[A/N: Chapter soundtrack: My Ordinary Life - The Living Tombstone]
It was a typical Tuesday afternoon.
During lunch break, the student council president was set to give an impromptu outgoing speech on behalf of the third years in front of the entire student body.
Respectfully, he lowered his head... before raising it with a big grin plastered all over his face.
Hopping on top of a table, he began: "I came here on this fine day hoping to have a meal, only to be asked to address the entire campus! Heh, heh... Well, there's only one person who deserves a special shoutout..."
Suddenly, he pulled out a spork from his jacket, raising it like a sword. "It is I, Takeru Shu, your president!"
"For three long years, I have NEVER been a model student, just your average cog in the machine! But somehow today, my adoring fans! I stand before you as a graduating student! So raise your recyclable milk cartons and toast to ME! For VENI! VIDI! MMM!!!"
Alas, before he could finish the iconic latin phrase, a bread roll flew right into his mouth.
"Sit the fuck down!"
...And in the midst of all this, Aybel was sat alone, sprawled out on a cafeteria table, sandwich untouched, regretting his decision.
I knew it. I knew something was off about today... To think this is my second time here in the past two years.
I should have listened to my instincts and stayed in class like always, if it meant I could've avoided... whatever just happened.
What truly surprises me though, is how he managed to maintain that persona of his for so long.
It really is hard to believe that this is one of the 'best' schools in the country.
I mean, the curriculum would be better used in a primary school.
Aybel sighed and pulled out a book from his bag.
I'd much rather read a novel. I may actually learn something that way.
He flipped through the pages, before settling on the table of contents.
Index:
Foreword.... Lost King of Nod.
Chapter 1.... Abandoned Coordinates.
Chapter 2.... Records of Archon and his Lineages.
Chapter 3.... King in Name, Slave at Heart.
Chapter 4.... The Faceless Kin-
Bing! Bong! Beng!
The school's PA system suddenly interrupted the noise in the cafeteria.
"Attention students, due to err... unforseen circumstances, attendance is now down by five students... hm...? Ah, correction, seven, two were expelled..."
"There has been an increase in student 'absenteeism' lately. Hah... The point is: If you value your place at this school, you WILL attend classes regularly. We encourage those that can to come back as soon as possible or risk expulsion. I hope you can all take this seriously as your futures depend on it. Thank you!"
They do take attendance seriously, I'll give them that.
Ignoring the exhausted principal, the chatter resumed as a group of friends carrying trays suddenly plopped down on Aybel's table.
"Hey, Yuri, we got two new transfer students in our class today."
"Mm?"
"Looks like the school needs the money. But yeah, it's always nice seeing new faces."
"Oh? What new face looks nice, Akane?"
"E-EH!? U-Ummm, you know, I-I don't quite remember but-"
"So that's how it is? You're so obsessed that you can't even remember his name? It's okay though, I know. His name was Seto or something right? Akane has a crush on him~"
"WHAAA!? Really!?"
"Yup."
"I'll have to check him out then~"
"Wait! That's not-"
"SShhhh, perfect timing, he's heading this way."
Hmm... This is awkward.
Laying on the table, still reading, with eyes stuck on the words as if that's what he was doing, Aybel mused silently:
These three seem to be quite... 'preoccupied' with their own world...
I wonder how long it will be before they notice that someone else is sitting at this table?
Perhaps I should take this time to slip away... or would it be better to let them notice me here? That would surely encourage them to leave, right? Or maybe they won't even notice me.
He briefly gave a glance across the cafeteria.
To be honest, I am rather reluctant to leave this table. There aren't any other empty tables available either...
Well, in any case, I suppose there's no real reason to worry. These three seem plenty capable of entertaining me... and I've got time to kill until the bell rings anyway.
"Uwaahh! He's so hot~"
"He looks pretty nice, I guess..."
"Don't lie, you're so into him~ The way you blushed when he walked by..."
"No way, I-I didn't! That's not even who I-I, I'm not-"
"Hahahaha~ Your face is doing it again!"
"N-Nooooooo!!! DON'T LAUGH AT ME!"
Her emotional state is as obvious as a neon sign.
"Awww, you're all embarrassed. That's really cute~"
Being the object of her affection can't be easy... My condolences, for him.
"...Stop that... Y-You can't go around petting people's ears like they're dogs..."
"Alright, fine... but is he even single? I wonder if he already has a girlfriend."
If you're so eager to find out, why don't you just ask him directly?
"Doesn't matter, you should totally ask him out. You'd look so good together."
"Mhm. Mhm."
"Seriously, go for 'em. You just need to pick something that's really attractive, get him alone and-"
"Oh my god!"
"Confess! I was gonna say confess!"
"Liar!"
Correct... her complete lack of shame.
"Ugh, so what if I meant the other thing. Amateur..."
"Mhm. Try it. That is, if you want him to fall for you~"
"...You guys are unbelievable. Why do I even bother hanging out with you..."
"Because you love us, dumbass~"
"That, and you have no other friends."
"Wrong! I... I do have friends. It's just that..."
"Hahahaha~"
"Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want. I don't really care..."
"You know, in the beginning I didn't think you'd fit in that well. You're weird... and not in a good way."
Hmm. Where have I heard that line before...
"But I can work with weird."
"Gee... Thanks."
"I'm kinda glad she became part of us though. She's so cute~"
"Oh, now I'm cute?"
"I could cuddle her all day!"
"You keep your hands to yourself, Miss! You're a menace to society!"
"Awww, look at you getting all worked up. It's adorable~ How about we go shopping after school? We can go get you some pretty stuff~ Oooh, right! There's a costume party tomorrow evening, we'll go together! I could even look for some cosplay outfits that suit you at the store~ How 'bout a maid costume? Or a princess? Or maybe even a nurse outfit! Eeek! I'm so excited, this is gonna be amazing~!"
"I'm not your dress up doll, now get off me!"
"I swear, you both might as well just glue yourselves together. Hahahaha~"
"Yes!"
"No! She's the clingy one!"
"So, wanna come kira?"
"Nah, I'll pass. I got some stuff to take care of."
"Oh? Well, we can just do it tomorrow."
"Wait, wait. We have exams remember? Not to mention homework..."
"Boo~"
I see... one seems cheerful and somewhat studious. She's the kind of person who gets flustered easily, and her reactions are easy to predict. Though I sense she can be assertive when she wants to.
The other emits fake kindness, and beneath that appearance I feel that she probably keeps to herself a lot.
And the last... well, she's just ditzy.
They're all so different. It's actually quite amusing to see.
"You two are insufferable, but I'll help you study if you want."
"I'm good. I'm a pro at cramming."
That's... That's not something to say so proudly.
"Meh, I think I'll be fine too. I've been studying a bit, but physics would be a pain."
"Right? Mr. Tatsumi! That class is impossible to pass because of him! That's an automatic F for us."
"Speak for yourself..."
Indeed.
"I don't care if he fails us. I'll just y'know 'charm' him and he'll let me pass."
"I'm sure you will. What exactly are you going to do? Seduce him? Like that'll ever work."
"For you maybe not, but whatever. I'm not gonna let some stupid exam ruin my plans."
I suppose there will always be people like her at every school in the world...
"Hah~ Right. I forgot. You two are hopeless."
Hopeless is an understatement.
"Geez. You make it sound like we're complete idiots. Anyway, let's talk about something more interesting~ You know, I overheard the girls in my P.E. class talking about the Aria girl."
Hmm...? On the table, Aybel remained dead still at the mention of his sister's name.
It seems Aria has become a topic of gossip.
To Be Continued...