Yo, been a while once again and before you ask, no I had not been arrested. (yet) I will explain what happened in Haiku:
Got new computer.
Keeps crashing every moment.
F****n Windows 8.
Well to be fair, it is actually the computers fault because of faulty drivers, but windows was not making it any easier. To make a long story short, I lost everything, well not everything, but I did loose the original chapter 4. Of course a had a back up, unfortunately the back up was only 10% finished. Rather then being a d**k head and spend another month redoing it, without uploading anything or being a greater d**k head and just upload it as it is. (Although that would be funny to me.) I decided to make use of this half of this side story that I had in case something like this happen. So I apologize for the drop in quality as this was last resort.
April 7/09 Morning :Gekkoukan High...
"Hi, my Name it Hamuko Inoue, I hope we get along for the school year." I introduced myself in front classmates.
"Inoue-san here transferred from Kyoto." my teacher Ms. Toriumi, said "Now Inoue-san, if you can sit in that seat over there, we can get started on our lessons." she pointed at a seat somewhat in the middle. I nodded and moved towards my seat for the year.
Homeroom is over, and I'm free for the rest of the day. I haven't seen Arisato-san or Nyx-san all day today, should I go looking for them?
"'Sup, dude!?" Shocked, I turn to see a my classmate. He had some facial hair and had a cap on, do they allow wearing hats in school? Then again, they allow Yukari to wear that pink sweater in class, maybe the dress code is lenient. "Haha, you look like a deer in headlights."
"Who are you?" I asked in return.
"Me? I'm Junpei Iori. Nice to meet ya." Junpei answered, "I transferred here when I was in 8th grade. I know how tough it is being the new kid." really now? "So I thought I'd check up on you, make sure you weren't freaking out on your first day." That's sweet of him, I was about to reply to him when I heard a sigh beside us.
"At it again, huh? Honestly, is there any girl you wouldn't hit on?" Yukari asked, "Did you ever think you might be bothering someone?"
"What? But, I was bein' friendly."
"If you say so." Yukari then turned to me, "Anyway, some coincidence that we'd be in the same homeroom, huh?" It kind of was,
"It took me by surprise." I chuckled
"Haha, you too?" she smiled
"Um, hello? Did you forget I'm in this class too? C'mon, let me on the fun!" Junpei interjected "By the way, do you guys know each other? I heard you two came to school together this morning." Where is he going with this? "A couple of cuties like you, walking side by side... The whole class was buzzing about you."
Oh, I know, I heard it in the Ceremony, did we really give off that aura?
"Ugh... Could you cut it out? I hate dealing with rumors like that?" Yukari grumbled, "I mean, I'm used to it, but she just got here, you know? Don't you feel bad, spreading rumors like that?" I appreciate the kind gesture Yukari, but I'll be fine. "Well, I've gotta to take care of some archery team stuff. Don't try anything funny, you got that, Junpei?" She then just turn and left, from the way they talked to each other, I gonna assume they know each other.
"What is she, your nanny?" Junpei groaned, "Well, just to clear something up, I seriously didn't come over here to hit on you or anything." Oh that's good to hear, it's still kind of early to go through that right now. "If you ever have a problem, you can tell your ol' pal Junpei about it!"
"I'll remember that." I replied, I'm grateful that someone is kind enough to offer that.
"Heh, cool. Well I'll be seeing you around, then."
I decided to look for Arisato-san or Nyx-san, eventually Junpei found me in the halls and somehow persuaded me to let him walk me back to the dorms.
"Whoa, check out the jocks on their run." he pointed to a group of runners out on the field. "Hey, did anyone tell you about the school clubs yet?"
"No they have not actually." I answered,
"Girls can join too, so why not do it if you're are interested?"
"That sounds interesting." I nodded
"You'd be joining as a new member, though, so you won't be able to apply for a while."
"When will be that?" I couldn't help be disappointed,
"I uh, don't remember, hah hah." Junpei scratched his head, " So anyways, did you hear about the new transfer students?"
"You mean me?"
"Well no, I mean there are two new transfer students in 12th grade and they- oh." he pointed over by the leaving train, I squinted my eyes and see two familiar teens by the window. You mean those are my senpais? No wonder they reacted strangely to my greetings. Still, I should probably apologize to them, the way I acted towards my seniors, especially to people I just met is not very acceptable, then again they probably don't care based on how they acted.
"Yo, Hamuko, you there?" I found Junpei waving near my face, I moved his hand away.
"You mean those guys?" point at them, making sure I got the right duo.
"Yep. The mysterious duo senpeis, rarely seen without each other, extremely good looking, especially the chick. Rumors has it that they came from Greece, and came to Japan to further their studies."
"Rumors? You mean you couldn't just ask them or something?"
"Well, when ever someone tries to talk to them, they would just ignore them like they didn't hear anything."
"Really?" that does not sound right.
"Actually, the guy tries to answer the questions, but the she would just drag him away, stopping any chance to learn about them."
"Ok, that sound a bit like them." walking towards the station.
"Wait." I turn to see Junpei catching up to me, when did I past him? "You met them before?"
"Yah, they showed me to my dorm yesterday." Junpei and I boarded a train, we chatted about many other things for a while.
We eventually went our separate ways after we reach the dorms, Yukari and Mitsuru-senpai were inside.
"Welcome back." Senpai greeted, with a book in her hand.
"Thanks." I replied, signing the sheet on the counter.
"You really shouldn't be outside on your own at night. It's too dangerous." she said, flipping a page. "Anyway, you must be tired. You should get a good night's rest."
"Aright." I nodded my head, I wasn't that tired yet, so I moved to where Yukari is sitting at.
"Oh, hi. What're you doing?" she asked,
"Just looking around." I never did had the time to examine the place.
"Well, there's not much to see..." there is an awkward silence between us. "You're probably tired, huh? Maybe you should got to bed early tonight."
The way they keep trying to get me to go the bed early makes me feel they are hiding something aren't they? I would ask about it but they would probably dodge the question, and I don't want to start anything for now. Sighing, I tread up the stairs to the 3rd floor. Opening the door to my room, I heard something from the 2nd floor. Must be another student that lives here, ignoring it I closed the door and gazed out the window. I wonder what is going on that they would try to get me to tuck in so early, if it was senpai telling me it is curfew then there would be no problem, but Yukari was also suggesting it so I can't help but be suspicious.
What could be so important, was it the concern about Apathy Syndrome? It seems like a viable answer but something tells me that there is something bigger going on here, more then meets the eye. A yawn escapes me, looks like a few more days until a full moon, I changed in to my pajamas and slipped into bed, slowly drifting of to dreamland...
April 8/09 Afternoon: Gekkoukan High...
The lunch bell had rung so I had went to the first floor counter to buy some bread. Along my way to the roof top, I spotted Arisato-senpai heading the same way.
"Hey Arisato-senpai!" I greeted him, he slowly turned his head around. When he saw me,
"Hello Inoue-san." his eyes, it had been a while since I had seen a pair that was filled with any strong emotions. However senpai's eyes, they look so empty, almost like his life is nearly drained, did something happed between the last time we talked?
"Are you going to eat at the roof as well?"
"Well yes, I rather enjoy eating in silence." his eyes narrowed for a second, he must of realized something, but ever mind that.
"Great! lets go then." I stepped on the first set of stairs,
"That kind of defeats the purpose of eating in sil-."
"Come on." I pulled him up the stairs, I have not talked to him at all yesterday, I am not giving him a change to escape.
"So how long have you known Nyx-senpai?" I asked him, we were sitting near each other but on different benches.
"Hmm..." senpai put his 10th bread down to think, I don't know whether to be impressed or a bit jealous that he can eat so many without gaining a single weight, I mean where does it all go? "It has been such a long time that I honestly don't remember." So they must have been childhood friends, interesting.
"So how did you two meet then?"
"What is with those questions?" he raised an eyebrow, "Anyways, it was not exactly on good terms, she wanted to do something I did not like and we got into a fight, for quite a while actually." he chuckled dryly, I am not really surprised.
With their attitudes, it is quite difficult to believe they would got along, and based on the rumors that somehow quickly circumvented, Arisato-senpai is a cold individual that does not seem to care the world around him, sleeping in class. Nyx-senpai is also a cold individual, also not caring about the world around her and yet not afraid to voice her opinions around her. Even the teachers are not safe from her criticisms, but despite those rumors, those guys' popularity are rising. Both are extremely attractive probably helps and yet they are rarely seen apart. Granted, they are not the most popular thing talked about and I still hear more rumors about me then them. Then again, these are just rumors and I have talked to them before.
"How you guys get along then after all this time then?" I tilted my head,
"Inoue-san." he looked straight at me, his blue steel eyes piercing my soul, "While I am fine with answering most questions you might have, please don't ask any personal stuff between us."
"I understand senpai." I nodded, however, "Could I ask one more question about you guys?"
"Is it something personal?"
"...Sort of." I said sheepishly, this is the longest time he has ever looked at me.
"Depending what it is." he sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head "I may or may not answer." he takes a huge bite from his bread.
"Are you and her going out?"
...
To his credit, while he is very shocked at the question, he did not choke on his bread. Rather, he calmly chewed his food before swallowing it,
"Honestly." he muttered, "While I know that rumors can spread like wildfire, how did it spread that fast? It has been only been two days yet rumors like that are already around."
"I never said it was a rumor senpai." I gave a sly smile while raising my eyebrows suggestively. However he just gave me a bored look, like he was not fazed at all.
"Look, I am not ignorant to the rumors about... Amaya and I. Think about it, two people that came from a far country and are rarely seen apart, If that does not smell like breeding ground for rumors then I don't know what is." he threw another bread wrapper to the trash bin, "What I don't understand why it spread that fast."
"That does not answer the question senpai." he is just delaying it, but the inevitable can't wait no more.
"If you must know." he sighed in defeat, "Then the relationship between us is-."
The door beside us flew open, CURSE YOU FATE! Nyx-senpai appeared near us, looking a bit more annoyed then usual..
"What's wrong?" Arisato-senpai gave small smirk, turning to face her "Someone you can't scare off for once?"
"It would not be the first time." Nyx-senpai said slapping Arisato-senpai on the shoulder.
"Grk!" he cried out, dropping face down to the floor.
"Senpai!?" I kneel down near him, is he alright?
"Tsk. You had all night and day and you are still not recovered yet?" Nyx-senpai crossed her arms then turned to me "Anyways, I know you are having some sort of important discussion with him, but I need to talk to him at the moment."
"About what?" I tilted my head
"Something between him and myself."Noticing my concern about him she added "Don't worry about this idiot, he is paying the price for overworking himself."
"Oh don't start." I hear senpai groan from below us, but she ignored him,
"If it is that important, I guess it could put off till later." I couldn't help but feel dejected, I turn away from them and a walked towards the door.
"If it makes you feel better." I hear her sigh behind me, "You can have him for the rest of the night." did I just hear that right?
"Don't I have a say in this?" the voice forgotten on the floor said.
"Quiet you." she snapped, "Anyways, do you mind?"
"Uh, sure not at all." was the last thing I said before closing the door. Giving a huge sigh, I walked down the stairs, I couldn't help but wonder what is their relationship with each other. At first, they seem like inseparable friends, never seen apart, now it's like they bicker like siblings. Overwhelmed by curiosity, I slowly climbed the steps and silently placed my ear near the door in case one of them suddenly opens it unexpectedly. From the sounds of it, they must be in a middle of an argument.
"For the last time, we are not going there until you are fully recovered." Nyx-senpai's voice rang out,
"But-."
"No buts. We have nearly an entire year to figure this out, and I rather not drag your dead weight again."
"What if-."
"You will not take a step in that place until you are well, do I make my self clear?"
"I still think we should at least-."
"Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?"
"...Yes." Arisato-senpai finally relented after a lengthy pause,
"Good." Nyx-senpai said, relief hidden in her voice. "I know how stubborn you can be, I'm satisfied that I don't have to tie you up or something." The bell rings through out the school, signifying the our break is over. While moving towards my homeroom, a silly thing popped in my mind.
"Whatcha smiling about there Hamuko?" a voice called out beside me, turning to see Junpei walking beside me. "Did something good happen?"
"Oh nothing important Junpei." I replied, shaking my head, No matter what their relationship is, it's obvious to any one to see who is the dominant one.
School finally ended I was waiting near the front gate for senpai, after all Nyx-senpai never said where he was going to meet me, even when he was practically forced into it. You know waiting for senpai like this, it seems like a da-
"Hey." I hear him behind me, shocking me, I quickly spun around to greet him.
"Senpai, when did you get behind me?" did he had ninja training or something?
"I literally just walked past you." he replied, "You look distracted, anyone could of sneaked up on you. Whatever you were thinking about must have been a big deal right?"
"Right heh heh..." I scratched my head in embarrassment, senpai walked away before beckoning his head indicating to follow him. "Where are we going?"
"Away from prying eyes." turn his head slightly to face me, "Unless you prefer to talk with the crowd around us." I had now started noticing that students had formed a crowed just a bit behind us, even Junpei a bit off to the side giving me a thumbs up.
"Right behind you." rushing towards him.
"So why here of all places?" Don't get me wrong I like Paulownia mall, I have been here a lot as a kid but, "I thought 'away from prying eyes' means a less public place."
"Because they won't follow us here if they respect our privately." senpai said walking towards the pharmacy "Besides, I need to get some supplies since you know that I can't really anywhere until I am healed due to an... injury." darn, his face is looking right at me.
"Was I that easily detected?" My went red being caught eavesdropping,
"No it's just that I have been at this for god knows how long, that I had developed greater senses." What kind of fights did they get into that he had be so aware of to develop something like that?
"Does she know as well?" I referred to the other half of the duo.
"I don't think so." he answered, I sighed in relief. "Then again, I was not exactly looking at her at the time." Only for my heart to freeze, "Anyways it does not matter, if she did know she would have done something by now." I calm down internally, "But she is very patient, willing to wait an entire year to strike.
"Alright I get it, just please." My heart can't take it anymore.
"Oh?" even when I'm behind him, I could still see him smirking, "I thought you wanted to know?"
"Senpai, ever heard that ignorance is a bliss?" we stopped at the counter.
"Welcome." the storekeeper greeted us,
"Here." senpai handed him a slip of paper to the clerk, his eyes widened at what was on the paper,
"That's quite a lot of things here, some are not even on sale yet, how do you know of these things?"
"It's fine."senpai waved his hand in dismissal, "Just send then to me his soon as they become available."
"T-that's not how it works." The clerk stuttered, "I mean I am glad you have much faith in me that I would deliver them to you but-"
"How about this?" senpai pulled out a roll of cash, where does he get that kind of money? Especially when he came from Greece, do his parents even know about this!? "I buy what you have now and when my other requested items become available, you call me and I'll come and pay the rest."
"I-I see." the clerk wiped his forehead, "So you want me to send it-."
"Yes there. I update you if I ever change locations."
"Alright, that will be..."
"Arisato-senpai?" I timidly said, after senpai had pay that that ridiculously huge order, we both sat near the center fountain.
"Yes Inoue-san?" he replied,
"Please, you can call me Hamuko."
"Alright, and I suppose it is only fair that you can call me Minato as well. Anyways what is it? Cause I'm sure it's not about how we address each other."
"Just how- Where did you get that kind of money?" I obviously have many more important questions but I need to get the most relevant one out of the ways first.
"Hamuko, ever heard that ignorance is a bliss?" he replied, while his face is blank, his eyes betray his slight amusement.
"That's not fair senpai." I said giving my best puppy dog/pouty combo that has never failed me before. His eyes widen and I can see him shaking a little, I admit I am impressed that he lasted longer then any man I tried it on but no matter stubborn he can be, he will not last.
"Honestly." he sighed and shook his head, " What is with you two with giving me looks to get what you want from me?" Like grabbing candy from a baby, "However, compered to what Amaya gives me, this is nothing." he said before smirking, only for the baby to throw something at your face before getting candy back with an evil face.
"Alright I'll drop it." I sighed, "But you said that you where going to talk about your relationship with Nyx-senpai right?" I still have that though, looks like he knows as well.
"Right, I was going to answer that." he nodded his head, finally the answer that nearly everybody at the school is wondering about will be brought to light. "Between us, we are-." he suddenly narrowed his eyes and quickly turned his head to the dark, empty alleyway.
"Senpai?" I'd normally think that he is doing this to avoid the question but I had never seen him so serious and out of nowhere like this. Granted I known him for less then a few days and based on his interaction with Nyx-senpai he would not hastate to hit a girl, or maybe he would hastate but she is the only exaction? Never mind that, he suddenly stood up from the bench and slowly started to walk there. "Are you okay?" I hesitantly followed him and grabbed his lower shelve, it seemed to work since he stopped in place. A few tense moments past before he even said anything.
"Hamuko?" he says, still looking at the dark alleyway,
"What's wrong?" all of a sudden, a ¥10,000 note appeared in front me.
"Can you do me a favor and buy me a drink?" he asked like there is nothing wrong here, holding the note like it's value was only coin level.
"B-but this is a bit much-."
"Don't worry." he interrupted me, "you can keep the change, get yourself something nice." He never even spare a glance at me at all, keeping view in that alleyways. What is going on in there that he would almost drop anything deal with something head on.
"Why? What is going on?"
"Hamuko." He said, turning his head slightly enough to see one of his eye. It is sharp and low, calm, professional and ready for anything, but humane enough to show a bit of concern for others. Like someone who has been through hell and back.
"I understand senpai." I said moments later, letting go and taking the note, walking away from him, looking back a bit.
"Thanks." his lips curl up a just tiny fraction, "Don't take too long, I am pretty thirsty."
"Right." I replied, walking to the nearest store, Minato Arisato, just who are you?
Next part coming, eventually...