Katawa Shoujo- Nocturne
Toby woke up tomorrow morning, it seemed that there was still a lot on his mind when it came to what he was going to do regarding Shizune and Misha's request to join the student council. He headed to his first class of the day where Tanimoto was waiting.
"I sense there is a lot on your mind? Busy day yesterday?" Tanimoto explained to Toby. Toby looked at his music teacher as he sat down in his seat.
"You can say that again, Shizune invited me out and she wants to speak to me about joining the Student Council." Toby explained what was going on. Tanimoto seemed to nod as if she sensed some excitement between him and the future ahead.
"That's excellent to hear, have you come to a decision yet?" Tanimoto asked Toby if there was anything that was confirmed. Toby began to think of the conversation he had with Shizune and Misha about the student council and the promise he had made to Shizune about wanting to speak to her.
"Not yet but tonight I definitely will have. Got any advice for the decision?" Toby asked Tanimoto if she could help him out in any way she could. Tanimoto began to think about what Toby had to say, the offer to Toby was tempting but he didn't know if he wanted to take the chance.
"I think you should go for it, someone like you has the talent but we just don't know if that talent should be applied there." Tanimoto explained to Toby, was it going to be true? Did Toby need to do something to make her happy?
"I go for it like my mother always says?" Toby asked, was Tanimoto discouraging him from trying to achieve Shizune's wishes of joining the student council?.
"You should, not that I'm trying to discourage you from doing so but by the looks of things you have a chance to take when it comes to this. I think you should go for it but I thought a musical genius like you wouldn't be cut out for something like the student council. I'd still take my chances if I were you." Tanimoto told Toby that accepting the offer despite it not being his biggest strength was something he should do. Toby listened, it seemed that Tanimoto was telling him, it would be worth the try.
"Sure thing, I can take the offer for you." Toby explained to Tanimoto. He still didn't know what exactly he wanted to do but with Tanimoto backing him, he was going to have to enter the student council.
"That's the spirit, good luck." Tanimoto told Toby. The rest of the class began to filter in as Toby seemed to have regained a bit of confidence back from his music teacher. Tanimoto turned to her class and began to teach the lesson for today. Nina meanwhile looked at Toby as she began to speak to him.
"What did Tanimoto say?" Nina asked Toby.
"She said for me to go for it, I will need it for tonight when Shizune and Stephanie decide to come over to my dorm. Don't know if you want to join the student council too?" Toby offered Nina the invite but was Nina going to take the invite? Nina began to think about it, the offer was tempting and would be worth it. If this was the case she had to make her mind up.
"I guess I can join, only condition of me joining is that you need to like your new position, I don't want to go in and expect nothing in return especially if you're not going to like it." Nina told Toby about it.
"You sure about it?" Toby asked Nina if she really wanted to join the student council.
"I'm sure about it. We never got to spend enough time together as friends back in our old school. Perhaps this can be a perfect opportunity to spend more time with each other. If that is what you're up for." Nina explained her plan to Toby. Toby seemed to nod with agreement.
"Okay, I'll let you know." Toby told Nina. They had their plans in place and decided to turn to Tanimoto who was teaching now. Toby had a reason to feel more confident.
Katawa Shoujo- Daylight
The day wore on with Toby and Nina discussing their plans Haruhiko and his friends didn't have plans as their stalls were finished and they just needed to put the finishing touches on it. Toby and Nina didn't have much to do so they were left to mostly hang out with each other and figure out what they were going to do. Toby and Nina rounded the corner to bump into Shizune and Misha. Toby seemed curious about what they were here for.
"What are you doing?" Toby asked Shizune and Misha. Nina didn't know how to reply to what the student council wanted. Toby tries to strike a balance between being quiet enough to not draw attention to himself but loud enough to draw hers.
"What are you doing, Toby?" Misha asked curiously. Shizune looked at Toby wondering what he was going to say. Panic shoots through Toby as Misha starts talking at her normal volume, and he had to sputter out a hasty reply, still keeping his voice down despite the fact that she just blew any hope of being discreet Toby may have had.
"I'm hanging out with a friend, what are you doing? Why so loud?" Toby explained to the group and asked why they were so loud when it came to speaking to him directly.
"Aw, really? But we're your friends... That's why no one else is hanging out with us!" Misha told Toby that she didn't feel too pleased about it that her friend wasn't hanging out with her.
"I know, why are you so loud?" Toby asked Misha why she had to scream her words everytime that mouth opened. Misha looked at Toby as she had something to ask him.
"Why are you so quiet, Toby? It's hard to hear you." Misha asked Toby, there was no malice to her voice. Toby takes a look around to see if anyone is noticing their conversation and it's pretty obvious that no one except for Nina has, not even the teacher. Shizune smiles coyly and Toby starts to wonder if Misha is doing this because she told her to. Is it because of what happened between her and someone else earlier? This is what he gets for trying to be reasonable? For trying to take the middle path? Shizune is way too prideful, although by now Toby should know to expect that kind of behavior from her.
"Why are you doing this?" Toby asked Misha why she and Shizune were doing something like this. Misha looked at Toby, curious to see what she was going to say.
"Huh?" Misha asked, Shizune looked around to see Nina was still behind Toby, she wanted to figure out who she was. Misha is totally oblivious to the awkward stare a passing teacher is giving both of them, while trying to balance her work on one finger. For a brief second it looks as if things could get ugly, but the teacher simply looks away, as if it's not worth the trouble. Toby could guess this is a good thing, and he slumps back on the wall in relief. Toby is able to appreciate that it does. When the bell rings to signal between classes, he's not in a hurry, so he can stay for a while, reviewing what he covered in class today by Tanimoto. He would have preferred to leave last anyway, so he doesn't have to deal with crowding in the hallways. Toby could also notice Shizune and Misha have also stayed behind, talking to someone from another class. Shizune's signing so fast that her hands make noises like swords cutting through the air. Misha is trying desperately to keep up, but it's clear she can barely manage to even understand her. Toby wished he could put his head down. Whatever they're discussing, it looks like serious business. Probably way over his head despite understanding Shizune. Not just that, but Shizune also seems angry, although it could just be her normal severity making it appear so. Shizune signs to the point where her wrists crackle, and Misha struggles to spit it out in word form. Sometimes she trips over herself like she's dealing with tongue twisters. And then on top of that, she has to sign back anything the other girl says. Seems like a rough job. Misha looks tired, like she's about to faint. Luckily for her, their business is quickly finished and the girls sit down on their seats again.
"Uwaaah! I'm so tired!" Misha began to tell Shizune that she didn't like the lack of rest. Misha was hanging her head limply down to the floor, looking exhausted.
"Festival preparations must be tough for you." Toby stepped in, maybe he can change their minds. Indeed, the people in this school seem to be taking the festival very seriously. Whenever Toby sees people idling around before and after classes they're always talking about their plans for it. It's kind of neat to see everyone being so enthusiastic about it. He's probably the only one who doesn't have something to do and Nina too. Shizune starts signing at Toby and Misha perks up, looking at her hands with slightly unfocused eyes. "Do you want to help us?" Toby asked as he picked up on what Shizune was signing. She signs with harsh, heavy, dramatic strokes. Misha translates her signing into speech for Toby and Nina. She does it so well it's almost like Shizune is actually speaking, transmitting her thoughts directly through Misha.
"Well, we're in the Student Council, you know, so we're pretty busy." Misha told Toby about what their purpose was and why they were bogged down with work.
"Sarcasm?" Nina asked. She appeared from behind Toby before walking over to Shizune and Misha.
"Huh?" Misha asked. "Who is she?"
"This is Nina from some of my classes. She wanted to help with the student council." Toby explained to Shizune and Misha. Shizune adjusted her glasses before she began to sign. The tone of Shizune's actions makes Toby think she is "speaking" with disdain, but Misha interprets it normally, replacing whatever intent may have been there with her own chipper twist on things. It's still disorienting, Toby doesn't think he'll ever get used to it.
"Nice to meet you Nina, I'm Misha and this is my friend Shizune." Misha told Nina who she was and who her friend was. Shizune gave a wave to Nina before turning to Toby.
"Never mind." Toby translated what Shizune was saying. How could she forget, with the two of them trying to get them to join at least twice a day? Misha looked at them but she couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahaha! But, Toby, some could say the work is too much. It'd be nice if students were to show a little more support for their leadership, some appreciation to the ones who are working so hard to make it all possible. Maybe, for example, a little help. That's asking too much, is it? Yep! Help would be appreciated! From students like you! If students would show their dedication and school spirit, and offer some help, well, I don't exactly need it... But I wouldn't necessarily refuse it... So! it would be nice if someone would... Oh? Hello!" Misha explained to Toby about the fact that they could use a little bit of help. They turned their heads to see the girl with purple hair and purple eyes approaching them, she was very familiar to Toby. Who was she? Toby looks over his shoulder and sees the girl peering timidly into the classroom, most of her body hidden behind the door. "Hey Hanako! Playing delinquent again?" Hanako blushes hard at Misha's straightforward jab, even if it was only in jest. Shizune made some signs as if she was telling her something. Shizune stares at her probingly, causing Hanako to look down and start backing away to the point where only her fingers can be seen wrapped nervously around the edge of the door. Maybe she is showing her dislike of Hanako by association of her dislike of someone Toby nor Nina were familiar with. It appears so, and Hanako probably knows it as well. They seem to have momentarily forgotten about trying to get them to stay for the rest of the day.
Katawa Shoujo- Stride
"What is it, Hanako?" Nina asked Hanako if she had anything to ask, she was trying her best to be gentle with the timid girl.
"H... has Lilly been here?" Hanako asked, she wanted to find someone that she could speak to. Nina shook her head.
"Sorry, Satou is not here. I saw her come by in the morning though. She must've been in the library if I can recall." Nina explained to Hanako if she could remember where Lilly had gone off to. Hanako keeps looking uneasily at Shizune, who stares back at her with her usual studying gaze. What is she trying to do? Of course Shizune isn't going to look away, and she is intimidating enough as it is, so Toby can only imagine how terrified Hanako would be. A part of him wished this a little funny though, watching Hanako's reaction to Shizune's normal behavior. This is what happens when two people of two different extremes meet, it seems. But to him, he was feeling bad for Hanako as she must've felt terrified because of Shizune.
"Do... Do you know where she is?" Hanako asked. Toby and Nina looked at each other, Misha was a bit distracted, Shizune touched Misha on the shoulder for her attention. Misha turned to Shizune as Shizune was making a few signs with her hands to Misha.
"She might be slacking off somewhere! What a useless woman!" Misha explained to Hanako. Hanako must've looked hurt by this response. Toby and Nina looked at Hanako as she nods quickly and retreats with haste, obviously to avoid any further contact with Shizune. Unfortunately, this turns their attention fully back to Toby and Nina. "But Toby is not useless, right? Right? He said so himself! Wahaha!" Misha told Toby that he was dependable. Toby could see where this is going, and he does not want any part of it, not after that experience yesterday.
"Well, good luck with your preparations..." Toby explained to Shizune and Misha. Toby and Nina got their bags ready as they decided to make a break for the exit. Unfortunately, they're all the way on the other side of the room. The short distance to the doorway seems like a vast No Man's Land to Toby and Nina now. Shizune and Misha both start maneuvering slowly in front of Toby and Nina, cutting off their route of escape in an unsettlingly cautious way that makes them think of ship-to-ship combat.
Katawa Shoujo- The Student Council
"I think Shicchan is saying that you should help us, Toby!" Misha told Toby about the fact that he and Nina should help them.
"Gee, I wouldn't know, she's so subtle." Toby seemed to mutter that this wasn't new to him. Misha frowned at Toby, she had to get serious with him.
"But! Toby, that's the intent, so, please? I can't keep up, we have to actually build stalls for the festival, almost all of them all by ourselves, can you believe that? Hammering boards together, over and over again, for hours, it's really hard! I'm so used to it I was doing swinging motions in class, and I didn't even know it!" Misha explained to Toby that she and Shizune couldn't do it alone. Misha bangs her desk a few times, imitating hammer blows. "It's so repetitive, I can't stand it! And yesterday, I actually hammered all the boards on top of each other... It was just a stack of boards all nailed together, and then I had to take it apart and do it all over again, and I got yelled at and laughed at!" Misha explained, she didn't want to be laughed at for making something as silly as this mistake. Toby and Nina were perplexed over this.
"Uh..." Toby began. Misha cuts him off.
"So..." Misha began. She clamps a hand down on Toby's shoulder and grins, quickly running her tongue across her teeth mischievously. "Do you have any plans for today, Toby? I wonder if you do."
"Sure I have plans..." Toby began to explain, Misha's eyes lit up thinking they were going to help them.
"Really? You're going to help us, right?" Misha asked Toby if they were joining. Toby could notice her hands are moving constantly. She's signing everything we both say so that Shizune can understand. Shizune is being somewhat quiet today. Is she still angry? Well, probably at least a bit. Toby could see it in her eyes. But, this could also just be another way of trying to guilt me into lending her a hand. Toby and Nina have to find a way out of this.
"Hey, I should go now, to the library. You know, homework... I should get going, shouldn't I? I have to be diligent, because I'm a new student, and all, so I have to make a good first impression, right? Yeah... See you later, then!" Toby told Misha in a playful manner, now was their chance to get to the door. Toby and Nina turn to bolt for the door, but Shizune is blocking their path, her arms crossed over her chest and a stern expression on her face. She wags a finger tauntingly and begins signing to Misha with the manner of a squad leader giving directions to his fellow soldiers.
"It didn't seem like you were in any rush to get to the library, Toby! That's right, Shicchan, it does seem like he was probably going to slack off for the rest of the day. Hahaha! Wahaha! You're surrounded!" Misha playfully told Toby that he and Nina weren't going anywhere and they were trapped. Looks like there was no way they could try getting out now. Shizune made some signs with her hands as if she was beginning to explain what was going to happen. "Let's go to the student council room!" Misha instructed them. She lets out a chuckle, and then breaks into laughter. "I'm sorry, Toby, I feel bad, but this works out for everyone, right?" Misha told Toby about it. Shizune just made some signs to explain what was going on. "That's right, Shicchan! Yes, that's a good point too." Shizune continued to sign as Misha was telling this directly to Toby. "Yes, this is beneficial to everyone, it solves all our problems." Toby watched as Misha translated everything, how does she do that? "Yeah yeah! I also thought he'd be more appreciative of our efforts." They pull themselves closer, as if they are about to pounce.
"Hey guys, two-on-one and a half isn't very fair, is it?" Toby asked Shizune and Misha if they should just let him and Nina go. Shizune began to sign, she keeps looking forward, impassive, then gives a sinister smile.
"Come on, we have a lot of work to do! Let's go to the student council room!" Misha told the group as they began to make their way down to the student council room. Toby didn't seem to be bothered about this and was still willing to crack a few jokes.
"Gee, I don't know..." Toby explained to Shizune and Misha. Misha laughs in response to what Toby had said.
"Deja vu?" Misha asked, she seemed curious to what Toby had said. She chortles, before letting out another laugh. "Hahaha, you know, my horoscope said it'd be a good day for me today. And now that you're going to help." Shizune signs quickly to her. What was Shizune trying to say to Toby? "Right!, I mean, now that you've decided to help us, completely of your own free will, I'll be able to take it easy! Lucky, huh?" Toby felt like he was being mocked by Shizune and Misha or was this a challenge? Toby opens his mouth to say something but then realizes there's no point. He refocused on trying to think of a way out of this. No, their actions are clearly deliberate, there's no sense in attempting to reason with them. You can't reason with madmen. Toby gave a frown, and they didn't even notice his discontent, further proving my suspicions. They seem pretty relaxed now. Toby could guess they think they've already won, so they're letting their guard down. That's kind of arrogant. They pass forward in front of Toby and Nina as they move through the doorway... And they stealthily walk backwards back into the classroom as they step into the hallway, turning towards the stairwell. Nina let out a sigh of relief and quickly packed the rest of my stuff so They could make their escape. The classroom door slams shut. Shizune made some gestures with her hands and Misha began to speak. "That wasn't very nice, there. Hahaha, you really got us good, though. Didn't they, Shicchan?" Misha asked, she seemed to give a laugh as if she had managed to enjoy Toby's trick he pulled on them. Shizune said nothing and made some signs with her hands. "Right, right... ...Hahaha! What was that about? I thought you said you'd help us! And then you bailed on us! And you thought you would get away with it, didn't you?" Misha asked Toby and Nina. The indignant expression vanishes and she begins to laugh hysterically, calming down only after an aggravated look from Shizune. "Oh, ah... Yeah, you thought you could get away with it! But, a criminal always returns to the scene of the crime!" Misha explained while trying her best not to burst out into laughter. Toby and Nina didn't even manage to leave the classroom in the first place. No, wait, he didn't even agree to help in the first place. "Not very bright, are you, criminal? Thinking you can just shirk your duties like that... How low, Toby!" Misha told Toby that he and Nina could sneak off and break the laws of the school. Misha laughed to herself at this thought.
Katawa Shoujo- Hokabi
"I'm a criminal? What did I do? What's the charge? What am I guilty of?" Toby asked Misha if he had anything to be guilty of and Nina too as he was planning on taking her with him.
"That's for the courts to decide, criminal! I don't think we have to tell you that! Besides, you're the criminal here, you know what you did!" Misha replied as if she giggled to this. Shizune managed to smile for Toby's response of being a criminal.
"Have you ever read "The Trial," by Kafka?" Toby asked, he seemed to recall reading it in his freetime but that must've been back in his old school.
"No, what's that, Toby? What does that have to do with this?" Misha asked curiously to Toby if he could recall what the story was. Toby began to think of what the story was about.
"I read it a year ago. It's about these people who run a kangaroo court on a guy who just wants to live his life. They refuse to leave him alone, and he can't fight the power." Toby explained to Shizune and Misha what the story was about that he managed to read it. "I still did it in my freetime when the school's computer services were down and I couldn't make music." Shizune made some signs with her hands as if she had a look that she found the story interesting.
"Toby, what does that have to do with anything? Hey!, what does that mean?" Misha asked as Toby managed to slap her metaphorically twice, she didn't understand what the story had to do with him and Nina helping them out in the student council. Shizune turns back to me after signing back and forth for a lengthy amount of time. "You know, we're both a little disappointed in you. You've let us down, Toby." Misha said with a pout. Shizune signed more to tell Misha to put more emphasis on it. "Dropped the ball." Shizune signed some more to Misha. "Left us hanging. And out in the cold." Shizune looked at Misha, that how she conducted something like this, she definitely wanted Misha to put more emphasis and emotion into what she was saying and not think about laughing, she wanted to show how serious this was and Misha wasn't helping. "Is that any way to treat a person? To run away from your responsibilities, to abandon your comrades? We think you owe it to us to honor your commitment."
"What? But I didn't commit to anything!" Toby told Shizune and Misha. To Toby he was still more or less trying to get out of this. His breathing catches in his throat and Toby begins to momentarily start choking. Shizune looked at Misha as she began to sign to Misha some of her signs.
"That's not true, Toby! You said you are not useless, you definitely said it, yes, definitely, definitely definitely! We are calling you on those words now! You better prepare to show you are not a useless guy! Your honor will be soiled forever if you try to get out of this! So for the rest of the day, we are going to hang out together, just the three of us, and work hard!" Misha explained to Toby that he wasn't entirely a dead weight, he can contribute to the stalls that were needed this weekend. Shizune looked at Misha giving some signs for her to translate. Misha turned back to Toby and Nina. "You can't fool us! You should be happy, you're doing your school a great service. Ask not what your school can do for you... But what you can do for your school! Hahaha! Hahahahahahaha!" Misha explained as her laughter was something she had been building up for some time now and she was now letting it all out. How depressing. Shizune places a hand on Toby's shoulder while Misha recovers from her laughter and begins to speak. "Cheer up, cheer up, Toby!" Misha gets behind Toby and she slaps him hard across the back with enough strength to knock the air out of his lungs. Toby gasps to breathe. "Besides, aren't you happy you get to spend the day with two cute girls? Hahahaha!" Make that three as he was bringing Nina along with him. Toby could guess they are right. He did blurt those words out. Accepting his fate, Toby and Nina follow them to the student council room.
Katawa Shoujo- Afternoon
And hammer the final nail into the stall. It took all of the afternoon, and dinner time was nearly over. But it is done now. Shizune pulls out a roll of measuring tape and a small level, and inspects it thoroughly. She smiles, looking pleased, then motions for Misha to come over. Shizune made some signs with her hands as she inspected the stalls they worked hard on.
"She says you did a very good job. In fact, you might actually have a gift for this." Misha began while inspecting Toby and Nina's work. "Wow, I'm impressed, too. And that was fast, have you done this before?"
"No. Never. Never before. And I never will again." Nina told them while wiping the sweat from her forehead. Shizune began to sign as she had something to say.
"Well, our quota for the day is six stalls. In a few minutes, me and Shicchan should finish this one." Misha explained that they were working hard and needed to do so. Nina was just exhausted from the work she had done. Her hands were starting to hurt her and she needed a break from her work. "That means~... four more to go! We're making good time, she says! Isn't this great fun?" Toby and Nina groaned, this must've been taking too long when it came to this.
"What?" Toby asked, Nina was ready to pass out from the work she had been doing and this was proving too much for her hands. "I could think of a million things I'd rather do, but I suppose everyone has to do their share for the festival, even me." Toby explained to Shizune and Misha. "You're both lucky that I'm helping you two out, if I really didn't want to, I could have gotten out of it easily." Shizune actually smiled and she began signing to Toby.
"Really, Toby?" Misha asked, she sounded kind of sincere when she figured out that they were helping her out. Shizune continued to sign to Misha as she wanted to get more out of Toby and Nina. Nina couldn't do much as her hands were still hurting her. "Wahaha! Shicchan thinks you are just running your mouth! Japanese people have no flight or fight reflex, Toby!" Misha explained to Toby as she seemed to be happier than ever. Shizune tents her fingers deviously before making more signs to Misha to translate. "Definitely! Definitely, definitely! If you really wanted to escape, you would have taken immediate action! That is how you know someone is serious; when they have no doubts, no regrets!" Misha explained. Shizune's devious smile only got bigger. "Maybe it was a bad idea to tell you that, since now Toby knows what to do next time." But, just the fact that she is all right with telling Toby and Nina this shows them that she doubts they'll be able to act on it. That only makes them want to do it more, and Toby almost wanted the opportunity to do so to arise again. But if that happens, she might get him again somehow. Shizune made some signs with her hands while giving Toby a smile that she was satisfied. "Shicchan says she is happy now."
Katawa Shoujo- Raindrops and Puddles
Much, much later in the evening, they were looking at six completed stalls. With the pride of a job well done, they sit back and admire the fruits of their labor, not sharing a word between us. Just admiring. Toby realizes Nina's feeling quite thirsty.
"Hey, isn't there a vending machine out in the hall? They're on all day, right?" Toby asked while getting out some money to pay for them. Misha smiled and she began to explain.
"Yeah, the drinks are very cheap, too. We usually get something from there on days like this." Misha explained to them. Toby dug around in his pocket, and found a single hundred yen coin.
"Is this enough? Nina's feeling kind of thirsty." Toby asked Misha if it would be enough.
"A hundred yen? You can get any drink in the machine with that." Misha explained to Toby that the drinks were cheap and a hundred yen could cover anything
"That's good, that's very good, then." Toby explained to Misha. Shizune made some signs, she wanted to join in on this. Misha paused when she heard Shizune trying to say something.
"Ah, wait a second." Misha told Toby to hold. Misha turned to Shizune and she began to sign to her. "Hm? What is it, Shicchan? Do you want him to get you a drink too? Hahaha!" Misha explained to Shizune. Misha turned back to Toby and Nina. "Toby, you've really helped us out, so today I - I mean Shicchan, will treat you. Hey, what about me?" Shizune made some signs to Misha asking what drink she would like. "What would you like? I'm feeling thirsty myself? So am I!"
"Hm, I don't know. Anything's fine. I guess the melon soda." Nina explained as she was resting her hands as they were hurting her from all of the work she had done. Shizune made some signs with her hands as she had something to say.
"Hey, wait, Shicchan! I also want a drink! Aw...! You know, it's times like this that I think she is just teasing me." Misha explained to Toby that he was just merely leaving her behind and that Toby needed to get her something too.
"That's probably it. I'm sure she'll get you something, right?" Toby asked as he watched Shizune walk out of the room to go get the drinks. This left Misha alone to contend with Toby and Nina.
"Yeah, she usually does. But... you never know..." Misha explained to Toby that he wouldn't need to know about any of this. Nina was staring at them thinking that they were going to need to make some changes, they were pretty tired.
"Heh." Toby explained to Misha that he was pretty tired as it was and a drink would help him relax a bit. Shizune comes back with three melon sodas and a can of fruit juice. She hands Toby one of the sodas, and the other to Misha.
"Thanks, Shicchan~! I had total faith that you'd get me one, I knew I could count on you! Wahahaha! But how did you know this was what I wanted? I usually get something else." Misha explained happily to Shizune. Shizune smiled as she began signing to Misha, she was more or less happy. "What? You knew I'd want to try it? And that I like these kinds of childish things? Hahahaha! Hahahaha!" Misha explained before laughing happily. Toby and Nina decided to gesture their thanks to Shizune, who smiles and nods. "Hey, Toby..."
"Yes?" Toby asked Misha. Shizune made some hand signals to Misha as if she was speaking to Toby directly.
"We've been spending a lot of time together. Already, in such a short time, we've done so much. We should both stop beating around the bush. What I'm trying to say is…" Misha began to explain to Toby that it had only been a few days and they were already spending a lot of time together with each other and this was a good idea. It sounds a lot like she's going to ask Toby out, but that can't be it. Nevertheless, Toby felt his heart beating like a jackhammer. Damn, this reminds him of another similar scene earlier this year with Nina asking him out. Toby wanted to say something, but his brain can't decide whether to stop her or to tell her to continue. Toby could feel himself blushing all the way to the ears. Shizune made a few signs as she wanted to say something to him. "What I'm trying to say is... Would you like to join the Student Council?"
Katawa Shoujo- Ease
"Ah, what a disappointment." Toby explained. Misha couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahaha! Wahaha! Hahahaha! Did you think she wanted to ask you out, Toby? Hahahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha!" Misha explained to Toby as if she couldn't control himself. Toby was starting to feel very embarrassed right now, he can feel himself getting even redder in the face. Shizune also tries to hide a blush after Misha translates, and then puts a few sheets of paper in front of them. Shizune signed a few signs to them with the instructions. "So, how about it? All the paperwork is right here. And you are sitting down, anyway. You look very at home here. Drinks and everything!" Misha said excitedly. Toby looked at the paperwork, this seemed easy, why did nobody like doing this? Shizune looked at Misha before signing something to her. "What do you say?" She quiets down a little and asks again a little more solemnly. "Toby, what do you say? You don't exactly hate this, right?" Toby was more than a little surprised by this sudden change of tone. He doesn't really know how to react to it. For one thing, she isn't shouting uproariously with no regard for tact. Before, I'm sure she already knew that he was going to say no for the time being. This time, she seems actually serious. "I think maybe you should join. Not just because we could use your help, but, well, you're hanging out with us anyway. I think Shicchan would like it if you would join as well. It's not like you hate us or anything, right? It wouldn't hurt if you joined. And I'd appreciate it if you would." Misha explained to Toby about it. Toby was studying Misha, she seems to be having a hard time getting her words out, which is strange for someone talkative like Misha. For some reason, Toby was almost troubled by it. His eyes drift over to Shizune, who stares back at him tentatively, absentmindedly cleaning her fingernails. "If you don't want to join, I promise we won't ask again, but if you did, we would be really happy." Both Shizune and Misha seem to be unable to look them in the eye. Toby can't lie, the thought of being around two such cute girls is something that he couldn't possibly pass up. Toby had to admit that he was not looking forward to this kind of work every day, but there should be less after the festival. At least, Toby hoped so. He looked at Nina who was trying her best to fill out the paperwork. She looks like she wasn't having a good time either.
"All right. I guess it can't hurt, so, why not?" Toby explained. He turned his head to Nina who gave a small smile.
"Count me in too." Nina told them that she wanted to join too. Shizune smiled now that they had two members joining the student council.
"Wonderful. Wonderful! Ahahaha!" Misha told them that she was more than pleased in having them on the team. Shizune tents her fingers in satisfaction. She made some signs for Misha as Misha began to explain everything for Toby and Nina. "She'll fill everything out, Toby. Congratulations, you are officially a member of the Student Council now!"
"Great. I'm not looking forward to a lot of work. To be honest, I've never done any student council activities before. But maybe it'll be a positive experience?" Toby explained that he seemed to not look forward despite being in it. Toby was thinking about Nina and how she didn't get accepted as of yet. Maybe she can be dealt with one on one? That was something that was on Shizune's mind. Misha starts to clap, laughing exuberantly as she does.
"Congratulations, Toby!" Misha cheered as Shizune signed it, she wanted to have him happy with the reward. "Congratulations!" Misha cheered. "Congratulations!" Misha continued to cheer for Toby's welcome. "Congratulations!"
"I get the message." Toby meekly told Shizune and Misha that he was more or less happy for the welcoming party. Toby couldn't help but smile, finding such a display childishly cute.
"The Student Council is always busy, you know! But for today, we're done. See you tomorrow, Hicchan! We still have work left, so we'll be counting on you!" Misha told Toby. Shizune signed to Toby with another message. "Shicchan will test Nina one on one to see if she can get accepted, she will speak to you later tonight with the results." Misha explained. Toby felt grateful that Shizune was letting him out, Nina still needed to be tested about this. Toby gathered his belongings and left the room, feeling totally wiped out. The grounds are totally deserted, and the school looks pretty ominous this late. The council office is the only window with lights on anymore. Is this what the Student Council will be like? Toby thought that his body might not be able to take it.
Toby got to his dorm and did his homework, fortunately with the festival coming up, it wasn't much to get done as the teacher prioritized the work of the students stalls over their homework. Getting this done was easy, Toby knew he had some time so he decided to practice on his piano to see what kind of music he can make as well as practice on some old pieces to see what he could add on or revise. Then there was a knock. Toby walked over to see what it was. He opened the door to see Stephanie and Shizune strangely together. Shizune had alluded to that she was showing up and Stephanie was most likely checking on him. Toby nodded with a smile before he began to speak.
"Hey Stephanie and Shizune, is there a reason why you came over?" Toby asked them if they had a reason. Shizune began to sign with her hands and Stephanie began to speak.
"Yes, the Student Council thing went over well, and she told me she was more than pleased to hear you have joined. Congratulations." Stephanie explained to Toby. She went over to give her little brother a hug which Toby accepted.
"Hey thanks. How did Nina do?" Toby asked for the results from a friend he was curious about that he didn't get the chance to observe. Shizune began to sign with her hands to explain the results of what exactly happened.
"Nina did pretty well despite her wanting to rest as her hands just kept hurting. She was more or less fine with Misha explaining it to her." Stephanie explained to Tboy about what exactly happened to Nina and the results of the exam she took. Toby nodded happily over this.
"Will Nina be joining the student council?" Toby asked them if he was going to be spending time with Nina. Shizune nodded as she began making some signs with her hands.
"Shizune says yes. She is more than glad to be speaking to us, and she thinks she'll have a good time ahead with the four of them. Maybe she would want to speak to you alone after the festival is done and get to know you better." Stephanie explained to Toby. Stephanie was handling all of the translation despite Toby being able to read what Shizune was trying to say. "Oh, and if you're not busy, she doesn't know when, we can have a family event between us, she's not sure when."
"I'll be looking forward to that." Toby told Stephanie. Stephanie and Shizune exited the room after finishing the conversation with Toby. Toby went over to the door and closed it. He felt something at the edge of his feet. It seemed to be a letter. Toby picked it up and went over to read it. "Dear Toby, I am more than pleased to announce the fact that we are really happy with the work you're putting in and we appreciate it. We are wondering if you want to spend more time with us as we find you adorable and you know how to speak our language. Meet me Monday afternoon at the school entrance for more notes like these and we'll figure out where to go from there as I always smile when you come by to help. Sincerely, Shizune Hakamichi." Toby read the letter to himself. He was more or less curious to see where this was going to go. He decided to scroll over his music and began to play some chords on his piano to practice. He wondered what exactly Shizune needed from him and what she had in mind for him. When it would come to it. He seemed to want to spend more time with her now that he had to come to think of it. Shizune wasn't too far away, smiling as she was glad, he was able to read her letter. Shizune walked away with a gentle hum of the wind as it blew through the dorm's corridors.
Sunday was almost here.
[A/N]: Sorry for not updating, I just find the Shizune stuff to be boring and I want to get this done for the new year. Plus I am praying for this is that I am hoping for more reviews. Hopefully I should begin picking up updates when Act 2 comes around and I can start doing more things Shizune and Toby related and get their relationship fleshed out. Maybe then I can do more updates or I will just start something else entirely to get something in my brain cranking. Last chapter will be the end... of act 1.