Lilin: "Hello, everyone. I'm Mana. "
'It can't be, but what other explanation is there? '
'She may not be wearing the same uniform or waving her sword around, but that's definitely her! '
Whatever she said her name was, she sidles down the aisle to sit at the desk behind me.
I steal a glance back over my shoulder only for her to greet me with a pleasant smile.
"Hello there! "
Seeing her friendly demeanor threw me into a much more greater confusion, she tilts her head.
"Something wrong? Was someone else sitting here? "
"N-Ni, it's not that, "
'What should I say?
'This must all be part of those contingency protocols. '
'Either way I shouldn't risk breaking her cover, right? '
"Where are my manners?! "
"Welcome to Tengu High School... Mana. "
Her smile widens as she nods.
"Is everyone this friendly here? "
When I shrug, she continues unperturbed.
"Well, I look forward to meeting you all before long. "
I turn back around, unsure what to make of it all.
'She seems so, normal. '
'Not like our first meeting at all?! '
'Could this be all but a ploy?! '
'Or did I hallucinate that whole encounter yesterday? '
'If that's the case, how could I have known what she looks like before we even met? '
'Unless I have unwittingly glimpsed her on the street and thought up that whole scenario. '
'No, it was definitely real. '
I grip the desk, my mind reeling.
'First the unusual dreams, now This.
'It's enough to make you crazy! '
Mr Okabe: "Now that's settled, let's begin the class! "
Class proceeds as usual but I find it impossible to focus on any of our subjects.
Nothing I do shifts my thoughts from the mysterious and enigmatic girl sitting right behind me.
'For all I know, she could be watching me right now. '
Fancying that I could almost feel her breath on the back of my neck, a shiver passes through me.
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When lunch time finally arrives, I rush out for some air.
I've barely sat down when Vignette appears, perching beside me.
"Beautiful day, isn't it? "
"Yeah, I guess. "
"Rumour, has it you got a new classmate today. "
She kicks at the ground distractedly.
"Strange for someone to arrive this late, in the school year.
I wonder why she came now. "
I shrug evasively, as she eyes me sidelong.
"Everything alright, Xion? "
"You don't seem to be yourself. "
I shake my head.
"Everything's fine. I have just got a lot on my mind. "
"Oh? What king of things? "
Feeling her eyes bore onto me, I stare at my hands.
'Of course, I want to confess everything to her.
''But I'm not even sure what's real anymore.
'I'd better Say something to avoid suspicion though. '..
"Well, I guess I'm mainly thinking about, she's definitely not your usual transfer student. "
Vignette: "Oh, so it's a girl, huh? "
"Has someone fallen head over heels already? "
She nudges me with her elbows.
"N-No, I didn't mean like that. "
"Uh-huh. I totally believe you Xion. "
"Wait, I starting to hear wedding bells! "
I waggle my head, feigning laughter.
"You're hilarious, Vignette. "
"Anyway, enough talk. Time to refuel! "
She hands me a bento then opens her own and starts eating ravenously.
After muttering some words of thanks, I do my best to force it down as well.
'That nauseating feeling is still affecting my appetite'
I am so lost in thought that I didn't notice Vignette leaning over.
"Sure you're alright, Prince? "
Gazing into her radiant eyes, I'm wrenched out of my stupor.
"H-huh? Oh yeah, I guess I'm exhausted. "
"Aw, poor baby. "
She reaches out and pats My knee then her eyes light up.
"Come on, I know just what you might need. "
She shuffles back until her legs form a level surface, then pats her lap by way of invitation.
"A quick nap will Sort you out! "
"You want me to... use you as a pillow? "
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( End of the Chapter) n p