It was the weekend, and although not much time had passed since the sports festival—which, as expected, we won, adding another 50 points to our class—I was currently wandering aimlessly around the school. Today seemed like a good day to hang out with friends or maybe just relax in my room, but the heat outside is tremendous. However, here I was, drifting without a clear destination. Perhaps it was the need for a little solitude, a luxury I rarely take.
Since I entered this school, I had never been alone. So it's a good opportunity to enjoy some time by myself. But, honestly, I wasn't sure what to do. I always followed the girls' plans, and now I was uncertain about how to spend my time.
Mako and Yuki were in my room right now, as usual. They liked to relax there, but someone who wasn't around and whom I hadn't spoken to much since the festival was Honami.
Honami had changed a bit since the festival. She seemed a little distant from me, which was unusual. I didn't think I had done anything to upset her, or maybe I did without realizing it. I suppose I'll talk to her later. I hope it's nothing serious.
As I continued wandering aimlessly, I came across President Horikita and the small senpai who always accompanied him.
—Osawa —greeted Horikita, and we exchanged polite nods.
—President —I replied with a smile.
—Aren't you hot in that uniform? —I asked. Both he and the small senpai were wearing their uniforms. Who wears the school uniform on a weekend?
—I need it, as I was in the student council office —Horikita explained with his usual serious tone.
—Ah, right. It was obvious. I don't think you wear that uniform for fun —I responded.
—Was there something special you had to take care of? —I asked, trying to make conversation. It wasn't that I cared too much, but I was a bit bored.
—Yes, I'm clearing out my things from the office. In a few days, I won't be the president anymore —Horikita said with a slight grimace of resignation.
—Right, I had forgotten. So, Nagumo will be the new president —I nodded, remembering the upcoming changes.
—Yes, although I won't be able to see much of his term. Things will probably get heated in your second year —Horikita commented with a meaningful look.
—A kind of warning? —I asked, intrigued.
—Take it as you will —Horikita said with an enigmatic smile.
—By the way —I said, looking at the small girl beside him—, what's your name, small senpai?
—Small senpai? How rude. My name is Tachibana Akane —she replied, clearly annoyed.
—I'm sorry, Tachibana-san. I didn't know your name —I quickly apologized.
—Then don't call me that —Tachibana-senpai said, still a bit annoyed.
—Alright, small senpai —I said with a playful smile—, I'll keep that in mind.
Tachibana Akane frowned, but in the end, she couldn't help a slight smile. Horikita, who was watching the interaction, cleared his throat.
—Well, Osawa, I don't want to keep you any longer. It seems like you're looking for something to do.
—Yes, I'm not quite sure what to do today —I admitted.
—Then, why not make the most of your free time? —Horikita suggested—. You can look for something that interests you.
—Good idea —I nodded—. Although, if it's not too much trouble, small senpai, do you have any suggestions?
Tachibana Akane thought for a moment, still with a slight frown on her face.
—Well, if you're looking for something to do, you could go to the movies. There's a film coming out this weekend, and it might be interesting —she suggested, with a tone that tried to hide her irritation.
—Thanks for the suggestion! —I said, trying to show my gratitude—. I'll consider it.
—You're welcome —Tachibana-san replied, her tone still somewhat curt.
—See you later —said Horikita, and with a wave, they both headed towards the student council office.
As I watched them walk away, I headed towards the school exit with a new idea in mind. At least the day wasn't entirely wasted after all.
...
As I walked, I couldn't help but think about the interaction I had just had with Horikita and small senpai. Although she told me her name, I couldn't help but keep calling her that just to annoy her a bit. It's curious how people react to small things, isn't it? Tachibana seemed somewhat annoyed, but I'm sure she didn't take it too seriously. Or at least I want to believe that.
"A movie, huh?" I thought as I headed towards the cinema. It wasn't a bad suggestion, actually. It had been a while since I enjoyed something as mundane as watching a movie during my free time. Lately, everything had been training, exams, and strategies... maybe a little relaxation wouldn't hurt.
I wondered if small senpai would go to the movies too or if she just suggested it to get rid of me. She didn't seem like the type to enjoy that kind of thing, but who knows. "Maybe she even likes movies and just hides it under that serious attitude," I reflected, remembering her expression of frustration and amusement when I insisted on the nickname. At the end of the day, we all have facets we don't show so easily.
Then, my mind wandered to Honami. Her distant attitude since the festival still lingered in my thoughts. "What could have changed? Is she upset about something I did?" The idea of having offended her without even realizing it bothered me. With all the things happening in this school, you never know what might be going through someone's mind. I should talk to her soon to clear things up.
But for now, a movie sounded good. A couple of hours of relaxation before returning to the usual plans wouldn't hurt.
...
I arrived at the cinema with the idea of relaxing and disconnecting a bit from the usual routine. The entrance was filled with students who also seemed to be enjoying the weekend, and it made me think that maybe I wasn't the only one in need of a break.
After buying a ticket for the movie Tachibana had mentioned, I headed to the theater. The atmosphere was calm, with dim lights and the murmur of people talking about their expectations for the film. I settled into a seat and let myself be enveloped by the ambiance.
As I waited for the movie to start, my gaze wandered around the theater, searching for something to distract my boredom. And then, I was surprised to find out who was sitting right next to me.
—Ibuki-san? —I said, incredulous to recognize the girl beside me.
—Osawa? —Ibuki Mio replied with an expression of surprise and curiosity.
The girl sitting next to me was none other than Ibuki Mio, a student from Class C of Ryuuen. The first time I learned her name was during the deserted island exam when she was late to the Class D camp.
—I didn't expect to find someone like you here —I commented, with a smile trying to mask my surprise. I didn't know much about Ibuki-san, but from what the girls had told me, she was someone serious with a strong temper.
—What? Is it not allowed to enjoy a movie now? —she retorted, shifting her tone to a more challenging one. Looks like she's easy to annoy.
—Not at all, I just think it's a rare coincidence —I responded, trying to calm the situation.
Ibuki made a dismissive gesture and turned her head away. Since there was still some time before the movie started, I decided to use the opportunity to try and strike up a conversation.
—By the way, Ibuki-san, do you come to watch movies often? —I asked, trying to sound casual.
—Why would you care about that? —she said, with a hint of aggressiveness in her tone.
—Come on, I'm just trying to make a bit of conversation while the movie starts —I explained, with a friendly smile.
Ibuki glanced at me sideways before speaking.
—I always come when there are movie premieres —she said, with a mix of indifference and pride.
—So that's the case. Any particular reason for that? —I asked, intrigued.
—There aren't many things to do in my free time at this school, so that's why I come —she admitted, with a small smile that seemed to indicate she was enjoying the conversation a bit.
—I guess you're right —I nodded—. There aren't many options for entertainment here. I think the school should add more activities for students.
—I think so too —Ibuki confirmed, showing a brief spark of agreement in her eyes.
—Are you good with horror, Ibuki-san? —I asked, as this movie was in that genre.
—There's no way a movie could scare me —she responded with evident confidence.
—I suppose so —I commented, with a smile—. I doubt you're someone who gets easily frightened.
The conversation with Ibuki-san, although a bit tense, had become surprisingly interesting. The atmosphere in the cinema was filled with anticipation as the lights began to dim, marking the start of the movie. The projector turned on, and the screen began to show the first previews.
Ibuki and I settled into our seats, and the room was filled with the darkness that precedes the actual start of the show. The murmurs of the other viewers faded as the movie began. I realized that despite the initial differences and tensions, the simple act of sharing this moment in the cinema had created an unexpected connection.
As the movie progressed, I noticed how Ibuki remained serious, completely absorbed in the plot. The moments of suspense and terror didn't seem to affect her at all. Her expression was impassive, and I wondered how she could stay so calm during such scenes.
During a particularly scary moment, I couldn't help but glance at her. Despite the shadows on her face, she seemed so serene that it made me wonder what was really behind that tough exterior. Maybe there was more to her than met the eye.
The movie reached its climax, and the screams and jumps filled the room. Despite the tension in the air, I felt an unexpected sense of camaraderie between us. Every time a jump scare made me flinch in my seat, I was surprised to find I wasn't alone in my reaction.
As the credits began to roll and the room filled with light again, the atmosphere became more relaxed. The tension from the movie dissipated, and the room started to empty slowly.
—What did you think of the movie? —I asked Ibuki as we stood up and began to leave.
Ibuki stretched, shaking her head slightly as if she was still processing what she had just seen.
—it wasn't bad —she said with a small, almost imperceptible smile—. Although it didn't scare me as much as I expected.
—I'm glad to hear that —I replied—. I'm not a big fan of horror, but this movie was an interesting change.
As we walked towards the exit of the cinema, I noticed the mall's air conditioning was keeping the environment cool and pleasant. Despite being daytime, the temperature inside the mall was a relief after the heat outside.
—The movie had some good moments, didn't it? —I said, trying to keep the conversation going.
Ibuki nodded, with a tone that seemed more relaxed than at first. —Yeah, the effects and music were well done. Although they didn't scare me, the atmosphere was effective.
—Definitely —I said—. Sometimes, the atmosphere and details are what really matter in a horror movie.
We reached the mall's elevator, and we both got in. I pressed the button for the first floor, which would take us back to our respective rooms.
—So, are you a fan of horror movies? —I asked her the same question I had earlier as we left the cinema.
Ibuki looked ahead, seeming thoughtful for a moment before answering.
—Not necessarily. I just like to see what's new. Sometimes, movies can be a good way to pass the time.
—I understand. Sometimes it's good to change things up —I said—. Do you have a favorite movie in the genre?
—Not really. I prefer to see what new productions offer —Ibuki said with a slight shrug—. Although I admit that sometimes they surprise me.
—That's interesting —I commented—. Sometimes, surprises can be the best part. I'm glad this one was at least entertaining for you.
The elevator began to descend, and the sound of its cables and mechanisms filled the small space. The conversation continued, with Ibuki talking about the movies she had seen recently and sharing her opinions. Although she tried to maintain a reserved attitude, I could tell she seemed interested in the conversation.
However, the elevator suddenly stopped on an intermediate floor. The lights flickered briefly, and a faint buzzing filled the air. The movement stopped, and the elevator was left in complete silence, creating a tense and surprising atmosphere.
I looked at Ibuki, who also seemed puzzled by the unexpected stop.
It looks like we're stuck.