--+--

Chapter 8

Bad Influences

Mitsuru Kirijo: Smartest girl in all of Gekkoukan High, Student Council President, one of the most popular girls in school, daughter and heir to one of the most powerful corporations in Japan and in the world. She was beautiful, elegant, and a commanding leader. All of these described Mitsuru, and Minato thought so, too. Most people were too intimidated to get to know her, really. The ones who lived with her under the same roof knew her better, but only to a certain degree.

Shinjiro and Akihiko were in the same grade as her, and they knew her longer than anyone else in the dorm. Yukari still had some contempt for her, but she was willing to work for a mutual respect between them. Ken and Fuuka admired Mitsuru greatly, and Aegis thought Mitsuru as the person to answer her questions on human life. Junpei also admired Mitsuru, but he tended to make assumptions that were completely spurred on by the influence of manga. Koromaru…well, he liked everyone, and Minato thought Mitsuru was someone he could rely on.

Though, there was one instance when all the SEES members got to see Mitsuru in a different light. It all started when Junpei was going out for ramen at the Hagakure, inviting anyone else who wanted to go with him. Minato and Shinjiro jumped at the chance to do so. Finding out that Shinjiro was going, Akihiko threw away his protein diet for the night in exchange for ramen. When Ken, Fuuka, and Aegis found out, they also joined in. Upon hearing Minato was going out for ramen, Yukari went along with the rest of the group, and with persuasion from Akihiko, Mitsuru was roped in. Koromaru was promised leftovers by Shinjiro. This was the first time anyone, aside from Akihiko, had seen Mitsuru out of her comfort zone. She was teased when she didn't know "ramen etiquette." She was fascinated with it, and she loved the way it tasted.

A couple days later, Minato, Junpei, Yukari, and Fuuka were off to get something to eat at Wild-Duck Burger, and for the first time ever, Mitsuru had time off her hands. She joined them, and again, she was mesmerized with the fact that you ate with your hands. The second years exchanged sly grins with each other. They all seemed to have the same idea, and the other SEES members agreed. Several days later, Mitsuru was taken to the Wakatsu Restaurant, Chagall Café, takoyaki stand, Game Panic, and Club Mandragora. Each time, this girl who was so intimidating, beautiful, and fabulous, was enthralled with such common things that ordinary high school students took pleasure in. She was always waiting for the next time she would experience something so amazing.

Last night was filled with karaoke, and Yukari and Junpei were just as tired as Minato. Minato was sure Fuuka, Akihiko, and Mitsuru were tired as well. Junpei was the first to sink down in his desk, pulling his cap over his eyes. Minato went down next, hiding behind his textbook. Yukari was going to succumb next. There was no way she could sit through Mr. Edogawa's long lecture without shutting her eyes.

It beckoned him. There was no way to resist, and he did not even try to.

--+--

-November 5, 2006, Sunday

Tsurumaki College

Evening

Minato tugged at his tie, trying to breath. He didn't wear suits very often, but tonight, he was forced to.

"Minato, stop!" Mrs. Arisato rebuked in a low voice.

"I'm sorry, but I can't breathe in this!"

He tugged at his tie again, and his mother slapped his hand. "I said stop!" She adjusted it, making it tighter than before. Minato made small, gagging sounds, but she ignored them. "It's only for a couple more hours, I promise."

"Two more hours?" Minato asked skeptically. "These charity dinners are such a bore."

"Now hush. You know very well this dinner tonight is very important. After all, Takeharu Kirijo is here tonight as well as his only daughter." Mrs. Arisato replied. "We must make a good impression and behave ourselves." Minato groaned silently. "Oh, look. There is Yukari. Go spend time with her." His mother gave him a slight push towards her.

Slightly abashed, he moved forward and gently touched the small of her back. He didn't want to scare her with his greeting – she was getting to be a little jumpy around him since her birthday. Minato had noticed it, and he was sure his sister and friends could see it as well. Yukari turned to see Minato, and she greeted him with a smile. She avoided his eyes a little, and the boy couldn't help but think that they both were starting to cross over the line of friendship and intimacy.

"So what do you think of this party?" Yukari asked, looking around the room. It was filled with adults, mostly the professors of Tsurumaki College. Spouses, relatives, partners, college students, and business associates also occupied the room. It wasn't so much a "dinner", but more of a formal ball for a good cause. There was music provided by a band, and couples were on the floor dancing. Others were eating or socializing.

"I think we are too young to be put into something so proper like this." Minato commented.

"I thought charity dinners were supposed to be a little more laid back, but if hosted by Kirijo, I'm not surprised if the dinner was brought to such lengths."

Minato and Yukari walked around the large room, hearing small bits of conversations and picking up any passing snack. They did not know anyone beyond their own party, that is, until Akihiko greeted them out of nowhere.

"Fancy seeing you here, Akihiko." Minato greeted. Akihiko was in a suit, and like Minato, he was tugging at his tie.

"Yes, what are you doing here?" The girl asked.

"Since Kirijo is our benefactor, we are to make an appearance." The platinum haired boy answered. He turned partly and pointed out where Shinjiro and Miki were. They were standing against the wall, looking quite bored and uncomfortable. It was a first that Minato was seeing Shinjiro in a tux. His hat had disappeared and his bushy brown hair was slicked with gel albeit, it was not taming the mess.

Yukari suppressed a giggle and said, "Shinjiro looks very miserable."

Akihiko cast both a warning stare. "Don't comment on his appearance tonight. He has a good right hook." The three approached Shinjiro and Miki. They began a conversation, and the party became a lot more agreeable. They were later interrupted by a well-dressed man who said, "Mister Takeharu Kirijo would like to see Akihiko and Miki Sanada and Shinjiro Aragaki." He saw Minato and Yukari and added, "Your friends are allowed to come as well."

They all looked at each other before following the man. They were led to another part of the room where Takeharu Kirijo and his daughter Mitsuru were conversing with other associates. Like that day he and his friends saw her behind the Gekkoukan High School gate, Mitsuru still looked gorgeous. The way she stood made her look like she was in control, and her eyes spoke that sparkle of wisdom beyond her years. Minato had a hard time comprehending that Takeharu Kirijo was Mitsuru's father. His looks were rough, well kept black hair, and gray eyes. There was a black eye patch over his right eye, and Minato almost wanted to speak like a pirate. Mr. Kirijo did not smile, his face distorted from all emotion except seriousness (much like Shinjiro's).

"Now these," Mr. Kirijo began, pulling forward Minato's friends towards the group, "are the orphans I have been sponsoring. This is Akihiko Sanada who has enormous potential as a boxer, Miki Sanada who has a beautiful voice, and Shinjiro Aragaki who shows talent in culinary arts." Minato and Yukari felt out of place as they lingered behind Shinjiro and Miki. Mr. Kirijo noticed this, and pulled them forward. "And you must be their friends."

"Yes, sir." Minato replied. "I am Minato Arisato, oldest son of Koji and Hotaru Arisato."

"And I am Yukari Takeba." Yukari added. "I am the only child of Echiiro and Keiko Takeba."

"Koji Arisato and Echiiro Takeba are professors here, are they not?"

"They are." Minato answered.

"As Akihiko takes pleasure in boxing, his sister in singing, and Shinjiro in cooking, but what do you find joy in?" Mitsuru asked.

"I personally like archery, but of all else, I like shopping and fashion." Yukari replied. Mitsuru's eyes narrowed slightly. The way Yukari and Mitsuru looked at each other felt cold as if Antarctica has stepped between them. Their views and lifestyles were completely different and it would not be a surprise if they did start butting heads.

"I happen to find joy in a lot things." Minato replied. "I do track, and that's good when I have to burn off some steam. Reading is a good way to improve the mind, shopping but only when my mom, my sister, or Yukari are dragging me along." The boy stood on the spot, thinking a little more. "I play video games when I feel like staying inside, and above all else, I listen to music."

Takeharu Kirijo reached into his coat and took out a cigarette and lighter. He blew a couple smokes and then said, "So you are one of those who are undecided about what to do with your life."

"You could say that."

Akihiko stood up a little straighter and said, "If I may speak, Mr. Kirijo…" Mitsuru's eyes that were on Minato the whole time snapped up to Akihiko now. "I think that it is fine that one has many things to take joy in. You have more opportunities to experiment different paths before settling on a decision."

"That may be so, Akihiko, but if one waits until the last minute to make a decision, it would be a waste of time, wouldn't it?" Mitsuru asked.

"Don't mistake me. I don't intend to make my decision until it is too late." Minato answered. "I have been contemplating either being a music manager, or becoming a professor like my dad."

Mr. Kirijo and his daughter tried studying Minato's face. Yukari frowned. She was almost getting the feeling that Mitsuru was judging her childhood friend and her based on what they liked to do in their spare time. The red head didn't say speak anything evil about it, but she was thinking about it. She was probably thinking that shopping and worrying about the latest fashion was a waste of time, and not knowing what to do in the future was a terrible crime.

Well, excuse me! It isn't our fault that your future is already planned out for you! Yukari thought furiously.

"Well, Mr. Arisato and Miss Takeba, hopefully, I will see great things from you." Mr. Kirijo replied.

--+--

-November 6, 2006, Monday

Minato's room

Late Night

"Hopefully, she isn't so uptight at your school." Minato replied over the phone.

""Uptight" isn't the word for it, Minato." Akihiko cut in.

Shinjiro snickered. "You're right, Aki. "Uptight" isn't the word to describe Mitsuru Kirijo. Try pompous, snobbish, old-fashioned, and a hardass bit--"

"Shinji!!" Miki yelled.

Minato had originally called Akihiko, and in turn, he put the phone on speakerphone for both Shinjiro and Miki to hear. No one else in their dorm was in the lounge to hear this conversation – they were all in their rooms for the night.

"Mitsuru is smarter than anyone else in the class. She's proper, popular with the teachers and faculty, and the student body loves her." Akihiko described.

Shinjiro sniggered again and said gruffly, "Of course she's popular with everyone. She's the only daughter and heir of the Kirijo corporations. Anyone will suck up to her. If you manage to hit her up--"

"Shinji!!" Miki yelled again.

On his end, Minato lay down on his bed, pulling the phone away from his ear. He could hear both Sanada kids yelling at Shinjiro for being a bad influence on Miki with his foul language. After several minutes, he put the phone back to his ear and said, "No matter what you say, I still think she's uptight." He scoffed. "You should have heard Yukari during school today. She wouldn't stop ranting about her. She called her an arrogant, spoiled brat."

"Heh. Good to know Yukari is thinking along my lines." Shinjiro commented.

"I like her." Miki cut in. "She's actually very nice."

"Only when she can spare you a moment out of her busy life." Akihiko added. "Though I wonder if she has any friends."

"Her status drives probably drives everyone away." Minato suggested.

"No surprise there."

Miki stared at the phone and said softly, "I think she's actually very lonely." Shinjiro and Akihiko stared at each other, and on the other end, Minato slowly pulled the phone from his ear. Mitsuru probably was.

--+--

-November 8, 2006, Wednesday

Community baseball field

After School

A baseball diamond stood in the middle of a small community of apartment complexes. The buildings towered high, leaving the field somewhat bare and empty. This afternoon, the field was no longer empty. Minato, Junpei, Akihiko, Shinjiro, and few of the guys from both Adachi and Konata Middle School were crowding in this field. This community field was well known to everyone in the city. This field was one of the only ones to be in the city without having to travel to the suburbs.

"So what is this all about?" Mitsuru asked. While all the guys were deciding on teams, Yukari, Mitsuru, and several other girls were sitting on the ground against the chain link fence surrounding the baseball field.

"These guys are spending their afternoon playing a game of baseball." Yukari explained in simple terms.

"How come I was invited?"

"If you didn't want to come, then you should leave right now." Yukari snapped. "You were invited because Akihiko, Shinjiro, and Minato thought you could do something more interesting than schoolwork." Truth be told, this game was pretty last minute. After Miki had commented on the suggestion of Mitsuru's loneliness, a plan was formed to get Mitsuru to gain some friends. Junpei and Yukari were added in the plan the next day and they had little time to prepare.

So the baseball game commenced. Teams were divided so Konata and Adachi students were separate and then some were traded to make both sides even. Both sides were evenly matched in skill. Minato noted that Junpei was not so bad at baseball after all. He had potential but still needed practice because when swinging the bat, he always stepped off on the wrong foot. Maybe Minato would have to fulfill his own end of the bargain.

Shinjiro stepped up to the plate now. Minato was pitching for his team. He turned to his team, signaling them to spread out and move farther back. He was very aware of what Shinjiro was capable of. Shinjiro was all about brute strength, here and in reality. Minato pitched the ball, and sure enough, Shinjiro hit the ball with everything he had. The ball spun in the air, over the heads and gloves of Minato's team. It collided through the window of one of the apartments.

Everyone fell silent. Mitsuru looked at everyone, wondering why every person's face was white. Okay, so a window was broken, so what? All they had to do was apologize and pay for the damage. Mitsuru watched Yukari and the other girls struggle to their feet, and she, too, did the same.

"You know that was Fujiyoshi Tadashi's window, right?" Shinjiro asked.

"We know." Junpei answered.

Five…

In silence, everyone gathered their belongings.

Four…

Both teams began leaving the field as quickly as possible.

Three…

The girls followed behind Yukari. Mitsuru was still puzzled as to why this was such a big deal to each.

Two…

Yukari caught Minato and Junpei's eyes and mouthed words to them. In turn, they got the attention of Shinjiro and Akihiko and repeated Yukari's words to them.

One…

This was it. Minato had anticipated this, and now was the time that—

"WHAT THE BLAZING HELL IS THIS?! WHICH BRAT WAS THE ONE WHO BROKE MY WINDOW?!" yelled Fujiyoshi Tadashi.

The quiet filing of middle school students turned into a stampede like animals running from a lion. Everyone broke into a mad run to escape the wrath of the cranky old man. Yukari grabbed Mitsuru's hand, and pulled her along as she ran.

"Wait! What about the window?" Mitsuru yelled.

"Are you crazy?!" Yukari yelled back. "This is Fujiyoshi Tadashi we're talking about here!! It would be best to run!"

"W-why?!"

Yukari didn't hear her over the sound of stampeding feet. Even though they were distancing themselves from Fujiyoshi Tadashi, not one person stopped running. This stampede headed for the train station. Shinjiro, Akihiko, Junpei, and Minato boarded a different train from the others, and as the doors to Iwatodai train were closing, Yukari and Mitsuru slipped passed them. They all sat on the seats, trying to catch their breath.

"I don't think I've run so much before." Junpei panted.

"At least we escaped Mr. Tadashi." Minato pointed out.

"For now!" Yukari added.

"I still don't get it." Mitsuru cried out. "Why did we have to run away? Isn't it the right thing to turn yourself in and work to pay for the damages?" They all looked at each other and then at Mitsuru.

Junpei adjusted his hat and said, "I think you are the only person not to know."

"Know what?"

"The window we broke was Fujiyoshi Tadashi's. He is the dirtiest, nastiest, crabbiest man in the city." Minato explained.

Akihiko coughed and in a low tone, he said, "That's how Shinjiro will be when he is an old man." His best friend glared at him and without another second thought, his fist collided with Akihiko's gut. He grimaced. He was used to punches, really, and the joke was completely worth it, too.

Yukari pretended to not to notice that Shinjiro had just punched Akihiko. "I swear he's also a pervert. Anytime he gets near some girl in a school uniform, he gets overexcited." She said.

The train stopped at Iwatodai station. Mitsuru reluctantly stepped off with the others.

"We should get something to eat." Shinjiro replied. He coughed slightly and said quietly, "Ramen."

"Ramen sounds good." Junpei agreed.

"Ramen?" Mitsuru asked. This was all new to her.

With an amused smile, Akihiko said, "Yeah, ramen. It's what orphans and poor college students live off of." Minato, Yukari, and Junpei snickered.

"Studies have shown that the ramen at the Hagakure is good for your complexion." Yukari added, pulling Mitsuru with her. The heir to the Kirijo corporations succumbed to her curiosity and followed along.

The rest of the day mirrored that day from Minato's reality. Mitsuru ate her first bowl of ramen, and her questions were poked fun at. She didn't seem to mind though. Her normally serious face lightened up and she was enjoying herself as she laughed along with her new friends. She wasn't so lonely anymore, and it was all thanks to their bad influence.

--+--

Minato raised his head. He checked his watch and saw that class had ended five minutes ago. It was lunchtime now.

"Hey, Minato!" Junpei called. Minato rubbed his eyes as he looked up at his friend. "We should all go do karaoke after school!"

"Today's Wednesday, right?" Minato asked.

"Uh…yeah."

The boy slipped off his chair and stretched a little. "Then we can't after school. Mitsuru and I have a Student Council meeting, and she says it's important enough to require my attendance."

Junpei kicked the floor and said, "Well, that's too bad. I really want to hear Mitsuru sing "24 Wishes" again."

Minato grinned. "We can always pass on Tartarus tonight and head for Club Mandragora again."

The other boy slapped his friend on the back. "Good call!!"

Thank goodness this chapter is done now. I thought that I wouldn't be to finish it for some weird reason. So now, Mitsuru is added to the group. Yay! I remembered some of Mitsuru's early events in her commu, and that was when Minato took her out for ramen, takoyaki, and Wild-Duck Burger and those scenes always make me laugh. I noticed that Shinjiro hasn't gotten a lot of dialogue, so I was able to fit him in with his...choice of words. xD At the end, "24 Wishes" was chosen because Mitsuru's Japanese voice is done by Rie Tanaka, and "24 Wishes" is a song on one of her CDs. Irony. Haha. Anyway, next chapter will be...ironic in a way. The next scenario was planned to be the next chapter, and ironically, I'm going through what Minato does in the next chapter.

And by the way, thank you all for the reviews!! ;-; You guys made me so happy with them. They always make my day. Really. So, tell me what you think of this chapter as well!