4/7 Tue - Iwatodai Dormitory - Lounge - Evening
My footsteps echo against the steps as I open the decorated double doors to the dorm. Fuu-chan gave me a tour of the school, as well as Port Island. We ended the tour at the Strip Mall and went home from there. I can't help but bask in this warm feeling in my chest, even after we separated. You can say I'm on cloud 9 right now, cause I can.
"Welcome back," Kirijo-senpai greets me, reading on a wide couch near the wall.
Now I remember why her family name sounded familiar. That's because the Kirijos is the name of a massive trading company: Kirijo Group. They operate globally and are practically involved in what we need for our daily lives. And top it off, Gekkoukan High is a Kirijo-funded school. Next to that, Kirijo Mitsuru is a third year, my senpai.
"I hope your first day at school left a good impression?"
I give a thumbs up. "The school is great."
Kirijo-senpai puts on a pleased smile. "I am glad the school is to your liking." The smile quickly fades, replaced with that upper-classman presence. "…Also, I told Yuki this, but I cannot allow any of you to leave the dorm at night."
"How come?"
"There are many dangerous things in the city during the night, so it would be wise to stay in."
That makes. Besides, it's not like I have a reason to go out at night anyway.
"Okay, I'll do that," I complied, putting up a friendly smile.
She goes back to reading. I head for the stairs. If I don't start unpacking, then I never will. Yuki-kun is sitting at the kitchen table with Yuka-chan… I should talk to them. After all, they're gonna be my dormmates for a while, so why not try and be friends?
"Mind if I sit here?" I ask for permission.
"Not at all," Yuka-chan welcomes me. I take a seat next to Yuki-kun. Who greets me with a short "hello". "So, how was your first day?" Yuka-chan asks me.
"Pretty great."
Pretty great doesn't even nail down how I feel. Something like "awesome" would, but I still feel embarrassed about everything that happened last night
"Cool. I usually just hear from my friends that it sucks, or it's boring. Not like it's untrue, but there's no point complaining about it?"
Yuka-chan is popular, from what I heard from other boys during lunch. She must have a lot of friends that complain about it.
"I heard you were popular around school, though."
Yuka-chan face sours, already prepared for whatever I'm about to say. "You'd hear that from?
"Other boys."
Yuka-chan responds with a disgusted grunt. "Figures. Seems like all the perverts are talking about me already. I swear, first Junpei, now every guy in the school. Does it ever end?"
"Who's Junpei?"
"An idiot in our class. He's not worth mentioning."
Damn, that's definitely harsh. The guy can't be that bad, right?
"I thought he was okay," Yuki-kun voices his disagreement.
"Maybe to you, but that guy is nothing but a creep."
"Creep is a bit too much... Maybe a bit too energetic?"
"Yeah, and a perv. The point is: Junpei is a weirdo, and you're lucky you don't have to deal with him." I don't know what this Junpei guy is really like, but he sure pissed Yuka-chan off. Hopefully, I don't get on her bad side either. "...Well, I'm heading to my room. I wanna go to sleep early."
"Good night," I said, waving her goodbye
She waves as she moves up the stairs. The topic of the gun, I wanted to mention, but something told me not to. And the blood on my clothes, I wonder if she noticed, if anyone noticed? And those coffins and the world… Was I just seeing things?
"Now that it's just us, we can finally talk to each other, Kazuki-kun," Yuki-kun says, faintly smiling.
"Oh, yeah, I guess we never did."
Makoto-kun and I shake hands. His grip is not strong or weak, just in the middle ground, almost as if he can go between one or the other at any second. The idea is strange, yet somehow terrifying.
"So, what class are you in, Yuki-kun?"
"2-F, along with Yukari and Junpei. You?"
"2-E. Hey, mine is right next to yours."
"Go figure."
Because of his looks, I thought he'd be hard to talk to, but I guess that was a hasty assumption… Now that I think about it, we both arrived at the dorm late at night, right? Before then, everything was green and there were coffins and blood all over the place. It never occurred to me until now, but did he see it as well?
"Hey, this might sound strange, but the night you arrived at the city…did you-"
A ringtone blares, interrupting me from saying anything else. Yuki-kun pulls out his phone, revealing that it's his.
"Sorry, but I need to take this. We can pick up on this later."
He puts the phone to his ear and goes upstairs. I sigh. There goes my chance to ask about the other night. Oh well, I'll just ask him tomorrow… Actually, never mind. It was late, I barely had anything to eat, and I was nervous. My mind was playing tricks on me, that's all.
"I might as well go to my room then."
I walk over to the stairs. Climbing the steps, a guy I haven't seen before descends the stairs. He's wearing a red vest with his school jacket slung over his shoulder. He has a Band-Aid patch on his forehead, however his white hair is the most noticeable feature about him. Shoulder to shoulder, he spares a cold glance at me. He didn't say or do anything to me, but he gave me this intense aura like he wasn't some ordinary person. The thought that he's another resident of the dorm is unthinkable. He gives off a feeling that he's more than a student, the same type of vibe I get from Kirijo-senpai, but different; more straightforward.
Unlocking the door to my room, packed boxes fill my view. If I leave it like this, then I'll never get to unpacking, so I better get to it.
...
Finally, after half an hour of getting everything out and placing them where I wanted them, I finished unpacking and decorating my room. I put my manga on the desk, categorizing it by series and volume number; from greatest to least greatest mangakas. And it goes without saying, I pin up some posters of idols that I've come to love. If I ever got to meet one, I think I'd die a happy man. But the most important memento: a photo of Naoya and me at the Tokyo Dome. We didn't actually go in, I just wanted a photo of it. Funnily enough, I cherish the time we spent more than seeing the building. I place it on top of the desk as well.
Now only one more thing left to do: sleep. I change out of my school uniform and into my pajamas before heading to bed.
Everything about this day went right, and the facts piled up. First: I met Fuu-chan, secondly: I'm in the same classroom as her, which, is awesome! Then we became friends. Everything's coming up for me! I just hope we don't have any more accidents in the future…
…
Static buzzes in my ear and obscures my vision. It's loud, too loud! I can barely hear my thoughts. Yet, I can hear someone, screaming, yelling, begging. The words are jumbled, creating a hellish cascade of noise.
Just make it stop, make it all stop! Be quiet for a minute!
The static gets noisier and noisier with each scream that assails my ears. Clawing deeper into my head, it's driving me insane.
Shut up, just shut up! Go away!
In the end, the static stops, and all I feel is something warm.
4/8 Wed - Iwatodai Dormitory - Morning
My eyelids open wide, and the dark ceiling greets me. A weird, indescribable sensation echoes across my body. Shivers run down my back for no reason. Is it because of that strange dream? Actually, what was that dream? Gah, it's no use, I can't recall it at all… However, I don't feel groggy in the least; almost like I didn't go to sleep.
"I wonder what time it is?" I grab my phone from under my pillow. It's 6:34 A.M. Wait, what!? "Oh, crap, it's morning! Wait, how long was I asleep for?"
I could've sworn I went to sleep for a couple of minutes. I jump out of bed, grabbing my uniform clothes from my closet, and rush to throw my clothes on. I race out of my room, closing it before leaving. Both my uniform jacket and my regular hoodie are in my hand with my bag handle in my mouth. On days like these, you just gotta hope and pray you're fast enough to make it to homeroom before the late-bell.
Gekkoukan high- 2-E - Morning
Despite the odds, I made it to school on time. Students pass me as they hurry off to class. I slide open the door to my classroom. My appearance is nothing short of a mess. Luckily enough, nobody notices me entering from the back. All I have to do is put on my jackets, straighten myself out, and I'll be passable.
"Good morning, Kazuki-kun," Fuu-chan greets me with a welcoming smile plastered on her face. However, it changes to curiosity when she takes a moment to look at me. "...Why isn't your school jacket on?"
Ah, crap. Almost forgot to throw that on.
"Had to rush over here."
"Well, school doesn't start until 7:30 A.M., so you should be able to make it based on when you wake up and when you make it out of your home," Fuu-chan informs me as if it were a matter of fact.
"Oh, I didn't know that. You're smart."
"Um, I don't think so. It's just common knowledge," she says, using modesty to avert praise.
Yep, I should've known that by now, but hey, now I know. The school bell rings, starting the beginning of school
"Slave hours are here," I remark.
"Why would you say that?"
"Duh, school is a slave driver, so that's why you got boys and girls despairing before class. Thus, slave hours." She laughs a little at my joke. Glad it's a hit because that was the lamest joke I've ever said. "...Hm?"
"Is something the matter?" she asks, mindful of my expression.
"Nothing, just thought I forgot something.
That's odd. I feel something staring at us but no one is looking at us… Maybe it's just… No, I know this feeling better than anything. A bitter taste spreads across my tongue. I hate that I know what this feeling is.
Gekkoukan High - Class: 2-E - Afterschool
Class started with a bore and ended with one, but it didn't matter since I dozed off for a couple of minutes during each period. Can't say I'm proud, but I've pretty much mastered the ways of sleeping in class. Fuu-chan is getting ready to leave for the day. Right when I get up, three other girls move past me, stopping in front of her desk.
"Hey, Fuuka, can you come with us for a minute?" a tan-skinned girl asks, barely hiding that sickening smile.
Fuu-chan tenses up, looking everywhere except at the girls. "Um, I-I-I…I can't, because I'm, umm... Spending time with my friend today." She edges to me. "Come on, let's go, Kazuki-kun."
Her face, nothing pure dread…
"Okay, let's go..."
I pass the trio of girls. She follows behind me. Suddenly, she falls to the ground, nearly hitting the edge of a desk.
"Fuu-chan!" I crouch to see if she's alright. One of these girls has their leg sticking out, it's obvious! "Are you okay?"
"Ye-Yes, it was nothing..."
Bullshit, she could have split her head open if she hit the desk! She's lucky enough to just get a bruise.
I get to my feet, staring down the trio of girls who are just smirking it up. "What the hell is wrong with you!"
"Nothing, my foot slipped," the tan girl says.
"Yeah right, your foot slipped, my ass!"
"What? I said we're sorry~." Her apology is hollow. "But Fuuka should say sorry. I could have gotten hurt if she had dragged me down with her."
"That's not even true!" This girl is driving me up the goddamn wall. I'm gonna take Fuu-chan and get out of here. "Listen, I want you to leave her alone. She doesn't deserve this! Got it!?"
"Fine, I understand, but guys like you trying to act tough is cute."
This girl... It's like she didn't listen to a thing I said. The trio exits the classroom. Everyone else starts leaving as well. None of them care about what just happened, they want to put it out of sight out of mind; typical.
"Here." I give her a hand off the ground. She's on the verge of tears. Damn it, who the hell does that girl think she is? "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I am… Let's just… Wait, where is my bag?" she asks as she looks around for it.
"It's over..." It's gone. Oh shit, don't tell me… "Come on, I know who might have taken it."
We head down into the main hall to search for the tan girl and her friends. There's a bag near the entrance of the school. It's soaked, torn, and beaten to hell and back; Anything inside is probably crushed and soaked to the bone.
"That's my bag," Fuuka miserably says, slowly approaching it.
She picks it up and heads out of the school.
"That…bitch… I'm gonna…!"
"Kazuki-kun, it's okay, I'm used to this," she cuts me off, sounding defeated. "It's okay, really."
Unbelievable, that's all I can say. No, hell no, no! I'm not okay with any of this, and I'm definitely not going to let them get away with this, not a chance in hell!
"This isn't okay, this isn't okay at all! I don't like how they treat you, not in the slightest! So don't you dare tell me it's okay and expect me to go with it, because there is no chance in hell I will!"
Her head tilts to her bag, but even with her head down, I can tell; Fuuka is crying. She's trying not to show me. She probably doesn't want anyone to see her cry… I know I wouldn't. I take off my uniform jacket so I can give her my hoodie.
"Why…are you...giving me this?"
"Nobody will see you crying if you wear the hood, so cry under it if you want."
"Than-Thank you," she expresses her gratitude as she sobs.
"It's okay, let's just get out of here. I'll take you back to your house."
"...Okay."
I escorted her home. She had to throw out her bag with it being wrecked and all. There was nothing I could say or do to make her feel better. Even if I did, it wouldn't work. In times like this, silence is just better. After reaching her house, we said goodbye to each other for the day. I went straight to the dorm. I didn't want to stop anywhere to eat. I felt sick straight to my stomach. However, I made a quick stop. I went to a supplies store to buy Fuuka a new bag, some new books, and some other stuff.
Iwatodai dormitory - evening
Entering the dorm, I see a grown man sitting on one of the arms-rest seats. He's dressed nicely in an all-hazel attire, has long brown hair reaching past his shoulders, and is wearing glasses. Is this guy managing the dorm or something like that?
"Hello," the grown man greets me, his voice easy on my nerves. "You must be one of the new students living in this dorm. I am Ikutsuki Shuji. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"You too, Ikutsuki-san. I'm Kazuki Kei, it is a pleasure to meet you."
I'm still angry, but I have to control it and keep appearances. Exploding at other people is not right, especially if they didn't do anything to me.
"I just got done talking to Yuki and Takeba, so you came just in time."
A talk is the last thing I'm in the mood for. I'll just politely make my way out of this.
"Oh, well, can this wait for another time? I'm kind of in a hurry."
"I do need to ask you questions, but if you aren't feeling up to it now, I suppose Mitsuru will have to ask the standard questions later."
"Yeah, thanks..."
I do a quick bow and leave the lounge in a hurry for the second floor. I open my closet door, showing my other clothes and PJs. Taking off my clothes feels like a waste of time instead of just going to sleep in them, but putting on my PJs is a must, or else I'll wrinkle my uniform in my sleep. With my loungewear on, I can sleep this whole day off and get to school tomorrow.
When I took off my uniform jacket, I tried taking off my other one. Huh? What to my– Wait, I forgot it!
That's right, I forgot to get my hoodie from Fuuka... Well, it's not like that's a bad thing. I'm pretty sure she'll bring it tomorrow, so I have nothing to worry about. The weight of my body hits the bed. I can't believe that someone would do that shit… Shit, what am I talking about? I should know better. Human beings can be cruel when they want to be, that's just a fact, an obvious one at that… I've never been this pissed in my life! Damnit, I don't even know if I can go to sleep...!
4/9 Thu - Gekkoukan high - Morning
Students hurry to class as the late bell sounds off. It barely registers in my brain while I carry this extra school bag in my hand. To anyone else, I'd look like someone's bag shuttle, but that's not the case. Took me a bit of time to organize all the supplies inside the bag. Wait, what if she bought another bag? Why didn't I think of this sooner? I'll look pretty dumb carrying two bags. Dah, even if it is, it doesn't matter right now!
I barge into my homeroom. Most of the students are standing around, chatting with their friends about stuff I'm not curious about. My point of interest is sitting in her seat, staring at her desk with a depressing gaze. After what happened yesterday, I'm just glad she came.
And to my surprise, she doesn't have to lug this thing around all day. All I have to do is just give this to her, simple.
I place the bag on her desk, emptying my head of any irrelevant thoughts. "Here."
Life sparks in her eyes, surprised by the item. "Is this…?"
"I just…thought you would need a new one, after what happened. I know it was hasty, and a bit odd to do so, but… I just thought I owed you."
I put up my best smile, despite my stammering for most of my words. I've never done this before, so I don't know whether or not she'll accept it. That being said, I spent most of the money Naoya gave me, so if she doesn't accept this, well…
"Kazuki-kun, you-"
Someone slides open the homeroom door with more force than they should've, interrupting Fuu-chan. ]Ekoda-sensei stomps his way into the room, as vicious and vindictive as usual. "All right, settle down, settle down! Get in your seats!"
Bad timing. Then again, I'm surprised he's late since he went on about how being on time is everything an adult should be. But I suppose it's just one of those things I don't understand about adults.
"We can talk later," I whisper.
"Okay."
I take my seat, keeping my head down until I'm called for during roll call, then, and then maybe catch some sleep. As Ekoda-sensei lists off names in the class and students respond to their names, Fuu-chan sneaks a piece of paper onto my desk while he isn't watching.
"Thank you", it says, written neatly.
It takes a moment for the words to hit me. A simple phrase anyone wouldn't pay any mind to, practically shut my brain off for more than half a minute… Thank you… That's the first time anyone has ever said that to me. It feels…good.
Gekkoukan High - 2:E - lunchtime
Class went by in a flash, almost frighteningly so. My mind was transfixed on the piece of paper the whole time. It's weird, but the warmth in my heart isn't dying down.
"Kazuki-kun,"
Fuu-chan, despite her small voice, breaks me out of my trance.
I jerk every which way before regaining my cool. "Y-y-yes!?"
She raises an eyebrow at my weird behavior, but she quickly brightens up. "I wanted to say thank you, for everything you did for me." She gets up to bow her head. "I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you."
"You don't need to. I'm just happy to know that I'm able to help you, that's all."
"But why?" she asks with a guilted look. "I appreciate your help, but why me? You don't need to go through the trouble of doing any of this for me. We've only known each other for three days already, so why?"
She's right. It's only been three days since we met, ever since I came to this city. The lengths I'm going to help her don't seem realistic or normal. But that doesn't matter to me, it never has.
"Because...you're my very first friend. So you're special to me."
Even if it has been three days, so what? As far as I'm concerned, we're already good friends, so why should I care how long its been? Plus, I don't want to see her as miserable as she was yesterday. It's not the fact she was sad, but how she looks used to that.
"What!?" Fuu-chan's cheeks flare up, becoming as red as a beat. Cute. "I'm important...to you?" she whispers, her face getting brighter.
"Yeah, you're my very first friend. You took the time out of your day to show me around the school and the city when you could've just gone home. And you're a kind person; I nearly knocked you down a flight of stairs and you didn't even call me out for it. So in all regards, I'd say you're a pretty good person, and that's why I think you're a pretty amazing friend, Fuu-chan."
Silence reigns over the small space we occupy, but her smile says it all. A smile that displays genuine happiness, and brings out her cuter features. Cute enough to make my heart skip a beat.
"Hey, do you wanna hang out at the arcade after school? Or get something to eat? Maybe something to eat. I skipped dinner last night and I only have enough for bread."
"Why did you skip dinner?"
"I was in a hurry to go to sleep when I made it back home yesterday."
"You should take better care of yourself. Skipping meals can have an inverse effect on your body such as an eating disorder, anxiety, or– Well, you get it, right?"
"Wow, I didn't know. Good thing I never skip meals!"
I say that, but I'm probably gonna have to skip a few meals until Naoya sends more money.
"Then how about we go to Hagakure?" Fuu-chan recommends
"Will it fill me up?"
"I'm pretty sure. I heard good things about it online."
"In that case, let's go! Oh, um, Fuu-chan… Can you pay for it?"
"Me?"
I press my hands together and bow my head behind them. "Sorry, but I'm low on money and I don't get another allowance until next month. Please forgive this selfish request."
Acting humble can only go so far, especially with an empty stomach.
"No, no, it's okay. I'll pay for it. I'd like to think of this as my way of paying you back for your generosity."
"Sweet! Thanks a million."
As soon as school ended, we went to Hagekure, as promised. I ordered a chicken ramen bowl. It was like a hole had been filled in my stomach. Fuu-chan got Miso Ramen, putting down half of the bowl before getting full. She paid for the food as she said she would. We see the off after that. However, before we home, I asked for her number and for her to bring my hoodie to school tomorrow. She agreed to bring my hoodie, and as for the number... I have it!