Chapter 7: Weekends Are Something to Look Forward To.
Saturday morning arrived much like any other day of the week, except for the most part, the grounds of Cherryton were seemingly abandoned. Without the need to go to class, many students simply decided to stay in bed for as long as they could stand the taste of their own morning breath. For his part, Yasui woke up with a gloriously robust headache that made him feel like somebody had used his skull as a punching bag. He yawned and groggily massaged his temples.
"Nyaaaaghsplrttt."
He stretched every inch on his body, muscles trembling as he arched his back before relaxing again with a groan. He cracked one eye open before slamming it shut again.
Ugh... I feel like crap. What time even is it?
He flopped over and peered wearily at his alarm clock. It read 8:37.
Okay, so breakfast will be available in the cafeteria until like 9:30. And Shin said that we were going to meet at the main gate around 11:00 so we could catch a train into the city center. So I can afford to lay here for at least ten more minutes.
Yasui wasn't entirely sure why, but he suddenly felt nervous about going to see a movie. All his excitement for it the previous day had slowly been replaced with a growing apprehension.
Sheesh, it was just so spur of the moment that I said yes without thinking.
(Yesterday evening)
[Yasui was sitting in his usual spot beneath his favorite tree as he ate his dinner when Shinrai walked over.
"Hey, Yasui!"
Yasui glanced over before swallowing his mouthful and answering.
"Yeah?"
"I completely forgot to ask you before, but I was going to go see a movie tomorrow afternoon. Do you wanna come with me?"
"Uh... sure? Sounds fine."
Shinrai grinned and gave him a thumbs up.
"Cool beans! Meet me at the front gates around eleven or so tomorrow. Oh, and the tickets should only cost around five hundred yen with your student ID. Fortunately the theater I go to has a student discount."
Yasui stared as the squirrel walked away before returning to his food.
"Well... I guess I'm seeing a movie tomorrow."]
As he lay there his mind wandered to what else happened yesterday. More specifically his unusual meeting with the leopard named Diana.
Something about all that stuff she said is making me really want to go, but I really don't know her and it would be kind of weird for us to get lunch together, right? Or am I overthinking this? Gaaah! I'm so confused about her!
Yasui huffed and rolled over to a more comfortable position... and right out of bed. He landed on the floor in a tangle of bedsheet and his own limbs. He let a small hiss escape through his clenched teeth as he rubbed his bruised head.
Fine... I guess I'm up now.
He slowly dressed himself and wandered to the bathroom for a shower. After breakfast he found himself sitting in the dorm common room with nothing much to do. A few students were scattered around the room, but most were hanging out in groups of two or three. Yasui took a seat at the table that was situated in front of the tv. He looked around for a remote or whatever they were called. As he did he grumbled internally.
Where did whoever it is who used this thing last put it. I know you need it to control the tv.
After a quick search he found it lying on the floor beneath a couch. He picked it up and looked it over. He wasn't entirely sure what he was supposed to do with it, but he had the common sense to find the power button. He pressed it and the tv turned on. A male wolf and a female antelope were sitting behind a desk with the words "Channel 4 News" on the wall behind them.
"Hello, and thank you for tuning in to the mid-morning news. I'm Yoshikawa."
The antelope smiled.
"And I'm Mitsuha. Now then, let's get started with our first story."
A picture of a hospital appeared in the top right corner. The antelope gestured to it and continued.
"Unprecedented high temperatures have caused an increase in cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As such medical experts are recommending long-haired animals do their best to stay hydrated and keep cool."
The wolf picked up his mug and gave the camera a picturesque smile.
"You heard it here, this weekend the experts want you to kick back with a cold drink and relax. For your own health of course."
The antelope smiled at the camera.
"Only a lazy mutt like you could draw that conclusion."
"And only a buzzkill like you would give me grief for it. Anyway, here's Bo with the weather."
It cut to a panda wearing a yellow shirt and blue tie decorated with clouds on it. He pointed at a map with large suns on it.
"As you heard, expect hot temperatures today with the high being around 39 degrees Celsius. There's a chance of scattered showers this evening which should help cool things down a bit. And now Kibi with the business news."
Yasui snapped his attention away as a familiar looking black cat walked over to the table.
"Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here?"
Yasui shook his head. The cat took a seat and fixed Yasui with a piercing stare. Whenever he spoke, his voice was unnaturally monotone.
"I have seen you before. What is your name?"
"It's Yasui... I think we sit next to each other in, like, History or Literature or something."
The cat didn't even blink as he continued to stare at Yasui.
"That would make sense. I am Yijima."
Yasui was getting seriously creeped out by this guy. His way of talking was odd, but the fact that he hadn't blinked this whole time was getting freaky. Suddenly, Yasui remembered.
"I remember you! You're the guy who called me bad luck because I'm left handed!"
Yijima continued to stare.
"That is where I remember you from. Yes, that day my horoscope told me to avoid a left handed fox. But today it says to look for the color red. Hence why I am here."
Yasui shifted uncomfortably under the felines piercing gaze.
"Uh... so what exactly do you—"
"Would you like to play a game of sorts?"
The sudden interruption threw Yasui for a moment.
"Uh... sure? What game?"
Yijima withdrew a strange deck of cards.
"I would like to do a Tarot reading."
Yasui gave the strange feline a look of confusion.
"Uhh... a what?"
"Tarot reading. I have always been fascinated by the various forms of divination. Mainly due to the stereotypes surrounding black cats. As well as felines in general. Of course I am sure you are aware of superstitious stereotypes being a fox yourself."
"I... have no idea what you're talking about."
Yijima continued shuffling his cards without breaking his stare.
"It is said that felines have a unique connection to the 'Other Side' or spirit world. Many believe we can sense our own deaths and foretell the future with our whiskers. There is a similar stereotype regarding foxes. That your black whiskers allow you to foretell disasters and death."
Yasui unconsciously stroked his whiskers as he listened.
"Wow, really?"
"If you believe in those sort of things that is. All I know is that I find fortune telling interesting. And my being a black cat does not hurt the supernatural aura I need for it. I have made some decent money doing divinations for students here. Especially female students. Although, I do usually get an uptick in requests for love readings in springtime. Now then, pick three cards without looking and lay them face down in a row."
He spread the cards out for Yasui to choose. For his part, Yasui was now thoroughly curious. He did as instructed and soon Yijima had three cards sitting in front of him.
"Now then, Yasui. Allow me to explain each card."
He pointed to each card in turn as he talked.
"This first one is your past. The second, the present. Third is the future. Let us begin."
He reached over and flipped the first card. On it was a hooded deer skeleton holding a scythe and the word "Mort." Yijima kept staring as he began.
"The Death card. This says that your past has been marked by misfortune. You have experienced the death of a loved one, serious injury, and agonizing pain."
Yasui's eyes widened and he took his left hand and began rubbing at his right shoulder. If he noticed, Yijima chose to ignore him and flipped the next card. On it was a laughing hyena dressed like a court jester walking along a cliff. It read "Le Mat."
"The Fool. This card marks new beginnings and opportunity. But it is also a warning. See how he is walking next to a cliff? It signifies that you currently have an opportunity, but if you do not seize this opportunity you will fall and look like a fool."
Sheesh, this is getting a little creepy! Are these cards actually telling him all about me!?
Without so much as a flourish, Yijima flipped the last card. On it were two dogs, a boy and a girl, holding hands as a cupid flew over them. It read "L'Amoureux."
"The Lovers. This means that in your future you will have a meeting with somebody you find yourself attracted to. Whether this is a sign of a romantic relationship or a platonic one is not clear. But what is clear is that this person is someone you will find to be an irreplaceable and beloved confidant."
I'll have a meeting with someone I'm attracted to? That rules out meeting Shin in a bit because I definitely am not attracted to him. So that leaves...
Yasui went wide eyed and his cheeks turned red.
"Really! So you're saying I should meet her for lunch!"
Yasui clasped his hands over his mouth as he realized he had shouted that last part. Somehow Yijima still seemed unbothered.
"That all depends on whether you believe that I am psychic or not."
Yasui sat back down and looked over the cards.
"I'm not entirely sure, but this whole... Tarit?"
"Tarot."
"—Tarot card thing... I guess it is kinda cool. I can see why you like it."
Yijima continued to stare.
"It is a hobby. Would you like to know your Arcana?"
"Arcana?"
"It is the card that defines you as an individual. It is equivalent to your Zodiac sign."
"Well, I don't know anything about Zodiac signs or whatever, but I guess it won't hurt."
I mean, I have time to kill after all.
Yijima gathered his cards again and began vigorously shuffling them before handing the deck to Yasui.
"Now you shuffle the cards as much as you feel necessary. Then you draw a card from anywhere in the deck."
Yasui shrugged. He wasn't sure how much he really believed in all this stuff, but the reading had seemed pretty accurate.
Of course, it could be a coincidence. It probably is, but when I first came here I did say I wanted to talk to as many people and make as many friends as I could. Even if this guy is kinda creepy.
Yasui split the stack of cards in half and looked at them.
"So... does it matter how I pick my card?"
"No."
"So long as I don't look."
"Yes."
Yasui pursed his lips before spreading the cards over the table. He looked at each one in turn before picking one at random.
"I like this one."
He flipped it over to reveal the image of a full moon with a wolf howling at it. Inscribed on the bottom were the words "La Lune." Yasui showed Yijima and said,
"This means 'The Moon' right? That's my guess because of the picture."
"Yes."
"...Okay... so what does that mean?"
"The moon card indicates false motives and that your outer appearance does not match your inner self. Or it can simply mean that there is more to you than meets the eye. I am bored now. Goodbye."
Yasui looked up as Yijima suddenly gathered his cards and stood.
"Huh? You're leaving?"
"Yes."
"Oh... you have something you need to do?"
"No. Goodbye."
And just like that, he was walking away. Yasui frowned.
That was... weird. First he says that I am destined to meet that Diana lady, then he says that I'm either a liar or something about "more than meets the eye" and immediately leaves! Are all the people in this city completely and totally insane?
Yasui shook his head before turning off the tv.
Whatever, I'm going to go see if Shinrai is ready yet. I really hope that this isn't an omen of how today is going to go.
Yasui checked around the front gate hoping that his friend had arrived earlier than expected, however that was not the case. He figured that there was still about an hour until he and Shinrai were supposed to meet up. With nothing better to do he walked towards the main building thinking that he might drop by the library or something. Anything to help the time pass. As he did, he saw the same Doberman from the study group yesterday as well as a German Shepherd standing in front of a vending machine. The German Shepherd was scowling and banging his fist against the glass.
"C'mon! Drop! I paid good money for you!"
The Doberman, Yasui was pretty sure he remembered his name being Shiro or something, was down on his hands and knees trying to reach something.
"I... almost... have it!"
He strained and pressed his face against the glass before flopping back in defeat.
"Crap, my arm is too big."
He spotted Yasui and jumped to his feet. Yasui's eyes grew wide as he sprinted towards him.
"HEEEEEEEEY! BUDDY!"
He slid to a halt right beside Yasui and grabbed his wrist. Yasui yelped as he was abruptly dragged towards the vending machine with Shiro chattering the entire way.
"Can I ask you for a favor because my roommate here bought a drink but it got stuck and my arm is too thick but yours isn't so if you could get it out that would be so cool so what—"
"Shiro!"
"Yeah?"
The German Shepherd shook his head and pointed at the Doberman's grip on Yasui's arm.
"Don't just grab people, it's rude."
Shiro tilted his head and his grip loosened a bit. Yasui took advantage of this to pull his arm free. The German Shepherd sighed.
"C'mon man, I know your parents taught you better than that. Don't grab strangers!"
"But he's not a stranger! I know him! We're buddies!"
"Then what's his name?"
"Weeeeeeell... I kinda forgot. But I forget everyone's names!"
The German Shepherd rolled his eyes and got Shiro in a headlock.
"Sorry about my roommate. He gets overexcited. He didn't hurt your arm, did he?"
Yasui shook his head, his heart still racing from the sudden abduction.
"No... I'm good."
"Well that's a relief. So... uh... here's the thing?"
The German Shepherd glanced around before giving Yasui a conspiratorial look.
"Do... do you think you could actually grab my drink?"
Yasui frowned.
"Huh?"
"Well you are already over here. And you do have small arms."
Yasui looked down at his arms and then back up to the waiting canines.
"Uh... I guess?"
What is going on?
The two dogs pointed to a can of soda suspended above the little opening you usually get your drinks through. It didn't look like it would be too hard to get, but there was also the risk of getting one's arm stuck in the machine. Yasui cautiously approached the rectangular slot of the dispenser and slowly reached his hand inside. If he didn't push the flap all the way back, he could just squeeze his arm into the gap and carefully reach towards the drink.
"I... think... I... can... just—"
Clunk*
"Got it!"
The two boys cheered as Yasui removed his arm and handed them the soda. Shiro and his friend high-fived.
"Alright! Now, what were we doing, Vince?"
The German Shepherd, who apparently was named Vince, tossed the can from one hand to the other.
"Uh... I forget. Something about a bet?"
Shiro snapped his fingers.
"That's it! I bet you a can of soda you couldn't drink an entire can of soda in under ten seconds!"
Vince scoffed.
"Watch and learn."
He flipped the can onto its side and punched a hole into it with one of his claws. He then popped the top and began slurping down the sugary beverage with terrifying speed. After what seemed to be only four seconds, he finished and crushed the empty can against his head.
"Ha! Told ya! You owe me a... a..."
His face blanched. Seeing this, Shiro grew worried.
"Uh, are you okay? You look a little—"
"BLEEEEAAAAARGH!"
Yasui and Shiro jumped back as the German Shepherd, to put it politely, expelled the frothy contents of his guts into a nearby bush. They both looked nervously to each other as he spluttered and coughed before shakily getting back up. He wiped his mouth and weakly said,
"See... I told you... piece of— *urp* cake."
Shiro grimaced.
"Duuuude... that was sick!"
Immediately Shiro was back to his usual self.
"That was totally four seconds! I thought you were joking when you said you could drink a whole can in under ten seconds."
Vince swayed a bit and spat into the bushes.
"Y-yeah... although... maybe I should have used juice."
Yasui felt very... out of place. Upon seeing that he was no longer needed, he started slowly backing away.
"Uh... I guess I'll just... go. Bye, Shiro. See you next study group."
The Doberman nodded vigorously.
"Alrighty! Catch you later... uh... you."
As Yasui walked away, Shiro gave his roommate a concerned look.
"You sure you're okay? You yacked it pretty hard into that shrub."
Vince took a deep breath and stifled a burp.
"T-totally. Just... got a stomachache."
"Well maybe some tea or something will make you feel better. I'll buy you one for making you hurl."
Shiro turned to the machine and put a few coins in. He selected a bottle of green tea and watched as it slowly moved towards the edge... before getting stuck as well. Shiro and Vince exchanged a look before spinning back towards Yasui.
"HEEEEEY! BUDDY!"
(Later that day.)
Shinrai was standing by the gates of the school when Yasui found him. The squirrel waved as he approached.
"Hey, Yasui. How's it going?"
Yasui stopped beside his friend and sighed.
"Well... it's been a bit... weird."
"Weird? How?"
"Well, first some strange cat did some sort of future reading with these cards, then that big dog from the study group kidnapped me to help get his roommates drink before he, well, it was gross."
"You got your future read? What did it say!"
"Well... I don't know if it was actually real or not so—"
Shinrai stuck his tongue out.
"Who cares if it's real or not! I just wanna know!"
"Well... he said that in my future there would be a meeting with a really attractive woman who would become very close to me."
Shinrai huffed.
"Yeah... probably fake then. That's the sort of stuff all the frauds say to make you want to believe them."
Yasui scratched his neck and shrugged.
"You see... I actually did get invited to lunch on Sunday by this really, uh, hot woman."
"Hold up! You got asked out!?"
Yasui shrugged.
"I... guess? I don't think it's a romantic thing, and I really don't know if I should go or not."
"Why would you not go!?!"
"It's just... she's older than me and a different species so I don't know how I feel about, well, how I feel about her. And I think she's only being nice. It feels... dirty? Wrong? Unnatural? I'm just so confused about it all."
Shinrai crossed his arms and smirked.
"Listen, Yasui. You have the kind of opportunity most of us mortals can only ever dream about! A hot girl who's older than you asked you out! I think you should go for it!"
"I already said, I don't think she feels anything towards me. Heck, we barely even talked! I'm just looking too deeply into this whole thing... I think."
Yasui clasped his head and groaned.
"Why is this bothering me so much!"
Shinrai reached out and patted Yasui's shoulder.
"Don't freak out about this. Just... if you want to go, go. If you don't, just don't!"
If I... want to go? Do I want to go? Honestly I can't even tell.
Shinrai punched Yasui's arm and smiled.
"Screw that stuff for now. We've got more important things going on now."
"Oh, yeah! The movie. What are we seeing?"
Shinrai shrugged.
"Eh, not sure yet. I'll let you pick when we get there. Oh, you don't mind if some of my roommates come with, do you? They were planning on seeing a movie today too, so I figured the more the merrier."
Yasui frowned and rubbed his arm.
"I guess... if they don't mind."
"I already told them I was going with a friend. They actually invited us so they don't mind. C'mon, enough screwing around. We're going to be late!"
Shinrai ran off as Yasui looked at his shoes and whined.
Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
With Yasui trailing behind, Shinrai checked out with the security guard and approached a group of four similar creatures. Yasui was a good distance delayed when Shinrai joined the group comprised of two other squirrels, a chipmunk, and a chinchilla. One of the squirrels, a slightly taller Grey Squirrel, saw Shinrai and nodded.
"Took you long enough, Shin. We've been wondering what you were doing."
Shinrai huffed.
"I was waiting for my friend! Give me a break! Hey... where's—"
The chipmunk rolled his eyes.
"Haiga decided to drop by the nurses office before meeting us. He's convinced that the paper cut he got yesterday is infected."
The chinchilla laughed.
"That guy is always sure he caught something. Yesterday he thought he caught tuberculosis after he coughed a few too many times. He's a total... total... shoot, what's that word?"
He turned to the other squirrel, a small red squirrel similar to Shinrai and snapped his fingers.
"You know what I'm talking about, right? That word for someone who always thinks their sick?"
The group devolved into a babble of different words with cries of "germaphobe" or "neat-freak" ringing out. Suddenly, a shaky voice unfamiliar too all but one of the group interrupted them. Yasui made his presence know by quietly chiming in.
"Uh, I think the word you're thinking of is 'hypochondriac.'"
Everyone stopped talking upon hearing the new voice and turned to look at the intruder. Immediately they all screamed and lept away from the fox, even Shinrai was startled enough to jump. Immediately the security guard ran around the corner.
"What's going on here?!"
Yasui held his hands up defensively, eyes wide with panic.
"S-sorry! I-I didn't mean to—"
Shinrai, upon realizing who it was that had startled him, let out a sigh of relief and addressed the security guard.
" Everything's okay. My friend just surprised us."
The guard nodded and returned to his post as Shinrai laughed.
"Holy crap! You scared the hell out of me, Yasui! Don't sneak up on herbivores like that! We don't handle surprises well!"
Yasui stuttered out an apology as Shinrai's roommates gave him uneasy looks.
"I'm really, really sorry. But... I thought you all noticed me. I walked up with you so I thought..."
The chipmunk gave him a dumbfounded look.
"Wait, you've been here the whole time?"
"Well, as long as Shin has been."
The taller grey squirrel shook his head.
"How did none of us notice you! You're only about twice the size of each of us."
Yasui scratched his neck self consciously.
"I guess I'm just easy to miss."
Shinrai walked over to him and stretched up to put his hand on the fox's shoulder.
"Never mind all that. Everyone, this is my friend Yasui. Yasui, meet my roommates. Well, all but one of them. Haiga did say he was coming, right?"
Shinrai's roommates all nodded.
"Well, he should be here soon. Anyway, I guess we should decide what movie to go see while we're waiting."
The other red squirrel crossed his arms as he spoke.
"Wait, so you haven't picked a movie yet? I thought you had one in mind."
Shinrai stuck his hands in his pockets and shrugged.
"I knew I wanted to see a movie this weekend. Just not which one. It's too hot to do anything else so I figured we'd decide when we got there."
The rest of the group all grumbled their affirmation as well as their discomfort in the increasing heat. It was barely past eleven and the sun was already beating down on them unmercifully. Suddenly, a voice could be heard yelling as it approached.
"Guuuuuuys! I'm here!"
They all turned as a dwarf rabbit with large glasses trundled up to them. He came to a halt and stood panting in front of them.
"False *huff* alarm *puff*. It's not *huff* infected *huff*."
The chinchilla leaned over to the chipmunk and mumbled.
"I could have told you that."
The rabbit wiped his face with a handkerchief and sniffed.
"Are we all here? Can we go now?"
Shinrai nodded.
"Yup, you were the last one we were waiting for. Oh, before we go. Haiga, meet Yasui. Yasui, Haiga."
Yasui waved and gave a weak smile.
"Hi."
The rabbit's eyes widened and he sucked in his breath as he seemed to only just now notice the fox towering (relatively) far over his roommates. He froze leaving everyone else to look awkwardly around as they waited for him to say something. Shinrai coughed and snapped his fingers beneath Haiga's nose.
"Haiga... Haiga... HAIGA!"
The rabbit snapped out if it and mumbled.
"Y-yeah."
"You okay?"
He gave Shinrai a grimace and croaked.
"Yeah, just surprised. Okay... let's go."
With that, the group of boys started down the road that led to the bottom of the hill. Yasui noticed that Shinrai's roommates made sure to keep Shinrai between himself and them at all times, with Haiga keeping as far away as possible.
Sheesh, I feel like I'm in one of those dreams where you forget to wear your pants to school or something. Could they not stare at me like that!
Yasui then realized that he had been making direct eye contact with the bespectacled rabbit the whole time and quickly averted his eyes.
Crap... I wish it was just me and Shinrai. His roommates are making me feel uncomfortable. I knew I should have just stayed behind! It's just like in middle school! And grade school!
It wasn't too long before they had arrived at the underground train station and were looking at the line map. The grey squirrel hummed before saying,
"Alright, I say we get off at City Center so we can grab lunch at that burger place before the movie. Everyone okay with that?"
All the small herbivores nodded as Yasui glanced nervously around the bustling station. He felt completely out of his element in this crowd, and he was only getting more nervous at the prospect of going to the very center of the city. It was as the group was making their way through the terminal that Yasui noticed something. All the other guys had a card they were scanning as they walked through. He looked around to try to spot Shinrai so he could ask him what to do, but he was already on the other side of the gate.
Yasui began to panic as he came closer and closer to being next in line. He glanced behind him and saw he was boxed in by a female water buffalo whose card was already ready. He gulped and tried to get her attention.
"U-uh... Miss?"
She looked down at him dispassionately.
"W-where do I get one of those card things? I-I'm new here, s-so."
She rolled her eyes and swiped her card before shooing him through the gate. Yasui bowed his head.
"T-thank you! I'm sorry for the inconvenience!"
He rushed through just in time to see a train pull up to the waiting animals. He wove through the crowd in the direction of the car Shinrai and his friends had just entered when one of the uniformed attendants stopped him.
"Slow down there, kid. That's the herbivore car, you have to use one of the carnivore or mixed cars."
He pointed Yasui down the train a bit before asking.
"By the way, where are your parents? You seem a bit young to be traveling by yourself."
Yasui shook his head.
"Oh, uh, I'm actually in high school. I'm just very... short. People get confused all the time."
The adult looked him over skeptically, giving his unusual clothes special notice before nodding.
"Alright then. You better hurry. The trains leaving soon."
Yasui inclined his head before getting on the car marked "Carnivores." He stood as close to the doors as he could, sweat creeping down his back as he gave the other passengers wary looks.
I knew I should have just stayed at school! This is turning out to be a disaster.
Meanwhile, in the herbivore car, Shinrai and his roommates were laughing and chatting about what movie they wanted to see. The chinchilla elbowed Shinrai and said,
"I know what movie you want to see. That lame romance movie about the girl with amnesia. What was it called, Love on the Brain?"
Shinrai stuck his tongue out.
"No way! I'd rather watch a documentary about how yarn is made!"
The chipmunk yawned and leaned back in his seat.
"How about a cheesy action movie? You know, with cops who hunt down predatory terrorists, loads of car chases, and explosions."
Shinrai frowned.
"Eeeeh, I dunno. This is going to be Yasui's first movie so I want it to be good. Do you know if anywhere is showing The Squirrel Who Lept Through Time? That's a solid movie."
His rabbit roommate adjusted his glasses and gave Shinrai a concerned look.
"Speaking of that guy, are you sure you want him to come with us?"
Shinrai furrowed his eyebrows.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's just... you know... he's..."
"A carnivore?"
"Well, that... But he's also kinda sketchy."
"He is not sketchy! You're just being a... a... a carnivore hater!"
The grey squirrel leaned in to block their view of each other.
"Guys, calm down."
Shinrai huffed.
"I need to calm down?! He's being a tool!"
"Well, he's not completely out of line. I mean, how well do you know this guy?"
Shinrai picked at his fingers and avoided eye contact.
"I mean... pretty well."
"Then how come this is the first time we've met him?"
"Well I haven't known him for too long, but I know him... pretty... well? I think?"
The red squirrel piped up.
"Shinrai, not to be biased, but he's a fox. They're naturally good at tricking people! That's why they're instincts get them categorized as opportunists! Because they exploit people's weaknesses, like your gullibility."
Shinrai scowled.
"I am not gullible! And I can't believe you're all saying such super uncool stuff in front of him!"
They all gave Shinrai confused looks before the chipmunk asked.
"Uh... in front of who?"
"Yasui! At least have the decency to use his name! Honestly I can't believe my own roommates are being so rude!"
The rabbit shook his head.
"Uh... Shin? He's not allowed in here. This is the herbivore car."
"Huh?!"
Shinrai glanced around before holding his hand to his forehead.
"Oh crap, I totally didn't realize. I really hope he got on the train. Not that you guys would care."
The grey squirrel sighed.
"Shin, it's not that we're against you being his friend or him as a person it's just... we have to be careful, you know?"
Shinrai just looked away dejectedly as his roommates gave him worried looks.
"You get where we're coming from, right?"
Shinrai shrugged.
"I guess, but I really don't get why everyone says herbivores need to be so nervous around carnivores. I've hung around several carnivores and never had a problem."
The rabbit adjusted his glasses.
"We all have, but we just have to be cautious. I mean... statistically speaking we're the most vulnerable of herbivore species. If something happens, we're practically helpless."
"But I don't want to think like that! It's depressing!"
The chinchilla put his hand on Shinrai's shoulder and gave him a sympathetic look.
"We're not saying that you need to be afraid of him, it's just... at least be a bit cautious. We know that you're friends with this guy to some extent, but we all know you don't really know him too well. We promise we'll be polite and all, so long as you promise to at least be a bit careful."
"Fine... I guess."
The grey squirrel roommate flicked Shinrai's forehead and smirked.
"We're just looking out for you, acorn-brain. Us little guys have to stick together."
Shinrai rubbed his face and smiled.
"I guess. Just please give Yasui a chance. He's actually pretty nice... and okay, he is a bit... odd. But still nice."
The grey squirrel gave Shinrai a thumbs up.
"Yeah, sure. Though if he starts being creepy or acting super suspicious we're ditching him."
They all sat in silence for a moment before the other red squirrel asked,
"I've always wondered what the carnivore car is like. Do you think it's loud or something?"
Meanwhile, in Yasui's train car, he was having a rather unpleasant ride.
"Would you give me some space!"
"Me! You're standing on my tail!"
"Because you're practically up my ass! Back off!"
Yasui whined uncomfortably, eyes wide with terror, as the two passengers on either side of him, a tiger and a bear, yelled back and forth. Unfortunately, Yasui was practically sandwiches between them as he hung on to the handrail for dear life with the train bumping and jostling as it hurtled through the underground tracks.
Why is this happening to meeeeeeee!
In Yasui's opinion, the train ride wasn't going to be over fast enough.
Why do people use these? I'd rather walk! Oooooh, I hope I don't puke. Just... think happy thoughts. There isn't a good reason to be as nervous as I am, I mean, I'm just going out with my friend! I should be excited! But I can't stop imagining what they're talking about in their car.
[Shinrai and company were sitting in their car when one of them said,
"Hey Shinrai, what's the deal with that weird fox you brought along."
Shinrai shrugged.
"I don't know. I guess I feel bad for him or something."
Another laughed.
"Yeah, he is pretty weird. And ugly."
"And don't forget creepy."
"And he's dressed like a loser."
"And—"]
Yasui shook his head and smacked his cheek.
What am I doing! Why am I imagining such horrible things about my friend! Am I a terrible person? I mean, what the heck?
Yasui slumped and pulled a sour face.
I really need to get my crap together.
Fortunately Yasui remembered which stop to get off at, so he avoided being left behind by the group. He shakily made his way over to them as they disembarked from their car, careful to not sneak up on them.
But wait, how do I do that? If I'm careful they probably still won't notice me. How do I not scare them again.
Yasui looked around and noticed that all the people leaving the platform had to go up one solitary set of stairs.
Okay, if I hurry I can just wait for them on the stairs. That way they have to notice me.
He ran ahead and picked a clearly visible spot right in the middle of the stairs. That is, he had intended to do that. However, there were so many people bustling about that he was soon swept away with the crowd and carried up the stairs and into the city proper. As he was pushed along, he frantically looked around for his friend and his friend's friends.
Crap! This is not what I had in mind! How do I get away from these people!
Yasui eventually wiggled his way out of the crowd and resumed his search. However it seems the universe was feeling a bit mischievous because he immediately bumped into the back of Shinrai's rabbit roommate.
"Huh? Gaah! Where did you come from?!"
Yasui groaned.
How did that happen again! And I was really trying to be noticed.
Before Yasui could say anything, Shinrai butted in.
"Oh thank goodness! I'm so glad you got off at the right place. It totally slipped my mind that you couldn't come into the herbivore car. Sorry about that."
Yasui held his hands up and gave him a weak smile.
"I-it was totally okay. Uh... so... where is this movie?"
The chinchilla pointed down a street.
"The theater we usually go to is over there. But we're going to grab lunch first. Not eating cafeteria food is definitely a plus of going out for a movie."
Yasui nodded.
"Okay... that sounds good. Lead the way."
The assorted boys slowly meandered through the city as Yasui gawked at the massive buildings and crowds of people. He was more than a little awestruck as well as intimidated. Seeing this, the grey squirrel asked.
"Have you never been here before?"
"No, never."
"What, you from the suburbs or something?"
"No, a mountain."
The other red squirrel gave him a quizzical look, his eyes wide.
"No way, are you a monk?!"
Yasui furrowed his brows.
"Huh? A monk?"
"Y'know, because of your clothes and all. Are you?"
Shinrai gasped.
"That would explain why you don't have a phone! Yasui, you didn't say you were a monk!"
Yasui shook his head.
"I-I'm not a—"
However the rabbit chimed in.
"Do you know kung fu?"
"Do you meditate?"
"I'm not a—"
"Can you speak to plants?"
"Do you have a high dex modifier?"
"I said I'm—"
"Can you run up walls?"
"Do a flip?"
"Do a wall flip!?"
Yasui covered his ears and yelled.
"I'M NOT A MONK!"
Awkward silence fell over the group as any nearby onlookers gave them confused looks. Some were already giving Yasui suspicious looks given all they saw was a fox dressed like a mental patient yelling at some small herbivores. Yasui immediately clasped his hands over his snout, his ears drooping, as he saw the alarmed expressions on the other student's faces.
"S-sorry. I-I meant. No, I'm not a monk."
The tension increased after that. Yasui could swear he was feeling a literal chill emanating towards him from the group. He grew more and more gloomy as the distance between him and the others grew, whether on purpose or not.
That's it, I've had enough of looking like an idiot in front of people for one weekend. I'll find a good time to slip away and go hide in my room until Monday. Screw this movie and screw everything else. I'm tired of always being the outsider of every group. It's embarrassing and exhausting and I'm sick of it.
Soon they had filed into a brightly colored fast food restaurant and joined a line at the counter. Yasui's mood soured even more as he realized that he had brought only enough money to buy his movie ticket. As if to mock him, his stomach let out a loud rumble as the smell of fried food and mustard hit his nose. Looking at the group, he realized that nobody had even noticed that he hadn't ordered yet and were sitting down at a table. Yasui shoved his hands into his pocket and decided to just call it quits. It didn't help that the smell in the restaurant was just making him hungrier, and in turn more upset.
I knew this was going to happen. I've always been a freak with no friends, what's new. I should do Shinrai a favor and just stop bugging him. I don't want to ruin his day.
As Yasui walked away he couldn't help but get angry. He wasn't even sure why he was angry or at who or what. All he knew was he felt like something in his chest was getting ready to burst like a bubble.
Gosh I'm pathetic. Sneaking away from the group because I embarrassed myself. That's why I've never had friends. I go and do something stupid and can't face the consequences. I should just turn around and go back. Tell everyone how I'm... what, how I'm feeling? What is this first grade? All that would do is give them even more to dislike about me. Because then they'd realize that I'm a selfish jerk who's so shallow he can't—
"Yasui? Where are you going?"
Yasui froze and turned to see that Shinrai had followed him. Yasui fidgeted, unsure what to tell him. As the squirrel drew closer he gave Yasui a curious look.
"Are you feeling okay? You've been acting flakey all afternoon."
"I'm... okay."
"Are you sure? You seem even more glum than usual."
Yasui bristled at that.
More glum than usual? Is that what he thinks of me? That I'm a downer? It's even worse than I thought. I actually make everyone unhappy. I should do him a favor and leave well enough alone.
"Yasui, if you're feeling crumby than just say so. Maybe you had a bad milk carton or something."
Yasui shrugged before walking in the direction of the train station. As he did he berated himself internally.
What is going on? Why am I being such a freak? Do I just want to be miserable or something? What's with all the drama?!
"Yasui!"
Shinrai darted in front of him, his hands on his hips.
"Okay, you're acting really weird. Spit it out, what's wrong."
Yasui closed his eyes and moved to brush past him.
"I just... I'm sorry Shin. This was a mistake. I'm going back."
The smaller boy blocked him again.
"What the heck is that supposed to mean? Is it because of the guys? I swear, once they get to know you they'll warm up and—"
"No, it's just... I don't know. I feel... weird. And I just... I know I'm making you miserable so—"
This time it was Shinrai's turn to interupt.
"You're making me miserable?! Listen to yourself! Do you really think I'm that much of a jerk?"
"No! I just know that I'm not fun to be around. And I don't want to make everyone else unhappy."
Shinrai threw his hands up frustration.
"Are you kidding!? When have I ever said that!"
"You haven't! I can just tell that—"
"Shut up!"
Yasui blinked in surprise.
"B-but I—"
"Shut up!"
"But—"
"Shut up!"
When Yasui finally gave up talking, Shinrai gave him a stern glare.
"Look. I don't know what this is all about, but I know this. Clearly you're having one of those days where something has you super bummed, so I won't let you go be sad all alone. Do you want to know why?"
Yasui glanced around waiting for him to continue before asking,
"Why?"
"Because I'm your friend dummy! And friends don't let friends go through crap alone! So stop moping and get your tail back to that restaurant!"
Yasui wasn't sure how to react to that. He still felt all sorts of down, but he was touched that Shinrai cared. He nodded to Shinrai and mumbled.
"Okay... I will."
"Good. Now let's eat lunch before it gets cold."
As they walked back, Yasui glanced down at Shinrai.
"Hey, Shin?"
"Yeah?"
"I just... uh... thanks. For following me."
Shinrai huffed and waved him off with a smirk.
"It's cool. My friend Don gets the same way too sometimes. Heck, everyone has a rough day every once in a while."
"I guess. I just wanted to say that if there's anything I can do to make it up to you, let me know."
They returned to the restaurant and joined the table where Shinrai's roommates were sitting. They were all talking at once and didn't even notice that Yasui and Shinrai had joined them. Shinrai looked at his tray before asking,
"Wait, where's my food?"
The chipmunk turned his head to look at him and said,
"Apparently they ran out of fries and are cooking more. So your food will be ready in a bit."
Shinrai nodded and said with a smile,
"Niiiice! That means I'll get those fresh, tasty fries."
The chipmunk nodded as he turned back to the rest of the group. Yasui was honestly surprised that any of them could understand each other given they all seemed to talk at the same time. He leaned closer to Shinrai so he could actually be heard.
"How do you all understand each other when you all talk at once!?"
"Oh, it's a squirrel thing. You should see a large family dinner. It gets crazy!"
Yasui winced as the noise raised by another decibel and covered his ears.
"Well it's way too loud for me to hear anything. Heck, I can barely hear myself think!"
Shinrai took a sip from his soda and tilted his head questioningly.
"It's not that loud. Well, not to me at least."
"I don't know, maybe my ears are more sensitive than yours?"
"Well, when you think about it that makes sense given how big they are."
Yasui frowned and touched the tips of his ears self consciously.
"Are they really that big?"
"I mean, compared to mine they are!"
They were interrupted when one of the restaurant employees came over with a tray of food in his hands.
"Sorry about the wait! Here's your order!"
Shinrai grinned.
"Thanks!"
The employee nodded before adding.
"So sorry to disturb you all, but can we ask that you lower your voices? You're disturbing our other customers."
Shinrai gave him the okay signal before raising his voice to be heard over his roommates.
"Guys, we're too loud! Be quiet!"
Just like that the other boys all seemed to realize the noise they were making and bashfully apologized to the waiter before returning to their conversations with greatly diminished volume. The server smiled.
"Thank you. Please, enjoy your meal."
As he was walking away Shinrai's rabbit roommate looked from the waiter to Yasui before saying,
"Oh! I think he forgot to bring, uh... what's his names food."
The other roommates all turned to Yasui who looked between them all nervously upon becoming the center of attention.
"Huh? Uh... me?"
The rabbit nodded.
"Yeah, sorry I forgot your name. But you should flag the guy down and tell him."
Yasui shook his head.
"No it's fine. I didn't order anything."
The grey squirrel finished a bite and asked,
"What, you not hungry?"
As if to make its displeasure known, Yasui's stomach gave a loud groan of hunger. He looked down at it, embarrassed as the chipmunk addressed the squirrel.
"He probably just doesn't like the food. I heard foxes only eat fried tofu."
Shinrai shook his head.
"No, he eats more than that. And I don't think he's ever tried this place before. I mean, he did say his family didn't..."
Shinrai trailed off before giving Yasui an apologetic look.
"Oh... I didn't even think about that when I invited you."
The other roommates exchanged looks of confusion.
"Think about what?"
"What's he mean."
"I'm so lost."
Shinrai fished out his wallet and looked through it.
"Crap. Uh... I don't really have enough money to get you something. I'm really sorry, Yasui. Can you even afford your movie ticket?"
Yasui nodded.
"Yeah, I have some money now. I sold all my fur to a store and they gave me like six hundred yen for it. I just didn't realize we were getting lunch."
The other red squirrel leaned in and asked,
"Hey, Shin. What's this about?"
"Well... uh... the thing is... Yasui's kinda... well..."
The rabbit nodded.
"He's kinda poor?"
Shinrai sighed.
"I guess you can say that. He's at Cherryton on a grant, so he doesn't have much spending money. Uh... any chance I can borrow some money from one of you? I promise I'm good for it."
To both Shinrai and Yasui's surprise, the other boys all took a few notes out of their wallets and set them on the table. The rabbit gave Yasui a sheepish smile.
"Lunch is on us. Consider it an apology for when we first met."
Yasui was rendered speechless by this. He worked his mouth a few times before asking,
"Wow, uh... are you sure?"
They all nodded.
"Uh... thanks. I mean, thank you. I'll pay you back later."
The chinchilla waved him off.
"Forget it. It's not that much anyway. Now go order before we're late for the movie."
With a smile Yasui accepted their gift and moved to the counter. Soon they were heading towards the theater after they were done eating. As they were getting seated inside, Yasui asked Shinrai,
"So what's this movie about?"
Shinrai shrugged.
"I dunno. But it's apparently about robots and aliens fighting so it should be cool at least."
Yasui nodded as the lights dimmed and the screen came to life.
(Two hours later)
The boys emerged squinting into the bright sunlight of the outside world. Yasui frowned as he looked around.
"Well... uh... that was... neat?"
The rabbit rubbed his eyes and yawned.
"Guys, was it me or did that movie suck."
They all murmured as the grey squirrel added.
"And what was the deal with the story? So the main character was a robot? Or an alien? Or something."
Shinrai shook his head.
"I think he was an alien clone sent from the future into a robot body or something."
The chipmunk groaned.
"All I know is that whoever wrote that mess should get punched in the face."
They all nodded as they made their way back to school. Shinrai smacked Yasui's back and said,
"Welp, there goes your movie virginity. Sorry your first time was crap."
Yasui groaned.
"I don't even watch movies and I know that was terrible. You owe me a better one next time!"
Everyone turned on Shinrai with cries of "it's your fault" and "nice pick, idiot." Shinrai just huffed.
"Sheesh, I'll let you pick next time then. Sorry for being spontaneous."
They all seemed content to let the matter rest as they made their way back to campus, the tension from before having evaporated to be replaced by a bond that can only be forged by watching terrible movies together.
Author's Note:
Hello, the author here. From those of you who have been following this story from the start to all the new readers, I want to say thanks for your support. I hope you are enjoying it so far. I just want to come out and express my appreciate for your patience with my agonizingly slow writing pace. I have always been a slow writer and I am sorry for that. However, the next chapter should hopefully be out a bit sooner given much of it was originally going to be part of this chapter. I just figured I'd keep this from being ~20k words by cutting it in half. Thank you all!