Chapter Two: Touya
The train ride, thought Touya Akira, was acceptable at best. He couldn't stand the fact the Shindou was once again late. It seemed like the guys was always just messing around. Except, he thought, during Go. When Shindou payed he transformed from a silly child into a serious player who Touya could fear as well as respect.
During their last official match, Shindou had almost beaten him. One and a half moku wasn't very much. And yet, Touya had indeed won. Still, Shindou kept getting better and better, forcing him to improve as well. Touya wondered, as usual, what would his Go be like if he had never met Shindou. He had a feeling he wouldn't have been so determined or moved as quickly towards his goals. Challenging and annoying as Shindou was, Touya had to admit, he was glad to have met him.
They arrived at their stop before long and after after a brief argument between Touya and Shindou on which way the academy was, started towards their destination.
"Woah," Yashiro exclaimed as they all stared at the large gates and impressive front of the Ouran Academy. In the center of the flawless stone grounds, was a fountain with a statue expertly carved from marble in the shape of an angel.
"Aren't you lucky," Shindou nudged Yashiro.
"Guess so," he simply replied as a well groomed boy with black hair and glasses emerged from the building.
"You must be our guests." He said, with a polite, yet non sincere smile that reminded Touya of his own, "Please, come this way."
After waiting a second for Yashiro to speak for them, Touya bowed and told the escort that they were honored to be in such a reputable school. He nodded before leading them into the building. Shindou rolled his eyes at Touya and chatted with Waya. The two of them and Yashiro kept on looking around themselves in awe. Touya, not wanting to look like an idiot, kept his eyes on the back of their leader and his back strait. He found himself pleased with his choice of his favorite purple suit. It matched the male's blue school uniforms well.
They went up a lavishly decorated grand staircase, through many halls, and finally arrived where they were to meet the head of the academy. Their guide, the third son of the Ootori family, excused himself. Touya led the group into the large office before them. Upon entering, they all bowed and wished the principle a good morning.
"Welcome," he said, eyes gleaming at Touya, "You must be the honor student!"
"I'm very humbled that you would think so, but the honor's student is actually that young man," Touya said with a blush, pointing Yashiro.
"Oh!" The principle said, "My apologies. I should have figured that an honors student couldn't possibly afford that kind of a suit for casual wear."
"Uh, I am very honored that you have chosen me for your school, ." Yashiro said with a bow.
"No need to be so formal. I find it fascinating that you are so interested in our academy. Might I ask why you applied?"
"Um well, you see," Yashiro started rubbing is hands together, "this place seemed really nice."
"I'm glad to know you hold this academy in such high regards. You are free to take your leave and explore the school grounds yourselves or if you like I can find someone to escort you."
"I think we'll be fine by ourselves, but thanks for the offer," said Touya. The four of them walked out of the room.
"So, where should we go first?" Asked Shindou.
"I'd like to check out some of the class rooms," said Yashiro.
"That's so boring," Shindou exclaimed, "We should check out the Go Club."
"And what again was boring?" Yashiro scowled.
"I'd like to check out the Go Club too," Touya said calmly.
"I'm hungry," Waya started with a sigh, "But I guess I'd be fine with checking out the Go Club before lunch."
"Fine, we'll go check out the Go Club," Yashiro said crossing his arms.
"Look here," said Touya, pointing to a map, "It says the Go Club is held in the third library."
"How many libraries does this place have?" Asked Shindou.
Touya didn't reply. Instead, he started walking off toward the third library. After searching through two, that apparently weren't the correct one, and taking many twists and turns, the group was lost.
"Good going Touya," Shindou started.
"Be quiet," The other boy reprimanded. They were standing outside large double doors with a sign reading Music Room Three overhead. They could hear some chatter coming from inside.
"How about we ask for directions?" Touya offered.
"No way! Give me the map and I'll figure it out, after all I am a man." Shindou snapped, grabbing for the thing.
"And you're saying I'm not?" Touya asked offended. He wouldn't let Shindou get it, not if the idiot didn't show him any respect.
"It's not just me. Ask anyone, and I mean ANYONE at the institute who they think is the girliest guy and they'll all say Touya Akira." Shindou informed Touya.
"Well," Touya retorted, "If you ask anyone, and I mean ANYONE at the institute who the best you Go player is, they will also say Touya Akira. And incase you care, 'girliest' isn't even a word."
"I don't," Shindou said firmly. It was clear that Touya's words upset him as much as his did Touya.
Without warning, he lunged for the map. However, Touya had known Shindou long enough to read when he was going to attack. He jumped back and the two kept on fighting over the piece of paper while shouting. Seemingly fed up with it all, Yashiro and Waya opened the doors. The scent of sakura and rose peddles drifted through the air. Dressed in attire from the Heian period was a group of seven school boys.
"Welcome," they said. Touya and company didn't know what to think. Shindou however, looked the most shocked of all.