"Kai Kaminoshita." She introduced herself.
Wait, whoa. What a badass name. Seriously, it's like something out of a martial arts manga! What were her parents on when they thought of such name? Very fitting for someone who apparently has a side gig jabbing sarcastic idiots like me.
But then she shot me a look—one of those "I can see your soul and it's not pretty" glares. What the hell? Is she a mind reader now? Great, just what I needed. Another ability in her toolkit. How am I supposed to escape from her claws if she's going to predict every single move I make?
I quickly regained my composure, or at least the shattered remains of it, and forced myself to look at her in the eye.
"Pleasure to meet you, Kai. I hope we can be on good terms."
Good terms, now? Did I just imply that we were on bad terms? Way to go, Kita. If awkwardness were a sport, I'd be winning gold right now. She gave me another calming smile, though if squinted hard enough, it was more of a sly grin.
"Don't hope. Make it happen."
That wisdom cracked my narrow teenage worldwide wide open. Yeah, that was exactly what I needed to hear. Not the wishy-washy stuff about hoping things would magically align up with my favor, but a good solid reminder to just do the thing.
She could be a motivational speaker, honestly. I'd buy front row tickets to that. Maybe even for the VIP package with the exclusive Q&A.
I managed to muster a warm smile in return, hopefully the kind that didn't look like I was about to cry or something. Then I walked right past her, with my footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. She just stood there at the doorframe, watching me go with a final glance.
It was almost like she was trying to memorize my back or something. Maybe she was imagining a target for future reference, who knows?
After a second though, I heard the soft squeak sound of a sneaker as she walked back into the classroom. Probably to bask in her old memories, or maybe just to collapse onto the nearest desk. She was so worn out that I bet a strong breeze could knock her over.
But whatever, I've got free time, and there's one thing on my mind. Finding Naokawa. Naokawa, Naokawa. Who exactly are you? Sure, I'm in a bit awe of you, but is there more beneath that frosty exterior?
Oh, come on. Am I getting all philosophical over a girl I've barely spoken to? Figures.
As I wandered into the quiet hallways, trying to look like I had a purpose, I noticed another student up ahead. He was taller than me, doing what looked like some bizarre yoga pose. He was standing on one leg with a book balanced precisely on his head.
Was this some kind of a punishment? Or maybe a new trending challenge from social media? Aren't we supposed to be adults by now? I mean, one more year and I'll have the official government certification that I can be trusted with adult responsibilities.
I was about to walk right past him when I heard a faint whisper. I turned, and his eyes locked onto mine with a look that could be described as sheer desperation. His face was practically screaming "help me". I just know I'm getting sucked into yet another story.
I stepped back and crouched down against the wall beside him, poking his one only trembling leg that was struggling to support all that weight. I could barely hold back a snort as he hopped away like a startled kangaroo, trying to balance the book on his head.
It was too easy messing with him like this, but it wasn't my fault that he looked like he was auditioning for the circus.
He shot me a desperate look with tears welling up in the corner of his eyes, making me feel just a tiny bit guilty.
"What happened?" I asked, unable to suppress a chuckle.
"I forgot to do my homework that Miss Satomi assigned last week!"
He whispered with a voice barely audible. Miss Satomi, though? He probably thinks I'm familiar with the school's roster of terrifying educators. Joke's on him; I'm as clueless as a freshman on the first day.