Nice job Higurashi"
Sota smiled once more, truly it was a grueling introductory practice but it was also enthralling.
"No, thank you,"
The vice-captain waved his hand in a blase manner, "I'd be glad to welcome you to the team, but we also need approval from the head captain, he's busy with another club at the moment but you should be given a definite answer tomorrow."
Sota agreed, bowing and thanking him for the opportunity and headed straight for the showers.
On the train ride back home, Sota tried his best not to fall into the temptation of sleep that the lull of the train afforded him.
At the back of his mind, he wondered if his new found friend ever found that quiet spot they were looking for...
~/~
Waking up for school the next day was a lot less exciting. Aside from being tired, he ached in all kinds of new places. He worked out regularly for soccer but starting at the bottom tier of kendo put a whole other level of intensity to his schedule.
If he were indeed to become accepted as a member, the following days would be a bit tough adjustment, but generally manageable. He was just lucky he didn't really need to "try out" for the soccer club, he of course still had an assessment to see where he was at and what position would best fit the team. He was a kicker mainly, but also played defense and offense throughout middle school. The scope of conversation amongst his teammates was completely different than anything he used to, with talk of vacations, luxury items and so on but somehow he was adapting well.
Sota spent most of his morning getting ready in a daze, going over all he would need to do in the day. His mother tutting as she undid the splendid knot he had made of his tie before redoing it.
Glancing at the clock, he realized with alarm he had taken longer getting ready than previous, grabbing a riceball and his pack, he rushed out the door giving a hasty goodbye as he ran.
Kagome who had been coming down the steps when he blurred by could only laugh. Oh, how she remembered the days when she would do things in a daze only to rush out half late...
Entering the kitchen, she heard mother sigh.
"He forgot his lunch..."
~/~
Sota having made onto the bus in time, with fervent thoughts he thanked Kami internally as he let out a breath of relief.
Running as if demons were on your tail was really the true wake up call, that and a perfect warm-up his muscles for the day.
Still, he thought a bit morose that he wished he could have enjoyed his breakfast more and not the dry scarfed down attempt at eating he had made...oh the life of a student...
Making it to school he could finally say he was of mind enough to start the day, not the daze he woke up in or the anxiety of being late, clarity, it was too bad the feeling would be short-lived.
Sota truly thought things were gonna shape out and go smoothly as ever, but Sota Higurashi should have know that fate is a fickle thing...and it loves to play...
