In a Fruits Basket - Chapter 11: First Impressions
Recap:
Kyo snapped, "Why didn't you tell us you and Haru were going to the same high school?"
In the middle of the chaos, I just slapped my forehead. Aaaand, that's the end of our relaxing hot spring trip.
Shigure took his chopsticks and picked up a piece of his sushi. He held it to his mouth, but stopped to say:
"Yes, well, Hatsuharu and Momiji are like younger brothers to me. So naturally I will have to attend the entrance ceremony. It's only right that I should be there to support them on such an important day."
The rest of us froze, and looked at him with blank stares. We all knew what he was thinking, we just didn't want to say.
"Okay," Shigure sighed, breaking the silence, "why are you all staring at me like that? I hope you're not thinking I only wanted to go to see all the pretty high school girls!" He continued to eat.
"We're not thinking, Shigure," I began.
Yuki added, "We know."
"Oh, tsk, tsk, tsk! My word, you youngsters have little faith!" Shigure said dramatically, shaking his head.
"Aw, just look at the first years!" Mai cooed, clapping her hands together. "The first day's going great so far, eh?"
She gazed out the window, watching each new student walk into the school. Pink petals from the trees below were carried by the wind and drifted outside. Mai pressed a hand on the cool glass windows, as if reaching to grab one of them.
"Mai, this isn't even your classroom." Kyo sighed, resting his feet on the desk in front of him. "And besides, nothing happened yet."
"Girl's got the nerve to skip class and hang out. I admire it," commented Arisa, waving her hand.
I shrugged. "Well, class hasn't started yet. Just watch, when the bell sounds, Mai's going to run back to class like the good little girl she is."
"Like you're the one to talk," Mai mumbled. "You sound as if you aren't one either."
"So where's the prince today?" Arisa asked.
I replied, "He's been helping out with the orientation committee."
Mai leaned her head against the window. "Hana, Uo, did you know there are more Sohmas coming to this highschool?"
"Oh, really?" Arisa asked. Mai nodded her head.
"Which reminds me, I thought I sensed Shigure's electric signals at the ceremony coming from the parent's section," Saki said.
"Right, he came for those two," I lied with a fake smile.
"What a fool," Saki murmured.
"So tell us about them," Arisa said. "Are they boys? Girls?"
"Boys." I answered simply.
"Yeah, and they're so cute!" Mai smiled.
Arisa stroked her chin as she thought, and mumbled about how she can teach them stuff about skipping class. She turned her head to face Kyo.
"Yo orange top, go get them." She extended a hand, gesturing him to go.
"Yes, that's good. Go get them." Saki added.
"Why do I gotta do it?" Kyo snapped.
"I want to see them!" I said, already making my way out.
"Me too!" Mai said and followed. She stopped and turned around. "Come on, Kyo!"
"Oh please," he replied, "I already see too much of those guys as it is."
"But we'll get to see them at school!" Mai said, tugging at his sleeve.
"Cut it out!" He yelled, "You're starting to act like Momiji!"
"Maybe he acts like that around you, but wouldn't you want to see how he acts around other people? How he acts at school?" I added and joined in, pulling him up. "Even Hatsuharu! Wouldn't that be a weird thing to see? Let's go already!"
"F-Fine!" He sighed and stood up.
"We'll catch up with you guys later." I smiled at the two and left with Kyo and Mai.
"He sure has a hard time saying 'no' to you," Mai whispered.
I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."
"So what class are Momiji and Hatsuharu in anyway?" Kyo asked dully, sticking his hands in his pockets as we walked down the halls.
"Huh?" I asked.
"You don't even know!" he shouted.
I argued, "I thought you knew where they were!"
"Weren't you listening to Yankee earlier? She said, 'Go find them'!"
"No, she said, 'Go get them'!" I said.
"Same thing!"
"Not really!"
He paused. "Okay, just wait here, I'll go ask." He sighed and walked up to some first year students.
"Man, I can never tell. Are you guys friends, or do you hate each other?" Mai said softly, running a hand through her hair.
"Whatever," I mumbled, my head hung low. "Why don't you go help us out? Go find Yuki or something." I waved her away, then leaned against the wall.
"Uh, um, sorry, excuse me?" A voice asked. I spun around, finding a first year boy, fumbling with his fingers nervously. His tie wasn't fixed properly.
"Yes?" I asked politely.
"I-I'm having trouble finding my classroom," he said softly. His wavy brown hair fell over his eyes.
"What's your name?" I tilted my head.
"T-Takeo Sato," he stammered, "I'm in class 1D."
"Class 1D?" I exclaimed. "I used to be in that class. My name's Arya Nadeshiko. Nice to meet you. And um, may I?" I walked closer to him and began to adjust his tie. I gave him a warm smile. "If you go straight down the hall, it'll be the first class on your left. Easy, right?"
He gave me a shy nod, and replied, "Thank you, Arya-senpai."
I laughed softly, "No problem, kid. Ah, but I'm not a senior yet. Just call me Arya."
"So, Arya," he began nervously, "you don't mind dating someone a year younger?" He lifted his eyebrows in a mischievous yet innocent way.
I laughed once more and gently punched him on his shoulder. "Get to class, kid. You know where it is."
He smiled, "Thanks!" He walked off to class, a bit more confident than before. I was glad I was able to make a positive impact on the boy's first day at high school. Suddenly, I noticed a group of other first year boys, undoing their ties, running up to me, and asking where their classroom was.
"Hey, stay in uniform!" I said to them, pointing at their ties.
"I was never good at tying ties! Could you tie it for me, please?" A boy asked.
"I can't find my classroom!" another said.
I got overwhelmed and I didn't know how to react, or what to say to them. A hand shot between me and the group of first years.
"Miss Arya is really busy. Please don't bother her, first years." Riku Yamamoto, the same boy who gave me chocolate on Valentines Day, stepped in front of me. I peeked over his shoulder.
"And like she said, stay in uniform. Or do you want me to tie it for you?" he asked teasingly.
"Naw, I'm okay, thanks," one replied.
Riku laughed. "Alright then, get to your classes."
"Okay." They all said together.
"Enjoy your first day!" He smiled and waved as they walked away.
I sighed, straightening my shirt. "Thanks, Ku-kun, I owe you one."
"Oh? W-well, I can't have these first years all over you," he joked. His gaze was fixed on me. I resisted the urge to look away. "So I was wondering, Arya," he began, blushing a bit, "Maybe- maybe..."
"Yeah?" I asked, nodding.
He rambled on. "I-if it's okay with you- I mean, if you're free this weekend, d-do you want to spend it with me?"
I inhaled deeply, "Uh, Ku-kun..." I pouted a bit. How am I supposed to say this? "This week, I've just been so busy with chores and since school's started, homework's gonna be a bitch. I'm running a lot of errands so..." I trailed off.
He shook his head. "I don't like where this is going."
I gasped, "That's not what I meant, I mean - I'm busy this weekend, but any other -"
"I'm free next week, too," he added, a smile creeping at the corner of his lips.
Oh crap. What am I getting myself into? "I- I guess-" I began.
"Yo." Kyo walked back to us and shot a glare at Riku.
"Sohma," Riku replied and slightly bowed his head.
Kyo mirrored him. "Yamamoto."
"Oh, Kyo," I smiled, "did you manage to find them?"
"Yeah, some girls are getting them," he said, his focus still on Riku.
Riku's expression hardened. His jaw tightened. "So, Sohma -"
"I have a name," Kyo cut in. "It's Kyo. Just call me Kyo. I don't want to be mixed up with that damn Yuki."
"Then you can call me Riku," Riku replied.
The tension in the air was killing me. I just wanted to speak out and tell both of them to go away. They looked at each other, then finally, Riku faced me.
"Well, Arya, I should head back. I'll see you later."
"Okay. Bye, Ku-kun." I smiled.
He smiled back, then just gave a quick glance at Kyo before he left.
"Seriously, Arya? You gotta be kidding me." Kyo sighed, "What the hell is 'Ku-kun'?"
"What?" I scoffed, "Kun. It's called a formality or an honorific."
He replied, "Formality my ass. I call it 'stupid'."
I furrowed my eyebrows, "What's so stupid about it?"
"You keep calling him that and he'll start to think you've got a girly crush on him or something," he said. "And why do you gotta be so friendly to him?"
"He saved me," I protested, stabbing my finger on his chest. It came out a little more dramatic than I wanted it to.
"Saved?" He repeated and scoffed, leaning forward. I flinched and took a step back. "All he did was tell some first years to go to class! At least stay alert when you're alone."
I argued, "But I wasn't alone. I was with -"
"When you're alone-" he added a bit more sternly, "even when you're alone with him, just keep your guard up."
"You can't tell me who I can and can't hang out with! What are you, my father?" I snapped.
"You're just too nice, Arya. Someone's gotta say 'no' for you!"
"You want me to keep my guard up?" I asked. "Fine!"
I shot a glare at a group of students that past us. I lunged forward, so close, if I moved any closer, I would've tackled the girl in front of me. Kyo yelped and pulled me back.
He sighed, "I said when you're alone!"
"Whatever!"
"You don't have to worry about it when you're with me."
"Then what's the difference if I'm with Ku-kun?" I questioned and faced him.
His eyes widened, as he tried to find the right words. "I didn't mean anything funny about that! I was just sayin'!"
"Okay," I murmured sarcastically.
He burst out, "Don't get the wrong idea!"
"Hm?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "I never said I had an idea."
"Ah-" He bit his lip, forcing himself not to speak anymore.
"Arya!" Momiji's voice echoed through the hall. He sprinted towards us and waved, a huge grin plastered on his pale face.
"Momiji!" I smiled. He was about to hug me, with his arms spread out. Before we touched, I cupped his face in my hands, stopping him from coming any closer. "Whoa, there." I laughed, then my voice dropped to a whisper. "No rabbits allowed in the hallways, got it?"
I looked down and examined his clothes. He was dressed in the girl's uniform: a dark blue sailor's top, a white striped tie, with matching blue shorts. He wore black dress shoes and white knee-high socks. Then to finish it up, he even added a blue beanie hat that rested on the back of his blonde head.
"Momiji, you're wearing the girl's uniform," I said, stating the obvious. I released his face and gave him a smile. A fist landed on the top of his head, causing him to smash against the floor.
He bounced back up, already wailing, "Kyo's hitting me!"
"Idiot!" Kyo shouted, "What the hell are you doing wearing the girl's uniform?"
"Good morning," Haru said plainly, in a tired tone.
"Yeah, what's so good about it?" I sighed, slapping my forehead.
"At least you're not wearing a girl's uniform!" Kyo yelled.
I got a glimpse of Haru before I looked back at Momiji. Haru was dressed in his uniform. He wore chains and necklaces in the place of a tie, and his shirt had the first few buttons loose. He looked... good.
"It's okay for Momiji," Haru commented. "It suits him."
"Yeah, it does!" Momiji grinned.
I agreed. "It's cute on him. Mai would love it, too."
"What difference does that make?" Kyo snapped.
"Momiji?!" Mai squealed from across the hall.
Yuki was walking beside her, with the usual serious look on his face. Mai ran and almost hugged Momiji. I stopped her, shoving her shoulders back. She stumbled and nearly fell. I caught her hand and pulled her back up.
"He's just so cute! I'm really sorry." Mai sighed.
Momiji laughed, "It's fine! I missed you, Mai."
"I missed you too!"
"Uh, Momiji, what in the world are you wearing?" Yuki asked, in a shocked tone.
Haru's jaw dropped ever so slightly at the sight of Yuki. He walked up to him, and greeted him with a gentle punch on the stomach.
Yuki sighed, "Hello, Haru."
"So, Mai, you're in your third year of high school?" Hatsuharu asked, raising his eyebrows. "I swear you were three years older than me."
"I am." She nodded, then looked a bit embarrassed. "I just stayed here another year. I'm not ready for college or university yet."
"You - WHAT?" Kyo shouted, his jaw wide open, "Can she even do that?"
"It's nice to see you, Haru. How are you?" Mai asked casually, ignoring Kyo.
"I'm fine, thank you." He smiled, "But you're certain this is your last year?"
"Positive," she replied.
"What do you plan to be anyway, after you graduate?" he asked.
Mai? Continuing her life in the anime world? That's hard to imagine. I bit my lip, as I heard her respond: "Maybe study medicine, like Hatori."
"Cool, you can be his new assistant, or something," Haru said.
Embarrassment flushed over her face once more. I even felt my face grow hot too. Haru didn't intend it, but it did sound like he wanted Hatori and Mai to get together, since Kana was Hatori's assistant before.
"Oh, I- I didn't mean it like that, Mai," Haru said, as if he read our minds.
"R-right!" Mai answered, nodding quickly, "I knew that."
"Hey, listen, listen!" Momiji spoke up, shooting a hand in the air. He explained his plan on "playing cool at school".
"How the hell can you call wearing a dress cool?" Kyo snapped.
"A valid point, Kyo Sohma, class 2D. And while if I find that orange head of yours disagreeable, I will ignore it for the moment. What I cannot ignore is a boy wearing a girl's uniform to school!", bellowed a nerdy-looking boy, with thin framed glasses, and carefully combed hair. "It's just beyond outrageous and even if your teachers allow it, I will not! For I am the school's Student Council President, Mokoto Takei!"
This guy's insane. Bossy, too! How is he President?
The Prez continued, his glasses lenses reflecting off the light, turning opaque, like all animes do.
"I'm also known as-" he began.
I turned to face Yuki, and mouthed out the words he spoke, "Captain of the Campus Defense Force," with a depressed expression.
Yuki managed a small laugh, before Prez Takei began to walk towards us. He walked with an air of pride and confidence, with his chin held high. Stupid, pride and confidence, that Haru was about to mess with moments later. Momiji just ignored him and even unwrapped a cherry-red lollipop, and began licking it happily.
The other three Sohma boys mumbled under their breath, "What a complete idiot."
Momiji was already on the verge of bursting into tears. I couldn't stand to watch him get insulted and scolded by Takei like that for one small dressing mistake.
"Please," I said, stepping between them, spreading my arms out in a protective way. "He's still new at the school. He isn't very sure on the rules yet."
"Hm," Prez began, a serious look on his face, "Arya Nadeshiko, I know you aren't a new student here at Kaibara High, and you know the rules, but I do believe you were dressed in the boy's uniform once, were you not?"
"Once, Prez. Once," I repeated, emphasizing the "once".
"And your hair. Unacceptable. No blue and green hair. It's not natural!" He began to lash out on me. "I don't know what trend you and Mister Sohma are trying to set here, but I will not allow it!"
"Shut up." A voice said. "Leave them."
I spun around, trying to find the source of the voice. To my surprise, it was Kyo.
Takei cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. "Pardon me, Kyo Sohma, but I was only giving these students advice, which would've been obvious to anyone with common sense! Now, I think you're talking to your Student Council President, so I recommend you don't talk to me like that again -"
"Or what?" Haru stepped in, picking at his ear with his finger. "You're nothing more than another student like the rest of us, just with a stupid, fancy name. So quit shouting like you're king of the friggin' world." He snapped his head back and shot a glare, his eyes like daggers. "You're making my ears bleed, you bastard."
All of our jaws dropped. Mai's especially. She's never seen Black Haru before.
"Now I've got some common sense for you," Haru said coldly. He walked up to the Student Council President, with a mean look in his eyes. "If I didn't wear a tie, it wouldn't change who I am. If I had no piercings it wouldn't mean I'm nice, and if my hair wasn't black, it wouldn't stop me from kicking your ass!" Haru grabbed him by the collar and smirked.
"What- the- hell?" Mai whispered.
Our expressions darkened as Kyo, Yuki and I gasped, "Black Haru."
A dazed, probably scarred, President ran off to his class, shouting, "I'll get you! I'll get you all!" He disappeared, followed by the two girls who accompanied him.
"So who were those people anyway?" Momiji asked innocently.
"Beats the hell outta me," Haru deadpanned.
"Uh, Haru-" Mai choked out, her jaw still open from Black Haru, "I don't get it. How did you manage to convince him that was your natural hair colour?"
Haru smirked, "Oh, alright." He took her by her chin. "Why don't you come with me and see for yourself?"
Mai yelped, "Excuse me?"
Yuki and Kyo's fist met Haru's side, sending him to the wall.
"That Black Haru is just too much." Kyo grumbled.
I sighed, "Let's not worry about it too much, okay?"
The first bell went off, and the other students scattered, leaving the halls empty. I waved at the two first years. "I'll see you guys later." I smiled. "Enjoy your first day."
"Why don't we all walk to class together?" Mai suggested.
Momiji shook his head and replied, "I actually remembered I have to tell Yuki and Kyo something."
"Okay," Mai nodded, "we'll see you, then. When's your lunch period-?"
"Mai, just go," I said, pushing her. I turned to face the Sohmas and gave them a small smile. As we made our way to class, I asked, "Mai, you serious about this whole extra-year-in-high-school-thing?"
"It's anime. What else should I do?"
I questioned, "What do you mean?"
"I might mess up the story anyway, right?" She whispered. "I should at least stay one more year."
I shrugged. "Fine, your decision, not mine. But, you're gonna have to deal with Motoko, the President of Yuki's fanclub."
"Motoko, Mokoto, I don't care." Mai laughed.
"You seem to be in a good mood," a chilling voice said from behind. I blinked multiple times. Mai looked surprised too.
"Who-" she began. I jabbed my elbow into her ribs. She froze and clenched her teeth, forcing the scream to stay inside her mouth.
"Hello," I replied to the man as I faced him.
He walked up to us. Mai took a step forward, so she was beside me. "Would you happen to be Akito?" I asked politely.
"Yes, I am, Miss Arya Nadeshiko," he replied. Akito had very pale skin, and dark eyes and hair. My heart almost leaped out of my chest. He knows my name. Oh crap.
"Greetings, Akito-san, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. This is my sister, Mai Nadeshiko." I bowed deeply.
Mai did the same, and added, "Yes, a pleasure."
"You two are very polite. You seem to be good people. I'm glad. And not only that, you're extremely cute," Akito said.
My eyes widened in shock. Luckily, he didn't see my reaction since I was still in my bowing position. He lies. I straightened my back, and faced him. Liar. "Cute?" I murmured. "No, not really."
He wrapped his arms around his waist, laughing softly, "So you're modest too. I mean it, you really are cute. You sure are something, Arya-san."
"Akito-san, may I ask what brings you here?" Mai asked politely.
"I can't miss the Sohma's first day at high school." He smiled, revealing white, even teeth. He was good-looking actually, and young. But he had a bit of a girlish face, almost like Yuki. I personally thought it looked better on Yuki, though.
"I believe I haven't properly introduced myself." Akito announced, "I'm Akito, head of the Sohma family. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mai-san, Arya-san."
"Please, Akito-san," I began. Gosh, how I disliked hearing my name before a formality. "You may call me Arya." I finished calmly, waving my hand.
Akito smiled again, sending shivers down my spine. I managed to return it, but I think I just ended up showing my teeth in an unflattering way. Another reason why Akito will find me ugly.
"You may do the same for me then." Akito replied, "Call me Akito."
I made up for my mistake before by smiling once more, with my lips firmly closed. The corner of my lips gently curled. I even felt some colour rush to my cheeks. It didn't matter though, because what ever I do, he'll still hate me. The thought beat me on the inside.
"I do hope we can be friends, Arya," Akito said, closing his eyes.
I knew beneath his eyelids, his eyes were burning and flickering with disgust and anger. He opened them, showing his dark eyes, like mysterious, hypnotic pools.
"You too, Mai-chan. Let's all be friends. Just as you are with Yuki and Kyo."
"Yes, likewise. Thank you, Akito," Mai smiled nervously and bowed once more.
Akito lifted a finger towards me. I inhaled deeply, anticipating the moment he touched me. "You have very interesting hair," he complimented, his fingers only millimeters away.
"Akito!" Yuki called out, he ran up to us, and gave him a shocked look.
"There you are," Akito replied coolly, placing his hands to his sides. "I've missed you, Yuki."
"What did you do?" Yuki questioned him.
"You look so grown up now, I think you've even gotten taller," Akito said casually, ignoring his question.
"What did you do?" Yuki repeated firmly. "Tell me: What did you do to Miss Nadeshiko and Mai?"
Akito walked up to him and answered, "Nothing at all. We were simply introducing ourselves, right, girls?" He faced us.
"Yes, no need to worry, Yuki," Mai said softly, in a soothing voice.
The smallest hint of a smirk appeared on the corner of Akito's mouth. "Now that I have you Yuki, there's been something I've been dying to ask you." He placed a hand on Yuki's cheek. The colour drained from Yuki's face at his touch. "Why did you skip the New Years Banquet?" Akito asked, "Why would you think to do such a thing? I've been quite tolerant lately, have I not?" He continued, taunting Yuki with his words. He got to the point where his voice was barely a soft, eerie, whisper. "Perhaps, I need to take some time to re-educate you. In that little room? The one I keep especially for you."
Yuki's eyes twitched in terror, and he didn't move, like a deer caught in headlights. My heart raced. It was a slight jerk, like an arm spasm, when I pushed Akito away from him. Akito took a step back and gave me a cold stare.
Shoot. "I'm so sorry, Akito." I said breathlessly, so shocked by my actions, "It's just- we have to get to class and punctuality is very important here. We wouldn't want to be late."
"I understand," Akito replied.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was still in shock. "It was so nice meeting you, Akito. I hope to see you again."
He nodded and with a few more parting words, slowly walked out of the school. Yuki stayed silent the entire time with his mouth trembling.
Class ended early today. We all met up at the back of the school.
"We're going to get you back from that ping-pong game!" Mai hollered, in her sing-song voice. She acted as if nothing happened. She flashed a small grin at Kyo. "Right, Kyo?"
"Yeah." He mumbled, "But why badminton? I hate badminton."
"Shut up," commented Arisa, as she swung her racket around, "Just get in position."
The game started. It was Yuki, Momiji, Arisa and I on one team, and Saki, Mai, Haru and Kyo on the other.
Arisa served, and the birdie flew high into the air. It was very light and softly drifted towards the other side. Haru hit it back, but was saved by Momiji. Momiji giggled, as he hopped on one foot, and lightly passed it over the net. Kyo dashed towards it and sent it back really hard, even though it wasn't necessary. Mai whooped and cheered as the game progressed. It started to die down as my team began to score more points.
She served, calling out, "This one's for you, Arya!"
It was coming towards me and I was in a swinging position. I couldn't help but grin as the birdie hit the racket. I swung my arm and hit the birdie back. I looked up and watched it make its way to the opponent's side.
I felt a pair of eyes stare at me. I turned and blushed a bit, when I realized Yuki was watching me, with a small smile on his face. It's been a while since he smiled like that. I was happy.
A few days passed, and Mai, Yuki and I were spending some time at Yuki's secret base while Kyo went out to train. We just began to plant new crops. The carrots, turnips, leeks, and strawberries were almost ready to harvest.
"It's getting a bit chilly," Mai pointed out, rubbing her arms.
"We're almost done. You can go back to the house if you like," Yuki suggested.
"You sure?" she asked.
Yuki's stomach growled. He clutched his stomach and added, "Well, I'm hungry, too."
Mai and I laughed. She stood up and snapped her fingers. "Here's an idea. While you two clean up, I'll head back and start making lunch."
My stomach growled in reply too. I wrapped my arms tightly around it, as if to shut it up. I added, "Yeah, sounds good."
She smiled, then skipped back. Yuki and I began to clean up, putting back the small shovels and hoes into a pail.
"What do you like best out of these, Miss Nadeshiko?" asked Yuki.
"Oh, the leeks," I joked.
He chuckled, "Sounds tasty."
"We should grow some more berry bushes. Wouldn't that be neat?" I commented.
Then, a high-pitched scream cut through the air and bounced around in my eardrums. It was Mai. I bolted up and sprinted towards the sound of her voice.
"Mai?" I called out. "Mai! Where are you?"
Yuki caught up pretty quickly and asked, "What could've happened?"
We skidded to a stop at the sight of Mai, crouched over, cringing, with her arms around her chest.
"Mai!" Yuki and I gasped. I questioned, "What's wrong? Did you fall? Are you hurt?"
"No... There's- there's something in my shirt!" she cried.
Yuki growled, raising the shovel he was holding, as if it were a weapon.
"Wait," I quickly said, feeling my heart start to quicken.
Suddenly, a white snake, with ivory scales and golden eyes, slithered out of Mai's shirt. Mai shivered, then let out a yelp. Yuki's and my jaw dropped. Before he could even react, I fiercely grabbed the snake by its head and held it to Yuki's face.
"Just a critter," I breathed. I didn't usually pick up snakes so casually (in fact, I was afraid of them), but my gut told me that this one wasn't an ordinary snake.
His face flushed with rage. He mumbled, "I'll kill him." He helped Mai up. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine now." She sighed, fixing her shirt.
"How did this get in there, huh?" I asked, shaking the snake.
"It was so fast. It shot out of those clothes," she pointed to the pile of red clothes, "and went into my shirt. I kind of- I tried to swat it away and fight back." She murmured.
I imagined an insane Mai, punching her chest. I said in a dull tone, "Don't tell me you killed it." I brought the snake closer to my face and squinted, trying to get a better look at it. It stared back at me.
"Its eyes are opened, aren't they?" She reasoned, "I didn't kill it."
"You should've." Yuki sighed.
