Thank you for everyone who read this fic. Seriously, a big thank you.
Here's chap3. Enjoy!
______________________________________________________Chapter 3: Damn that 1%!
Don't you hate it when you wake up earlier than you had planned for no apparent reason then you can't get back to sleep? How about when you wake up earlier than you had planned because of a noise?
Hate them both really. The first one, makes me cranky while that second one, makes me crankier heading to crankiest. It makes me want to kill whoever it is that's making the noise. Thinking about it, for me, the second one outweighs the first one. So whoever is knocking on the door right now, needs to
DIE. And yes, that's in bold and hateful letters.
"Stop the knocking already! Geez!" I groaned as I walk towards the door, silently cursing whoever it is on the other side. I opened the door and lo and behold, it's psycho's face that greets me. Why am I not surprised?
"Fucking shit Miichan. What the hell?!" I rubbed my face then glared at her. Your bestfriend are supposed to know you right? Like and dislikes, those kind of things. This person in front of me are supposed to know these things. So why the hell is she doing the one thing she knows I hate?
The answer? Because she gets immense pleasure in torturing me.
"Well good morning to you too, cranky-mcCrank. Three cuss in the morning, you're in a roll today." She sighed as she shook her head walking inside, ignoring my murderous glare as I closed the door. Nothing seems to faze her anymore because of her bestfriend status. Hate it. Maybe I should unbestfriend her or something.
"Hm? Where's Haruna-chan?" She asked as she saw the neat and tidy empty bed of my roommate.
"I don't know. Do I look like her fucking babysitter?!"
"That's four now. And why aren't you dressed yet? Did you just woke up?" She raised her eyebrow as she looked at me in my sleeping wear which is just a white tank top and a sleeping shorts.
"Oh, so my messy hair, eyes squinting, lack of make-up and my morning cuss when I opened the door didn't give it away." I crossed my arms to my chest giving her a blank stare.
"Seriously now." She narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, cause I'm obviously joking right now. I'm a practical jokester really." I rolled my eyes and made my way back to my bed to lay down again.
"If you are then we better change the definition of happy and all it's synonyms then since we're obviously doing it wrong. Plus you curse every morning. It's like your morning ritual really." She mumbled, looking at the side. Hmm? She seemed cranky as well as she's talking back to me. Probably feeling cranky because Saint Betty isn't here.
"Whatever." I sighed with my eyes closed. I think I remember hearing some shuffling sounds and the door opening and closing. Must be Betty. I guess I'm half awake at that time. That blasted sunlight beaming through the window woke me up. It shinned right on my face. Luckily, that only lasted a few seconds until a cloud probably got in its way, made me fall back to sleep again. Gotta love them clouds making that sun to shut up. Kinda like right what its doing right now as well.
"Well that's a nice looking curtain you have. Didn't know that curtains nowadays came with such a design. Looks fit and nice." Miichan said. I didn't put up any curtains yesterday so what the hell is she saying? Frowning, I opened my eyes then turned to look. Seeing a black shirt that says 'Faith Hope Love' that's covering my window made me sit up and raise my eyebrow. The hell? I looked at the other window right above Sister Mary's head board and saw the sun beaming. Did Betty...? Is she...my cloud...?
"You know when you often say to me that my shirt looks like a curtain? Well your curtain looks like a shirt right now. Like literally." Miichan smirked. I turned to Miichan and rolled my eyes.
"Funny. I'm dying of laughter here." I deadpanned. What time is it anyway? Grumbling, I took hold of my phone from the bedside table and looked at the time.
"7am Miichan? What the hell is wrong with you? Didn't I tell you yesterday that my first class is after lunch?" I groaned as I rubbed my face again in irritation. I seriously need to kill Miichan right now. But conflict. It's too early for me to kill psycho here. I prefer killing someone when I'm properly functioning you know. Preferably after my morning coffee fix. So until then, I guess she'll live....unless she gives me a good reason for waking me up at this Godforsaken hour.
"I know. I just thought you're going to send me off to class." She said, shrugging. And I'm momentarily stunned. That's her reason? Send her off?! She's dead. So dead. That's a dead girl shrugging you see there people.
"Send you off?? Seriously, how old are you? Five?" If she tells me she is five, that'll explain a lot of things really.
"You always send me off to class, remember?" She pouted.
"That's because we have the same fucking class since...I don't know when." I groaned. Every damn class I have, every time I turn my freaking head she was there right next to me. It was like someone glued her to me. Can you believe it?! No? You should because it's a true tragic story. Makes me wonder who decides to put us together in class to torture me for years. Pure torture. Hmmm...wait...
"You don't have anything to do about that right? The whole you being in my class every damn time?" I raised my eyebrow at her, my arms crossed to my chest as I wait for her answer. She looked taken aback by my question for a second further igniting my suspicions. I didn't show it though as I continue to look at her.
"You're joking right? How can I have anything to do about that? Psh. Really now." Miichan let out a nervous laugh, her eyes avoiding mine. Interesting. That nervousness right there is proof that she has something to do about it. That and she's Minegishi Minami. Honestly, that alone is proof enough to blame her on anything. Trust me.
"A-anyway, kidding aside, you should get ready. C'mon!" She grabbed my arm and began pulling me to stand. I let her pull me for a few seconds, whining about how slow I am until I pulled my arm away from hers and lay back on my bed, placing a pillow on my head to cover her whines.
"Leave me alone and walk yourself to your class."
"Mmaaarrrriiiikkkkoooo~" She whined, trying to pull the pillow that I have a death grip on. Like hell will I concede.
"C'mon already! I'll treat you to breakfast."
"...No." Notice the ellipsis right there? Okay, so maybe that's making me give in just a little bit. But just a little mind you. She probably noticed those damn ellipsis as she added, "Breakfast
WITH coffee."
Shouldn't she say the word 'coffee' in bold and capital letters rather than the word 'with?' I mean, come on, usually when someone says that they'll treat you breakfast it comes with a beverage right? Right. But regardless of that error she made, it did make me stop struggling. Yeah, so I have a weakness. I am still a human you know.
"Coffee...?" I mumbled, the pillow still covering my head. I felt her release the hold she had on my pillow.
"Uh-huh. Any size you want." Even without looking at her I can tell she's wearing that annoying grin of hers. She knows she got me now. Ugh. Damn that dark brewed beverage called coffee! Damn you! Damn me as well for being addicted to it! Damn me!
****************************************"Stop looking at me like that! It's not like it didn't enter your mind as well." Miichan said as we walk out of the dorm. I rolled my eyes at what she said.
"You got me there. I too have been wondering what holy water tastes like. Can't believe you see it right through me. And I thought I was good in hiding it." I answered sarcastically, slapping my forehead for a faux dramatic effect. She childishly sticks out her tongue at me making me to roll my eyes once again. Seriously, who would even wonder what that thing tastes like? Probably a child and Miichan. So it's not really surprising to find her drinking some the moment I walked out of the bathroom. She did looked embarrassed being caught while I shook my head and look at her in disgust. Oh c'mon. It's probably filled with mold what with it being kept in that bottle for weeks or even months or years. Plus don't they dip their hands on it or something? So the disgust look I've been giving her is fitting if you ask me.
"So? How is sleeping with your roommate?" She grinned and did that wiggling eyebrow thing as she looked at me.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that question? Minus the whole grinning and that annoying wiggling of eyebrows that is." Somehow asking that earned me a scowl from her as she crossed her arms to her chest and looked away.
"That girl, Itano Tomomi is so annoying. After you declined my offer, she kept calling me Gachapin and went through some stupid roommate rules. Felt like I was listening to the dorm head all over again." She grumbled obviously pissed. Thank God I persuaded Miichan to stick with her roommate by suggesting to sleep with her head on the footboard since her reason for picking the left bed is so that her left side is pressed on the wall. Stupid reason really, but what can you expect with someone like Miichan.
"Sounds...annoying."
"It is! If murder was legal I swear I'll..." She's doing some hand movements while adding some growling and squealing sound effects. If we were playing charades, I wouldn't have any idea what it is she's doing.
"You can try and petition for it to be legalized. It's a free country. The worse that they can do is lock you up in a mental institution. But that's only 99.999% of happening." I shook my head. She doesn't seem to be listening to me as she's still doing that ridiculous hand movements. Guess fang girl really pissed her off huh.
Sighing, I decided to leave her be for awhile and looked around as we walked towards the exit of the campus. It was then I saw Betty walking. Though she is a bit far off from us, I can still see that Godforsaken fashion statement of hers. And from the looks of it, a few people notice it too. Must be tough for her. Is that why she's walking with her head down low? Hmmm. Who's that approaching her? A friend? Looks like a kid. They're talking and...she's wearing a wide smile now. Huh.
"You're not listening are you?"
I looked back at Miichan who was raising her eyebrow at me.
"No I'm not. Are you done?"
She let out a sigh at what I said.
"Honestly, I can see some similarities of you in her. If she just grow a bit taller, cut her wavy locks and make it a helmet haircut like yours--kinda like that cat with a fruit hat and a scowl on its face--then make her face a bit rounder and remove that cooked fang of hers...we'd be seeing your long lost twin sister."
"That's a major surgery for her. And helmet haircut? Cat in a fruit hat?" I narrowed my eyes at her. She just shrugged.
"You do look like that cat. Sometimes when you scowl I say in my mind, 'Fruit cat is back.'" She smirked and I just continue to narrow my eyes at her. So I'm not only Scrooge incarnate for her but also a scowling fruit cat. Hmmm. I'm curious to know what this fruit cat looks like. Maybe I can google it later.
"I wonder though, why I always get stuck with people who lacks human emotions." She mumbled softly. Shouldn't I be the one saying that? Shaking my head, I moved away from her.
"Consider yourself unstuck then."
"Noooooooo! Don't! I love you." She pouted as she hugs me to the side, her arms wrapped around my waist. I sighed as she continues to say how much she loves me, earning us a few stares as we walked through the park.
Pitiful really.
Not Miichan though.
I meant me.
****************************************"So you know mine sucked, how about yours? I mean your roommate that is." Miichan asked as she took a bite of her pancake.
"Betty? She's okay. A bit weird but that's to be expected really." I shrugged as I stir my iced white choco mocha. I had to internally slap myself as I saw her tilt her head slightly, looking a bit confused. I can't believe I let out that nickname I made for my Saint roommate.
"Betty...? Who's tha--wait a minute..." She pointed her fork at me. Here it comes.
"You don't know her name do you?"
"You said to wait a minute. That's hardly a minute." I grumbled as I took a sip, looking away from her.
"Just answer the question fruit cat."
"I do know her name...it's...its..." What IS her name? Miichan often says it but the only thing that I get is the chan. Chan-chan?? I don't think that's it. I think it starts with an H. Hentai-chan? Probably not. Hamtaro-chan? Hmmm...that sounds pretty close.
"Rumplestilskin-chan?" I said as I scratched my head. She narrowed her eyes.
"Close, but no. It's Kojima Haruna."
"Oh."
"She's pretty nice. Probably the most nicest person I've met in a while. You should get to know her."
"Sounds like a serial killer." If she is, I'm so calling the police.
"She's so nice and kind. You know while we were walking, she picked up this can that's just lying on the ground and threw it in the trash without anyone saying that she should throw it!"
"Maybe she's aiming to be a garbage lady."
"Then she helped a professor who was carrying heavy books inside the building."
"Did she kiss some babies on the way too?"
"She's...unique. One of a kind. I've never met anyone like her. So kind and innocent..." She sighs, looking a bit love struck as she probably thinks of Be--uh...Kojic soap? I keep forgetting her name. Whatever. I'll remember it later on. Looking at Miichan though, regardless of her love struck face she's showing, I can still tell her inner most feeling.
"You want to break that innocence of hers don't you." I sighed, resting my head on my hand, looking at her.
"And I want to break that innocence of hers." She nodded as she took a sip of her coffee. Heh. I'm right. How typical.
"She's just so...innocent you know. Don't get me wrong, her innocence is a good thing but it can also be a bad thing, you know. I mean, people might just use her kindness and niceness for their own selfish ways. I don't want that to happen to her."
"Did you have such thoughts before or after you drank the holy water? Because this might be the holy water talking you know." She rolled her eyes as I pointed that out. What? It could happen. Those bacteria from the holy water infested her mind or something.
"Before. But seriously I want to be like her...fairy Godmother or something. She definitely needs one. I mean, have you seen her clothing?"
"So you'll provide her with mice and a pumpkin. Nice. But she's not invited to any ball yet. Plus, she doesn't even have a prince. You taking that role as well?" We all know the answer to that. It's obvious Miichan likes Saint Mary. So I was a bit surprised when she shook her head and smiled at her pancake, poking it.
"Nah. She's cute, nice and all but...that's the problem. She's too...nice for me. I think she deserves someone better. So I'm leaving the role of the prince to someone else." She shrugged. I'm a bit surprised and confused at this. I mean, didn't she just pointed out that Betty shouldn't be taken for granted? For pointing that out, doesn't that mean that she's the 'someone better' that deserves Betty? She knows what NOT to do. So why...?
"Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I think she has a crush on you though." She said as she tilted her head eyes up as if thinking. I raised my eyebrow.
"What?"
"When I apologized on your behalf for being rude to her, I asked her what her first impression is of you. She said you're beautiful." She smiled taking a bite of her pancake. I kept my eyebrow raised at her.
"So?"
"So? That means she has at least 1% crush on you. People just don't use the word beautiful if they don't feel some sort of attraction towards that person."
"My aunt always tells me I'm beautiful. Does she have a crush on me too?" I narrowed my eyes as I ask her that flatly. Really now.
"No! Relatives don't count."
I rolled my eyes.
"Whatever. You're delusional. Betty doesn't have a crush on me."
"Again, it's Kojima Haruna. Please try to remember it. And she does. The word beautiful is rarely used you know. Nowadays it's pretty, hot, sexy which pretty much what you were called during middle school and high school days. Minus your fan club. I think they call you beautiful as well."
"I do not have a fan club."
"You do. Believe me you do. I've actually become a speaker of that club of yours a couple of times." She sighed as she shook her head. Lies I tell you. Lies. I do not have a fan club. If I had a fan club, I'd know about it, right? Oh whatever.
"Look. Let's just drop this discussion. It's obviously fiction. I do not have a fan club and uh...Kojic-san doesn't have a crush on me. I mean, how can only hearing the word beautiful make you assume on her having a crush on me?! It's ridiculous." And pointless. Seriously, why are we even discussing this in the morning.
"It's Kojima-san and all of it isn't fiction. Besides, Haruna-chan wouldn't have that cute blush on her face when she said you're beautiful if she doesn't have a 1% crush on you, you know."
Eh?
****************************************I decided to just shut myself up after that. It really is pointless for me to discuss such ridiculous topic. I could have pointed out that my roommate is a shy girl, that's why she blushed when she told Miichan that I'm beautiful. But saying that would just prolong the topic so I just stayed quiet. Once finished eating, we began our walk back to the Uni. It's a bit of a long walk as we have to pass through the park but Miichan has plenty of time to get to her class which is why we picked that cafe outside the campus. I'm actually regretting that decision now as she can't seem to shut up now about nothing in particular. That's how she is when she drinks coffee. I should've stopped her from ordering that earlier.
"...right?"
"Sure. Whatever." What is she talking about again?
"Right. So I am a holy woman now since I drank some of the holy water. I'm a blessed being." She beamed. I narrowed my eyes trying to block her voice as we walk. Seriously delusional being. Thankfully, something caught my eye. It's a kid on top of a tree trying to get a balloon that got stuck on its branch. There's another kid on the ground looking a bit worried at her. The balloon is probably hers. Anyway, that kid reached for the balloon. She got it but then again, like a scene played out in an anime a countless of times, she fell down, making me cringe when I heard a loud thud and a groan coming from the girl. She slowly got up and I noticed her arm was limping. It looks injured to me but regardless of that injury, she reassured the other smaller girl that she's alright and gave her back the balloon with a smile on her face. Honestly this feels like I'm watching a cliché anime or something as the smaller girl thanked injured girl as she ran, waving goodbye as she wears a wide smile. Yup...so cliché. And do kids wear sweats and drink coffee nowadays? Huh. Is that...even a kid?
"Whatcha looking at?" Miichan asked as she looked at the direction where I'm looking. I looked at injured girl for awhile, watching as she fixed her glasses then held up her cup of coffee to drink using her uninjured arm.
"Nothing." I looked away from the kid.
****************************************Finally got rid of Miichan. Sadly, it's not the way I prefer since she's still alive. She's just in her class. Yes, I walked her off of there. I wasn't going to but she began pleading and begging inside the campus for me to walk her to class earning us the unwanted attention from almost everyone. But don't get me wrong. I didn't give in because of the begging. It was because I suddenly had a flashback of a little girl from way back then. An empty looking girl with her butler behind her, sending his Ojou-sama to kindergarten. Why did I suddenly remember that I wonder. Hmmm. Could be because I felt like a parent with Miichan as my child begging for me not to leave her. Yeah, that's probably it. Well at least she's gone now. At least for a couple of hours until her class is over. She'd probably call me up after her class and ask me where I am just so she can go to me. Ugh. I'm like stuck to her. Is God punishing me or what?
Sighing, I walked the campus to where the I think the library is. I'm thinking of going to the library to kill some time since I still have 3 hours till lunch time wherein I will be reunited with my lovable best friend. I'm using a sarcastic tone on that by the way. Anyway, so the library, I'm heading there. Well at least I think I'm heading there. I honestly have no idea if this really is the way to the library. Akihabara University is pretty big. Probably need a map to get to a place. A map huh. I think I have a map of this place. Thinking that, I looked through my bag for that map while walking. Not really the smartest thing to do since I bumped into someone, hard. As if in slow motion, I dropped my bag and saw a couple of books fall down. I was taken aback by the impact but I still kept my balance. It was then I saw her, Betty. She was the one who bumped into me.
Our eyes met for a second. Fear crept into them as she failed in trying to balance herself. It made her close her eyes tightly, waiting for embarrassment to come. Without thinking, my reflex jumped in and quickly took hold of her, wrapping my arm around her slim waist and quickly pulling her to me. The moment our bodies met, she let out a whimper. This scene is pretty much overused as well right? Yeah, the only thing that's missing is the...okay never mind. There it is. The gust of wind. How very cliché.
Time seems to stood still for awhile as I hold her. In those few seconds that time seemed to stop, I noticed a three things about her. First, as a straight woman's point of view, with no malicious thought or whatsoever, surprisingly, Betty right here is well endowed. She has a slim waist that can't be seen with her horrendous clothing. I can feel her round and soft breasts pressed against me, which is a lot bigger and fuller than mine by the way. Yes, I know I lack that department but who cares. I certainly don't since for me their just an unnecessary mammary gland. Anyway, second thing I noticed is that Betty is a little bit shorter than me. Just a few inches as I can feel her breathing on the side of my face. Last thing I notice is her smell, courtesy of the cliché wind a little while ago. Besides the cheap smell of her shampoo, I can smell something else. She doesn't have BO if that's what you're thinking. If she did I would've pushed her away you know and tell her to take a bath. No, this smell is more pleasant. Something that I've smelled before. A...flower? But what kind?
...Ah who cares!
Shaking those thoughts away, I loosened my hold on her and leaned slightly away to look at her. She still had her eyes closed tightly, her glasses crooked from the impact. Uh, is she still anticipating her fall? Looks ridiculous really.
"You okay?" I asked, my hand that's on her waist went to her shoulder, squeezing it slightly. I watch her as she slowly open her eyes, blinking then it widens as her eyes found mine.
"Sh-Shinoda-san...?" She stammered and I just nodded. She stepped away from me, her eyes moves around on the ground nervously.
"I'm sorry...I wasn't looking at where I'm going." She explained, bowing slightly.
"It's okay. I wasn't looking as well so we're both at fault here." I waved her off. I picked up my bag from the ground and she began picking up her books on the floor. I noticed one of her books near me and picked it up. It had her name on it.
Kojima Haruna.
"Here." I held it out for her to take. She bowed again when she took it, a blush creeps into her cheeks making me to frown slightly.
"Thank you and...I'm sorry again for what happened."
"Do you always do that?" I asked without thinking and she looked at me, confused.
"Blushing I mean."
"Wh-what?" My question seemed to embarrass her more as her blush deepened.
"You always blush. Is it because you're easily embarrassed or....." I trailed as I stared at her. She looked uncomfortable now, her eyes on the ground and she was clutching her books tightly. Why am I even asking this? Just because of what Miichan said? The fact that Miichan said it is ridiculous enough so no need to ask it really. Plus I am right. This girl in front of me is definitely a shy girl. Why? Low self esteem perhaps. She definitely needs to know the definition of modern.
"Never mind." I shook my head smiling slightly.
"Anyway, as painful as it is, it's nice bumping into you Kojima-san. See you." I waved as I made my way to wherever, leaving her to stand there and stare. I can feel her eyes on me as I walk away. I glanced behind me and saw her jump slightly as I caught her staring. She quickly turned and walk away. I frowned at that. What is up with her stares?
Disturbing?
Hell yeah it is.
****************************************Time passed by quickly as now I'm heading towards my class. Guess who decided to join me in class since she only have one class for the day like me.
"What would be a name for that? Wobbling mashed potato? Or maybe we should combine jelly and mashed potato. Hmmm. Mashlly potato?" Miichan said as we walked towards my class. She's been yapping non-stop about that mashed potato that wobbles at the cafeteria. But I've been wondering myself what the cafeteria lady puts in that mashed potato to make it wobble like that. Hmmm. Guess we found one mystery of Akihabara University. Seriously, every school has one right?
"Greetings and salvitations. Is your name Summer?" A man with an outdated hairdo said as we entered the room, grinning as he looked at me. He was sitting next to a man who looked like he hasn't brushed his hair for weeks. What is this? The terrible hairdo duo? And what is that they're wearing? Jumpsuits?
Miichan pulled me to stop in front of them.
"This could be interesting." She mumbled as she crossed her arm to her chest. I sighed and mimicked her, my eyes narrowed at the grinning man who I believe is going to deliver one of the worst pick up line ever.
"There's no mistaking it. Your name IS Summer. I can tell since you are so hot as hell!" Outdated hairdo man said, high-fiving his comb hater friend, grinning like mad as if they just found a cure to an incurable disease. Hopefully that cure can save their hair as well.
"God, this is worse than listening to Miichan flirt with my mom. My precious seconds wasted by a lame pick up line. Ugh." I shook my head and walked away. Seriously, why do people think that pick up lines work? It doesn't. Unless of course you're high, deliriously drunk or just plain sluts. Though for the latter, showing them a wad of cash would suffice.
"That's so lame man. You need to work on your technique...and...uh your hair." I hear Miichan say, following me behind. I glanced at the terrible hairdo duo and saw comb hater laughing at the Asian Johnny Bravo.
"That has to burn man!"
"Shut up Kiyoto!" Asian Johnny Bravo growled as he punched his friend in the arm. And I'm sure every school has these kinds of idiots as well, right?
"I'm not like that am I?" Miichan asked as she sat down next to me. I made a face at the girl sleeping three seats away from me, her mouth open. Looking at her sleeping like that, it doesn't feel like it's the first day of class huh.
"Don't go near them when your hair is messy and when you're wearing a jumpsuit."
"You make it sound like those are the only things that makes me different from them."
"I'm sure that's what I intend to sound like."
"Mean!" She pouted, crossing her arm to her chest. I rolled my eyes and looked around the room. It seems only a few people are taking this as there are a lot of vacant seats around. Makes me wonder why the terrible two and sleepy girl who's now drooling decided to take this class. Only when I see someone familiar did my eyes stop wandering. It's the kid from the park, wearing a business suit. Don't tell me she's...?
I frowned when she placed her things on the teachers table. She then turned to us, smiling.
"Hmmm. It seems that this room is a bit spacious for this class huh. I'll see what I can do about that. Anyway, welcome to Creative Writing. I'm going to be your professor, Takahashi Minami."
The kid...isn't a kid...and she's my professor? I have a midget professor. Huh. How nice.
****************************************"You know, I never pegged you to be the bookworm type." Miichan said as she looked at the syllabus handed by my midget professor. I glanced at sleeping girl with the syllabus covering her face. Yup, I did that. Thought that should wake her up but damn, she slept throughout the class. She must've party all night long yesterday.
"I'm not." I sighed as I stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
"Then why are you taking this course?"
Honestly, I don't know, which is why I didn't answer her. My eyes were trained at my midget professor who was fixing her things on the table using her uninjured arm. Looks like she still hasn't treated that arm of hers. What an idiot. She should know very well that neglecting that kind of injury can be dangerous. Oh well, I'm sure she'd realize that when it gets worse.
I made my way towards the exit with Miichan following me behind. I was only a few feet away from the exit when I glanced behind me and found the small professor walking briskly towards the exit. What's her hurry? Internally shrugging, I turned back my attention towards the exit. A few seconds later, I heard some noise from behind me followed by a painful groan. I turned and found Miichan holding little professor's injured arm as if she just prevented the little one from falling. Did midget professor tripped? How clumsy can you be?
"Are you okay?" Miichan asked still holding her injured arm. I can see the miniature professor gritting her teeth and her eyes a bit teary as she looked at Miichan.
"She will be if you--"
"
LET HER GO YOU...YOU...GACHAPIN!" A familiar voice bellowed, cutting me off. We all turned towards the voice and found fang girl glaring at us. What now?
"
I SAID LET HER GO!" Miichan's half vampire roommate said again as she walked towards the two, slapping Miichan's hand away from the mini professor. She stood in front of the injured girl--who by the way I notice is just a bit smaller than her--like she was shielding her from Miichan.
"What the hell is your problem?! I was just--"
"You hurt her!" The half vampire growled, glaring murderously at Miichan. This could get ugly...again. I decided to get in between them...again. Ugh...again.
"Whoa hold your fang there, fang girl. Miichan was just trying to---"
"Shut up walking stick!"
I sighed and crossed my arm to my chest.
"Are we bound to never finishing our sentences now? Seriously. Chill." She's now glaring at me. It reminds me of a poodle protecting her master. I'm kinda afraid she'll bite us. Is she rabies free?
"T-Tomochin...? Wh-what are you doing here?" The midget asks as she's cradling her injured arm. Finally she speaks. Hopefully she'd be able to tame fang girl here. I swear she looks like she's about to foam in the mouth.
"Are you okay Takamina? Did they hurt you? If they did I swear I'll..." She said worriedly as she turned towards the other girl. Hmmm. I wonder what relationship these two have.
"I'm fine. They were trying to help me because I tripped." She laughed nervously, scratching her head with her uninjured arm. Clumsy midget professor.
"Are you sure? What about your arm?"
"Uhm...I had an accident this morning so...yeah. I think I broke it. It's not their fault. I'm the one at fault. I am a bit clumsy."
I'm thinking 'a bit' is an understatement here.
"Anyway, what are you doing here? Are you...?"
"I'm a student here. I applied to Akihabara University so that I could be close to you." Fang girl smiled at clumsy girl who tilted her head slightly.
"Why?"
"B-Because I want to. You're...important to me, Takamina." Fang girl blushed. I glanced at Miichan and she glanced back. Interesting.
"Oh. Well it's good to see you. It's been such a long time. How's your mom?" Midget professor said, smiling brightly at fang girl who looked a bit deflated. Who wouldn't when she practically said that she likes midget professor. Correction. Clumsy, DENSE, midget professor. That's gotta burn.
"How interesting." Miichan grinned looking at the two.
"You can say that again." I nodded.
"How interesting." She repeated with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes at that.
TBC-------
OMAKE! Haruna's POV (Chapter 3: Fleeting Stares.)There's a saying by Benjamin Franklin.
'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.'
Since I was a child, my Grandfather would remind me of that whenever I would protest about sleeping early. He would come inside the study room—where I usually spend most of my time reading books—at exactly 8:45pm, pat my back gently to rouse me from reading and would tell me that I should sleep early and that I can continue to finish my book in the morning. I would object most times, telling him that I wasn’t sleepy, but he would have none of it. He’d shake his head, take my book, turn off the lamp on his study table and say that quote to me, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise – by Benjamin Franklin.”
Truthfully, I can’t remember if I opposed about it, telling him constantly that I just wasn’t sleepy. Probably the first few times, being just a child. Then I would relent, give in on his wishes, especially when he would raise his voice and glare intensely at me, telling me to follow him...or else…
…that…that would be...
…terrifying…
“…mlorghpph…” I hear a soft mumble from across as I sat up from my bed. After rubbing my eyes from the sleep of my eyes, I reached out for the lamp on my bedside table and clicked it open. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the light before I proceeded to take my glasses and put them on. I turned to look at the window, noticing how the sun has yet to peer over Tokyo.
“Quarter to five?” I mumbled to myself before reaching out my Grandmother’s watch that my Grandfather gave to me a few years ago. I looked at it resting on my palm, and couldn’t help but smile. My guess was 30 mins late as it reads 5:15am.
“Close enough…” I whispered with a smile, thinking I was getting better at this little game I’ve sadly come up with. It is…sad when you think about it, but…
“Don’t mind what other people may think about you. You are who you are and that itself is amazing. Believe me.”
I gently clenched my Grandmother’s watch as I thought back on Oshima-san’s words. “Right…” I mumbled again to myself, smiling a little. Feeling determined to not let this negative feeling get to me, I slowly pushed myself up to a sitting position and began stretching a little to awaken my sleepy muscles.
“…urghmph…” I hear a grunt causing me to flinch in surprise. Turning to look at the other side, I saw my roommate turn to face me as she sleeps, mumbling. I blinked a few times, suddenly remembering how I met my roommate yesterday. That’s right. I have a roommate now.
“Shinoda Mariko…” I mumbled to myself as I watch her grumble with a frown, scratching her cheek for a second. Watching her, it feels odd that I’m sleeping with another person in the same room. It’s odd and…different.
Different is good…right?
Smiling, I quietly stood up and made my bed. I glanced back at Shinoda-san to check if she’s still sleeping before I kneeled on the floor by my bed to say my morning prayer. I felt a bit guilty as I hurriedly talked to God, but I didn’t want my roommate to see me praying. The thought of her mocking me like yesterday enters my mind.
With a tight smile, I stood up and glanced again at my sleeping roommate. I let out a sigh of relief upon seeing her sleeping soundly.
“So much for being myself then.” I mumbled as I made my way to my bag and my drawer to get ready for the day. It took me almost an hour to get ready and was happy that I was quiet enough to not wake Shinoda-san. I took hold of my bag and was about to lift it to my shoulders when I heard another grunt from Shinoda-san. I flinched when I saw her eyes a bit open seemingly scanning her surroundings. She let out another grunt as she laid back down with her arm covering her eyes.
“Stupid sun…” she grumbled, causing me to look at the cause of her irritation. The sunlight was shining through the window hitting her face.
I bit my lip as I looked at the window then back at Shinoda-san who seemed to have fallen asleep again. Thinking it would be uncomfortable later on if I don’t do something, I walked towards my dresser and looked for something to cover the window. Thinking it would be best if I cover the window with something dark, I pulled out the black shirt Oshima-san gave me.
“Faith, hope, love.” I muttered as I held up the shirt with a smile. I remember receiving this from Oshima-san when she visited us a year ago. She handed it to be with a beaming smile after she talks to my Grandfather saying that it reminded her of me when she was looking around. It made me wonder why a black shirt would remind her of me, but I didn’t ask as I thought it would be rude. It was a simple shirt, a bit fitting for my usual taste, but it was my favorite as it was comfortable to wear especially at night or whenever it is cold. Besides, it was one of the few gifts I received that isn’t…typical.
Maybe…maybe Oshima-san gave it for that reason?
“effinmph…” Another sudden grunt from Shinoda-san startled me, causing me to jump a little. I pressed my lips tight not wanting to let out a sound. Blinking a few times, I turned to look at Shinoda-san who was grumbling a little as she turned to the other side, facing the wall. She grabbed the pillow below her head and placed it on top of her head, covering it.
That would be uncomfortable as well later on as well.
I let out a sigh then turned to her window. It is a bit sad that I won’t be able to wear this shirt for a while, but at least Shinoda-san would be able to sleep properly.
With a small smile, I carefully covered her window with my favorite shirt.
---
It’s uncomfortable.
The stares.
The glances.
The whispers.
The laughs.
It’s very uncomfortable.
I hurriedly grabbed my things as soon as the professor dismissed us and quickly head out of the room. I kept my head down as I walked out of the building, ignoring the gaze and glances that I feel were directed at me. I know I shouldn’t think about it and that I should really listen to Oshima-san that it’s all in my head that I think people are staring at me, but I can’t help but think that. It’s suffocating being around a lot of people. Even though this is what I wanted. This is what I asked my Grandfather for.
To be around other people and experience a lot of things.
I let out a sigh of relief once I reached the quad, my pace slowing a little. Unsure of where I’m heading, I opened the book that I’m holding as I walk and looked at the map Oshima-san provided me. It will probably take me a couple of minutes to reach the building of my next class. I do have an hour though before that starts, so maybe I could visit the church by the English Building and—
It was sudden and couldn’t help but let out a little ‘oof’ as I collided with another person, causing me to drop my books. Surprisingly, I got a glance on the person that I bumped into as the impact caused me to lean back. My eyes widen as did hers. It was my roommate.
It was Shinoda-san.
Maybe I didn’t realize how hard we collided that I only realized it when I lost my footing and balance. I closed my eyes tight as I know I will fall down. It’s silly, but at that moment—as I know I would make a fool of myself—I prayed for something that would likely happen.
It’s stupid but…I prayed that Shinoda-san wouldn’t laugh at me.
It was all so fast that I suddenly felt something wrap around my waist and pull me against something hard and…warm? An arm on my waist? I think so. The warmth though was fleeting, gone before I opened my eyes. I didn’t fall. I don’t think I will, yet I can’t seem to open my eyes and look. Maybe I was afraid of what I’ll see in front of me?
“You okay?” I hear her ask as the arm around my waist disappears. Her hand suddenly rests on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze a moment later. That little gesture and hearing her voice tinged with worry caused me to slowly open my eyes.
"Sh-Shinoda-san...?" Blinking a few times, I stammered even though I know it was her earlier. I then noticed how close we are standing to each other, causing my eyes to widen a little. I took a step back to reclaim both our personal spaces. My eyes quickly shifted to the ground feeling a bit embarrassed.
"I'm sorry...I wasn't looking at where I'm going." I said, bowing a little. I glanced at her and found her looking a bit embarrassed herself. Somehow, seeing her like that made me feel a bit better.
"It's okay.” She waved her hand casually. “I wasn't looking as well so we're both at fault here." She says before she began picking her things on the ground. I quickly followed as I crouched down. I see her pick up one of my book and she stares at it for a while before she stood up and held it for me to take.
"Here."
I quickly stood up bowing as an apology before taking hold of the book. Somehow my thumb brushed against her hand a little that I quickly pulled the book from her, nervously. Hopefully she doesn’t notice that. "Thank you and...I'm sorry again for what happened."
"Do you always do that?" She suddenly asked, startling me a little. The question confused me though. Does she mean the little accident of me touching her hand? Because that was an accident. It’s a harmless accident, right?
"Blushing I mean." She added.
Oh. I’m…I’m blushing right now?
"Wh-what?" I stammered, confused. I do feel nervous and warm. More so right now that she’s staring at me attentively. Is there something on my face?
"You always blush.” She pointed out calmly as she continues to stare at me. “Is it because you're easily embarrassed or.....?"
Feeling uncomfortable, I averted my eyes to the ground as I clutched my books against my chest tightly. I do feel embarrassed easily that would cause me to blush. But at this moment, I’m blushing mainly because Shinoda-san is staring at me. It’s nerve wracking to be stared at by Shinoda-san. Maybe it’s because—
"Never mind." She says causing me to glance at her. She was smiling a little, like she thinks it’s silly to be asking questions like that. Regardless, it was the first time I see her smile. It wasn’t much but…
“Your first impression of Mariko is that she’s beautiful?”"Anyway, as painful as it is, it's nice bumping into you Kojima-san.” She says as she glanced at me for a brief moment before she turned and waved. “See you."
I stare at her, unmoving as she walks away. I wasn’t expecting her to glanced back at me, so when she did, it startled me. I quickly turned and walked in the opposite direction. I frowned and tightened my hold on my books as I felt her eyes on me. She’s…watching me walk. It’s nerve wracking to be stared at by Shinoda-san. Maybe it’s because when she stares at you, you can see she’s genuinely curious. There’s life in her eyes. It’s fleeting, but it’s there. A few seconds that she isn’t hiding. Regardless of how brief it is, hopefully I could stare back and not hide as well…
…so that I could get to know her better.
TBC______________________________________________________Next up: Waiting for
immortal_K's MariHaru fic and
AFLynx's TakaTomo fic.
But seriously, Mariko's list just continues.
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Topic: [MariHaru] Basket Case - Under Construction (HPOV Chap3 Posted) 7/20 (Read 128868 times)