"Ehh?! You're transferring?! Why?! Where?!"
(ಡ‸ಡ) (ᓀ ᓀ)
"Pangaea, we're cleaning our things today, since we'll be leaving tomorrow," Chiyu said before taking a bite in his sandwich. Ahh, the cooks in their place are great cooks. They put their everything in anything they create.
When they leave, he'll miss them and their dishes.
Maybe he can tell Shimei-nii to ask the elders if they can take Yona with them, oh! Tsuki, too!
The elders listen more to his elder brother than him…
"Tomorrow?! Why did you tell just now?! I want to go, too!" the man beside him whined that snapped him from his reverie. "I want to be with you!!"
This guy is their childhood friend, Alexander Rivera. He's 2 years older than him and Shimei but they get along fine, plus he's much childish and fill their life with fun. Not that the twins will tell Alex, since it will make the other's ego bigger.
He's annoying, and they don't want to increase it more.
Nope, they're good.
"No, you can't. We're not going there for vacation. As if you can also help us there," he bluntly said to the other as he pushed his glasses up. It made Alex's head hung in defeat.
How pathetic.
Though the older become lively again and wrap his arms in Chiyu's shoulder, as he continues eating the sandwich.
He was still hungry, despite eating a well-balanced meal… Well, eating is another best thing a person can do, and food is the best thing one can have.
He glanced at Alex who was thinking before he looks back at the smaller male.
"Well, then if I can help you there, can I follow you there?" his eyes were sparkling as stare into Chiyu's eyes.
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕) ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
Finishing his sandwich and Chiyu said to the other with nonchalant voice. "Hmm, I guess, well, whatever. It's not like you'll listen."
Alex laughed before he lowered his head and whispered in the younger one's ear, "I do listen to you.'
"Hm, we all know that's a lie."
"No, no. It's the truth!"
"Hmm, perhaps. Now, get off from me, my stop's here."
[Shiori Middle School]
The school are for students who have supernatural abilities and/or from a Shadow clan. It's not a big school but there it was old and full of supernatural, a good… well, not so bad environment for young Shadows like them. Most of the spirits and ghosts are kind or aloof, but some are not so good-looking, which was a helps them get used to their appearances.
Two ghost and a small cat was by the gate, waving their hands at them, meowing. Both him and his childhood friend waved back. It's fun to interact with them, it feels like they are not dead, just some people with low presence.
"See you later. Be careful," Chiyu says as he gave Alex a one last wave before he enters the school premise.
"See yah...!" he mumbles something but, Chiyu didn't hear it so he let it be.
(°ｰ°) ﾉ ヾ (*'▽'*)
👻👻👻👻👻
There are small number of students in the school grounds, he notices. They left the house early, and they are stopping by some stores to buy some snacks, despite this there are still few students, and more of spirits there. Well, whatever.
He went to their classroom and has been greeted by his older brother. Shimei is the only student inside, well… his companions are not exactly living beings.
The other beings smiled and waved at him, which he reciprocated.
"Good morning, nii-san," he greeted as he sat in the seat behind him.
"Good morning… Did you tell Alex we'll leaving?" Shimei put his phone in his bag before looking around at Chiyu, who took out one of his books.
"Hmm, wish he doesn't follow. You know that idiot and his idiotic stunts."
(￢_￢) (;⌣̀_⌣́)
Chiyu can't help but say fondly as he traces the letter in the cover of his book. Reminiscing their hangouts.
He still doesn't know how they clicked. Both him and his brother are quiet and reserved type of… well, they are introverts, unlike Alex who was a ball of energy. Always on the go for adventure, where he is a couch potatoes, prefers to be in one place most of the time, while his brother focusing on his responsibilities, etc.
How strange…
For someone as gloomy as Chiyu when he's young, Alex's presence is like a blinding flashlight pointed at his eyes, when he first met the older male. It was so uncomfortable and annoying, and he can't do anything because of his timid demure. His brother, he thinks, tolerate him and not feeling discomfort as he does. Shimei helped him to talk to the other comfortably. He didn't realize that the once blinding flashlight become a warm morning sun.
Despite their differences, they learned to live a comfortable life.
He will surely miss that big baby once they live in the Pangaea.
"Hmm. You know you always jinx yourself," Shimei said after chuckling and put away his phone as their classmates started entering the room. Most of the ghost and spirits continued floating or listening to the living's chatter and gossips.
Well, one can't take away that one entertainment, they may be alive or dead. Interesting stories, either, either truth or lies, gossips, will be everyone's past time.
The exaggerated it gets the better. People live in drama, even in death, and they won't deny that.
"Yeah, he will surely follow us… He does not listen to us. Tsk, it's for his own good," he whispered yell but deep inside he knows how Alex's mind works. He sighs in defeat and Shimei just chuckles, continue with what he's doing in his phone.
Why does life always go to the opposite of what he wants or wishes?
Sigh…
He just wants to keep Alex away from harm but that Normal is pushing himself to danger. Just because he sees them doesn't mean he can live with them. He should not think of this too much, it's not his job, it's his brother's. Just kidding.
He started to read his book and tune-out his classmates' noises. Reviewing the syllabus last night after making assignment is the best time, so he can read his current book today. He can enjoy every word and every experience that that book will offer to him without his responsibilities suddenly popping up in his mind.
They've been taught to finish what they're supposed to do first before they enjoy themselves. At first, he's against it, especially when he started reading fiction books and not just scriptures and academic books. Practicing for hours, no end.
That time, he's like other students, especially in puberty or the explore and rebel stage, 'fun first, consequences later', is what his motto. Something happened and he must get himself together again. Good thing that the elders and his older brother didn't get as mad as he thought they would be. It's also easily fixed. When he told Alex what happened, the eldest of the trio laugh so hard that he teared up and coughing, Shimei also chuckled, he just pouted.
Well, now he knows what to do.
He was almost got swallowed by sloth and lust. People like them must always be stable because, if they themselves are unstable, they can't help anyone.
A loud noise startled him and saw that some of his classmates are arguing, some of his classmates are trying to stop them but it's not working, some are adding more fuel to the fire, and some are content to watch and spill the tea for the other class later.
So early in the morning, and they're already starting a drama. Not that he will complain.
Now that he notices it, mists clinging in the arguing group. It seems to have color green, red and black.
He can't help but frown and look back to Shimei who was also frowning.
The argument is getting heated and everyone's getting agitated. Sooner or later the tension will surely explode. The mist is also spreading to the room, attracting malicious spirits in the area.
Ghosts are also starting to fill the space making the place feel smaller than usual, and kind of restricting. It seems that group haven't noticed it yet, while the other spectators doesn't know how to stop it. Too scared to get in between them, since it'll just a few more push and there's be violence added there.
As much as he wants to watch some real-life drama, not that he will tell his brother, he doesn't want them cause trouble for the class and to his Shimei-nii.
"…I trusted you! I f*cking trusted you!" a tall student, or Kaido, angrily spat at the other, a girl and a boy holding him in his arms and slightly pulling away from the other student, Shinji who was looking at the other, begging, and close to tears. "And this is what you'll give me?!" he exclaimed to the other, before glaring at another boy student, Touya.
Being in his head and thinking about novels and his role didn't help Chiyu to get the whole story of the argument, but he knows that these two are close, closer than any of their friends in their circle.
Chiyu might not want to jump into conclusion but, he can help but be confused and conclude of what might be the reason for the argument to escalate into this. Creating a supposedly ending when you're still in the starting line is never a good way in reading, this can also be applied into this kind of situation.
So, no conclusions. Just watch.
He observed the students that was already in the classroom. Watching their reactions on the scene in front of them, then he looked at three different students that behave strangely, and the ghost around them.
"Please! You're misunderstanding it! I can… I can explain!"
"Shinji, don't waste your time, he will not listen."
"Hah! Fuck you, Touya! Shinji, I'm so disappointed on you. You're just like ---!" before Kaido continue what he will say, Shimei was already behind him holding his shoulder, startling everyone, even Chiyu, was observing them.
(°ロ°)!
Chiyu can't help but utter a small 'Nii-san' as he observes the change. It looks like Kaido, and the others started to calm down, but the mist is still there, though they are no longer clouding their classmates unlike earlier. Slowly, the mist dispersed as if it has not existed earlier.
They've been too engrossed with the drama that everyone didn't notice Shimei standing up and joining the circle. Except the ones in the group, their classmates started going to their seats but with their ears still in the conversation, especially with their class president mediate there.
Many students can't help but sigh in relief.
Some ghosts also started putting distance against them and the group, some even left the room. Good thing that they haven't attracted worse spirits. It would be a disaster.
Chiyu sat back and look at them. He saw his brother looking at him and he put his gaze to the three people who he notices earlier, before staring at him. Shimei just nodded before he looks at Kaido. He noted that those three are also part of the group of Kaido and Shinji.
"Stop. You will regret if you continue saying that. Calm your head and you two should talk privately. Only you and Kumo-kun later, lunch," he said looking at Shinji, who was looking down. Chiyu can see that he is grateful for the interference of Shimei-nii.
(A/N: It's Shinji Kumo, his whole name)
If Kaido continues that sentence, despite Shinji forgiving him, they will never be back to how they were in the past. Shinji will forever remember that Kaido said that about him. A broken friendship. They will regret it from the rest of their lives.
"Don't involve other parties yet, ask them later. If you let them influence your judgement and your relationship, it will never get repaired but will be more ruined," he continues, looking at the other three, who also look down, ashamed.
"Y-yes, I'm sorry for the disturbance," he said, slightly bowing.
At the same time, the bell rung, and they went to their tables. Their teacher entered the room for the homeroom, and everyone was behaved and attentive like, no argument happened earlier.
Well, at least, nothing major happened today.
(っ˘ω˘ς)
👻👻👻👻👻
The bell for lunch started to ring and this week's group who's in charge for lunch left the room. Kaido and Shinji left the room. Chiyu and Shimei watched them left and observe the other students.
Chiyu's eyes look at the other students in Kaido and Shinji's group. They're doing something, either using the phone or talking to another group, they are glancing at each other, watching each other and what they plan to do next. They also look in the direction of Shimei and Chiyu and avoid their gazes once they saw that the twins are observing them.
They want their class to be at peace before they leave the school. His classmates and him may not be as close as his brothers but he still has great memories with them. They've been good to him even if it was because of his brother's reputation. He is not as active and important as Shimei. Both may not be talkative, but his older brother has more confidence and more presence than him.
He is not jealous of his brother. He is happy with their differences and proud of other's achievements. They have their own strengths and weaknesses.
"…Chiyu," he heard his brother call him and he snap him out of his thought. He was too deep in his again. He gave his brother a small smile that the other just mess his hair. "Let's get our food."
He just nodded and follow him to the front. Taking a plate and take their portion, before going back to their seat. Chiyu rotated his chair and faced Shimei.
The lunch today is curry rice. One of his favorite meals. The smoke from the hot rice and curry fogs his glasses, so he put them aside. He took a bite, and he can't help but moan in delight. It's so delicious. Not cooked half-heartedly.
"Do you think Kaido and Shinji resolve their problem?" Shimei whispered. He's not looking at him and instead looking around.
"I don't know. Their conflict seems serious," he answered, he tried to hide the fact that he doesn't know what was going on earlier, but well, his brother knows him too well that the elder just rolled his eyes and look at him.
"I don't think it's serious. All they need is to talk things out and everything will be okay. To be exact, the problem was the group itself."
Chiyu can't help but tilt his head as he and his brother still doesn't have the same wavelength.
(￣_￣)・・・
After pausing for half a minute, he asked. "The group? Why do you think so?"
Well, he does notice that there's something going on in the group, he still doesn't understand what was happening. There's no outsiders influence, either from the living or the unseen. They also seem to be very balanced group, good friends.
"The group is consisted of 2 girls and 3 boys. Even if they say they are only friends, there would be some who will catch feelings. Conflict and jealousy will rise once a couple formed within the group," Shimei explained.
Chiyu looks at his brother hiding his shock and asks. "Oh? There's a couple?"
Though, his brother just nods his head and continue eating. Mission failed. Mission failed. Mission failed.
"Really?" He asked to himself, since he didn't notice a lovey-dovey student in that group.
EHH? How did he miss it? He can't help but scratch his nape in his embarrassment. Well, he hasn't notice it but there may also be couples in the class but, it doesn't concern him, so whatever.
"Hmm, that couple also have admirers from their group. So, what do you think those admirers will do?" he asked his younger brother, not looking at him but he is listening and waiting.
Chiyu answered, not hesitating. "Break them up and have them from themselves."
(→_→) (←_←)
He remembers reading a plot like his in a shoujo manga he read in the past. It was good and frustrating because of the misunderstandings, miscommunication, and the jealousies of the third parties. He wants to drop the book but he's curious and he can' stop, until he knows what will happen in the end. Like a real nerd and a weeb.
Well, at least he kind of know the whole picture.
"That's right. Would you like to know who the couple is?" he asked smirking. He is teasing him.
The couple… so, who's the couple in that group… uhhh…
"Is there really a couple in that group?" he asked to himself. Chiyu can't think of anyone there being PDA and they emit this 'friends-only' vibe or is he truly missing something out. "Are you sure?"
Shimei just chuckle before standing up and taking his finished plate.
"Take your time… You're so cute, my little brother."
Chiyu just rolled his eyes and continue to eat
"Hmm. I'm going out for a bit. Finish your lunch."
Chiyu just nodded and think of hitting the bookstore later. He wants to buy at least 10 books to bring with him in the Pangaea. It'll be hard to get newly delivered books, once he leaves. It might be disappointing that he'll not be in the frontlines of reading new stories but, he doesn't want to be separated with his brother. When he comes back, he'll be in the frontlines again. Lol.
(☆ω☆)
Once he finishes his meal, he observed his classmates. Nothing noteworthy… well, until a student came to him. It was Sakura, from Shinji-san and Kaido-san's circle. Now that he realizes that Shinji and Kaido are not in the room. While the other two is busy with their phones but, can see the relentlessness in their system.
Sakura was looking at anything but him and continues to fiddle with is skirt. "A-anoo… Chiyu-san," she called out. Her voice was slightly shaking. He waited for her to continue talking but…
Chiyu asks, as the other was being too silent for a long time. "Is there anything I can help you?" Although, I doubt I can help you with anything. Go to nii-san. Well, he'll lend his ear and tell his brother about it later.
"Etto… Can you help me? You're the only one with role that can help me." She came close and whispered something in his ear.
Chiyu didn't show it in his face, but he's quite startled. They don't usually need his ability, unless there's a foul play happening.
He just nodded and he gestured the other to sit in front of him. She gave him a confused look but didn't inquire further and sat.
"Please elaborate it more. Tell me what you've notice from being to end..."
👻👻👻👻👻
Everyone started leaving the classroom Chiyu watched Shinji and Kaido leave without their friends. The others were also looking at the two. He doesn't understand the atmosphere between the two. Should he take it that they made up? Or still talking it out? Sakura looks and nods at him before she left.
Chiyu just hope that everything will be okay.
He packs his things as his brother wait for him.
"Will you tell me about it?" Shimei asked as the other finished and they went out.
"Yeah, later," he answered, briefly.
"Okay, I'll see you later."
Chiyu just nodded as he watched his brother leave for his club, well... he still doesn't know if it will be considered as a club. Shimei is the vice-president of the student council. They may not have powers like in the anime, but they help the teachers to understand the students more. The middle group per se. He also went to his club room, to inform their president.
He can hear the shouts and cheers of students in the gym. The chatters of the students walking alongside him or those glancing out the windows. Its cloudy outside and the warm wind blow from outside to the halls. A great day…
…to say goodbye.
Before going to the club room, he went to the library. In the furthest corner of the room, there, a lone ghost was reading a book. The other doesn't look any older than him, but his uniform was three generation older than the current one they're using.
There are not many students at the library. Some are sleeping, making assignments, or reading a book. The don't go to that part, thus making it easy for him to talk to the ghost. It's been his routine every after class, before going to the club room for the past 3 years.
"Good afternoon, Mikihiko-kun," he greets as he sat next to him. Mikihiko smiled and faced Chiyu, closing the book he was currently reading.
In their free time, Chiyu told him what happened since they parted yesterday, and Mikihiko listened. Despite not talking, his expressions and his muted words are enough for Chiyu to call it a conversation. Weird but it works well for them.
After a long pause and basking to the peace atmosphere of dark corner of the library. Chiyu spoke again.
"Mikihiko-kun, we'll be transferring tomorrow. So, we can't see each other starting on Monday."
The other was looking at him, but he has a small smile, that confuses Chiyu. His only friend will leave and his smiling. Is he nuts? The other opened his mouth and mouthed. "I heard and saw the Dean and your… elder, talking about that, about 3 months ago?"
"Ehh?! Why didn't you tell me?! I learned about that last Tuesday, and I still can't wrap my head that we'll be leaving."
"I thought you already know. Sorry."
"Nah, well, at least… we'll see each other again some time, don't worry."
"Yeah. I'll see you again."
"Goodbye," he said before he left the place.
He left the library with light feeling. He's not going to leave with a heavy heart. He expected the other to be sad and cry, well, maybe once he was alone, he will cry, but the other accepted it. It's not like he will leave forever. He'll see him again sometime.
Mikihiku's reaction was unexpected but good, his clubmates were a bit…. Too overdramatic.
"Ehh? You're leaving? When?!" his president exclaimed. Slamming her hands looking at him intensely. The other present members and ghost occupying the space also whipped their heads to look at him. Eyes and mouth wide open. Like those exasperated looks from anime.
(⊙_⊙) Σ(°ロ°) (°ロ°)! (o_O)!
They read too much anime and being influenced, in both good and bad ways.
He sat in his usual seat and took out the light novel he's currently reading. The Elite's Class. A great book. He can't get enough of the story. It's entertaining and impactful for him. It makes him think of what would happen, the protagonist's plans and his rival's counters…
Ahh, right, he needs to answer President.
Chiyu closed his book and faced the President. "We'll be leaving tomorrow. We just came here to take our things in the locker."
Hasegawa pointed at her fan to Chiyu and glared at him. "Why did you only tell us now?!"
Rio happily suggested, "Let's have a farewell party!"
Byakuya tearfully said as hug the manga he was currently reading. "Hu hu hu, I'm so gonna miss you!"
They yelled at the same time, and Chiyu can't help but cringe at the volumes of their voices. No one's banging at their door to tell them shut up, so it's okay. Although, he and the president still 'sshhh' at them. The ghost just floats all around, giving him betrayed looks, not like they can talk.
They're so loud, and endearing. He'll miss them.
Well, he forgot about it and just reminded about its last night.
Chiyu shook his head with a small smile. "You just want to go outside, Rio. It's not like we can't contact each other. I'll be 8-hours and 45 minutes flight away." He pushed his glasses up and opened his book.
4 hours and 15 minutes from Sakao to Tokyo, then another 4 hours and 30 minutes to Malina.
"Ack, they found out," she whispered to herself, and we can't help but laugh at her antics.
(°ロ°) !
President went close to Chiyu, and hugged his head, smoothing his long curly hair. It's kind of uncomfortable because his neck is in between her arms and one wrong move and he'll just… stop breathing. Though, he trusts his President, not accidentally killing him. Lol.
"Though, it would be a waste to just send you off with nothing. You're our most adorable member and mascot," and they also nodded. She lets him go and went back to her seat.
"You'll leave tomorrow morning, right? Let's eat out and visit the karaoke?" she said hopefully.
Chiyu, thinks of the time. His brother might also be facing this predicament with the student council, they'll also pack some other things and he'll be going to bookstore later with Alex.
He let them know his schedule for later and they settle by leaving by 4:00, meeting and going to the bookstore with Alex, eating out, and going home. They always make face when they mention Alex which confuses the heck out of Chiyu.
Well, each of them will buy him a book, so he's happy and didn't mind other things.
They silently read their respective light novels and manga. It was comfortable with low music of 'A Morning of the Slag Ravine'. There's also a lavender and vanilla scent from the scented candle Hasegawa always bring. It was truly heaven on earth for them.
When the alarm went off. They packed their things and head out.
The Literature's club went out to have a farewell party for their leaving member.
👻👻👻👻👻
Saturday, 7:10 am. The twins and their guardians are loading their luggage at the trunk when a boisterous shout made them halt. Looking back, they saw a running Alexander.
Alex put his hands on his knees as he pants like a dog but still tried to talk. "Why didn't… didn't you tell me… Hah!... you'll be leaving this early! If… If mom hadn't told me last night, I-I would still be sleeping! Hah!"
Chiyu took his handkerchief and wipes off the sweat off Alex's face, and the older smile widely at him.
"It's not like we'll be leaving without communication. You can visit us there. It's less than 10 hours flight," Shimei said, rolling his eyes, as Alex just pouted and stood up straight.
"I want to see you face-to-face! I want to be with you, no hour-long travels!"
(҂ `з´ )
Shimei flicked his finger in Alex's forehead. "Stop being a sap."
The sibling just chuckled as the other rub his stinging forehead.
"You can call us anytime, though not at class time. We'll see you again," Chiyu said, patting the other's arm.
"Chiyu-san, Shimei-san, please get in the car."
"Alex-kun, we'll get going. See—"
Before Chiyu could finish, Alex took both his and his brother's hands and put something. An amulet and keychain of an anime character he doesn't recognize.
"Don't lose that. I'll never forgive you!" he said, red faced before darting off to his home.
Chiyu look at the anime character and smile. Well, he'll make one for him when he sees him again.
He hopped on the vehicle, waving goodbye to the living and unseen in their gates and left for the new country.