Author's Note - Helloooo~ internet! How are you doing? Awesome?! Awesome! Me? Fan-f***ing-tastic!
So, for those of you that do not know, I am creating a fanfic!
This is a pilot. I have part 1 up here as well as on my account. Since I got a few positive feedback from everyone over there, I feel more than confident to dish out the second part.
Not to mention I thought of a title! See? Isn't it original?
I also did some editing to the previous chapter.. yeah, I am a bit of a perfectionist.. and paranoid and will most likely do that to future chapters. I would appreciate it if you guys would re-read the first chapter.
I am sure some are wondering what the pairing is, right?
I'll be perfectly honest. I have no idea! Well, no.. that's a lie. My pairing is Rin Matsouka, but.. since's we're only about half through the series ( ;_; ) and have yet to predict if the series will have a second season, there's still a lot of character development and story to go through.
Even if we do and when we're done, I probably will still have no clue on where the story will go, what to do with the characters, and who is best suited for my OC.
But, seriously, I am going to do my damnedest with story! As for the future.. well, I am just going to let Shiro meet them and get to know them.
I think that about covers it. Without further to-do, here is part two!
...
Oh, god, I'M RHYMING!
All characters are owned by KyotoAnimation, Hiroko Utsumi, Futoshi Nishiya, and Kōji Ōji
WARNING!
This is a story of pure fanfiction and is to be taken subjectively. I am only taking in positive reviews and criticism. I will not tolerate any slander, slashing, maiming and theft of my character and story. If there is something that you do not like in particular and/or hate the story and character in general-
-leave now.
You have been warned.
When entering into a new school there's one statement to always keep in mind.
"First impressions are always the most important."
The first impression you make will not only define you, but will define your entire year. Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates a significant impression by remaining silent.
That concept could also apply to sea mammals when they are breeding.
Males are always the dominant species to the female. Depending on the type of male of it's size, teeth, fur, how much blubber they can hold, and how fast they can swim will make a lasting impression.
For example, seals tend to mate on islands where there are fewer predators. Having several strategies to ensure a reproductive success and maintaining their territories, and providing resources to attract the other gender. This shows that the male is taking every opportunity to make that perfect imprint. However, that could falter when the male seal is fasting. If the male were to leave the island to feed, then they may miss their chance to find their partner.
Shiro has no plans to stand out, or attract any male or female friends for that matter. All she wants to do is get through today, with little to no human contact, go home and lock herself up in her room and forget today ever happened!
But, fate had other plans for her today.
"Here we are!" Exclaimed Hanataro, walking up to the school's gate. Shiro blinked, looking up. There were two buildings here? From afar, Shiro's perspective told her that there was one building, but obviously that was false. There are two structures here, both blending in well enough to give off the illusion of one from a far away distance. They looked like ships.
The siblings had arrived fairly early, beating the ten minute mark and had a few minutes to spare. Shiro spotted a few students passing through the gate and into the building. "Unfortunately, it's been a few days since the opening assembly at the school. Don't worry, though, you haven't missed anything!"
"Shouldn't that be a good thing?" Assemblies always had a large crowd of people on the first day of school. New individuals gathered in the hallways, looking around to see who was going to be their new classmates. "That saves me from being in a group of people all day looking for a class room."
"True!" Smiling, Hanataro reassured her. "There's absolutely no pressure!"
"But, technically I am the last person to join school, meaning I'll be standing out more than necessary."
"That's.. also true." His smile falters as his form began to slump, but he quickly recovers. "But, that shouldn't deter you! This is the best way to get noticed on your first day!"
Shiro shakes her head silently, just what she needed. "So, what happens now?"
"Let's see.. if we go into the building, there should be an office." Pondering in thought Hanataro tries to recall the normal procedure of entering school. "That's the faculty office, where the teachers and staff are. Then you tell them that you're new, and your name of course. A teacher should be there to help you and if you're lucky it will be the same teacher for the semester!"
That kind of scenario could be either good or bad. "Well, I think that's it." Hanataro patted her on the back, "Come on, I'll tag along until you're settled in."
"You don't have to.' Shiro eyed him she didn't need anyone holding her hand, but- 'I can do this myself."
"Do you know where the office is? Are going to speak up to someone for help?" The young teen looked away, remaining silent. He can see right through her. "..Fine."
"Hamasaki, Shiro." The superintendent repeated while scanning through the list of names. They were in the faculty office now, after asking another adult in the hallway where the said office was. The room had a few teachers at their work place, desks filled with notes, papers, pens and various other stationary needed to keep track of students and their documents. "Ah, here you are. You are attending as a second year?"
"Y-Yes!" Shiro stutters slightly, trying her best to composed and not to feel apprehensive while being interrogated. The superintendent did look intimidating. He had ask her several questions prior, which she did her best to answer along with her brother interjecting once in a while. To the man's displeasure he did not approve and told him politely to keep quiet.
"Hmm.. it says here you have a complete education in elementary, but only half in middle school when you dropped out. You were home schooled?" The teacher looked up at her, expecting her and only her to answer for herself.
"That's right. There were personal reasons I could not attend my previous school any further." She stated, leaving out the 'why' portion of her past experience. "So, I have been studying at home all this time."
"I have to be honest, I am not impressed by your application." He disapproves, not the answer Shiro was hoping to hear. "We normally turn away such teens. However, the results of your entrance exam was most impressive, even better than any other student who has applied."
A small half-smile found it's way onto Shiro lips. She didn't deny it, her brothers did a good job teaching her. Though they did work her to the brink of exhaustion, not once going easy on her. "Hehe, we're very proud of her!" Hanataro intervened again, smiling triumphantly. "Shush!" She hissed quietly, elbowing her brother's side.
"All I ask is for you to be on your best behavior." The man sitting in his chair got her attention again, "We already have students disobeying rules and trespassing on property grounds at night this semester. I don't need any of that out of you!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Amakata-san!" The man turned his head and bellowed to another adult, a young woman at the end of the room. She looked startled, but she gathered her papers and clipboard from her desk and walked over him. "This is Amakata-san, she teaches classic lit." The man gestured towards the other teacher. "This will be your homeroom teacher."
"Hello, there!" She bowed courteously at her new student, "It's a pleasure to meet you, I am Miho Amakata." Shiro nodded and bowed back. She was very pretty, smoothed and twined brown hair with the same big brown and beautiful eyes. "Hello."
"Class will be starting soon, the homeroom is upstairs on the second floor. Class 2-1." Miss Amakata, along with Shiro and her brother left the office, gestured up the stairs for her student to follow.
"Well, I think it's time for me to go." Hanataro sighed, "Have a good day, Shiro. Best of luck!"
"Mhm.." Was all she could muster. She was nervous, once he leaves she's on her own for the next six hours. She felt a hand on her shoulder, "You'll be fine, don't stress yourself out." Her brother smiled once again reassuringly at her. It was all he could do to keep her relaxed, and that's all she really needs.
She nodded, she gave him a strained smile back. Hana turned to the teacher, "She's a bit shy, but once you get to know her she's very nice and very hard working."
Miho chuckles and smiles at the young man, "She's in good hands."
"Great. Oh, one last thing, Shiro." He leaned his head forward to his sister, a smirk on his face, "When you do meet someone new, make sure it's a guy. Then I can prove to Kaito, once and for all, that you have the ability to kiss."
Shiro's eyes widened, then narrowed. Her face was flushed out from both embarrassment and pure rage at her brother's statement. How dare he! "Hanataro!" The young sister nearly shrieked as she attempted to reach up to grab her brother's collar, but he was too quick. Hanataro stumbled backward all while laughing, "Just kidding! Have a wonderful day, Shiro-chan!" He waved off before darting around the corner to escape his sister's angry wrath.
The young teen sighed before straightening her posture. That Hanataro. "See, ya."
"I'm Shiro, Hamasaki' Announcing to her classroom, Shiro bowed and rose back up 'it's nice to meet you all!"
The overwhelming feeling of people staring at you is never a fun experience when you're a new student. Curiosity, expectations, and unpredictability that comes from someone new. Some will want to know her, what her hobbies are, what she likes to eat, her favorite color, etc.
"Shiro? Isn't that a boy's name?"
"Is it short for your full name?"
"Hey, why do you have a male's name?"
"That's just silly! Who name's a girl with a guy's name?!"
Sadly, this type of situation was very common to her. A very dull problem she has grown used to. "A-all right class, enough questions! Please treat your new classmate with respect!" Amakata-san reprimanded her students, hushing their laugher and loud voices. "Miss Hamasaki, you can take that empty seat in the back."
Shiro complied and spotted the empty chair and desk by the window, second to last seat in front of another, that was currently occupied by a student. Making her way over to her new seat, she noticed two males that will most likely be behind her for the rest of the semester.
One had raven-black hair and eyes as blue as the ocean. A dead-panned expression was present on his features. He didn't look in her direction, rather his focus was currently looking out the window.
The other, however, did take notice when she reached her seat. Another male, light-brown, sharp hair. His eyes were very big and verdant when she made eye contact. He gave her a kind smile, one that Hanataro would give when greeting her in the morning.
She blinked and then nodded at the young man, her way of saying 'hello' before taking her seat. The teacher began her lecture and Shiro's head absentmindedly turned towards the window.
At least I can see the water from here.
After classic lit. was math, then came history. The material was nothing new save for a few math problems she has never seen before. She remembers the time when Hanataro would give her a hard time with equations and formulas, trying his best to break down questions to better understand them. She remembers Kaito who helped her with writing essays and lectured her in history, but it proved very difficult with his handwriting being atrocious.
Finally the bell rang, indicating lunchtime.
Lunchtime was a period she never looked forward to, but since she hasn't made any contact with the other students, this was the perfect time to eat in peace. Thankfully, none of the students didn't bother to come up to her, asking silly and irrelevant questions she had previously suspect would happen. She took out a bento box, a meal made from Hanataro this morning and made her way out of the classroom alone.
"Let's see, the stairs should lead right to the roof." Once in the hallway she spotted the staircase she used earlier. The stairwell should lead her to the top of the building. A few years back in her old middle school, the roof was off limits due to a teacher finding kids setting off firecrackers. Shiro would often sit quietly by herself in the courtyard, watching the other students eat or do activities like playing catch, make up games, play ball and tag.
Shiro made her way up the steps all while hearing voices from below her. The sounds from other students within the corridors echoed and vibrated off the walls and traveled up the staircase. It almost felt eery with the stairwell devoid of life, but was rather peaceful at the same time. Shiro would have lunch here if it wasn't for the small percent chance of someone passing her by on the way up.
Finally she reached the top, seeing light peeking out of the doorway from the outside to the roof. It was already opened? Approaching closer she could hear muffled voices outside. She pressed against the wall and leaned out the doorway to take a quick peek outside before reeling back and cursed. There were people outside, of course she shouldn't be that surprised. Why does it matter?
It did matter because the ones she could hear outside are the same two boys that are in her class. Since she made contact with one of them, there's no doubt that he's curious. They'll want to talk to her and that's something she is not looking forward to.
Shiro sighed and pushed back from the wall. She'll try somewhere, else there had to be a courtyard outside. She silently made her way back down the steps and continued till was on the first floor. Although, she could have stayed there for all she knew they would have ignored her and continued with their lunch.
"Yeah.. that will probably last.. oh, several minutes before curiosity and hormones get the better of them.' Shiro's inner thoughts began to stir as she made her way downstairs to the first floor. 'It will be a friendly at first.. then they'll start asking for your number, what music you're into, where do you hang out.. before you know it, they want to sleep with you!"
She was about to round the corner to get outside when..
"Ah!"
"Oh, excuse me.' She backed up. That was close, she nearly went face first into another student. 'I wasn't paying attention."
"It's alright." The student before shook their head, the student was a girl. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, which swayed back and forth when she shook her head. Her hair color was a deep red.. a cerise color. Almost like a dark cherry, she thought. "Hmm?" The girl in front of her tilted her head. "Are.. you new? I haven't seen you before."
Shiro nodded, "I.. just enrolled today."
"Ah, so you're the new student. You must be Shiro, Hamasaki!" The student exclaimed to her. Geez, it hasn't been a day yet and people were already talking about her. Did Miss Amakata know before hand that her class was getting a new student? All she did was announce her name, that's it!
"I'm Gou, Matsuoka!" The girl now name Gou announced herself, extending her hand to greet her. "Nice to meet you!"
First comes greetings, then comes the conversations. She had to bump into an extrovert. But, she knew she had to at least attempt to talk to someone today, for her brother's sake. Lucky for her, this someone was a looked down and slowly took her hand and shook it. "Yeah, you too. Wait.. isn't 'Gou' a boy's name?"
"Isn't 'Shiro' a boy's name too?"
Touche. At least someone had the gull to retort that to her face instead of hearing it behind her back.
"Are you about to eat lunch?" Inquired Gou after a moment of awkward silence, Shiro noticed she had a packed meal with her, she must have gotten that from the cafeteria. "Would you like to eat together?"
"U-umm."
"If you like I can show you a few places I know of after classes are over." She really didn't want to waste any time hanging around the school, she wanted to go home as soon as possible when done.
But, it's not like she had anything better to do after school besides homework. Hanataro's kind and nagging words echoed into her head at that moment.
"I predict you will make a friend today!"
Curse you and your damn intuition, Hanataro! The ONE time you're accurate.
"Sure." A tense smile appeared on her face, agreeing to hangout with Gou. The first person she has spoken to, and the first person that will become her friend.
To be continued.
Aviantei - Thank you for your positive review and criticism.. you better believe it I am going to take your advice to mind! Your comment has given me confidence and inspiration! Thank you again, and keep those reviews coming!
JordiiPordiiPuddinPie - Ahh, thanks! And thank you for the advice too! I am happy of your review. I hope to see more of your comments!
So, what do you guys think? Like it?! I wanted to put more, but then I realized... maybe I should divide it.. that and I couldn't think of anything else to put, it seemed like a nice note to end on. So I divided it in half. I am working on the second part even as I type this. Who knows, I might that dished out before the next episode of Free!
... Highly unlikely though..
Also some references to SOME knowledge I know about mammals from watching Animal Planet.. and Wiki of course.
Tell me what you guys think!
Till next time!
From your patient reader,
Phoenix.