As far as morning goes, Mikoto's is a little bit jarred, all things considered. Especially with the dream she had.
It's not so much a dream as actually recalling the exact memory of what she did last night. The feeling of loss regarding her winter clothes was history. Today, she felt content and proud of what she did and what it led to, why was she even fretting hours ago?
One particular recurring moment last night was when Shokuhou was so close to her that she could practically count the cracks (there were only few) on her lips the moment she looked up at the girl. It had stunned Mikoto at the time, enough that she had to step back a bit (good thing she was done buttoning up the coat) to sober up, Shokuhou's liquid gold was practically stirring itself as it bore down on her. Her gaze was ardent with warmth, expression soft and she's so beautiful. She had always been, but Mikoto would rather swallow a dozen marshmallows at the same time with no water than admit that to the person in question. The blonde had enough self-love (arrogance) to make the haughtiest cat mewl in self-pity, she's in no need of more.
Still, it doesn't make it any less true. Every part of her is captivating.
Mikoto opened her eyes in a dazed, and that daze state continued even when she somehow managed to twist her foot with her blanket which almost caused her to give their shiny wooden floor a violent good morning kiss, thanks to her battle hardened reflexes, she did not, just a peck.
That was the scene Kuroko had arrived at upon opening the door to their room after a breakfast run. It's a shame that the floor was the recipient of her onee-sama's luscious lips. The twin tailed girl felt like weeping, she should just be the floor. Why was an inanimate object more lucky than her? She was the one working hard! She wants a good morning kiss too.
After a second, Kuroko just shrugged (she cant lament on what happen forever) and handed her the milk she had purchased for herself. Her onee-sama might need more calcium than her, besides she can just buy again on the school vending machine. Good thing they managed to have a break last night but even then, Kuroko had not survived on the way home. Onee-sama had to carry her back, and as monumental as it was, she can't savor the moment just because she can't keep her eyes open for a dang minute or so.
But still, it is worrying. Onee-sama may appear fine on the surface, but Kuroko knows how exhausted she is after school. There were days the railgun just stretched herself thin too much and had dropped dead on her bed and was out like a light not a second later. Kuroko herself had been pretty busy lately so there were times when at night, it was just a chore to eat or they just had the bare minimum energy to greet each other. There were also times where they made a game of racing each other to get things done, a little bit of fun can't hurt anyway.
The occurrence today already happened before so it's not like it's out of the ordinary. The second-year herself was not feeling energized at all so she's not about to comment on her Onee-sama's state.
From Mikoto's perspective, Kuroko gave her a weird once over before handing her carton milk silently. If she had thoughts about Mikoto's sluggish movements, she didn't mention it.
"I'll head straight to the judgement office today. I'm sorry I can't be with you to school Onee-sama. So many things to do, urgh" Kuroko paused for a moment, thinking but then she shrugged. Fetched her bag from the bed and made way to the door. "I left some fruits for you to nibble on but be sure to eat breakfast. Right. I'm going now!"
"Oh," Mikoto looked at the younger girl, heading straight to judgement had occurred more and more often these days. "Alright, I'll come by after school, don't forget! Be careful."
"I think it's you who should, onee-sama. I have a feeling we'll have an active day today" Mikoto barely heard Kuroko's whisper before the girl was out the door. She didn't think much of it. Kuroko was always such a worrywart.
The dazed state continued on until she went to school and everybody who greeted her didn't want to disturbed whatever it is she's thinking, they're not even perturbed that she hadn't greeted them back. Besides, she looked cute with that absent-minded expression.
And of course, the Queen of Tokiwadai wanted to teased her on it.
On her way to a vending machine, Mikoto's mind seems like it was filled with a super viscous golden fluid, sluggish and sticky, her thought process was just trickling this morning, it seems. The milk she had consumed didn't help in clearing her mind at all. She needed tea. Good thing that the vending machines in the school were obedient to her whims, she didn't need to discipline them.
Bending down to retrieve her precious leaf water, she didn't notice the appearance of one Queen bee and her entourage.
"Good Morning to y-Ara~why the dumb face?"
"Geh!"
"Eh~stop looking so stupid, your the mascot of the school! What will the higher ups think?" Shokohou acted aghast and she's so good at it. Her whole being seems to exude disapproval like those prissy students who were so vocal on Mikoto's tomboyish manners, save for her eyes, they were twinkling with mirth and amusement. Well, she's enjoying this at least. Mikoto suppressed a sigh. She wasn't sure but there was a giggle somewhere and Mikoto doesn't have the will to confirm if it was Shokuhou or not.
Oh who is she kidding? It's definitely Shokuhou.
Mikoto looked up and found the liquid gold that was haunting her for hours. In the flesh. She looks put together which mildly irritates Mikoto but it also evokes some other emotions that she's not ready to decode. It's too early for her brain to catch up. She opened her canned black tea and downed almost half of it in one swoop before greeting the blonde back.
"You got home okay" is not what she intended to say but that's just what came out. No one noticed the subtle disarmed look on Shokuhou's eyes but Mikoto and it gave her such immense satisfaction for no reason at all. Her opening greeting made her remember of what happened last night and Mikoto fought down a blush that was threatening to surface, just from the memory of her buttoning her coat on Shokuhou. Why does that particular picture always emerge in her mind?
Both had not noticed the first years of Shokuhou's clique started gently elbowing each other in uncontained glee, shooting meaningful eyes at their resident handsome railgun. Some students in that hallway had the presence of mind to not appear that interested but one can't help but be drawn to the brightest stars of the bunch.
Shokuhou looked away, twirling a lock of her golden hair, face haughty but Mikoto was sure she was pouting big time, inwardly. She wanted to smile so badly, proud that she could land a hit despite her muddled mind. Or not so muddled anymore. Her mind was getting clearer by the minute. Must be because of the tea. Or just because Shokuhou is here. Probably.
"Of course! Who do you think I am?"
"An unathletic girl who can't run for 2 minutes straight?" Mikoto smirked smugly, drinking the rest of her tea, eyeing the not-so-flustered Queen. She can almost hear the indignant shriek Shokuhou let out in the space of her own mind. Attacking her lack of athleticism had become a favorite of Mikoto's, it cracks her up, it also helps that Shokuhou always, always took offense to it. She sometimes think the mental out is cute when she is gasping for breathe and somewhat pleading for a break during each pant. No one needs to know that though.
Outwardly, Shokuhou stopped twirling her hair and flipped them upwards. A tick of hers when she wants to appear flippant or nonchalant.
Mikoto went and tossed the now empty can towards the trash bin not that far from her position, it was directly next to Shokuhou on the side of a window so Mikoto just opted to play ball with the trashcan as the basket.
"Am I really hearing this from a girl who can't think straight for 2 minutes?"
As if agreeing with her statement, the can bounced off the lid towards the floor. The clang of the alloy against the floor, it almost feel as if it echoed.
Mikoto wasn't expecting that.
"Wh-Whaz that supposed to mean?"
Shokuhou's full smirk was back in place and it's irritatingly charming, it's making Mikoto mad. She had almost bitten her own tongue in surprise. It's embarrassing. She can feel the tips of her ears warming up, hopefully, no one will notice.
"See?" the blonde's lilting voice took a turn chipper and deeper. "-Way to prove my point. It doesn't take much to curve your thought process."
Mikoto was gobsmacked. Oh she fell for that one, she'll admit that. However, she could only watch as Shokuhous' smile widened with pride. And did she just use a pun or was she thinking too many things at once? Was Shokuhou onto something here?
The blonde took three steps and stopped just shy of Mikoto's face. She giggled and Mikoto can't help but be charmed. If anyone told past-her that she would find this Shokuhou endearing, she would have barfed out rainbows. But now? She'd still barf out rainbows.
"Pick up your garbage, we don't want our beloved Ace to set a delinquent example now, do we?"
But Mikoto can't just give this verbal match to Shokuhou just yet. She gave her a smirk that managed to pass off as innocent while she maintained an air of unflappability despite the increasing warmth of her ears.
"Of course, unlike a certain someone, I'm actually responsible and won't need others to do things for me."
Mikoto suppressed a victorious fist pump. She'll still be annoyed when Shokuhou would pass her chores to others but at the moment, it's all fun and games and she's enjoying making her squirm inside.
"Haaah?! My clique is thoroughly capable of getting things done without my orders, they have no need of me at all!"
As one, the clique jolted.
"That's not true queen!"
"It'll always be an honor to follow your lead"
"We're always happy to serve!"
"We need you! Super bad!"
This statement had been followed by disturbingly demonic fangirl noises. Someone had elbowed the ribs of that kid shutting them up.
As members of the largest clique, they should act like the elegant privileged they are, not some thirsty hooligans who joined mostly because they were hooked by the gorgeous and powerful leader. That was not the main reason at all.
Mikoto side eyed the clique with a smile. Shokuhou however, blink and somewhat had a lost look for a moment before smirking and flipping up her golden hair, again, making her expensive flowery perfume waft towards Mikoto and some of the clique who eagerly but sneakily sniffed the air. It would have been funny if Mikoto had not tried to do the same. Until now, she can't quite figure out what flower the scent is from.
"But of course, with my leadership and endless connections, I could push their potentials to the fullest of their ability. They're better off having me" The mental out sounded so confident that Mikoto was sure no one from her clique or the whole school would ever doubt whatever she said.
Mikoto smiled at Shokuhou, totally agreeing. Shokuhou cared for them and is the type of leader that can draw out the full potential of its members. Honestly, it's terrifyingly awe inspiring.
Making eye contact with the mental out, Mikoto raised her right hand, almost as if about to caress the blonde's face, she saw the confusion in her eyes, a few sparks from Mikoto's bangs traveled to the tips of her outstretched hand, briefly illuminating Shokuhou's exquisite features, to her credit though, she hardly flinched with a dangerous form of energy so close to her face. Not a second later, the can came rushing to Mikoto's hand with a thump, the sound akin to the final verdict of a judge slamming her cute war hammer on the surface of a wooden table. It was definitely apt on for her next statement. Her eyes never strayed from Shokuhou's golden ones.
"Yeah, they are. You're a good leader."
Mikoto didn't know it but at that moment, she had a proud smile plastered on her face, eyes soft, warm and steady. An expression that, for all intents and purposes, a non-lethal bomb for Tokiwadai.
Mikoto didn't know it but Shokuhou had been doing her utmost effort not to topple like jenga pieces, her knees had betrayed her and had swooned, she wanted to slap them back to the functioning world. The lighting from the cold morning sun suddenly hits differently as it gently highlights the Railgun's radiant expression, making her eyes several tones lighter than it should be and they're aesthetically enchanting. Geez. At least she managed to withstand a direct hit at point blank range. However, she felt the telltale blooming warmth on her cheeks, unfortunately, she had barely wrapped the scarf around her neck so she can only hope she can hide her cheeks if she ducks her head. Crap. Why's her body betraying her like this?!
Mikoto didn't know it but her smile had affected a large area indirectly, causing an acceptable level of civilian harm. Someone's nose started bleeding, a few others actually had to lean on each other for vertical support, their knees had failed to uphold their principles as elegant rich brats, they would probably be embarrassed if they were not focused on remaining upright. Someone had even slapped the shoulder of another in delight. A silent pinching war started, the intensity of the squeezing is directly proportional to how affected they are of that dazzling smile, wishing it was directed at them but also thanking whatever scientific phenomenon out there that it was directed at their queen. Most of them tried to hide their giggles. They always get inexplicably thrilled whenever their Queen and Ace interact.
And all of them collectively made indistinguishable constipated teapot noises. Basically, they were fangirling.
Mikoto didn't know it but the rest of the students scattered in the hallway gushed and mushed about both the level 5's, their positions, and their expressions, and their blatant flirting in the school hallway. Basically fangirling.
Mikoto didn't know they had broken Tokiwadai in half at that moment. Fangirling.
What Mikoto knows is that complementing or agreeing with (when she thinks they're on the opposite end of a spectrum) Shokuhou is the quickest way to scramble her brain. She had looked absolutely adorable with her wide eyes and lips pursed together, a surprised expression coupled with static hair, all standing sideways to her left, where Mikoto's hand was currently before she retracted them to her side. Mikoto's smile grew dimpled and she can't help but chuckle at the sight.
As far as she knows, she won this round.
"You better get to class. We don't want our beloved Queen to set a delinquent example now, do we?"
After throwing that back, she better leave fast before Shokuhou would have the wits to bite her back. She will and with vengeance but for now, Mikoto better disappear.
With a nod and a quick toss to the trash can (a ringless shot this time), she bid goodbye and leisurely walked towards her first class of the day.
Mikoto failed to note the scarf she gave Shokuhou last night was draped over said girl's shoulders.
All the school activities did happen as she detestably anticipated and it did leave the railgun a bit drained but relieved. From pop quizes to normal scheduled quizes to passing assignments to reports and presentations, she had breeze almost of it. All her school problems are now done and she's ready for the other kind of problem for this day, to help judgement on the finding the missing kid.
Despite the cold, Mikoto decided to dress lightly. Just her uniform and a scarf. She didn't bother with anything else since there is still a possibility she might see some action even with this weather. Some idiots just can't stay at home or be out and be productive. Also, trouble finds her everywhere and she has somewhat made peace with that.
Her leisure trek was interrupted, a hulking hunk of a guy bumped into her from behind. He had a simple t-shirt and some shorts on over some black tights. He appears to be jogging before carelessly shoving her aside, no matter how accidental it was, it was strange. Mikoto reacted a bit slowly, she started hopping around to the right in a sort of awkward tribal dance before she got her wits and magnetized her feet on the pavement and found her balance.
The guy didn't try to help or anything. He just watched with a confused expression on his face. Once Mikoto righted herself, she glared up at the guy. Boy, he was tall, probably a whole foot more than her, and Mikoto was now almost 5 foot and 6 inches.
"Sorry" was all he said.
Mikoto raised both brows, a bit relieved that he at least knew how to apologize. He wasn't even conjuring a washed up excuse. He knew he was wrong and that's good. Mikoto nodded and expected him to go on his way but he remained standing there, stance relaxed as if he hadn't been doing anything prior.
Now that Mikoto had a good look at him, he is on the attractive side of the spectrum. Spiky dark hair slick back with eyes as equally dark. Wide shoulders gave way to tapered waist and his legs and calves are well developed. She recognizes a fighter in him, maybe he practices martial arts. Just then, Mikoto realized that like her, he didn't seem to be as affected by the cold as other people. She raised an eyebrow then. He stared back. It was like both were waiting for the other react or something but nothing really happened. Mikoto suddenly had a thought that if she look away, it would be her loss.
The impromptu stare down started. Students who passed them by gave them weird looks, with their thinly dressed ensembles and the silent no-blinking competition, they look odd to say the least.
"You're very strong"
He said flatly, no blinking, no twitch of facial muscles or body muscles. It was said with certainty. Mikoto was surprised. The admission was so out of the blue. Before she could croak out a word, the guy extended his right hand.
"Pleasure to meet you"
Mikoto accepted his huge hand, thoroughly perplexed at the situation she was in. He didn't offer his name so Mikoto hadn't with hers. The handshake was firm and warm and surprisingly, dry and rough. Wasn't he jogging before he bumped her?
When their hands broke apart, the guy nodded at her before continuing his jog on the opposite side of where he was suppose to go before he bumped into her.
"What in the world..."
Is today going to be an uneventful day? Doubtful.
Mikoto sighed and looked at her watch, completely resigned to her apparent fate of the day. It's 4:16 pm. She had 6 hours until her usual bedtime. Oh boy. Anything can happen in that span of hours and Mikoto's already itching to lay down and sleep.
Somehow, Mikoto felt that meeting that guy jump started something.
There was a gunshot from the corner the guy had disappeared into. She tensed almost immediately, the people around her doing the same. Some started running away and some just glanced at each other, making sure that they had not heard wrong, others had their phones out, likely dialing anti-skill. Just then Mikoto, remembered thinking that Kuroko was such a worrywart. She had a damn good reason to.
She also remembered that Kuroko may be onto something when she said they'll be having an active day.
With that last thought, she ran towards trouble.
uhh just one word, yeah? L I F E.
Did you guys know that the Railgun manga editor hinted about the new scientific manga spin off? It has a tentative title at the moment though, they said. "A Certain Scientific Mental Out"
yeah, who's hyped about it? ME!
I hope you guys are as well!
LATE HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU PEOPLE!
