—What's wrong with you, Aiden? —Said Saya —. Classes have just resumed; it hasn't even been a week since the incident with the arsonist. We returned last Thursday, two days of classes, three with today, and you already have that expression of displeasure on your face.
The half Asian half European boy, and Aiden's classmate, examined the pen in his hands, dissatisfied with the results so far, uncovered the pen and continued the motion to the rebelled-haired boy sitting right in front of him.
It was difficult for Aiden to decide if he was happy to see him or if he was also extremely frustrated. Although their reasons couldn't be more different if that was the case, after all that had happened last week with Maika, a simple return to classes was not enough for Aiden to despair.
Eight hours of mandatory classes, and at least two more of electives with only two breaks, was a piece of cake for the new Aiden. Enduring his friend's personality, however, was another story.
Feeling the tip of the pen, Aiden angrily turned to be greeted by the always smiling Sasayama. His radiant expression of confidence looked like that of a bored maniac in his eyes, and honestly, he wanted to return the favor by becoming one himself. But for decency towards his classmates and his honor as a former class delegate, he was not allowed to make a scene during class, let alone so early in the morning. He immediately returned his attention to the topics discussed in class.
Saya, on the other hand, had been poking Aiden's back instead of taking notes of what Mary, the English teacher with a very, very, decent level of sex appeal, was saying, boringly reading from the text in her hands. She was rather old fashion in that sense, and most definitely preferred to take it easy.
—It's nothing. Don't be annoying so early, it's not even 8:00 in the morning yet.
—WHAT? How is my concern bothering you? Turn around and tell me that to my face, let's see if I don't give you a reason to be like this, you brat!
—Concern? Don't you mean curiosity? Also —Aiden clenched his fist—, we're the same age, don't call me a brat, clearly the immature one here is—before finishing his sentence, he was stabbed again by the fine tip of the pen—. You…!
He wouldn't admit it. Despite being unable to hide it, being vilely betrayed by his body, Aiden would not reveal the reason for his obvious bad mood, he still had his pride.
Yesterday, after finishing his "training," Aiden, very excitedly, went shopping in the commercial district. Vegetables and spices, among other things, for his highly anticipated home-cooked dinner with Maika; however, as soon as he arrived at the provisional dormitory with bags and bags of shopping, he received a message that would mercilessly destroy his illusion.
The message more or less said: "I apologize, Aiden. Due to some circumstances, I am unable to leave the dormitory right now. I hope you understand. There is also the moving, paperwork, and all those things. And with that said… See you next Sunday!"
Thereafter, the boy with the unruly hair cooked and ate everything he had bought along with the meat that was supposed to be for that night, and the next day or two, in a fit of what he called misfortune. That night, instead of reading about the occult, he turned to his trusted internet to embark on a beef recipe adventure. After an hour of searching, he finally decided on something he had never tried before, beef goulash, and the result was better than expected.
Once he finished dinner, while washing the dishes and old pots, time manifested itself, time to fall into a sacred realization. He didn't have much money left until the next scholarship payout. Aiden wanted blood tears to come out of his eye pockets at that moment, that's how critical his financial situation was.
—Ey, hey, Aiden. Oi, Aiden. —Saya continued hunching his friend's back, doing tricks with the pen after each poke, and intermittently calling his name.
The annoyance sensation in his back grew more and more, that, along with the annoying attempts to get his attention, made him finally surrender. Aiden lifted his head, which until now was concentrated on his notebook, and along with it, he violently turned the top of his body towards Saya.
—What now!?
At that moment, a folder flew by, grazing the profile of both boys, crashing into the wall.
—That's what I want to know, Aiden, Sasayama!
Both men felt something run down their backs the moment that voice reached their ears. Someone from the classroom shouted, "My folder!," but for Saya and Aiden, it was just another background sound that was lost before being properly processed by their synapses. That commonly known saying, "it entered through one ear and came out the other," applied perfectly as both were so focused on the terrifying expression of their English teacher.
—What can be sooo interesting as to ignore my class, I wonder? Eh, snotty brats?
—See Saya, that's how you use that word… —With trembling lips, Aiden said to his partner while still having the chance, before the teacher ended them both.
What kind of teacher throws someone else's folder at their students? It was the thought that crossed the minds of both young men at that moment. The rest of the class, however, thought they deserved it.
—Saya, quickly pick up your classmate's notes to continue with the class. Aiden, I don't care what happened, just stay focus.
—Yes, miss! —Both boys said in unison.
Mary observed them with a threatening look for the last time before turning around and saying, now with a calm and bright voice like the beautiful teacher she normally appears to be—So, we were saying…
The busy class in which only the voice of an adult woman and the aggressive writing of the students could be heard continued as usual.
The legend says that afterward the event was titled "The folder that stopped a revolution." Both Aiden and Saya remained in complete silence for the rest of Mary's class and for the following morning classes.