CHAPTER TWELVE – ANTICIPATION
What little traction the rumors about Toko Fukawa and Genocide Jack had gained in the next couple of days dissipated as a surprise announcement was made. Kirumi had just finished her breakfast-serving duties in the cafeteria when the school's PA system began to notify the Ultimates across the campus of an assembly at the gymnasium right after lunchtime, in connection with the upcoming summer sports festival and the preparatory evaluations for their talents. It was a rather startling surprise for some, considering how talk of the festival had died down in the weeks leading up to it, mixed in with the happenings of daily school life and burying the notion that the first evaluation would be upon them not long afterwards. On Kirumi's part, she did remember that an announcement would be made about the festival, but only Ryoma came to her mind now as she wondered how he was doing in terms of his decision to practice tennis again. The incident with Genocide Jack had ostensibly forestalled any development on the prospect, with Ryoma not bringing up any hint about practicing even during their exercise sessions at the gym together. And that was not the only thing that Kirumi wanted to bring up since that topsy-turvy evening, with her curiosity for his story about Isabella lulling just enough to keep her wondering when she would hear the continuation of the tale.
When their morning classes had ended, everyone went off to lunch talking rather excitedly about the upcoming assembly. No details had been given by their professors, leaving them to wonder what exactly would be in store. Even the pamphlets they had given had not specified any dates, offering only a background of what the sports festival wishes to promote and telling them to wait for any further developments that may come. Kirumi walked at the back of their group, in stride with Ryoma on her right. The two of them looked at each other fleetingly, exchanging only cordial nods. They had eaten lunch with the rest of the class as opposed to their usual routine at Ryoma's room, but Kirumi did not fret, knowing there would be plenty of time to talk in relative privacy with him later.
"I'm betting they'll just start evaluating us as soon as we all arrive at the gym," Kaito declared as they walked down the corridor. "It's one way of testing our skills and our readiness. That way, they're gonna see those who aren't cut out for it and root them out."
"But wouldn't that be too much this early?" Shuichi suggested. His nervous air was justified, as Kirumi knew he would be one of the students who would be creating exhibits for their talents. A surprise evaluation would undoubtedly leave him and the others at a stark disadvantage compared to those with more practical talents.
"Yes, Gonta not catch enough bugs yet for evaluation!" said Gonta, his hulking appearance belying the timid anxiousness on his face. "Gonta not even sure if collection is ready to show. Some bugs not lay eggs yet for hatching demonstration!"
"And my magic hasn't helped me prepare yet," Himiko joined in. "I still need a few days' worth just to make sure I have enough MP for my body to keep up with the stress. It's all just a big pain."
"No need to worry, Himiko!" Tenko interjected eagerly. "I'll help you prepare your body if you want. I-In fact, we can do that tonight at my room, if you want! Night training is always a good option!"
"The evaluation won't happen today," Maki commented bluntly, "not unless the school wants half of the student body giving a poor showing. You're getting way ahead of yourself, Momota."
"Alright, alright, I'm just saying that maybe it'll happen," said Kaito. "We're Ultimates and all, so it should be expected of us to be always ready."
"If they do hold the evaluation today, what exactly do you plan on doing then, Kaito?" Kokichi asked him frivolously as he walked a step behind him. "I'm pretty sure no one in the school wants to watch a starry-eyed windbag wear himself out for a couple of hours talking about space."
"You've got a big mouth for someone who can only offer lies and tricks, you little bastard!" Kaito snapped, glowering over his shoulder at him.
"Whoa, that's quite enough, I think," said Rantaro, though he himself was chuckling at the confrontation. "I know you two like going at it, but try not to yell too much. People might stare."
"He started it, alright?!" Kaito grumbled.
"Rantaro is right. Please keep your voices down," Kirumi reminded them.
"Just because Kokichi started it doesn't mean you have to keep it up, Kaito," Kaede told him admonishingly. "Can't you just ignore him when he picks on you?"
Tenko scoffed with great disdain. "Typical of degenerate males to always disrupt the peace with their fights, beating their chests, thinking it makes them heroes. This is why you deserve to have your necks squeezed like a mouse being strangled by a snake, until your eyes pop out of your sockets!"
"That . . . might be a bit too far, Tenko," said Kaede with an uncomfortable laugh.
Kokichi merely grinned, unfazed, as he looked over at Kaito. "For your information, Mr. Loony-nary of the Stars, lies get past people a lot easier than you think. But that doesn't mean they're the only things I have for that boring little evaluation. Of course, as the Ultimate Supreme Leader, I always have to have something in store in case I want the world to change. Who knows? Maybe on the day of that evaluation, the free world will end as you know it, shaped with a flick of my villainous wrist! In fact, I can come ahead of schedule and do it at the sports festival if you want!"
"That's a fancy way of saying you'll give us all laughs, 'cuz for sure you'll just be dropping yoghurt in front of the school," Miu jeered at him. "If it's world-changing talent the plebs wanna see, they don't need to look further than the gorgeous girl genius, Miu fuckin' Iruma! Wait 'til they see the box of goodies I've cooked up!"
"Only if someone ordered a heaping pile of 'extreme uselessness and disappointment' with a helping of 'vulgar pig bitch' on the side," Kokichi shot back dryly.
Miu's face turned pink at that. "V-Vulgar pig bitch?!" she spluttered, her breath rising as she twirled a shaky finger around one of her strawberry blonde locks. "Ugh, t-that's . . . that's a good one. . ."
"Geez, Miu, you're going all weird again," Kaede remarked, shaking her head.
"Er, when exactly isn't she weird?" Tsumugi joined in.
"You shouldn't talk to Miu like that, Kokichi. You always go too far with her," Keebo said with a reproachful look at Kokichi. As anxious as he looked at the prospect of exposing himself as a target to the Ultimate Supreme Leader's playful jabs, he seemed determined enough now to speak his mind.
"Ooh, now this is something new! Standing up for the potty-mouthed skank?" said Kokichi with a sly grin. "Has she finally turned more than a few gears in you during your little sessions together, Keeboy?"
Keebo recoiled. "T-That is none of your business! Miu has been very helpful with my maintenance, and there is nothing wrong with that!" he said. Next to him, Miu looked away with embarrassment, but she did not say anything else.
"Please keep your voices down," Kirumi repeated. "There are professors about."
In spite of her occasional admonitions, however, the banter continued all the way to the gymnasium, with students from the other classes glancing over whenever Kaito or Tenko raised their voices to silence Kokichi's unbeatable mischief. The professors surprisingly paid them no heed, though once Kiyotaka Ishimaru's voice rang out clearly down the corridor, reminding everyone to walk in orderly fashion and to lower the tone of their voices. Along the way, Kirumi looked idly around until her gaze fell upon Ryoma once more. Sensing her eyes on him, Ryoma looked up at her.
"What do you think?" he asked her.
Kirumi felt a little puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"This little assembly," Ryoma stated. "What do you think they have planned for us?"
"Oh." Kirumi looked up as they drew closer to the gymnasium's doors. "I haven't heard of anything from the other students, and I'm certain Kaede hasn't either. It has to be related to the festival's itinerary, though. We have yet to receive any word about the program they have planned, and with September only more than a month away, it's plausible that they will finalize everything today."
"Yeah, that sounds about right," Ryoma muttered. "No matter when the festival or the evaluation will be, I might be in some trouble. I haven't practiced at all just yet."
"There is still plenty of time for you to begin until then."
"We'll see. I wanna prepare myself mentally, but I'm worried I might get cold feet after today."
Kirumi regarded him with concern, but said nothing else. Anxiety was a sensitive matter, especially for someone who was about to take the first few steps back in a life that he once knew. Ryoma also kept quiet, seemingly dwelling on a few private thoughts on his own as he walked in silence along with the rest of them. He was far from being the cold, distant figure that Kirumi had initially known him to be, but there were still hints of his doubt and grimness that seeped through the cracks in his newfound, budding resolve. Not for the first time, she hoped that his personal demons and the mounting pressure of academic life would not erode what he had built up.
The gymnasium was already rather crowded by the time the last batch of students had arrived. The Ultimates stood on the hardwood floors facing the stage, flanked by a number of tables and bulletin boards with lists tacked on them, not unlike the ones that bore the class lists on their first day at Hope's Peak. The white-clad members of the morals committee were walking around and keeping everyone in line, making sure that no one was being disruptive or disorderly and barking admonitions to those who were talking too loudly with one another. Their presence soon put a stop to the bickering between Kaito and Kokichi, eliciting a sigh of relief from Kaede and the rest.
As they stood ready, a small podium was being set up on the stage, the school crest shining on its front like a beacon. Kirumi looked around, taking in the number of Ultimate students in the gymnasium; though they were not as plentiful as the students in the Reserve Course, it did not dispel the unique aura they possessed. In her mind, it was remarkable to know just how much talent and potential can be found concentrated in the figures that were now converging around her, and it felt even more profound to actually know that some of them were her new acquaintances now. To their group's right, Class 77-B was being herded into place, forming a line just like the rest of them. On their left, Class 78 was only just starting to shift in place, and Kirumi felt a slight pang when she spotted the timid figure of Toko Fukawa among them. Toko looked as if she was about to faint, no doubt bothered by the fact that she was made to show her face after her near-mishap with Genocide Jack; though her lack of composure gave way to dreamy bliss when Byakuya Togami passed by, striding through the rest like they were unworthy of a mere gaze from him. Among the other familiar faces, Sakura Ogami was one of the scant few who stood tall enough to dwarf everyone else around them, her height matched only by the likes of Gonta and rowdy Nekomaru Nidai from Class 77-B. Chiaki Nanami, the Ultimate Gamer and Class 77-B's class representative, greeted Kaede with a polite wave when she saw her; Aoi was all smiles when she sidled up next to Sakura, even saying hello to those in their class that she had not met yet; and when Peko Pekoyama passed by close to their spot on the floor, Kirumi noticed her giving Ryoma a brief nod of acknowledgment as she walked past him.
Headmaster Jin Kirigiri showed up not long after everyone else had gathered. Wearing a simple grey suit with his hair combed only slightly, he took to the stage and walked over to the podium, looking rather unremarkable for a figure of authority compared to the stone-faced entourage of older men that followed behind him, with their black suits and greying hair and lined faces. Still, that was what Kirumi found admirable in him when she had been called to the headmaster's office to give her account regarding the incident with Toko Fukawa and Genocide Jack. The headmaster was obviously a simple man, but his conviction and dream for Hope's Peak was evident in the things Kirumi had heard from him that day, and it was this kind of resolve and commitment that she found admirable in those who stood as both self-professed and unspoken trailblazers of modern society.
As soon as the headmaster stood ready to speak on the podium, the entire gymnasium fell silent. Behind him, the men in suits looked upon everyone else with imperious looks on their elderly faces, but it was Jin Kirigiri's younger, smiling countenance that the students were focused upon.
"Good day to you all," he said, his voice ringing from the speakers on the gymnasium's walls. "It's wonderful to see you gathered here today as you had done on your first day of school. Now, I hope everyone is present right now, since the proceedings will begin very shortly. As you might have heard earlier, the upcoming sports festival and the preliminary evaluations you will have before the practical exams on September are the main concerns for this impromptu gathering. Firstly, it has been decided that the festival will be held in two weeks' time from today. That is why we've decided to hold the sign-ups for the festival events today here in the gymnasium, as opposed to giving your class representatives a list for you to fill up. You will find them on the bulletin boards around you. Simply approach the members of the morals committee and some of your professors who will be assisting you in case you have any questions."
Like with some of her schoolmates, Kirumi looked upon the tables and bulletin boards around them as the headmaster spoke. A few whispers fired up as some began debating excitedly on what events the festival will have, while some mused in silence. The mutterings died down quickly, however, when Headmaster Kirigiri continued speaking.
"Now, this entire endeavor is two-pronged, for not only will this make things more convenient for everyone involved, but we feel that it would be a nice time to help each and every one of you form the first few bonds of solidarity with your fellow Ultimates. Until now, most of you have only interacted with each other only sparingly, or seldom beyond the boundaries of the class you're in. Here at Hope's Peak, we always stress the importance of being integral, dynamic members of society, and for that we wish to help you nurture strong ties with your fellow students as a start. For this, you will have the rest of the day off to do what you will. We hope that starting today, you are able to communicate in the spirit of camaraderie with one another in the days leading up to the summer sports festival and beyond, and possibly create connections that will last for the rest of your lives as you begin the journey of becoming symbols of hope in today's society.
"Lastly, there is the aforementioned matter of your preliminary evaluations. I will put it as simple as this: they will be held the week after the sports festival. The Steering Committee feels that by having it that way, you will maximize the time you are given in preparing for the festival and use it to prepare for the evaluations as well. A little hectic, yes, but we trust that as Ultimates, you will do your very best to make a commendable first impression."
The whispers fired up again at that, no doubt triggered by how close the evaluations actually were now. Some students voiced their agitation and even their indignation, while some appeared too uneasy to express their worry. Some, like Kirumi, accepted the news with stoic determination.
Headmaster Kirigiri raised a hand, and slowly the buzzing voices around the gymnasium died down again. The remainder of his talk was grounded in the same vein as before, about the significance of hope in building the foundation for the bright future ahead of them. The students listened in, both with a mixture of anticipation towards the sign-ups and worry for what awaited them in the near future.
"Now then, I think that will be all. Again, if you have any questions or clarifications about the sign-ups, the morals committee and your professors are there to help. Again, good day to you all, and may the upcoming weeks be nothing but productive and meaningful for you!"
With that, he stepped back and took his leave of the student body with a polite bow, exiting to the left. The men in suits followed him once again, discussing things in low voices with one another. At the podium, a brown-haired male student took up the microphone, the white cuff on his right arm signifying his status as a member of the Student Council.
"Everyone, please take the time to deliberate with your classmates before signing up for any events," he said in a clear voice. "Any listings at the end of one hour will be final. The gymnasium will remain open for everyone afterwards, but please try not to crowd the premises too much or loiter for too long. Thank you."
In the wake of his words, the student body soon began to scatter across the gymnasium, converging into large groups that began to huddle close to the bulletin boards and tables around the floor. Voices reverberated loudly against the cavernous walls, muffling the many footfalls of students passing by. The morals committee members began herding would-be signees into manageable lines at the tables, separating them from those who hung back to deliberate on their choices.
Kaede led the way on the bulletin board nearest to their class, checking the list and relaying what was written on it to the rest of them. "Major events include basketball, volleyball, soccer and a scavenger hunt. Minor events include table tennis, softball, a three-man relay race, and a three-legged race."
Miu hooted loudly, putting everyone's reactions to a momentary halt. "What kind of events are those?!" she shouted. "A three-legged race? A fuckin' scavenger hunt? Really? Are there seriously uncut losers out there who think we're kids and shit?!"
"It's what the school has planned for the festival, Miu, so there's nothing we can really do about it," Kaede told her with a stern look before going over the lists again. "Each event has categories for both male and female students. The class has to participate in at least three of the major events, and each student in the class needs to join at least two events regardless of whether it's a major one or not." She laughed a little. "I guess that makes it easier for us non-sporty types."
"I want to say dibs on the scavenger hunt, but wouldn't that make it seem like I'm skipping out on the others?" Tsumugi asked shamefacedly. "Then again, I've seen enough episodes of Hearts and Smiles: The Bizarre Romantic Life of Oko Ijo to know that sports festival arcs don't end well for plain side characters."
"But I don't think they expect any groundbreaking performances from all of us," Shuichi remarked. "In itself, the festival puts students with no great athletic skill or talent at a disadvantage. Students with sports-based skills are sure to beat them easily. But since the school want us to team up, both athletic students and non-athletic ones, it shows that as long as we participate and do what we can, that's more than enough. No one needs to put up a championship-caliber game."
"Exactly. Thanks for pointing that out, Shuichi," said Kaede with a smile, making the Ultimate Detective blush.
"But wouldn't that mean those who lack athletic skills will immediately go for the easier events?" Korekiyo remarked quietly, cupping his chin on his bandaged right hand. "That would mean the athletic students will also be at a disadvantage, carrying the class through the hectic events."
"Atua tells me that whoever volunteers for the rest of us will be most blessed by Him!" Angie proclaimed, clapping her hands. "And you will also get a free twenty percent discount on any merchandise you wish to buy from my island, though the offer only lasts for the next half-hour!"
"Instead of choosing for ourselves, what if we just list down those who want to volunteer freely for some events because they can handle it, and then draw lots for the rest who can't?" Tenko suggested eagerly. "That way, it'll be fair for every one of us! The able ones won't have to carry the harder events on their own, and the less capable are able to pull their own weight."
"That's actually a good idea, Tenko," Kaede remarked with a nod. "What do you think, guys?"
"Yeah, I'm down with that," said Kaito with a shrug.
"Sounds fine with me," Rantaro joined in, grinning.
Miu clicked her tongue. "Yeah, whatever. Let's just fucking get this over with so I can go back to my project."
"Nyeeh . . . As long as no one rigs the lots, then sure," said Himiko with a halfhearted look. "I don't want to wake up just to find out I'm going to be on the basketball team."
"Don't worry, Himiko. You can turn Kokichi into a frog if he tries anything funny, and I'll break his little frog legs afterwards," Tenko recommended, shooting a nasty look at the Ultimate Supreme Leader. Kokichi flashed that mischievous smile he always had, but he did not respond to the threat.
"I'll sign up for table tennis."
The noise in the group died down as everyone looked around at Ryoma, with no one being more startled at his sudden proclamation than Kirumi. He had stepped forth now, looking on the listings with an unfathomably serious look in his round eyes. Kirumi had imagined that the lack of tennis on the events would come as some sort of relief to him, but she had not counted on him going for the closest option to it so openly.
"Well, duh!" Miu snapped. "It's obvious that the guy with the smallest balls here will go for the event with the smallest balls, too!"
"Miu, that's quite rude. . ." said Keebo, looking mortified on her behalf. But Ryoma seemed to ignore the jab as he looked over expectantly at Kaede.
"I'll leave it to you, Kaede," he said silently. "For my second event, I'll just draw lots with the rest of you. Whatever comes, I'll take it."
Kaede blinked, as if her surprise was dissipating at the sound of Ryoma's voice. "Oh s-sure thing, Ryoma," she said with a nod before looking around. "So does anyone else wanna volunteer?"
Following Ryoma's surprising initiative, the others of the class soon followed. Kaito signed up for basketball and soccer, more out of a self-professed desire to help the class as a heroic figure of sorts instead of any actual skill in both sports. Rantaro volunteered freely as well, relying on his experiences as a participant in sports games during his tenure at his former school. Gonta also expressed his eagerness in joining some of the major events that involved a ball, though the class had to explain to him for a while that throwing fruits and seeds around in wild games with his forest family was far different from things like basketball and soccer. Unsure of where her Neo-Aikido would fit in, Tenko took up spots instead for volleyball and the three-legged race, citing how her running speed would be useful from all the times she and her master had chased down gropers on train stations. The rest hung back and chose instead to wait for lots to be drawn; Kirumi counted herself among them, as she decided that helping her classmates win would be her top priority regardless of which lot she would end up drawing. In the end, she ended up in the relay race and scavenger hunt events, while Ryoma landed in the three-legged race for his second event.
Once the listings had been finalized with everyone's consent—and far away from any of Kokichi's mischief and tampering—Kaede filled in everything and waited until the officers in charge of their table set everything in proverbial stone. Soon, all that was left was for them to spend the rest of the day however they wish. Some students left rather quickly, with Korekiyo, Maki, Kokichi and Miu among them, though most seemed to linger and at least follow Headmaster Kirigiri's suggestion of bonding with one another. Though she already knew quite a good number of her fellow Ultimates from other classes due to all the times she had been providing her maid services to them, Kirumi was more than happy to bond with her schoolmates for a while.
Soon, they started going off on their own, with Kirumi joining Ryoma and the rest of Kaede's group. Kaede, Kaito and Tenko led the way, greeting Ultimates from the other classes and chatting with those who stopped by to talk for a while. Chiaki Nanami was one of them, flanked by a few of her classmates when they ran into each other at one corner of the gymnasium. In spite of her reserved demeanor, Chiaki greeted each and every one of them politely, and stepped aside to let her classmates introduce themselves. Redheaded Mahiru Koizumi had the same openness and sense of reliability that Kaede had, though she did not speak much as she lingered at the sidelines instead, taking photos with her SLR camera. In stark contrast, Gundham Tanaka stupefied everyone with his imperious theatrics and archaic-sounding language, speaking with a resounding tone that was undoubtedly jarring to those who had hitherto not met the Ultimate Breeder in person. Sonia Nevermind joined in the discussion not long afterwards, stunning everyone from Class 80-A with the fact that she was the Ultimate Princess; in spite of the fact that she was of royal blood, she spoke to everyone as openly as any commoner would, though her radiant beauty momentarily made Shuichi, Kaede, Tenko and Kaito unable to speak. In return, their group seemed most interested in Keebo, whose robotic appearance stood out the most, though the Ultimate Robot seemed more nervously flattered than terrified at being asked many questions about his functions and composition. However, none from Class 77-B's group was more enthusiastic and awestruck by all of them than Nagito Komaeda, who joined in their conversation from out of nowhere. Tall and thin, with pale skin and wavy white hair, Kirumi always found him to be a unique case even among Ultimates with his talent as one of Hope's Peak Academy's two Ultimate Lucky Students; even Nagito did not seem to consider his talent to be any sort of importance, as he stressed over and over with an oddly intense fervor how beautiful and inspiring the rest of them were as Ultimates compared to someone as lowly as him.
As the hour drew on, encounters with other students also began taking place. One of the newer faces involved Chihiro Fujisaki from Class 78. A little shorter than Himiko, with an innocent, almost doll-like appearance, the Ultimate Programmer seemed too nervous to talk to anyone at first; but a little coaxing from Kaede and Tenko soon had her responding to them more openly, showing a certain kind of interest in Keebo as the members of Class 77-B had done. Aoi and Sakura joined them shortly, speaking to the others with the same cordiality they afforded Ryoma and Kirumi at their workout sessions, and soon others from their class followed. In particular, the arrival of Sayaka Maizono left some in their group speechless once again, her bubbly girl-next-door personality dispelling the fact that she was both the Ultimate Pop Sensation and a famous Japanese idol. Her fiery-haired classmate Leon Kuwata quickly sidled up to her, seemingly intent on continuing an interrupted conversation and acknowledging the rest of them with just an unenthused smile when Shuichi and Kaito recognized him as the Ultimate Baseball Star. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with them, Sayaka left with Leon, leaving their places to be filled by Taka and the tall, strapping Ultimate Biker Gang Leader, Mondo Owada. Mondo appeared unfriendly at first, seemingly cementing his reputation as the leader of Japan's largest and most notorious delinquent gang, but his aloofness seemed more out of a certain awkwardness at bonding with others more than any hostility on his part.
By the end of an hour, the students in the gym had all but gone, prompting everyone to go on their own ways. With Shuichi, Kaede and Kaito leaving last to go look for Maki, Kirumi went with Ryoma back to the dorms. Kirumi waited until the two of them were completely alone, making sure that she would not be badgering Ryoma so soon after the encounters at the gymnasium. Ryoma had not talked much, only speaking when spoken to by their schoolmates, and apart from the few who recognized him for the tennis ace he was, no one had asked or said anything that might have bothered him.
"Looks like you were mostly right about what they had planned," Ryoma said suddenly, when the two of them entered the main building once again. "With the sports festival itinerary and listings, I mean."
"It was a lucky guess," said Kirumi. "And quite a surprise too, with the preliminary evaluations coming so soon after the festival. I expect we'll all be a lot busier in the coming days."
"Yeah." Ryoma sighed, finishing his candy cigarette with one last bite. "Shuichi's right, though. I doubt anyone's gonna be ultra-competitive. It's just a festival, not a tournament, so there's no need to go all-out. Besides, if there's anyone who has to drive themselves hard prepping for it, it'll be me, and only because I need to get the last bits of rust out."
"Very well. Will you be starting your practice sessions tomorrow?"
"Tonight, actually."
The reply startled Kirumi. She had expected Ryoma to mull for at least quite some time about the developments involving the festival, but the tone in Ryoma's voice brooked no hesitation. Perhaps it was the grim tone in his voice that suddenly worried her so.
"But we still have our workout session at the gym later at four," she pointed out.
"Yeah, that's right," said Ryoma quietly. "That'll give me an hour or two to rest, and then I can go practice. That'll help me become a little more productive starting tonight."
Kirumi hesitated for a moment. "Pardon me, Ryoma, but wouldn't you be straining yourself too hard then?" she inquired with concern. "Exercising is fine, but to follow it up with more rigorous activity instead of resting for the rest of the day . . . it might be more detrimental instead of productive."
Ryoma sighed, slowing down his pace. The last thing Kirumi wanted was to hold him back where his growth and improvement were concerned, but she also did not want a repeat of what happened last time when he had pushed himself too far.
"I know it might come off as a reckless choice," Ryoma stated, "but I decided earlier at the assembly that I've put it off for too long already. I don't want to grow complacent with my time, or with the fact that the festival is more about participation than competition. Besides, I'm not doing this just for the festival, but also for the evaluations, and then for September. It's gonna be a rough road, and I'm just scared that I might not have enough time to reach the goal I set for myself at the end of it with the little time I'm given."
Kirumi nodded. "I understand. Time may not be as plentiful as we'd want it to be, but I want you to remember that you will have all the help I can give you, if you would have it. Just . . . please don't forget to take care of yourself as well. "
"Don't worry. I'll make sure to remember when to cool my jets. I just hope it won't be too much to ask for your help tonight."
"It's fine. As long as I can help, I'll do my best. What do you need me to do?"
Ryoma paused for a moment, thinking as they walked down a corridor. The hesitation on his part was still noticeable, though he managed to beat it back down. "Alright, would you mind asking if they can open the gym tonight so that I can practice there? Not the exercise room, but the gymnasium itself," he replied. "I'm also wondering if they have a backboard that I can use. That way, I won't have to use the gym walls."
"Very well. I'll inquire as soon as we finish with our exercise session later," said Kirumi. "What else do you need?"
"In case they don't want me using the gym, can you ask if they have ball machines? That way, maybe I can just practice somewhere on the field."
"I'll keep that in mind. Would you like me to accompany you when you practice?"
Ryoma paused as he mulled on the thought. "It'd be fine with me, but wouldn't you get bored? I mean, you'll probably end up watching me practice, and it might be bothersome if you have to just following after me, picking up wayward balls and stuff."
"It's fine. That is part of my commitment in helping you," said Kirumi. "There may be times when I am needed elsewhere by the other students, but I will make sure to check on you every now and then, and help you clean up when you are done."
Sighing, Ryoma looked away. "This is gonna take some getting used to, not gonna lie," he admitted with a brief chuckle. "But I'm gonna see if I can manage it. I still have second thoughts, but after seeing what happened at the gym, it got me thinking somewhat."
"What do you mean?"
"The assembly. Seeing everyone gathered like that. It made me realize what kind of privilege it is to be here with you all. I still don't know if I truly deserve it, with my actual standing in society, but at the very least, it helps me see what kind of hope the headmaster told me about."
Kirumi nodded. "Yes, the headmaster's ideals make sense once you see exactly what the school promotes and inspires in us all. That observation you had is something I experienced earlier as well. It does make you imagine how remarkable it is to be counted in such an environment—and with such outstanding individuals too. It marks a profound chapter of my life, especially for someone who was told that they could never go far living in servitude as a maid."
Ryoma looked up at her immediately. "Who told you that?"
Kirumi hesitated for a moment. "My parents."
The surprise was evident on Ryoma's face; no doubt he had not expected her to speak about her family, or perhaps having grown so used to seeing her as a maid, classmate and fiend, he had not considered even asking her about them. Still, he could hardly be faulted for thinking so. Even Kirumi was astonished at herself for remembering her parents; it was something that she never discussed with anyone, both out of personal choice and the fact that she focused solely on her budding career as a maid instead of dwelling on her past. Some can argue that her commitment to her duty and career path was dreadfully effective at that, for it had allowed her to effectively bury her memory of her upbringing deep down until nothing remained, to the point where bringing up even a mere mention of it felt alien to her.
When Ryoma was still unable to say anything, she decided to ease up the sudden tension. "That was a long time ago, before I started out at Milky Way. Most of the people I've met don't know about them."
Ryoma nodded. "Sorry if I never asked. It's just . . . It never crossed my mind to ask."
"It's okay. In your defense, it's something I never bring up," said Kirumi with a small laugh. "Apart from wishing to focus solely on my duties, I would consider that point of my life forgotten already. Not that it was insignificant. After all, if not for them, I would not have chosen this career path in the first place."
"I see. . ." Ryoma's expression looked rather regretful. "I don't know if I even want to ask about them."
"It is of no great concern. I've always considered it so," said Kirumi. "No master would want to hear much about their maid's family or past. It is my services they need, and I would rather give them that than stories that are of no use to their lives and needs."
"But I'm your friend, Kirumi, not your master," Ryoma reminded her. He sighed again, the conflict on his face evident. "I want you to feel as such. We both agreed that you're not with me all the time because I'm your master or anything. We would treat each other as friends and classmates, and I want to keep doing that however I can. That's why I open up to you about stuff that I wouldn't normally share to anyone. But that doesn't mean you don't get to share as well. If you want to talk about these things, feel free to do that. If it's too personal to share, you don't have to share it, but with normal stuff like middle school and all, that's all fine with me." He cleared his throat briefly, drawing in his breath like he was nervous all of a sudden. "Sorry if this seems awkward. It's been a while since I spoke to anyone like this. . ."
Kirumi smiled appreciatively. Though she was honestly fine with keeping quiet about her own side, she was highly grateful for the openness and concern that Ryoma always showed her, whether it came in the form of his small gifts to his words of encouragement. Many in their class and outside it showed her more appreciation and cordiality than most would afford a simple maid like her, but Ryoma always stood out among them for one unfathomable reason or another.
"I understand. Forgive me if I don't normally speak about such things on my own volition," she said. "I will admit, sometimes I forget that I am still a high-schooler like the rest of you, which is why I end up overlooking even the simpler things like talking to one's friends. That's why I'm grateful that you take the time to tell me stories of your past experiences, Ryoma."
"It's nothing. And of course, I get where you're coming from," Ryoma grunted. "But if you don't mind, I just . . . want to know more about you too. That's all."
Kirumi looked down at him, feeling rather surprised. The proclamation sounded as normal as any statement should, but in her mind it was as if there was an unspoken invitation somewhere in it—or even a minor confession of sorts. Perhaps it was the slight shift in tone that she noticed in Ryoma's voice, that slight hint of hesitation that sounded a bit like shyness. Meanwhile, as if embarrassed by his own words, Ryoma turned away, pulling his beanie low over his eyes. For some reason, Kirumi found it to be a rather cute gesture, though she knew better than to tell him that.
A/N: I meant to have this finished and uploaded along with my DDLC fic update at the start of New Year as a gift for you guys, but alas, I lagged at the last few pages. So close. But still, I'm quite happy to have finished this a few days earlier than usual. So here you are! I do have an idea of how the next chapter will go. If circumstances are willing, I hope I'll be able to have it done sooner. See you 'til then!