I don't like the way things are in my life now--I don't prefer living a normal life with normal people like a certain teacher of mine does. But for the sake of my future as an exorcist and for my late father's honour. I have to adapt to the world I'd sworn to protect. Hence, putting me in their school for years is somehow the most efficient way they can think of.
It's a training to be a 'completed' Exorcist.
I have nothing against Black Book High, it's just… school. It feels like a jail. Hm, I take that back. School is a jail for me. I can be out there slaying demons, saving lives, and ramening. In here? Only normal teenagers seeking to fill their youth, bunch of nerd stuff like numbers, and yeah, ramen is banned here.
And they're lucky I'm a patience lady. To ban the only thing that keeps me going in this world. I almost started a new French Revolution. Ramen revolution.
So when the school bell rang, I couldn't help myself but secretly pump my fist. Iyeash! Another boring time goes down. Now, it's time for the club period. Which is what I don't have any yet. Which also means I'm please to do anything I want now. Which ALSO means ramen time. I can already feel the ramen squirming on my tongue.
But you know what they say. What comes up must go down. I believe that's Biology so it's probably safe to say that in this case it's my excitement. All this happens instantly when I see the pink-haired girl waving at me with her usual smile.
My shoulder drops for a second but I quickly push it back up as I mutter to myself, "Act like a normal teenager."
I smile back at her. A smile full of youth. Oh, I wish I didn't have to but this is another part of my training. After all, Exorcists live to serve this kind of person in the dark for their light (It's another of Sensei's lines.) And also I just… don't want to make an unnecessary enemy while I'm here.
But Jinn is anything but an enemy. We've been talking since I got transferred to this class. Well, she's the only person I can talk to without anyone getting formal. So I guess… Jinn is my friend in this world.
Just kidding.
Don't worry, I'm not planning to have another attachment other than ramen in this world. After I graduate, I'll find some way to lose her. It's for the better.
Jinn knocks on my desk, "Ayane? Thinking about ramen again?"
"More or less," I reply, packing my books.
Jinn chuckles for a second and then gets serious, "Look, Ayane. Are you coming to our drama club today?"
"Since when it's 'our'? I'm not a member."
She springs up her finger, "Yet."
"Never." I glance at her orange eyes, "Stop trying to recruit me."
"You're such a tsundere!"
"I'm not a tsundere."
"That's what they all said."
"I'm not. And will not coming to your drama club. I had enough."
Jinn laughs as she waves her hand, "Oh come on, it's not like I can help myself but to. With your outstanding look, I just think you'll be great as an actor."
"I don't like drama." I reply, "And isn't actor is all about acting? It's nothing to do with my look."
Jinn scoffs and shows me her palm... for some reason. She continues in a disbelief tone, "'Oh come on', for the second time indeed. Ayane, you've had it wrong. Anything in life, such as acting, depends on how you look. Just think of clothes! It's not about which one is more comfortable now. It's about which one is prettier."
"That's just depressing."
"Mo... Don't say like you don't have a fashion sense."
"I… don't." I know what fashion is but I don't know what fashion is... bit confusing but that's what I feel.
"Liar!" She slams my desk, "Objection! I call for BS. You cappin'. Imposter Among SUS. Eureka! You--"
Every time she says a new phrase, her face is getting closer. I stopped them with my palm before she headbutted me. "Stop that already."
Jinn pulls back and sighs, "What I'm trying to get is, I saw you wore pretty pants last Saturday."
Pretty... pants?
"Last Saturday?" I repeat. Oh, I recalled being in the city.
"Yep. Saw you in the city…" She nods two times, "I think you were looking for something? You were also flushing! In a cute way. If I have to guess, you were probably looking for who just grabbed your sweet ass that time. Man couldn't help himself."
"Ignoring your sexual harassment remark..." I reply, "Didn't my pants tear that time?"
"Hah! I knew it, so you know fashion!"
I'm pretty sure that was me after I had exorcised a couple of ghouls in the city. Things got ugly. They ripped my front pants with their claws.
That's not fashion, that's misfortune. I have to walk back home in embarrassment.
Jinn is looking at me in victrious pose but I just shrug it away, "I don't know what you're getting at but my answer is still the same. I don't want to join the drama club."
She crosses her peachy arms, "Then what club would you join then?"
"Ramen club."
"There's no such thing."
"Exactly my point."
Jinn is rubbing her arms as she asks me one more time. And I said no.
And so the pink-haired girl begins clasping her hands as she closes her eyes wishing for the best, "Oh, please, please, please, Ayane. I kinda told the president that you're going to be there to just watch."
"Again?"
Jinn puts her head down, "Do it for me, Ayane-Sama."
This girl... goes around deciding something for me. Sigh... I should have expected this, Jinn has always been like this anyway.
But I'm kinda a kind hearted girl who's also want to be honest. So I reply in my most merciful way, "No."
That's a mercy, I just kill all her fake hopes.
Jinn takes back all her begging manner and takes a deep breath as she locks her eyes on me. "I can't believe I'm doing this again."
Ah, it seems she still has a small hope. I cut her, "Try as much as you want or can, I won't be at the drama club to be looked at by the boys again. And girls."
Jinn sways her fist and slams it in the air, "I see how it is! I'm invoking the one year friendship privilege with a deal!"
"Say whatever you want." I finally got to slip my last book in my bag.
Jinn continues, "If you come with me, Ayane Omu. I'll give you something very, very nice!"
I pull my zip closed. I turn to Jinn and give her a slight bow, "Goodbye, Jinn. Have fun today without me."
Jinn opens her mouth. Her tongue rolls just the way I like it. Her mouth gasps for breath just the way I want her to. And she says something that I am probably would love.
But still, no word can make me change my mind instantly.
"Ramen. I'll treat you to ramen, Ayane."
Except that.