Character List
# Itano Tomomi : - Freshman of Akihabara University
- Childhood friend of Takahashi Minami
- Madly in love with Takahashi Minami
- Roommate of Minegishi Minami
- Taking up Fashion Design and Merchandizing
- AKA Fang to Shinoda Mariko and Minegishi Minami
- Miichan also calls her Friendzone because of her situation with Takamina
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Overprotective Fang girl
# Takahashi Minami :- Professor at Akihabara University
- Professor of Shinoda Mariko and Akimoto Sayaka in Creative Writing
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Dense clumsy midget professor
# Akimoto Sayaka :- Freshman of Akihabara University
- Roommate of Miyazawa Sae
- Co-worker of Shinoda Mariko in DAFUQ bar
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Amazon-like Snorlax
- (Accrdg to Itano Tomomi) Amazon girl
# Miyazawa Sae :- Freshman of Akihabara University
- Roommate of Akimoto Sayaka
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Creepy Megaphonic girl with an obsessive attachment to fairy tales
# Saito Kazuhiko :- Lead vocalist of a band named ACK!
- Bestfriend of Shinoda Mariko and Minegishi Minami
- In love with Shinoda Mariko
- Mariko and Miichan calls him Smiles or Buffoon
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Smiling-Flirty-Pretty Boy-Buffoon; Twin (in terms of attitude) of Minegishi Minami
# Oshima Yuko :- Counselor of Akihabara University
- Psychiatrist
- Boss of Kojima Haruna
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Creepy midget squirrel
# Kashiwagi Yukirin :- Worked as a Secretary at The Maruyama Group Inc. before she was "demoted" as Assistant Manager of DAFUQ
- A few years older than Miichan and Mariko
- Close friend/Confidant of Miichan as she often helps her with whatever she needs
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Big Boobed Sexytary
# Shinoda Manami :- Nickname: Maachan
- Little sister of Shinoda Mariko
- She has taken a dislike to Miichan which results to a senseless war between the two
- Loves and adored her big sister, Mariko
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Overly Attached Sister
- (Accrdg to Minegishi Minami) Satan's daughter
# Murayama Kuu :- Son of the President of The Maruyama Group Inc.
- Little brother of Minegishi Minami
- Likes/Loves Shinoda Mariko
- Shinoda Mariko calls him Suck-Up
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) The Suck-Up-Fatheaded-Egotistical-Son
# Matsui Rena :- Goes to Akihabara University as well
- Friend of Kojima Haruna
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Her blood is white thus she calls her, Whitey
# Sata :- Freshman of Akihabara University
- Classmate of Shinoda Mariko and Akimoto Sayaka in Creative Writing
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Asian Johnny Bravo
# Kiyoto :- Freshman of Akihabara University
- Classmate of Shinoda Mariko and Akimoto Sayaka in Creative Writing
- (Accrdg to Shinoda Mariko) Comb Hater sidekick of Asian Johnny Bravo
Big thanks to
aidodaisuki (of tumblr), yanouchi and crazywota for the images above. Seriously!
A BIG THANKS!! 
___________________________________________________________________Title: Basket Case
Pairing: MariHaru, TakaTomo, Miichan pimping
Summary: This is soooooo predictable you don't need a summary! Seriously.
AN:I know, I know. Another story from FoF when I still have a few unfinished. But the lack of fics about these pairing(s) made me want to write about them. That and talking to
Ryo Hiroshi that helped me find some MariHaru fics.
Like I said in the General Discussion, I love MariHaru and I'm liking TakaTomo as well especially when I read a fanfic about them in Tumblr by
jaesook,
AFlynx and
Loveforever's TakaTomo fics.
Anyway, as for MariHaru fics, I've read
caghaunt and
Immortal-Ks.
But the thing is, they're (Mariko and Tomochin) always the third wheel to the famous pairing of AtsuMina and KojiYuu. Thought I'd change that here in this fic, make it the opposite. Hope readers would have an open mind about these pairings since everything is pretty much fiction.
This idea came to me a couple of weeks ago while I was writing Hinata's chap and listening to Greenday's song, Basket Case. Obviously that's where I got the title. This is my new outlet for when I need to take a break from POF since TDDUP is on Hiatus. So I guess...I'm sticking to this until the end for a...couple of chapters maybe? Not sure. But it'll definitely be shorter than POF.
Anyway, with that rant out of the way, enjoy!
__________________________________________________
many thanks to
yanouchi and
crazywota for the poster
Chapter 1: No such animal?Ever had that feeling that nothing surprises you anymore?
Horror movies and other things that pops out of nowhere don't count because those definitely surprises you. What I meant is in life. Politicians going corrupt. Homeless man instantly becoming rich. Celebrity marriage lasting only a day...or was it a few hours? Huh. World ending in 2012. A 5 year old being the youngest mother of all. Couple who were high duct taped their son on the wall for fun. An 11 year old girl being the youngest to be convicted of murder. Group of idols that consist of hundreds. Sister joining that said group of idols, becoming famous. Bestfriend having identity crisis.
"You really look great Shinoda-san. That dress really suit you."
That said bestfriend hitting on your mom in the car wherein you are seated behind that said bestfriend.
"Why thank you, Miichan. That's very sweet of you to say over and over again. It's nice to be appreciated repeatedly for 2 hours."
Your mom obviously liking your bestfriend's flirtation, smiling at her while you are seated on the back.
Surprises? Is there such a word nowadays?
"It's the least I could do for driving me and Mariko towards Akihabara University. It's a pleasure to be driven by such a wonderful and beautiful woman such as yourself." Miichan said probably looking all charming and all. I rolled my eyes when my mom giggled behind the steering wheel. Maybe I should remind her that I have a father and that she's married to him for 20 years. Still is. Unless she elopes with the flirty girl beside her.
Miichan turned to look at me, grinning and wiggling her eyebrows as she give me a thumbs up. Yup, that's Minegishi Minami, my bestfriend since I have no idea when. I'm having trouble remembering really. She's my crazy psycho bestfriend that's looking at me like she's going to get it on with my mom any minute now. Maybe I should remind her as well that the person she's flirting with is my mom. Because seeing her looking at me like she's proud and all makes me think she's forgotten who it is she's flirting with.
Ah, my crazy psycho bestfriend. How and why did I befriend thee?
"So, are you two excited to be in college or what?!" My mom smiled widely, her eyes darting between me and Miichan as she drives. My mom. My ever so caring, loving, happy go lucky mom that's always been supportive of every decision we've made. She is so supportive that she told me it's okay for me to be gay and that she'd like to meet my wonderful girlfriend that would make my heart go 'dug-dug.'
Her words, not mine.
Ridiculous sound effects aside, I do love that she's THAT supportive of a mother to us. I mean who wouldn't love a mom that would accept your sexuality without the whole drama right? But I do have a problem with it. The thing is...
...I'm not even gay and she kept on insisting that I am. Quite disturbing really.
She even set me up in a blind date with her friends daughter who had no idea why my mom suddenly wanted her to meet me. I explained to her in full detail what she's in for inside my room as we 'get to know each other.' Again, my moms words, not mine. Anyway, she's pretty cool about it. I actually expected her to go ballistic knowing that she herself isn't gay but she just shrugged and giggled telling me she wouldn't mind if me and her hook up. Told her the whole 'I'm not gay and am not up for experimentation any time soon' thing in my oh so famous monotonous voice and again she's cool about it.
We hang out for a bit. And by hang out I mean I did my homework while she took a nap on my bed for the rest of the afternoon. I find it weird as I watched her after I finished my homework. I mean she can just go home and sleep in her own bed you know. Tempted to push her out of it but...decided to play nice since she really looked like she's tired. I wonder why for a few second then decided to move on living not caring.
Anyway, after her whole siesta, she bid me farewell and told my mom politely how she's not gay. She left with my mom waving sadly at her by our front door as that girl walked away from our house. Yeah, clearly my mom was disappointed with her not being gay. Oddly enough, that girl gave me her number and told me to call her if ever I want to hang out. She's okay I guess, but...she could've at least helped me in convincing my mom that I'm not gay you know, rather than giving me her number.
"Yeah!" Miichan squealed excitedly again for the nth time. Seriously, she kept on answering that question with so much enthusiasm for the past months now. I think I'm going to blame my mom's repetitive question for the squealing thing. How many months has it been since she first started asking that question anyway? Since the start of senior high?
"I have a feeling you two will get to meet lots of friends there." And I'm pretty sure that that statement has been said even before I started schooling. Seriously? Friends?
"I think I'd rather focus on surviving college and getting a college degree rather than make new friends there." If by friends she means another Miichan...then no. I don't need another Miichan. One is hard enough to keep you know. You have to feed her, walk her, pet her and remind her to take a bath. So much responsibility right there.
"And if luck is on our side, hopefully we'd also find someone that'll help unscrew Mariko coz she definitely need a lot of unscrewing." Miichan smirked making me to narrow my eyes. The way she said that sounded perverted. Typical.
"I'm hoping it'd be a nice girl to help unscrew her." My mom added still beaming. Ugh, and my mom agrees. Figures she'd add that whole girl thing though.
"Don't keep your hopes up then. And nice girl? No such animal." I said as I looked out the window. Nice girl huh? Yeah right.
You probably know what kind of person I am just by this conversation that we're having. If not, then let me sum it up to you with words uttered by my crazy psycho bestfriend when she described me. To her, I am a sarcastic, apathetic, sucky, Scrooge incarnate bitch sent from earth to spread needless emotions throughout the land.
Kinda hurtful, right?
It would've if I just cared.
**********************************"Here we are." Mom said as she parked the car in front of the university dorm. I can see a few students scattered around with their luggage. Some were with their parents others were just alone. I sighed looking at some of them wondering who among these creatures would try to befriend me. Looking at this brings back unwanted memories of my childhood days.
We all get out of the car and pulled out our luggage. Of course mom helped us or rather helped Miichan because apparently she exaggeratedly over packed with having four luggage. I only have two plus a backpack by the way.
"Okay. So you girls wait here while I park the car and--"
"Whoa. Time out." I waved my hand to stop my mom from talking knowing exactly where this is going.
"I think we can handle it ourselves mom. No need to trouble yourself by going with us. Really. And I mean really
REALLY." Surely she gets that right? I mean, I just said that in practically bold and capitalized letters. So yeah, she'd get that. My mom is not dense.
"Oh I see. You want some alone time with your new girl roommate huh? I got it." Mom winked. Okay, maybe she is a bit dense but whatever. She's my mom. She painfully gave birth to me for hours. The least I could do is tolerate her for the rest of my life, right?
I sighed and shook my head.
"Mom, like I've told you a million times. I'm not gay. No gayness resides inside me. No gay bones anywhere." I tried to reason but like the other million times, she misunderstood.
"Oh right. It's a secret. Hush hush. Don't want you to get bashed on your first day. Got it." She whispered looking around. I rolled my eyes. Why do I even bother? Might as well respect her delusional wishes.
"Anyway mom, thanks for driving us." I waved, giving her a forced smile. I think I just pulled a muscle there.
"That's it? Not even a hug from my baby?" She pouted and I can't help but wonder if she really is my mom. Miichan seems to find it funny though as she smirks.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but babies are supposed to be small, unable to talk and walk. I think I fall out of those categories." I deadpan. Plus I'm taller than her for God's sake.
"True, but you're still my baby whether you like it or not." And I have no comeback for that. Like I said earlier, she's my mom. I should tolerate her for the rest of my life.
"So? My hug?" She opened her arms, beckoning me to give her a hug. I groaned inwardly and walked towards her, stiffly wrapping my arms around her, giving her some...uh...what's that funny word again? Oh, right. Love. She returned it I think as she squeezed me tightly, making me groan.
"My beautiful baby. So grown up now." I sighed and gave her another painful forced smile as she pulled away, beaming. She then turned to Miichan who looked amused. She walked to her and pulled her to a tight hug as well which Miichan returned happily. She better not be thinking perverted stuff right now. That's my mom damn it.
"And that goes for you too Miichan."
"Yup, all grown up now as well. I got all the right curves in all the right places. Although not as perfect as yours Shinoda-san." Miichan said, smiling as they pulled away from the hug.
"Awww, such a sweet girl." Mom pinched her cheek as she giggled making me to narrow my eyes at them.
"Stop flirting with my mom, Miichan. That goes for you too mom. Please stop flirting back. It's giving me the shivers."
"Flirting? But I'm merely pointing out the truth." Miichan defends, grinning. I rolled my eyes at that.
"She's not flirting dear. She's just a sweet girl." Miichan beamed at what my mom said. Again, for the third time, she's my mom. I double checked my birth certificate a couple of times you know. And yup, her name is there under the title 'Mother.'
"Right. Anyway, you better go mom. It's a long drive and...uh...the house is probably waiting for you." I scratched my cheek. She's a housewife so the house is probably waiting for her. My sister is still at school and my dad is still working at this time you know.
After the whole tearful goodbye wherein mom made me promise to write a handwritten letter to her because email and a phone call just isn't emotional enough for her, that my distance won't be felt if I just wrote to her in a modern way, again her words not mine, she finally left us to stare at her car moving away for awhile. Honestly, I felt a bit sad looking at the car with my mom probably putting on her Bieber CD because I'm not there anymore as she drove away...ugh just the thought of her dancing to that makes me cringe...anyway...moving on...I'm sad right? But then I remember I'd get to see her again with dad in a few weeks because of parents day. Sadness suddenly gone but I'm still cringing about the whole CD thing. I seriously need to check on my birth certificate again and call a few people to check if it's authentic or not.
"Well, let's go." I said as I pulled my luggage thankful to whoever invented luggage with wheels. It took me a couple of steps and hearing a few curses from behind to realize that my companion is no where near me. Turning to look I found my bestie struggling with her luggage. And I can't believe I just used that word in my mind. Seriously? Bestie?
"Need help?" I offered after watching her for 10 minutes of battling her luggage. It kinda reminds me of watching Animal planet really. It's...entertaining. Like an orangutan battling to open a cooler or something.
"Oh, what gave you THAT idea?" She growled, rolling her eyes. She's using sarcasm, cute. Probably got it from me. I knew I'm going to be a good influence on her. I shrugged though.
"Saying no would've been enough you know. Oh well. See you up there." I said as I walked away, a smile tugging at my lips. As I take a step, I started counting inside my head until finally I heard the familiar plea for help from my bestfriend.
"I need help." She sighed defeatedly. I knew she'd crack. Guess she still has a long ways to go till she becomes like me.
"Ugh! I should've just taped my luggage then tie them up and just drag them!" She growled, kicking one of her luggage.
"Or you could've just NOT over pack."
"How'd you know if you're overpacked?"
"You not being able to carry it all by yourself might've been a clue."
"Oh."
Definitely a long long LONG ways to go then.
***********************************It took us almost an hour to reach our floor. We had a long useless chat from the dorm head telling us about the rules and regulations that we must
ABSOLUTELY abide. Yeah she said it in bold and capitalized letters adding how scary her eyes went when she said that word. It was probably the first time I looked and notice the veins in someone's eyes up close. Creepy. Anyway, her rules were pretty basic like no boys in the dorm ever, no parties, don't set the place on fire, don't bang your head on the walls while studying or during exams, don't jump out of the balcony if you are going to commit suicide, don't draw on the wall with crayons and yada yada yada and more yadas than your normal Japanese porn. Obviously I stopped listening after the whole no parties thing. But you must be wondering why it took us almost an hour if the rules were pretty basic. Well...I blame that on Miichan who had a fit when she found out we're not bunking together, which I'm very very VERY thankful for, and yeah, it took an hour for that whole fiasco. She finally calmed down when she found out we're on the same floor and our rooms were a room apart from each other.
Disturbing? I think yes.
A few girls were walking around as we reached our floor. They were giving us the curious glances and whispers that were pretty common whenever someone new enters.
I'm sure everyone experienced that before. Hate it really. Especially when someone looks at you from top to bottom like right where you can see them. Hate it. I mean, it wouldn't hurt for them to do it in a subtle way you know. Or right after you walk pass them. But no, some people do it right in front of you in an intimidating manner. Don't they know the meaning of the word 'rude?'
"Wow, there are a lot of girls here. I'm so going to like living here." Miichan grinned as she winked at some girl who looked at her with a weird expression. I think that's disgust right there or maybe a painful look, I'm not really sure. Could be both.
"Well this is a dorm for girls so it wouldn't be surprising if there are a lot of girls here." I rolled my eyes then noticed a bunch of girls looking my way, their mouths slightly open looking a bit stunned. That's another look I hate being thrown at me most of the time. I best try to ignore those looks of interest and appreciation. Really, I hate being in the spotlight.
We soon reached Miichan's dorm. Placing the bags that she's carrying on the floor, she fished for the key on her pocket and then opened the door.
"Honey, I'm home!" She said in her sing song voice as she stepped inside, her arms stretched as if she's expecting a hug. It made me roll my eyes. Anyway, the only thing that hugged her unfortunately is the gust of wind from the opened window. No human life form has yet to reside in her dorm room. Guess her roommate isn't here yet.
Sighing, I made my way inside her empty dorm room, carrying her bags.
"Remind me to bake a cake to whoever assigned rooms for us." Really, cause if that's how she'd greet her roommate whenever she comes to their room, then I'm so going to treat whoever is in charge of our room assignments like God. He/She definitely saved me especially Miichan from dying by my hands.
"Ehh? My roommate's not here yet?" She pouted, lowering her arms to her side, obviously disappointed by these turn of events. Placing her luggage at a bed, I turned to her and raised my eyebrow.
"What gave it away I wonder."
"Bummer. Oh and can you place my bag on the left bed?"
I looked at the other bed on the other side of the wall then looked at her bags, my eyebrow still raised. Do I dare ask why?
"I prefer the left bed rather than the right." She said as she placed her bags on the bed in question. I guess that's enough answer for me. Shrugging, I carried her bags again then placed them on her preferred bed.
"Alright, let's see your room now. Here, I'll help you carry that." She grabbed one of my bags then walked towards the door with me following behind.
"You just want to see my roommate don't you?" I sighed as she closed the door, beaming.
"Why of course! She might be hot you know. Can't let any hot girls pass me by." I would've rolled my eyes at that, but I'm tired of doing it so many times a day. So I'm just going to let what she said slide without the eye rolling thing.
Much like what Miichan did, I placed my bags on the floor and fished for my keys. I was about to put my key in when I noticed that it was unlock. Frowning, I opened the door wide, took hold of my bags, stepped inside then scanned the room for life. What I saw surprised the hell out of me. The bed on the right looked to be occupied alright as a bag was laid on it. But that wasn't the thing that disturbed or shocked me. It's the other things that my 'roommate' placed around her side of the room. There were a bunch of photo framed pictures in the wall of beardish people with a halo looking all...holy and a crucifix. I turned to look at the table on the end of the bed and saw a bunch of figurines of other holy people, a rosary and...holy water?? Is that...a bible I see as well??
"I hope I'm not bunking with a nun." I groaned.
"Well...it's either that or your roommate is a vampire slayer."
"I'd rather have that."
"Who wouldn't. But...I don't see a stake anywhere." She's got a point, making me groan. Our eyes then turned towards the bathroom as the door slowly opens revealing her non-Buffy-like features. No...she was more like Ugly Betty what with her thick rimmed glasses and that God forsaken fashion statement. Honestly, her clothes look like they belonged to her mom or someone older.
"Oh, hello." She said shyly as she noticed us, a blush covering her pretty face as her eyes darts between me and Miichan. No braces huh. Maybe she's not actually like Ugly Betty. But she does reminds me of her.
"Uhm...My name is Kojima Haruna. N-nice to meet you." Again in a shy voice, bowing slightly. The moment she stopped bowing, I noticed her crucifix necklace hanging on her neck.
"I guess...one of you is going to be my roommate?" She smiled slightly making me groan as it dawned to me that this Ms. Goody-Goody, self-proclaimed nun is going to be my roommate for God knows how long.
"Oh God." I shook my head, feeling the impending headache coming as I look at her.
"Amen." Miichan said, nodding her head.
Surprises? This girl in front of me is probably full of it. I can't believe there is such an animal.
TBC******
OMAKE! Haruna's POV (Chapter 1: My Roommate.)“Thank you for driving me to Akihabara University, Oshima-san.” I said as I turned to look at the person beside me behind the steering wheel. A smile quickly made its way to her lips, her dimples deepened as she kept her eyes on the road. Seeing that, I can’t help myself but smile as well.
“I told you before, it’s no big deal.” She tells me as she glanced at me for a second then turned to look back on the road. “I owe your Grandfather a lot, so this is just a little payback for what he did to me in the past.”
“St-still—”
She turned to face me for a moment, giving me a firm gaze despite the smile on her face. “Like I said; No. Big. Deal. It’s fine Nyan-Nyan.”
Hearing her call me Nyan-Nyan, I looked away from her and let out a sigh. “I…I wish you don’t c-call me that, Oshima-san.”
“And I wish you don’t call me that as well.” Was her quick reply. “But we can’t have everything we want now, right Nyan-Nyan?”
I hesitantly glanced at her, not surprised when I saw her grinning behind the steering wheel, eyes glinting with mischief. Seeing her like that, I can’t help but let out another soft sigh, my eyes slowly making its way to hands that were on my lap. It wasn’t that I didn’t like what she calls me. It just that…when she calls me that, it feels like she’s making fun of me. And somehow, I was right as she spoke up once again, causing me to look back at her.
“Like I said a while back; you remind me of a cat, so calling you Nyan-Nyan seems fitting.”
“I d-don’t get how I remind you of a cat.” I mumbled, frowning a little. I watch her as she glanced at me for a second then looked ahead, chuckling.
“Well for one thing, you’re cute as a cat especially when you’re pouting like that.”
“I…I don’t think c-cats pout.” I mumbled before biting my lower lip just so I could stop myself from pouting like she said I was doing.
“Well, you’re a special cat then since you can.” She replied after she chuckled some more. Letting out another sigh, I turned my head towards the window to quietly watch the scenery pass by. Somehow, looking out the window made me think back on my Grandfather, how he looked worried for me as we stood by the porch, saying our goodbyes. A part of me could tell that he didn’t want me to go. That he wanted me to stay. I can’t blame him because there’s a part of me that feels the same way.
I didn’t want to go.
I clenched my fist tight, frowning at the window as I silently berate myself from being a coward. As much as I didn’t want to go, I have to will myself to go because…I have to. This is…this is for my future as well. I can’t just stay at home all my life and do nothing. That isn’t what I want. I want to be somebody. I want to be able to interact to other people normally. I want to have lots of friends. Hopefully, people who are close to my age. And if I’m lucky enough and they would come to like me, maybe we can turn out to be friends. Maybe even best friends. Or maybe, as time goes by, maybe it can turn out to be something more than that. Something more than being friends and best friends.
Something like……?
With an ironic smile on my lips, I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose, thinking how absurd that thought was. Who am I kidding? Like someone would like me like that. I mean, look at me. I’m just…plain and boring. I don’t even know how to take care of myself like most girls my age do. I have a somewhat frizzy hair. I don’t wear make-up. I wear thick rimmed glasses. My clothes are completely outdated and…apparently to Oshima-san, I look like a cat. Though she said it’s cute, but still…I’m a mess. A complete mess. So…who would ever want to be my friend? Much more, to be with me?
Who would even dare to fall in love with a mess like me?
No one. I’m sure.
“A thousand yen for your thoughts.” Oshima-san says. Glancing at her, I found her to be doing the same, that familiar playful grin on her lips. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop. You’ll be fine. I’m sure of it.” She assures me, causing me to turn to her fully.
“Y-You can tell what I was th-thinking?” I asked feeling a bit amazed. I know Oshima-san is a Psychiatrist, but can a Psychiatrist easily read people’s minds? Is it really that easy for them to tell what it is that one person is thinking?
Probably noticing the confusion on my face, Oshima-san let out a soft chuckle while she covers her lips a little with the back of her hand. “I may be a Psychiatrist, but I’m not a mind reader. Given your situation, it’s not that hard to guess what’s inside your head. You really don’t need to be a Psychiatrist to be able to see or tell what you feel.” She tells me as she glanced at me for a second.
I pursed my lips and turned to look away from her, hands clutching my oversized skirt. “W-well, given my situation, I guess…it can’t be helped that I…that I’m nervous about going to c-college.”
“True. But you really shouldn’t worry much. I mean, you’ll be fine.”
I glanced at her through the corner of my eye, biting my lip as I do so. I wasn’t surprised to find her smiling, looking ahead as she drives.
“Just be yourself and you’ll be fine.” She added with a nod, glancing at me for a second before looking back ahead. My eyes made its way back to my hands that was clutching my skirt. A moment later, I let out a sigh as I turned to look out the window. Just be myself…but…that’s my main problem. Given how I am and how I look…
…I don’t think people will like me for being me.
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“Here we are.” Oshima-san says as she placed a box on the table. Ignoring the whisper from behind as a two women passed by the room, I walked inside the room with my suitcase on tow.
“Y-you didn’t have to help me and c-come up, Oshima-san.” I tell her as stood in the middle of the room, watching her as she pulls out my things from the box and place them on the table. Feeling embarrassed at what she’s doing, I took a step forward, trying to stop her. “Um…I…I can do that myself. Y-you don’t need to—“
“Nyan-Nyan, you should close the door.” She tells me without looking as she continues to pull out my stuff from the box. I stood there for a while, just watching her mumble amongst herself as she looks confusedly at the picture of St. Francis of Assisi, one of my favorite Saints. She looks at it for a moment then turned her confused gaze towards me. I quickly looked away, my face burning at her gaze.
I know…I’m weird.
Biting my lower lip, I decided to follow her order as I walked towards the opened door without a word. Halfway through the door, I see two girls looking at me. I instantly froze as their eyes sized me up, scrutinizing me with their amused gaze that traveled from my head to toe. I watch feeling torn as a smirk formed unto their lips as their eyes once again reached mine. As if their smirks weren’t enough to torment me, one of them let out a biting chuckle as she pulled her companion away while her eyes continue to lock into mine for a second, silently mocking me with her gaze. I clenched my jaw tight as my eyes slowly made its way to the floor, my eyes burning to let out the tears that had formed in my eyes.
I know…I’m weird.
“Seriously Nyan-Nyan…” I hear Oshima-san groan, causing me to wake up from my musings. “…How many pictures of Saints have you got in here?”
Wiping the little tear that had fallen from my eyes, I slowly closed the door and walked back towards her. She turned to look at me, hand on her waist as she gives me a stern gaze. It was only for a second though as her stern gaze was quickly replaced by concern. Her hands slowly slides down to rest on her side as she took a step forward.
“Are you…okay, Nyan-Nyan?” She asks as she frowns. Despite the pain inside me, I gave her a smile, trying to somehow convince her that everything is fine.
Even though…it’s not.
“I-I’m fine. Just…I guess I’m just g-getting nervous again.” Was my half-truth, half lie answer. I try to keep my smile in place as she looked at me for a moment, looking like she’s trying to determine if I’m lying or not. My right hand—that was on my side—subtly took hold of my skirt as I nervously wait for her reply. And when she did, I can’t help but let out a sigh of relief, thankful that she somewhat believes me. Yes, somewhat as I think a larger part of her doesn’t believe me. It was obvious by her forced smile she was showing me.
“Don’t worry about it too much. Again, you’ll be fine. Have faith.”
“Y-yes. You’re right.” I replied as I lowered my head, eyes downcast to the floor.
“But then again, I actually don’t need to tell you to have faith. I mean, just having all these just…screams the word faith.” She says with a chuckle. Keeping my gaze on the floor, I notice her turn back to look at the things she placed on the table. Glancing at her, I noticed her looking confusedly at the Bible on her hand while her other hand scratches the back of her head. A genuine smile graced my lips upon seeing it. Somehow, despite how embarrassing it is for her to help me with these stuff, I’m glad Oshima-san is here with me. Despite our age differences, I’m glad I have at least one person whom I could call as a friend. Maybe just having one friend is enough for me.
Surely, I don’t need lots of friends, right?
My pleadings for her to stop unpacking my stuff went unheard to Oshima-san as she continuously pull out most of my stuff out of the boxes I brought. I felt embarrassed that she’s helping me when it felt like she had done enough by driving me here. However, she was persistent, telling me that it was fine and that she doesn’t have any other things planned for the rest of the day. I almost believed her and decided to just let her help. But then her phone rang suddenly and without thinking, she picked it up and answered it. Words like ‘later’ ‘okay’ ‘I’ll be there in a while’ could be heard as Oshima-san growled at the receiver. After a moment of talking, a sigh left her lips as she closed her phone. She turned to after that and gave me an apologetic smile. Seeing her look at me like that, I instantly knew what it is she’s trying to tell me. With a smile, I shook my head and told her,
“It’s okay. I-I can manage this by myself.”
Another sigh once again escaped her lips as she walked towards me. She stood in front of me for a moment until she placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently as she smiled at me.
“You’ll be fine okay? Just remember to just be yourself.” She tells me softly. I could only stare at her dumbfounded as her other hand made its way to my other shoulder. “Don’t mind what other people may think about you. You are who you are and that itself is amazing. Believe me.”
And as she looked at me with a soft, sincere smile on her face, I did believe her. I know she can see that as I see her dimples deepened as she smiled widely at me. Oshima-san is right. I am what I am and I shouldn’t let what other people think get me down. Besides, I’m sure there are nice people around here as well that aren’t judgmental.
Hopefully, my roommate would be one.
After assuring Oshima-san that I’ll be fine and thanking her non-stop, she finally bid farewell, waving her hand excitedly as she gave me a smile. I waved back, giving her a smile as well as I promised to come visit her in the Psychology Department once I’ve settled down. Her smile beamed at that, telling me that she’ll expect me to visit her soon then as she pointed at me and gave me a wink. Nodding my head in reply, I watch her as she gave me a nod then slowly closed the door, leaving me with my things scattered around. I turned to look at the mess that Oshima-san and I had created, keeping the smile on my face. I hope my roommate would get here after I tidied things up. That way, I can help her with her things as well. I believe that being nice to people and being helpful would make them warm up to you. I hope with that thought, my roommate would warm up to me then because if there’s one person that I hope would be my friend…
…it’s definitely my roommate.
__________________________________________________Next up: When Scrooge incarnate and crazy psycho meets overprotective fang girl.
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Topic: [MariHaru] Basket Case - Under Construction (HPOV Chap3 Posted) 7/20 (Read 146160 times)