Chapter five:
Yunan, a possible savior, or maybe just way too mysterious.
It had been about an hour and a half, but Masrur hadn't received any news from Sharrkan, or Ja'far about how things were going. They still hadn't made their way to school, and Masrur couldn't shake off the feeling that there was a very panicked, yet very pissed off Ja'far a block away from school. Surely, even Sinbad should have realised that by now. Masrur noticed that Hinahoho was puzzled as well, but there was nothing they could do for now.
''Mmm, curious?'' he heard his neighbour say, making Masrur look at him. He was weird, always overly happy, no one had been able to tell what he really thought. ''Oh, you heard that, eh? Your hearing is amazing.'' he said with a grin. Masrur decided not to reply. ''Not so talkative? I don't mind. My name is Yunan.'' the guy said. Masrur frowned. 'As if he didn't know, what was up with this guy?' ''You are close with that tiny white haired cutie, and captain Sinbad, right? I wonder, where are they?'' Yunan asked.
''Don't know.'' Masrur answered. ''I'm fairly certain you do know. I just want to help them out. That tiny one does hate coming in late. Sinbad surely must be the cause.'' Yunan said, a smile still showing. Before Masrur could reply, Sinbad made his entrance, by loudly yelling, ''No worries, Your king has arrived.'' making the class look up, including Pisti, the teacher. ''And I suppose our king still hasn't learned how to look at the clock.'' she smirked.
''He has!'' Sinbad exclaimed. ''You see, miss, seeing that it is before twelve o clock, my body required food to be able to keep up with your teachings. Otherwise, the hungry feeling would cause my brain to be distracted, due to excessive ignoring of biologic basics of the human anatomy. So, now that my stomach has been fed, my internal plumbing will have something to digest, and the brains can focus on other tasks, as my body is on auto pilot.'' he told her, proud of his knowledge.
''Except for the fact that this should have happened around eight o' clock, my lessons started at nine, and you, unlike most of us, are present at ten.'' she said. ''Every person is unique. Blame my DNA.'' Sinbad said. She rolled her eyes, before saying, ''Sinbad, we've discussed this before. You are interrupting class, and violating school rules. Please go and see the principal.'' she said. ''Already went there.'' he smirked, showing her a slip of paper. ''I have detention on Monday, it got delayed because of the game upcoming Saturday.'' he said.
''Beter beat them, or it'll be Tuesday as well.'' she said, as she allowed him to go to his seat, marking his name present for second hour. She still wondered where Sharrkan and her top student, Ja'far were. However, she wasn't the only one, as Masrur and Hinahoho wondered the exact same thing. Yunan got up, and walked up to Pisti, before whispering something. Pisti gave him a odd look, before nodding.
As Yunan left the classroom, Ja'far and Sharrkan found themselves at the principal's office. ''Who's the principal? I've never met him.'' Sharrkan asked. Ja'far shook his head, ''Neither have I. Oh, why didn't I just walk to school when I should have had to.'' he groaned. ''You should be fine, it's the first time in years that you happen to be late. Sinbad, I'm sure his record isn't as good, got off pretty easily as well. The one who should worry is me.'' Sharrkan told him.
''As far as I'm concerned, you've never been late before. Tardy, or gone earlier, sure, but never late.'' Ja'far told him. ''Are you always this harsh? You should show that side more often, then Sinbad gets know the real you. Or maybe he already knows, and he likes it. Besides, you were the one with your panties in a bunch, don't go comforting me.'' Sharrkan replied. ''I'm not harsh, I'm honest.'' Ja'far replied. ''And I don't have panties. I wear boxers.'' he said.
''Harsh, honest, same difference. Both start with an H. And that last part was too much information, save that for Sinbad.'' Sharrkan stuck his tongue out, just as the principal entered the room. ''Wow.'' they both said, as they looked up to the large man. ''No wonder Hinahoho has a specially designed desk, the principal needs one as well.'' Sharrkan commented.
Ja'far rolled his eyes, as he whacked Sharrkan's head, pulling it into a bow, before bowing as well. ''We apoligize for being late, sir. It will never happen again.'' he said. Ugo, the principal, sighed as he closed the door behind him. ''As always, students get sent in here for their troubles, never just to chat with me. I became principal because I want to have fun, not be stern.'' he complained, as he sat down, motioning for Ja'far and Sharrkan to sit down as well. ''Ehr, right.'' Ja'far said as he sat down. Sharrkan, on the other hand was elated that the principal was such a friendly man, so sat on his seat with a grin.
''So, why were you so late today?'' Ugo asked. ''Well, you see, I recently discovered that our dear Ja'far here has a c- Mphh.'' His sentence got cut off when Ja'far clamped a hand over his mouth. ''Shut it.'' he mouthed, before saying, ''He recently discovered my grades in history have been slipping somewhat. So he decided to tutor me and in turn I help him out with other classes. We were both up late for these lessons, so we slept in today.''
Ugo's expression became a frown. ''I don't like lies. And both your grades hold special records at this school. Sharrkan for being barely passable for him to keep his spot on the team, and making it to the next year, history aside because those are good. And you only get straight A's. Why not try to tell me the truth this time.'' Ugo said, making Ja'far swallow. He didn't want some petty crush to be in his way, and Sharrkan had been close to just blurting it out.
He was about to say something, as Sharrkan licked his sweaty palm. ''Yuck, gross.'' he screeched, making Sharrkan snigger. ''As I was saying, we were late because we were trying to-'' once again his sentence got cut off, not by the petrified Ja'far, but a total stranger who burst in, as he shouted, ''There you guys are, I've been looking around for you. Oh, Mister Ugo, how are you doing? I'm so sorry for disturbing your conversation, but I was trying to find them. They aren't in trouble right? If they are, they were late here because I made them find something for your birthday, but tracking it down is so hard.'' he said, sitting down on the desk.
''Who's this guy?'' Sharrkan mouthed to Ja'far, who put a finger to his lips. He didn't know either, but he did know that this strange person was making an effort to help them out. ''Is that so? That's wonderful, I've wanted to get a birthday present for years.'' Ugo nearly cheered. ''I know that, sir. Ja'far and Sharrkan are still making an effort to find it before upcoming Saturday, when you celebrate another year of surviving life.'' Yunan said.
Ja'far and Sharrkan exchanged a look, before nodding. ''We'll be sure to have it, sir.'' they both chorused. ''Well, taking that in consideration, I will not give you any detention this time.'' Ugo told them, ''Next time, bringing in a cake would do fine. But thanks for the hassle.'' he said, before dismissing them. Ja'far and Sharrkan phewed when they left the room, silently grateful for the stranger's interference.
''Miss Pisti wouldn't be to happy if we were to disturb her class by arriving now, you might want to wait a few minutes. Third hour will start soon enough, in about ten minutes we'll be required to go to history. As for Ugo's birthday gift, he has his eyes set on a flute.'' The stranger told them, ready to return to class. ''Wait. At least tell us your name. So that we know who to thank.'' Ja'far said. ''You don't have to be that grateful, my dearest. Assuming that you are willing to answer a few questions I have. After all, I spared you detention.'' Yunan said, a glint present in his eyes. Sharrkan was not sure whether he trusted this guy. He took Ja'far's sleeve and pulled his pale friend back a little as he eyed Yunan.
But Ja'far shook his sleeve loose, facing the stranger. ''What questions? Also, Dearest? Really?'' he asked. Yunan nodded cheerfully, ''They are nothing special. I desire some knowledge about our precious school king. You are his best friend, therefore my resource. I do not wish to harm him, I merely want to satisfy my interest. What do you say? Up for a little chat?'' Sharrkan quirked an eyebrow, Sinbad was a popular guy, sure, but this level of interest was scary. He was glad he wasn't as popular. He eyed Ja'far, somewhat concerned.
''When, where, and your name?'' Ja'far asked. ''How about, tomorrow during recess in the library. My name is something you'll receive when you show up.'' Yunan replied, as he headed back to class, almost skipping as he seemed overly excited. ''Yuck, I can't believe that creep helped us out.'' Sharrkan stated, as he headed towards his locker. Ja'far followed suit, as he replied, ''What do you mean by creep?''
''Oh right, you hang around Sinbad, you must've lost common sense. I thought that his obsession and words were strange. Surely you aren't going tomorrow, are you?'' Sharrkan asked. ''I was planning too. He's merely asking for information.'' Ja'far replied, ''Besides, I think I can handle him in case I dislike his behavior.'' he added. ''I wouldn't be so sure about that. There is something unpredictable about him. Maybe you shouldn't go alone.'' Sharrkan told him.
''We'll see.'' Ja'far replied, as he opened his locker, before some stuff fell out. Sharrkan's eye fell on a cd. ''What's that?'' he asked. ''Ehr, nothing.'' Ja'far's cheeks blushed, before he threw everything back, grabbed his history book, and was about to close the locker, but Sharrkan managed to weasle in his hand, and took the cd. He eyed it, before saying, ''Well, aside from a good taste in games, you also happen to have acquired a great taste in music.''
''I wouldn't call it acquired. But yes, I happen to like Breaking Benjamin a lot.'' Ja'far curtly told Sharrkan, as he took the cd back. ''Sinbad prefers lighter music.'' he added. ''You don't actually have to have the same taste to fall in love.'' Sharrkan said, smiling fondly, as he saw Ja'far relax a little. ''Mind if I borrow this cd? Alibaba never heard their music, and the tracks on this album are a good start.'' Sharrkan asked.
''Sure.'' Ja'far replied. ''We should go, History will start soon. I'd rather avoid being late again.'' he added. Sharrkan nodded along, as he quickly took his history book from his locker, before saying, ''Wouldn't like being saved by that creep again.'' Ja'far couldn't help but agree. As they made their way towards the classroom, Yunan returned to Pisti's class, to catch her assignments, not that she would ever actually correct them, most likely they would help each other out. Nevertheless, he quickly circled the assignments he was supposed to do, before packing his books into his leather bag.
Masrur, who had noticed him coming back, wondered if he had met up with Ja'far, but didn't actually want to ask a stranger that. He shook his head, if Sinbad had arrived, then Ja'far would have as well. Maybe Sharrkan was calming him down, the petite silverrette had never been late before. Then again, he would have heard Ja'far wreak havoc upon either Sin or Sharrkan or both, if this had been the case. When the bell rang after a few minutes, Masrur gathered his stuff, and walked over to Sinbad, who was seemingly carefree.
Sinbad eyed one of his best friends, and smiled. ''Masrur, you were right to leave us. We didn't get your bun though, we were far too late, and Sharrkan ambushed us, and dragged us to school when I was about to order them.'' he cheerfully said, before his face got a weird look and he continued, ''I think he's stalking Ja'far. Would you mind help me to keep an eye on that. Ja'far, for a paranoid person, is still a bit too trusting. A perk I regret teaching him.'' he added.
'If only you knew what Sharrkan is doing for you.' Was something Masrur wanted to say, but he kept silent. It would ruin Sharrkan's progress, and he was actually helping Ja'far better than Masrur had expected to. ''They are probably headed for next class, so should we. I wouldn't like more detention.'' Sinbad said. Masrur nodded, as he followed his king. While he did so, he noticed a smaller figure was following Sinbad as well. Sinbad didn't seem to mind it, so he shrugged it off. He did wonder what Sinbad meant when he had said that Sharrkan had ambushed them though.
Speaking of ambushing, Masrur watched as Sinbad pushed Sharrkan out of the way and nearly choked Ja'far to death in what he would call an enthusiastic, loving hug. Ja'far's face turned an interesting shade of red, one might say of anger or suffocation. Those close to Ja'far however knew that he was probably embarrassed beyond comparison. Not that he had to step in, Sharrkan had already jumped in, shouted something among the lines of, ''Don't ruin his day any further, you idiot king!'' and tried to pull Sinbad off, who of course struggled.
Hinahoho, who stood next to Masrur, shook his head, and asked, ''Do they even realise it? I mean, they are adorable but oh-so dense together.'' Masrur watched them, as he shook his head. ''Should we help them out.?'' Hinahoho asked, referring to the struggling friends, but Masrur shook his head. ''They'll manage fine.'' he said, before he barged over, grabbed Sharrkan's and Sinbad's collars and dragged them to their seats, leaving a bewildered Ja'far to sneak over to his seat. Hinahoho couldn't help but laugh, before he sat down as well. What none of them had realised was that Yunan was watching with interest.
History and math were classes without further trouble, and the group studied pretty well. Soon enough recess started, and Sinbad opted to get the buns like they had planned this very morning. Hinahoho, Masrur and Sharrkan watched as Ja'far refused this offer, rather going on weekends to avoid trouble like they had this morning. The king nodded. He understood where Ja'far was coming from. He joined the silverette in a lunch from the canteen. This time, Sharrkan decided to not meddle, after all Ja'far was improving.
''Are you even going to tell what happened after we left, or should we ask Sinbad to make one of his fantastic tales about the morning hassle?'' Hinahoho asked him. ''Hell no, they would be as dramatic as those from History, if not worse.'' Sharrkan replied. It was true, Sinbad was known for telling tales so similar to the king in their history books, it's why he was called the so-called school king. But he still didn't understand why everyone went along with that.''This morning?'' Hinahoho asked, eager to find out what did happen. Masrur had to admit that he was curious about it as well. ''Fine.'' Sharrkan said, before re-telling the story of that dreadful moment.
Sinbad and Ja'far were still waiting, when Sharrkan noticed it was at least half an hour ago that school had started. Ja'far looked near tears, and Sinbad elated that he was about to get those buns. Ja'far never had been late, and he took pride in that, that much Sharrkan knew. It had been going great, but it wasn't that this experience would make Ja'far tardy, or worse, suffer. So Sharrkan did the first thing that sprung to his mind. He barged in, grabbed Ja'far's arm, and Sinbads collar, as he stated, ''We should be learning. Right now.'' before he dragged them towards school. Or rather, a relieved Ja'far walked along, as Sinbad sputtered, but the tiny silverette shushed, as he said that there would be another opportunity to go there again.
''Due to our beloved king's struggling, we were later then expected.'' Sharrkan finished his story. ''Sinbad said you had ambushed them.'' Masrur told him. ''I think Sinbad is suspicious of you two spending more time together. Maybe you should take it easy.'' Hinahoho said. ''We aren't even making that much progress.'' Sharrkan replied, as he eyed Ja'far talking with Sinbad. They seemed pretty happy together, he was glad he had decided to help Ja'far out.
''Ja'far is his dearest friend.'' Hinahoho said. ''And soon that much more dearer. Can you guys come to my place tonight?'' Sharrkan asked them, a plan formulating in his mind. ''Ja'far is working tonight.'' Masrur told him. ''That is why I'm inviting you two. You are as much involved as I, and if I have to suffer, so do you. That's why we are friends. Where does Ja'far work?'' Sharrkan asked.
''You are his friend, so you should know.'' Hinahoho retorted.
