"So before you go, I just want to inform you that your major requirement to pass this subject is to accomplish a five day attendance as a student-teacher in a kindergarten school. I'll assign you into teams," their homeroom teacher said.
Everyone groaned after hearing the last part, 'I'll assign you into teams'.
"Don't forget to reflect on our lessons as you observe there," the whole class muttered unnecessary noise. Why is it like the whole class hated the activity?
"Stop isolating your other classmates. That's very impolite, you should know that. A group of five people will do, so the grouping would be that horizontal line from your seats," with that, their teacher left. Everyone turned their heads to check who are the people with them, then laughed because they are with their desired people still.
But no laughter of assurance from Miku Hatsune. The transfer student is with her, as well as Oliver, the class nerd; Neru Akita, the cheerleader; and Gumi, the class president. Miku was wondering if it was really normal for her classmates to snap their heads in her direction, or they were just fond of gossiping. However, at the moment the whole class snapped their heads to the back row, silence ruled the space.
Gumi stood.
Oliver stilled.
Neru shrugged.
Len stared.
Miku was already walking out of the class. She didn't miss those loud whispering voices, of course, talking about her, or maybe about the people who unfortunately was in her group. As much as possible, she doesn't want to work on teams for she can perform better when alone.
Closing the doors behind her, Miku released the breath she has been holding all along. 'This is not easy,' she thought and grasped tightly on the book Mikuo gave her. Oh, yes. She'd rather read than to worry herself. That's right, she thought and paced quickly to buy a snack from the cafeteria then spend her two hour vacant subjects to finish the book.
It was actually easy for her to buy food. People don't want to get near with her so it's not a hassle. Soon, she found herself sitting under a tree, the tree in the school yard beside the library. She stared up as she ate quietly, curiously gazing at the rays of sunlight escaping the gaps of the leaves.
"What are they called again?" Miku grumbled, doing her best to remember the term. "Whatever," she gave up thinking for something playing at the tip of her tongue. Her snack was quickly finished so she jumped over the handrails and ran towards the library.
It is dreadfully quiet as she skipped towards her safe haven. Students don't visit the library as often as she does, her school has been nurturing a bunch of book haters, sadly. The scent of the history filled her nose as she closes the distance between her and the main entrance.
"Hatsune? What brings you too early here?" The librarian asked as Miku commenced inside the book paradise. Miku stirred, uncomfortable with the sudden welcoming of the librarian. "No classes?" The librarian followed up, seeing Miku's fidgeting. She received a nod from the awkward tealette so she motioned her to find a seat.
Miku quickly chose a table far from where the librarian could pry her. There is this seat, a small table, perhaps it was the only table meant for a person (unlike the rest of the desks in the library which are meant for group of people). The seat is beside the window, well lit by the sun, complimented by the trees at the garden outside.
Settling herself down there, she put on a goal for the rest of two hours and that is to finish The Little Prince.
After being trolled by his new classmates, Len finally escaped the wave of curious girls who kept on bugging him why he suddenly enrolled in. As if he'd say, Len shrugged upon remembering how the class asked about it. Not the class, really. Just the girls, the annoying, girly, loud, face painted girls.
Len was actually missing but he doesn't mind. He was informed by the green haired girl, who appeared to be the class representative, that they have two hour vacant subjects for today because the teachers are in a meeting. Given that, he have two more hours to find his way back to his class and at the same time, explore the school. His lips formed a straight line as he found himself in the middle of four hallways that he doesn't know where will it lead him. Silence was deafening as he stood there, maybe he has gone far enough to drift away from the noisy dimension of the school.
Len chose the one where he sees trees at the end. Maybe, if he get out of the building, it will be a lot easier to find his way back.
Len Kagamine, age 16, was dismissed from being home schooled. His father, Leon, finally decided to send him to a normal school setting for him to socialize. Len realized that it will not be healthy for himself to stay solitary forever but he's pretty sure that in the end he will end that way. So after what seemed to be all his life, Len was finally enrolled in a high school. Although at first, he was nervous, he couldn't hide the excitement as well. He had read a lot about high school setting in novels so he wanted to experience what most of the novel characters felt about schooling.
It was Sunday then. He was excited to tell the owner of the coffee shop, where he always spends his mornings for breakfast, about the news that he will be attending school tomorrow. The sun was out, making his hair more brilliant despite the fact that it is already blond. His running was in constant pace but slowed down upon seeing a teal haired girl from the distance. He was fifty meters away but he clearly saw the tealette seated on his usual spot and that angered him slightly. It's Sunday and nobody sits there during this day. Once he got in, the aroma of the brewed coffee filled his nose, together with the scent of the shop's pastries. But then, seeing the owner not on the cashier, maybe he could order first and wait for the owner to come out of the kitchen.
Len walked towards his favorite seat, savoring the bitter scent of the air that almost died out in sweetness of what seems flowers, as he closed the distance towards the girl. He was pretty sure that it was the girl's perfume. That was his favorite scent, his mom used that perfume before but suddenly changed heart. Poor thing, he loved that scent.
Maybe I can talk to her, Len thought as he read the cover of whatever she is reading. The Little Prince, that is one of his favorites! The blond came close to let her feel his presence, as he wanted to have his first ever attempt of socialization to go smooth and amiable.
"Excuse me," he began. "Can I share this table with you?" Len waited for an answer but the girl deadpanned and looked at him. He won't deny that she is pretty, probably beautiful if she will only smile. She whipped her head around before bringing the book back to her face with the words of rejection;
"I refuse."
The blond found himself walking in another empty hall where one can hear the shushing of the wind and the grumbling of the trees. The deafening silence roared in victory as he slowly roamed towards an unfamiliar door. Once again, the silence aired when the shushing of the trees died out.
His feet aimlessly brought him inside the library. So this is the library, he thought as he gazed around the grand place. He looked over to the librarian's table, only to see there is no one there. His foot glided on the shiny floor as he walked quietly. It took him not so long to see the tealette-whatever her name is, her face buried on her arms folded on the table, her other hand holding a book loosely.
He blinked. Len looked at his watch to check the time, and yes, they have half an hour left before the next subject starts, before the extended break time ends. He paced towards her but stopped when he felt a light tug on his left sleeve.
"Don't get near to her. Don't try talking to her," Len turned around and faced their class representative, Gumi, carrying two books against her chest. Her face showed some emotion he could conclude as. . . disgust.
"The class will start soon, she has the right to be informed." Len coldly said.
"People who refrain communicating exiled that kind of right, Kagamine." Gumi released the part of his jacket she is holding to hold him back. "She distanced herself from the class so let her be, that's her choice. I know that she is responsible enough to know when will the next subject begin."
"Okay, as what you say. But why can't I talk to her? That one is clearly my choice, Miss President." Retorted Len. He was slightly offended by her statement for he is one of those people who refrained communicating but that doesn't mean he won't listen.
"Communication is a two way process. You need a clear feedback and that girl doesn't give a thing. She can't conform to the class because she carries on without anyone's consent, continuing to be weird and perfectly fine by herself. I tried talking to her, trust me, it won't work." Gumi turned her back after hearing footsteps around. Maybe the librarian was back.
"I really don't understand why we have to give up ourselves just to fit in, not like I'm going to do that." Len loudly muttered as he walked towards the sleeping tealette.
"Hey," he tapped her shoulder and she slowly lifted her head. "Next subject will begin." He informed then turn around to leave. He heard no noise that indicates that someone walks behind him. So, let her be. He. . . couldn't possibly call the girl by her name.
He doesn't even know. His concern now is to follow the class president back to their class.
Miku stared at her book: The Little Prince. A superb piece of literature that made her doubt about her life, a little. She overheard the so-called Kagamine, if she's not mistaken, and the class representative talk. Usually, she isn't affected by anything. It's just. . . she just finished the book. She is stooping on the table, reflecting on what the wise prince said, then her classmates suddenly cut her train of thoughts.
"I really don't understand why we have to give up ourselves just to fit in, not like I'm going to do that."
And Miku is certain that she will never forget what he said.
The tealette entered the classroom five minutes before the next class starts. Quietly, she sat on her seat, unseen by anyone. The book remained on her hand, her eyes never leaving it, until she heard the door slide opened and the subject teacher entered.
A sigh escaped her lips, "So much for thinking about that."
The class discussion carried on. Some of her classmates were sleeping while eyes open, some were naturally passive listener to every teacher that afternoon. Soon, it was already time for dismissal and everyone seemed to be alive again, ranting how boring Math is.
"Yes, very true for common people who hated facts and exact descriptions, for there is no thing that can't be explained by numbers. It really surprised me how astronomers predicted the life possibility on this Kepler-planet by just presenting equations and - "
"Hey,"
Miku stopped thinking, or so she thought. She lifted her head from fixing her things. The classroom was already empty and it was just her and the orange light radiating the room. Why didn't she notice that she was alone? But that never bothered her.
"Hey?" She looked to her side and saw the blond staring at her as he slung his bag over a shoulder. The sunset casted an illusion that the blond has orange hair instead. His unnerving icy gaze held her deadpanning one, making their silence somewhat comfortable. "Do you usually talk to yourself that loud?"
Miku's eyes widen after realizing that she has done it again. Of course, she wouldn't admit her embarrassing mishap. For all the while, she thought it was an internal talk. Too embarrassing, she scolded herself mentally. Too embarrassing.
She has to deal coldly with this, like what she usually does. Miku shrugged and stood to take her departure.
"The class representative want us at the school gate. About the kindergarten thing," he announced.
But Miku continued to walk away. She won't drain herself to listen at the group's plans during the observation or wherever the observation may go maybe. An e-mail to Gumi will do, since Miku was a zillion times a nice talker virtually than personally. Guess why? Miku believed that when you talk to people, you can't actually edit what your head is telling you to blurt out, especially during an outburst. And she doesn't want to offend people as much as possible.
Miku wasn't sure if the group of people waiting on the gate were her group or not. She never cared. So when the night came, she sent Gumi an e-mail, asking what they have decided. The class president told her what the exact decisions that has been made. Miku noted that these rules and the primary school was personally selected by Gumi and Neru, knowing that the two were best buddies and both superior - same reason why she didn't attend the so-called meeting. Simply, it's good for nothing.
"Okay." Was Miku's reply, then wrote down the said primary school on her notepad. Tomorrow, the observation will begin and she has to inform her parents that starting today, she will always be home later than six in the afternoon.
The hated time of the day came and the class left to go to their chosen primary schools to observe. Miku walked behind her group, and the blond what's-his-name walked silently behind her. After walking for what seemed to be forever for the tealette, they arrived at the school. Gumi instructed that the group is divided into 2-3 persons group. As expected, Miku came with the blond, perfectly sure that the cheerleader is more comfortable with the nerd rather than the class freak. Excuse her.
Miku and the blond, she's not sure if it's Kagamine, or Kaga-yeah, whatever, entered the play room. Or what seems a playroom for Miku. There were ten little cute annoying kids who yelled a hello when the two of them entered.
"Children, this is teacher Len and teacher Miku," said the primary school teacher in front.
Miku was left on the door stand as the blond, Len as what the teacher said, maybe the teacher was noticed by Gumi before hand, trotted in front and cheerfully socialized with the kid. Miku remained glued on her place, feeling so much pressure whether or not, she would be there. The truth is, she is afraid. Kids never liked her, based on her experience. So instead, she watched him as every kindergartner liked him.
The children . . . the grownups. . .
If she was a nicer kid before, a girl who preferred dolls rather than books, will her class like her? If she chose people than fictional characters, will she be in good terms with every person she meets? Does she regret this loner route she is traveling?
"Space out more and the kids will think you're a zombie. Stop scaring us and join the game instead." Len snapped a finger in front of her. She was startled and was forced to look at his face - that face everyone talked about since yesterday. Given the close proximity, his blue eyes seemingly pierced through her soul. Before she may zone out again because he is surely a beautiful creature, she looked and walked away.
No, she can't. She can never stop being herself. That means, to deal with the kids will drain her and scare her for she feared that the kids may not welcome her the way they welcomed Len.
Miku strolled around the compound. The autumn air was filled with such sweetness that tells her that a downpour is just around. The maple leaves, red, brown and yellow laid on the ground, crispy and fragile. Every step she takes creates a laughter from the mocking leaves- the noise she hated most. Laughter.
She hated so much attention. Miku never liked it when all eyes seemed to be caught by her. She knew that it will be followed by laughter, ridiculing every flaws visible to people's eyes. The laughter that soon become commotion then to any kind of noise. . . she hated all of those now. It all seemed to be directed to her and she couldn't bare it anymore. But once in her life, someone never made fun of her. It was just a disappointment that he didn't finish middle school with her since they went overseas. So, the only person who gave her the most comfortable silence was no longer around. The only person who read books with her, the boy who recommended new books to her during holidays, was somewhere in the globe and has forgotten her completely, maybe.
The sudden (weird) feeling like she misses this childhood friend badly made her ache. Again, that twitch in her chest was because she has finished reading "The Little Prince" and everything seemed to throwback against her. This is her little problem: every time she reads a book, she internalizes everything that's why she couldn't stop being sentimental. Blame the authors for writing such good literatures, she couldn't get over.
Since she is too preoccupied, Miku felt the unanticipated rain against her skin. The fleet of water droplets fell quicker and heavier and soon, she was soaked before she crashed against a wall. Then the rain stopped after she hit the hard thing.
'Wait, what wall?' She looked up to see the blond glaring down at her with those electric blue eyes, while his hand was holding an umbrella. Miku was annoyed, at that moment why did she feel like his eyes are telling her that she is helpless.
"Go away," she spit out and turned to walk away. But he held her back.
"I understand what's running in your head," he coldly declared.
"Stop talking as if you know me. We just met yesterday." Miku yelled, shaking his hand off her wrist while soaking herself more with the rain. "And people who talk to me ends isolated too so let go,"
"I hate people, don't worry." He replied, calming her quickly. "I understand you. I have no friends, I'm home schooled for all my life until now. It happened that you're the first one I tried talking to, the last day in the coffee shop. And that means a lot to me, to someone who never socialized."
"I don't care. Just stay away. Talk to someone else worthy,"
"No one in the class reads 'The Little Prince', only you. Do you know that's my favorite?"
"Let me go or I'll call a police and tell you're harassing me!" Miku squirmed against his grip again.
"Is it really this hard to talk to others?" He slightly raised a tone, his grip became tighter but loosen instantly. "Sorry." Len released her and turned away, leaving Miku alone.
"I didn't know that my instinct failed me for the first time. I thought we'll get along because she is just like me, but I'm mistaken." Len thought as he told the teacher that he is not feeling well so he will leave for today. Walking against the blurred alleys, the blond was agitated with how childish is she, how selfish his supposed-to-be-first friend is. And he knew from then on, he isn't really meant to socialize since he's ways of acquainting was creepy.
xxx
Miku plopped down on her bed, groaning like a wolf in disgust. She thought that if she would get a shower, she could also wash away the memory of how oppressive the transfer student was. It's just too soon, isn't it? He is a complete stranger and yet, he acts as if he knew her for long. How can he run to her and share an umbrella? How can he force her to talk? Is it just her or he has the possibility to be so clingy? And if he really wants to get a normal life, why does he have to talk to her even she obviously radiates lack of interest? Albeit she warned him about her? Most importantly why do these thoughts bugged her?!
"He is disturbing my life! He is! Argh!" Miku shifted on her bed, her hair scattered in pools against the bed sheet. That moment then, her eyes felt a sting, her skin felt the numbing cold air and she felt empty. Just like that, a tear fall from her eye. And before sho could admit to herself what does this emptiness mean, she closed her eyes. Those long lashes kissed her cheeks, concluding that, yes, she isn't crying.
xxx
He stared at the row of books on his table. He got that feeling like what all he wanted to do was to stare, but ending up clueless. Those hard bound books are just like him, covered by something hard to conceal the softness of his pages, the tenderness of his internal voice, the wordless cries and agony, the abstract longing of something cannot be bought in any store - friendship.
Len never thought that he will get tired of being alone when he has been used to it for all the years. His room felt like it needed to be filled with laughter of him and a friend, bonding and making memories that most friends would love to recall in their latter years. It's just a distaste that he felt this way - contented if he would befriend with the one ignored by the class, the one who occupied his seat in the shop when he isn't around, the one who doesn't want friends, the one who he used to be before - a female anti-social.
But maybe, just maybe, things just won't work out right at the beginning.
[PRESENT]
"Len, why are we in your apartment to celebrate my day?" Miku complained as she settled herself on his luxurious couch - in which he gets paranoid when Miku scratches the leather when they are watching a horror movie. She watched how Len seemed to flip his place while looking for something he is not saying at all.
"I want to go home," her voice hinted her tiredness and boredom. Why not? Her best friend promised to take her out for her birthday but ended up in his place, asking her to sit? Why didn't he invite her for a sleepover instead?
"No, you won't and you can't. I'm searching for a gift for my mom - it's her birthday tomorrow, and I want to give it today before we go to the party - here it is!" Len came out of his room while blowing the dust from a small box.
"What party?"
"Yours. Our workmates organized one, they said you're to aloof and they don't want you to think that you're unwanted with our current work. Don't tell them I spoil it, okay? Oh, here. Look at this - !" Len threw the box to Miku and made his way to the kitchen to have some drink.
Miku curiously examined the box and opened it, to be welcomed by a shining diamond ring - the same ring she has been fantasizing silently when she and Len went to the jewelry store to look for his mom's birthday present. A smile amusement spread on her face as she pulled it out and raise it against the light- making it more lustrous than before.
"Len, this is so pretty. Can I try this out?" She asked running to him in the kitchen. Len watched her slid it on her left ring finger and her smile got wider. The blond laughed in his thoughts, wondering that she's so cute when amazed.
"That looks good on you," Len casually stated as he grabbed her arm and dragged her out of his unit. Miku looked troubled - the box was left on his couch.
"Hang on a moment, I left the box on your-"
"Miku. That ring is all yours,"
They stood face to face. Len's icy stare never felt warm unlike today as they continue to space out with each other's face. Miku's left hand was placed against her heart as she gaped at Len, slowly internalizing what he just said. The wind blew against their faces and that icy coldness summoned them back to reality.
"Are you serious?" She chuckled, teary-eyed as she looked on the ring again, then to Len - a smiling Len.
"Yes. Now that you get my answer, let's go to the party and celebrate."
"Wait," She pulled him back, hesitating whether or not she will tell him that she's fine with his company alone. But avoiding the chances that he may take it differently, she said another fact. "You know that I feel drained with crowd. I can't."
However, Len never takes "no" as an answer.