Everything was alright. Swimming class ended. Some students were tired, some were relieved to go home. Some went for their own refreshment in karaokes or Clubs.
Clubs which were Appropriate for students, of course. They dont have alcohol or drugs or anything related to those kind of thing. Though Wine was there.
I went back home. To my surprise, I was able to talk with Ike, Sudou, Yamauchi like any other person do. Since, I was brought in a type of Middle 'School' were any kind of connection with any Friends or people was restricted. It was huge accomplishment for me.
In this school, the students are not allowed to have any connections with the other individuals outside the premises. Therefore, I am NOT supposed to have any kind of connection with my Family.
Unintentionally, a smile crept on my face. Though, it was just for a satisfactory mean and was a very short smile. I wont laugh out loud like some typical demon.
I changed my clothes into a new one. Jeans and a Black loose shirt. Swimming is refreshing, true. Since, last summer I haven't been swimming , so it was a good experience after a long time.
Ike and Yamauchi. These both are your typical 'Dumb' guys. I wont sugar-coat my words. Because what is True is 'True'. Sudou is not so fascinated with 'girls' like those both. Even though He is fascinated by Erza.
While, I was on my way to my dorm. I even met Kushida. Suprising. Yet not unusual.
( On the way )
I am quietly following my path to my dorm. Many students were too. Erza and Sakura seems to have gone too. Though, I didnt see them. Who cares. I am going to see her face, after a while, though. And going to 'talk'.
Horikita, is a pretty girl, if considered her face only, which can make her popular. But, due to her harsh personality and attitude shown by her on her first day, some students can't help but to move back from befriending with her.
Not that, she will even 'think' of being acquaintances with them. Let alone, be 'friends'.
Erza, seems to be popular too, she is not that harsh with her words towards the students of our class. But, she is not that friendly either with the rest of them. So, Erza is not atleast hated.
Both of them are distant, true. Now, for me, I do want Friends. I would like to make some, if possible. That could lead my high school life a bit luxurious. Atleast, acquaintances are fine too.
Guess, Ike, Yamauchi, Sudou, Wistaria, Sakura, Horikita are acquaintances with me.
"Hey! Ayanokouji!" Running footsteps were heard.
I turned to see. Kushida Kikyou.
"Hello!" She said after she came and appeared before me.
"Ah. Yes. Hello." I said. I was a bit anxious.
"Actually, I just wanted to congratulate you!" She said excited.
"For what?" Did I do something?
"You came Third right?" Oh I see, she was referring to the competition.
"Ah...Yes. It wasn't much of a deal." I said.
"Sudou was extremely fast, huh?" She stick out her tongue in a 'joking' manner.
"That was a given." I started to walk and signalled Kushida to walk too. She too started walking.
"Yea, you are right! Sudou has a great built too, also Koenji! Both were so amazing during their competition. If not, it really looked like one of those pro competitions!"
She was enjoying herself, huh? Well, I was too.
"Well, it surely was, isnt it?" I answered.
"Also, you were quite a opponent too~" She threw those words in the sweetest way possible.
"I wasn't really, though."
"Nonono, looking at your physique before, of course, you work out. Also, your body is well built like Sudou. Well, I cheered for you, hehe!" She put her hands at the back, and walked joyfully.
Moreover, she WAS looking at my body? I don't care. Seems like I will have to answer her anyway.
"Actually, about that, I don't work out, at all. Its troublesome." My lifeless eyes looked forward while glancing at Kushida once in a while when she talked.
"Eh?! But your body looked like totally of one who excercises!" She exclaimed."Dont lie Ayanokouji~~"
She wont buy my answer huh? Then.
"I guess, I will have to call the reason for it; my 'Genes'."
We are so close to the dorm. Not that, its tiring talking with Kushida. I don't hate it, or whatsoever. I am just Tired.
"I see~ Hey! Erza too has a very built body for a girl! You know, she has those 'abs' which I cant even think about. I donot even work out. I think she is very cool. Her attitude and everything. She also has curves! Better than mine! So jealous! Wahh!"
Did Kushida said all those word in one breathe?
Yes. Yes she did. Either way how come we are talking about Erza? Did she came here to talk about 'her' specifically? Me as a topic was just a 'bait'?
No. She is too pure, I suppose. I mean Ike is delusional for 'this' girl. I guess, Erza was thinking too much.
"What do you think, Ayanokouji?" She asked.
About what? Erza?
"Well, she isn't that bad, I guess." Not really, she is really beautiful; physically. For personality, I need more information, I guess? I have a moderate feeling for MY 'Personality', though. Moreover, she is a 'Half'. Which makes her more distinguishable. Not that she attracts much attention. But sometimes she sure does.
"Hehe...I never thought you would be interested in those things, Ayanokouji~" She chuckled.
Yea. Its suprising for me too. Guess, I can be a normal High-Schooler 'too'.
"You know, if you ever get the chance, can you ask her one thing?" She lowered her voice. We were now in front of the dorm building.
She turned at me. I put my hands inside the pockets and slightly adjusted my position towards her.
"Yea sure. If its within my capability, somehow. But I dont really talk with her, Just so you know."
Do you still plan on telling me your thoughts? Even though I told you I dont 'particularly' interact with her?
"Its not really much, but can you ask her about if she perhaps hate me or something like that?"
Definitely something happened today at the pool. I had my hunch on it. But now I am sure.
"....I guess. Mind if I ask you, what happened?"
She jolted at my sudden question. Did she perhaps thought I wont ask her, after her, requesting a sudden favour? A Give-and-Take policy, it is.
"Well nothing much. I asked her about how nice it will be to interact more with the classmates. That I was worried about her." Kushida started explaining.
I don't think that ; just because of this simple conversation, Erza lost her composure ? Not so like her. Kushida, are you hiding something?
My eyes focused on her and her words. Nothing irrelevant.
"I hoped maybe we could be close, so I called her by her 'nickname'. Maybe she didn't like it? She was...cold." Kushida clenched her hands onto her skirt.
Well, not nice of you to call anyone by their 'nickname' , there might be some person who doesnt like that sort of verbal communication. Specially whom you don't know personally.
"Kushida." I called.
"Yes?" Her head was down until I called her.
"I will try to convey your statements. But I cant be so sure about her accepting my words, though."
"Really? Umm. Thank you! Its fine. You trying, helps me a lot" She smiled.
I nodded as a 'No problem.'
( Present )
I sighed. Of course, Erza Wistaria wont desire that kind of verbal affection. Someone like her wont like 'Personal Intrusion'. Also, by someone who she doesn't particularly like.
Kushida Kikyou. Do you really want to be personally known with her? Or do you just want to earn the 'Trust' of a simple classmate? Though the later part, comes within the first part.
But if I consider Erza's wariness towards Kushida. Then, another possibility comes. Does Kushida wants to drag down Erza, by making her the 'bad guy'?
Why would she even want it to be?
Useless thinking, isn't it?
I looked at the clock.
6.34 PM.
Time flies fast, when you're thinking, deeply. Moreover, all the students came back very late too. Was it 5.13 PM, I came back? I dont know.
Very luckily, we don't have much homeworks to do. So, there is not a lot of pressure, today.
*
[ Erza POV ]
( In the dorm )
Why am I so unexpectedly tired today? Why 'today' of all days? I wanted to negotiate with Ayanokouji. I even looked forward.
I was even so close in losing my composure today. Not only that, I dont even have any School work to do, to distract me for the better. Tch!
I sighed.
Well, positive things first, Sakura seems to know I dont like 'Personal Intrusion'. Great. Also, I didnt had to force this to her. Makes things more easy.
Second, its only 30 minutes left for Ayanokouji to come. I hope he will be punctual about it.
Kushida. I dont desire to have a healthy relationship with you. You made me lose my composure. Well, that is a 'fault' in my part.
But I dont intend to believe your words. Not at all.
For now, I changed myself into a comfortable baggy grey shirt tucked inside my black shorts. I combed my hair and tied into a top messy bun.
Do I love 'messy buns' ? Not really, but I prefer it because, its not time-consuming. Not that I have anywhere to visit right now.
I took some Peach scented Body Moisturizer and massaged my legs. Slowly. I took my time. It made my skin a little glossy when came contact with the light. Then, putting the cream over my hands. The mildness of the cream, relaxes me. Massaging it helps my body to feel a bit lighter.
I take time to care for my body whenever I am angry or something like that. It helps me concentrate. Specially after 'wearing out' situations like before.
I looked at the time.
7.27 PM.
Great. The time's near.
I waited patiently.
7.29 PM
Knocking was heard. I stood and tucked some strands of hair behind my ears. As I went to open the door.
I was greeted by the man I expected to be. Wore a black shirt and jeans. Atleast he wasn't wearing shorts.
"Evening. You may come in." I greeted him.
"Wait a second." He stood there as he finally checked his surroundings by glancing here and there.
Does he suspect someone that might be following him?
He sighed and came inside. I rested my body on the walls and crossed my arms. As I followed him with my eyes.
"Good Evening to you too." He greeted back.
"So who is it?" I asked.
"I dont quite understand, what do you mean." His eyes focused on mine and mine to his.
"You glanced here and there before. So who do you suspect following you?"
"Not true, regarding me suspecting someone following me, but more like someone's eyes on me, by any chance."
"And who might that be?"
"Maybe a classmate?" So someone's eyes are on us huh? Does anyone suspect us of anything? Ms. Chabashira? No, we haven't done anything obvious to make it so. For my case, I am SURE I haven't.
"Is it Horikita or Kushida or Sakura?".
"Horikita saw you visiting my room the other day." He declared.
"How did you ensure your suspection?" I didnt noticed? Was I too much focused onto Interrogating him? Yes. I was. I kept my guard down. And look what happened. Disgrace on me and my behaviour.
"I didnt notice too." He said. He was very composed about everything. Does he not care?
'Too'?
"What makes you say I also didnt notice?"
"I dont think you know this but, you are furrowing, which can mean you are not aware of the fact. So yes, thats how it is. "
My eyes were left a bit gaped for a second. Did he really used my method? Reading expressions? But its not even a day, we had our last conversation?
"You are impressive, Ayanokouji, truely." I confessed. Not like it will do any harm to me or something.
I think I can be honest about my opinions on him.
" You exceed my expectations, Wistaria." He said.
Expectations? Did I lead him to some 'unusual' expections? If so? What?
"Kindly explain your statement, Ayanokouji." I said as I motioned him to take a seat on the bed. As I sat opposite to him on a chair, crossing my legs with my hands over it. I am so very interested in your answer.
"I thought you were different, than the rest along with Horikita, true. I saw you having an amused expression during the introduction of the 'System' by Ms. Chabashira." He said.
His soul-less reddish eyes fixated on my cold forested eyes.
"I suspected you to wary me. I suspected that you might have a vague idea of what this 'system' is." He continued. "I examined you during our 'interrogation'." He declared.
He was able to plan all these in such a short amount of time?
"But I never thought of the idea that you might have found all of it. In a crystal clear format." He sighed in relief. "You are no ordinary girl, are you Miss. Erza Wistaria?" He asked. No. More of a statement.
I smirked as my head was put down. Every word was like a compliment, I dont know, why?
"You are so very interesting. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka." I said as his eyes still fixated on me.
I got up and supported my left knees on the edge of the bed while the other leg on the floor touching his legs; right hand beside his lifeless figure in front of me; leaned my body over him, making him back a little. Our faces were little apart. I made sure it was close.
VERY CLOSE.
I tappered my eyes which was immersed into his. Gaze of ours felt like electric current as I placed my head beside his ears. With a low voice I whispered.
"Listen very careful, what I am about to say. Okay?"
He gazed upon me through the corner of his eyes.
"As I said before, I look forward in partnering with you. Very much. I am not intending to lie here. Not at this point. You make my interest grow, with time. So be a good boy, and be an amazing partner, you can be."
I distanced myself from him as I stood in front of him while my right hand rested on my waist and my head tilted a bit upward.
"So whether you like it or not. Deal. With. It. Got that?" I said.
His gaze still following me.
"To be honest, I dont mind partnering up with you. You will be good Partner, I know. That is why its unpredictable." He declared.
"What do you supposely mean by 'unpredictable'?" I asked.
"You. You are what is 'unpredictable'."
The answer made a surprise to my brain cells, ofcourse. Wasnt expecting. So I am unpredictable to you?
"I still cant understand your future moves." He said.
"Unlike others?"
His eyes narrowed at me.
" I dont really intend to have a good answer coming from me regarding that." He said.
Nice.
"About your statement from before. I give you the full permission to observe me. But do not 'stalk' me." I said.
"I understand. May I ask you something?"
"Yes. You sure can." I answered.
"...Are we acquaintances with each other?" He said.
Acquaintances? I sighed.
"You may take it in whatever way you want. Your choice."
"What do you regard me for?"
Partner? I didnt think of this kind of question coming from him.
"Dont you have any friends? Or someone whom you can atleast talk with?"
"Actually about that. I didnt make any. Not that I didn't try."
"True. I did saw you trying. With Sudou, Ike and some others. But they didn't interest you, did they?"
"The conversations were a bit too shaky for me to be included."
"Is that true?" I asked with eagerness.
"....Yes."
"Alright. Since you talked with me. About your so-called 'Problems', I might do you a single a favour. Of your liking. So what it will be?" As I sat back to my seat.
His eyes didnt distract from me.
"Normal conversation and Answer my questions, right now." He stated.
A normal conversation in day to day life? Not a big issue. Fine.
And answering his questions? Well. I dont mind until-
"I wont intrude your Personal life, I can promise you that."
" 'Promise' is a strong word. Anyway Fine ask me what you feel like."
He knew my hesitation over there.
"Kushida. Tell me your thoughts about Kushida."
Now, then. There is so much. He considered my words from before, didn't he?
I again crossed my legs in a comfortable manner and placed my hands.
"Kushida Kikyou. Popular girl for both Boys and Girls. Active member of the class. Attentive and cheerful student. Liked by everyone. This is what is Kushida is. Atleast that is what others think and also You. Am I correct?"
"Yes. You are."
"But, someone who just smiles at you, isn't necessary to be a good person. Is it? Moreover, its just my view-point. I dont like clingy, pushy, 'Goody-pair-of-shoes' individuals."
"Is that it?" He asked.
"I suppose. Not like she is someone important. At least for me. Did she came to you, perhaps?"
"Horikita and Kushida seems to have taken interest in our relationship as an acquaintances."
"Do you state, they have suspicions on us?"
"Might be. Horikita is sharp. Since she was the only one who saw me yesterday coming to you. No one else."
"Hmm. I see. We try to neglect attention but still get engaged in it. So the one we should keep our guards on is because of Horikita. Is that what you are implying?"
"Quite?" He said.
"Alright , I suppose its fine for now. She is a NON Attention-seeker anyway. Not much of a issue."
"Kushida admires you, though."
"I do not take her words for granted. She is the type of person, I would not desire to have a good relationship with. Anyway, any other questions?".
"What do you think 'Periodically' stands for? As per Ms. Chabashira?"
" Periodically, huh? Its obvious that there is some 'criteria' for the organisation to provide us with expensive 'Points', so regarding that, if taken Academics for instance, we are not getting points anytime soon. Thats a possibility. But still the criteria for this 'Point System' is still unclear."
"I guess same goes here. 'Gradation system' criteria is okay. Alright. That was what I wanted to ask. Do you have something on your mind?"
Kushida Kikyou. Horikita Suzune.
"....Not really. But I think we should exchange contact info."
".....Yea sure." We exchanged info. and I decided to end the meeting for today.
" Okay, I should take my leave now. Good Night."
"Good night."
He went out from my room.
Damn.
[ Erza POV end ]
( Between the Negotiation )
Erza crossed her legs as I sat in front of her. Her skin is glossy. Visible. She is Mature. Pretty. Beautiful. Whatever, complimentary words available.
She is not wary of the situation; being with a man alone in a room. Well, not like I will do something inappropriate with my 'Coincidental Partner'.
I said how I thought about her being different than others since the beginning.
I will clear it all to her. There is just nothing to hide. She kind of knows me. I kind of know her. Thats it.
Even though I used her technique of observing facial expression. She will notice it. I studied a bit between the classes. Its not that bad.
"You are no ordinary person, are you Miss. Erza Wistaria." I said. I narrowed my eyes.
She is smirking. Oh well. This sure is entertaining.
"You are so very interesting. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
She came right at me. Leaning her body on mine. I was surprised at her sudden intimate action. Our faces are some centimetres away . So close.
Why is this so exciting? I am fully enjoying this.
I stared at her from the corner of my eyes.
She whispered near my ear, in a low voice. It could make shivers down anyone's spine.
She told about how she is honest about her being a real partner with me. And that regardless of what I think , I have to accept it.
I dont hate you Wistaria. You are interesting. You are intriguing.
She distanced herself.
Wistaria will be a very compatible partner, for sure. She had a great range of view. Opinion. And all. She is useful.
But she is not very someone who can be manipulated. No. Not a chance. But she is the sole one whom I can't understand, nor predict her future moves.
"You. You are what is 'unpredictable'." I declared.
She asked me about why I think that. I wholeheartedly said my thoughts. Well, she also threw the dart, asking if I cant understand her moves unlike others. Amusing.
Later, I asked her questions.
I asked about Kushida. Talking to her, she seems to know about the conversation between me. Atleast, she doubted.
So Erza hates people like Kushida. Well, everyone has their own likings anyway.
She also seemed to notice how much I tried having acquaintances. Well, at least she is not harsh spoken like Horikita. Thats admirable.
"Horikita and Kushida seems to have taken interest in our relationship as an acquaintances." I conveyed it.
She will now wary them, right?
"Kushida admires you, though." I said.
She didn't take any interest about it. She will be highly observant about her surroundings from now on. I dont really blame her though.
We talked about the Systems. Everything was fairly going nice. She answered my questions.
I further asked, if there was anything else she wanted to say.
Rather, she wanted to exchange phone numbers. 'First' phone number from a girl in High school. Not bad. Its Erza moreover. Well, Sudou also have it.
I answered in affirmative and gave my number; same for her, and I took my leave.
All settled. Maybe tomorrow I wont have lunch by myself.