Shiko wakes up from her weird dream, sweating like crazy, she holds her head, trying to catch her breath
Shiko: What..... in the world was that dream.....?
She slowly gets up, goes to the bathroom and washes her face in thought, she sighs and looks at her face in the mirror
Shiko: ....abandoned..? That's what he said... right?? That I was... familiar... like I was abandoned... she wipes her face on her towel and gets in her room to get dressed, she starts putting on the clothes from yesterday
I wonder why he worded it that way... Is that how he feels? Could It be because he also doesn't have many friends...?
She gets herself ready and starts preparing her bag from yesterday
I wonder if I'm just thinking too much again..?
"Bully them back......" she feels as the president's voice echoes through her head, she lightly slaps her face from both sides twice to get a hold of herself
Yup! I'm definitely thinking WAY too much about this.. I couldn't ever.. she lets out a sigh to take a breather and looks at her phone for checking the time
6:25
She smiles slightly
Shiko: I guess I've got to thank that weird nightmare for getting me up at a pretty good time.. she giggles a little but then stops when she sees her battery
%23, she sighs
Shiko: "right... I forgot that my phone charger was stolen too... I guess everything wasn't back to normal yet.." she plugs her phone into a power bank and puts them in her bag as she hears a knock on the door
C-coming! She says, not sure anymore what volume she should say it in. As she's never really said something like this, she probably still said it a little too quietly.
Shiko opens the door to see...
of course, Kurosaki standing there with black jeans, a white shirt with a Ying&Yan symbol on the front and a stylish dark grey cardigan like jacket wrapped around his waist from the arms. He's got his bag on one of his shoulders. He smiles slightly.
Kuro: Morning. His smile is very slightly like a smirk that kinda makes Shiko very lightly Blush
Shiko: G-good morning... she says as she tries her best to stay in a regular tone instead of quiet.
Umm... where is Haruka-kun..?
Kuro: There is no way in HELL he'd make it here at a time like this. He's got fireflies still flying above his ass... he rolls his eyes
Shiko: H-hm? She says kinda confused, not getting the joke, Kuro ruffles the back of his head
Kuro: Meaning... he's still fast asleep.. he averts his eyes
Sorry... I should probably leave the joking thing to him.. he giggles kinda desperately, regretting even trying to make a joke
Now! We should leave before anyone else gets out of their dorms on the female floor. Since you're in the first room, anyone who got out will see you straight away. He points at the stairway behind them with his head.
Shiko quickly nods, gets out and locks the door. They both get to the stairs and Shiko starts going down a little fast. Kuro sits on the handrail next to the stairs and slides down half a floor at a time. When there is only one half left before getting to the bottom, Shiko stops. Kuro looks at her from the bottom and gets off, kinda confused. Shiko gulps and takes a deep breath. She sits on the side of the railing, tries to find a way to balance and slides her way to the bottom, she... she does it! She slid down without falling!
There is a small light coming from the corner of the corridor that they both don't see. Maybe sunlight from a window, maybe not.
Kuro: looks at her, surprised
You did it! He holds his hand up for a high five
Shiko: Heh, Yea! This is so much easier without a skirt!~ she says with glistening eyes without even thinking and high fives Kuro. She giggles but then stops for a second. She just stares blankly at nothing.
I... I wasn't quiet... I expressed myself.. without even thinking..! She says in a regular tone, surprised in herself. Kuro looks at her and smiles lightly
Kuro: Yea... I guess you're growing up~ he shortly giggles a little and ruffles Shiko's hair for a sec.
Well we've still got some time before breakfast actually starts... he thinks for a second
Would you like to take a try at a little fighting practice on the backyard? He says not really expecting a positive answer. Yet he's surprised to hear...
Shiko: S-sure.. she says, trying to sound confident yet ends up sounding pretty hesitant
Kuro's eyes widen very slightly but he doesn't say anything and starts walking to to the back door, Shiko follows behind him.
Kuro: "This is weird... I feel like everything is changing so much in such a little time. Could I actually be making a mistake..? Am I gonna regret trusting someone again..? Or am I actually changing an innocent and shy system victim in a day or two.." he sighs a little, one that is kinda like a breath of relief. Shiko looks at him
Shiko: Is... something wrong..? She says kinda hesitantly and starts walking next to him instead of behind, Kuro looks at her and smirks slightly
Kuro: Not really... I'm just trying to wrap my head around something.. he says, keeping that same look on his face
Shiko: Like...what? She says kinda confused
Kuro: Heh. like you.. He says and rolls his eyes, keeping that smirk on, Shiko blushes a little, confused and surprised by Kuro's answer
You are just....more complex... than I thought you'd be? Unexpected and unique. Hmh.... I guess you are just one of those people who don't fit the molds of the human species.. he giggles slightly as they get to the backyard, Shiko thinks for a sec and then giggles
What's funny? Tell me so I can join you laughing.. he rolls his eyes as he puts his jacket on a part of the climbing wall in the small playground. Shiko giggles a little again.
Shiko: It's just... you really are poetic. You call me unique. Yet I've never heard any guy- no, anyone speak like you. She sits on the swing
It's like reading a novel.. it's nice..
She says without even really thinking about it, Kuro let's out a breather kinda like a short laugh and starts stretching a little
Kuro: I suppose we are both more extraordinary than we think.. after a little stretching he takes a kind of fighting position in front of the swings, facing the side. Shiko looks at him, trying to analyze stuff
Shiko: What... am I supposed to do?
Kuro: Just watch for a second. Look at how my body is moving. Shiko looks at him and makes a sound to implement she's understood.
Kurosaki takes a deep breath. He doesn't make a sound for a little bit. Both him and Shiko start hearing the light wind blowing through because of the calming silence. Kuro lowers his body by bending his legs very slightly. keeping his stance wide.
Kuro: Balance is key. He twists his foot slightly, parallel to the direction the wind is coming from. The wind blows a little rougher than before for a second as leaves start flying towards them. Kuro kicks only one of the leafs by drawing his foot on the back to the front swiftly. Of course it's not anything scary. But he kicked only one leaf when there was a bunch coming towards them which is stupidly kind of impressive.
He draws one of his arms to himself. Shiko simply watches him, giving her full attention.
Believe me when I say 90% of the time, you are not gonna have a weapon. You have to use your body as one; while trying not to force yourself as if you're unbreakable. You have to act light and flexible. Not just with your body but also with your mind. Keeping silence will help you focus in the beginning. Not literally but if you are always thinking while in a fight, you'll overwhelm yourself. So better to let loose and lot think much. Another rough wind comes and throws a ton of leafs onto the playground. Kuro doesn't let a single leaf touch him and kinda glides through them all
Watch my body... he says, looking like he's working together with the wind while his voice starts to sounds... very slightly mad.
Shiko slowly looks in his eyes and gets shocked. Even though his body seems to be at peace and in control, his eyes kinda look terrified and scary. Similar to the eyes of the Vice President. Shiko looks at him Kinda surprised and gulps slightly
Shiko: U-um... Kurosaki-Kun... I think this is enough for now... she says, kinda silently which seems to snap Kuro out of it.
Kuro stands up properly and looks first at his hands and then at the direction the wind is coming from. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. The wind heavily blows again, bunch of leaves float by. He slowly opens his eyes and stretches. He seems to be back to normal. He lets out a long sigh before collecting himself and sitting on the swing next to Shiko.
Kuro: I'm sorry... it probably looks like I'm making stuff up and seems stupid to you... he holds the side of his head
Perhaps It would be better if I made you do stuff... he thinks a little
Shiko: Well, I guess but I didn't think it looked stupid... it's just... she slowly gets more quiet before actually stops speaking
"For a second... your aura was just like the Vice President..." she thinks to herself. Kuro looks at her when she doesn't finish her sentence.
Kuro: Just What? He looks at her with the corner of his eyes. Shiko thinks for a few seconds before hesitantly looking at him and getting up
Shiko: J-Just that I don't want to be late to breakfast! Kuro clearly doesn't buy it but doesn't say anything and looks at the time, he looks at her
Kuro: Sit down. We still have 15 minutes. You just don't want to do anything right now, I get it... we can practice later. He says in a completely natural tone pointing Shiko to back sit down on the swing with his hand
"Not that I actually think that's what you were worried about but whatever. I couldn't have expected her to be 100% honest with me since I only met her like two days ago?" He silently sighs
Shiko: O-oh! Yea.. she sits down and thinks a little for a sec. after like a minute of awkward silence she slowly takes out her phone and hesitantly writes a message to her mom. Kuro silently looks at her with the corner of his eye.
Shiko's Message to her mom
Shiko: "Hello Mother, I sincerely apologize for bothering you during the week days but I have a request unfortunately."
She thinks and takes a deep breath before typing her next text
"My phone charger seems to have been misplaced. Together with all of my clothes. Either that or some rude students messed with them. I'm sorry to ask something so beneath me but would you be able to find it in your heart to buy me a new charger?"
She gulps, scared to write more
"It's okay if it's second hand or something as long as it works... I'll somehow handle the clothes myself, a charger would be enough... you can even count it as my birthday gift for next year.."
"Not that she was gonna get me anything anyway.." she sighs
"She may even not respond anyway..." but just before she is able to close her phone. She actually DOES get a response!
Mother: "Big sis, Big sis! I was playing on our mommy's phone! I knew those writing and reading practices would work! I told mommy your message and begged her a buuunch of times! She said we could get you one today! I'm so happy I'll see you! We will be at your school door thingy at the time you are done! I don't really know when... But mommy said she does! Bye Big Sis~ I love you!!~ (à¹>â¡<à¹)"
Shiko looks at the message from her sister and her eyes get slightly teary as she smiles. She closes her phone which is still plugged into her power bank which is slowly emptying and puts them both in her bag, she takes a deep breath and wipes her eyes with her hands before finally realizing that Kuro has been actually looking at her for a while now
Shiko: I-I'm Sorry! I got distracted! How long was I...silent..? She says hesitantly while looking down
Kuro: About 5 Minutes if you count the time you waited, not doing anything while looking at your phone and then getting teary.. he says in one go, no shame in the world which makes Shiko feel bad, leading her to slightly blush from embarrassment. She facepalms herself
Shiko: God... I'm useless... sorry... she says as she hold her head, speaking out loud, Kuro reaches from the side and ruffles her her a little
Kuro: It's okay. What were you crying about? If you don't mind me asking.. he slowly and gently starts petting the back of Shikos's head as she looks on the ground with a slightly pink-ish face; not used to any kind of friendly affection
Shiko: M-my mother and little sister are going to be bringing me a new phone charger after school today... I've got to go receive it before our plans, yet after all my lessons that I must attend.
She slightly sighs, Kuro looks kinda weirded out
Kuro: That is a reaaaal polite way to put it. Do you always speak to your family like that little princess? He says as he slightly makes fun of her, still petting her hair. Shiko falls silent
Shiko: I... haven't heard that in a long time. She speaks without thinking and just blurts that out before quickly snapping out of it
I-it's Nothing. My family stuff isn't really that important anyway.. or just kinda personal... if that's okay...? She says and looks at Kuro with the corner of her eye as if she's asking for permission
Kuro: Well, of course it is. We've only known eachother for 2 days after all. We don't really know know eachother that well yet.. he says, kinda deep in thought
Shiko thinks about something she remembered in her dream
"Abandoned..."
"Familiar........"
"Abandoned..."
She takes a deep breath and looks at Kuro who is still petting her softly
Shiko: K-Kuro-Kun....? She tries not to say his FULL full name at least
Can I ask you a question...? Something you said before was bugging me... she says kinda hesitantly as Kuro slowly takes his hand away
Kuro: Yes? He says with a blank yet curious expression. Shiko looks at him straight.
Shiko: Were you Abandoned?. She says as she looks straight in his eyes with no hesitation whatsoever, which actually catches Kuro Off-guard. He feels as if he got a stake through his heart.
Kuro: Hm...? He can only make this one sound without thinking of any sort of way to respond to such a question
Shiko: It's just that... before you said I felt... familiar and just blurted out to say... you felt like I had been abandoned. She lets out a short breather like sigh
And last night I had a weird nightmare of many things I've heard before echoing to me... I kept hearing those two words; Familiar and Abandoned over and over again. So I was curious if I missed something...! She says with lots on her mind, Kuro falls silent
Kuro: Huh... he stares blankly at nothing for a second as if he found something off. shortly after, he looks at Shiko.
I suppose I did say that.. he thinks a little
I wasn't technically completely abandoned. I just felt that alone feeling from you maybe..? He says as if he's slowly thinking of excuses. But it's very casual so not really noticeable
Shiko: So... were you abandoned in any way..? Does your family not like you..? Were you replaced? Is it because you didn't have many friends that you feel that way..? She gets a little too sucked in and starts asking too many questions before Kuro put his hand over her lips
Kuro: Surprising how nosy you became in such a short time. You indeed are an interesting human being.. he smirks very slightly
But the way I see it, whether you're my friend or not; you should be careful on how much you deal with my past and present as well as how much you should get into it. He slowly takes his hand away, Shiko blushes slightly
Maybe one day you will learn about my secrets more. But right now it's just not your time to shine princess. He says with a slight smirk as if he's joking around. Shiko smiles a little
Shiko: Heh... That is poetic yea... But I think I found a loophole... she says as if she's having fun like a little kid and looks down, slightly giggling Kuro looks at her kinda confused as she lifts up her head
If I can't meddle with your past and can only slightly meddle with your present; I'll just stay by your side till the future to change that instead? She smiles kinda hopelessly
Kuro looks surprised, He makes a "Pfft..." sound suddenly as if he almost bursts out laughing, Shiko looks at him wondering if she said something embarrassing and gets kinda pink
Shiko: W-What?... she says kinda embarrassed
Kuro: W-were you purposely trying to be poetic just now? He says mid giggling, therefore slightly giggles.
Shiko gets even more red and gets back up from the swing. She quickly gets her bag and puts it on her back
Shiko: J-Just forget about that okay! It sounded better in my head... she says that last part kinda hesitating while Kuro is trying to stop himself from laughing lightly more
C-come on! We are actually gonna be late for breakfast now... she likes away
Kuro: O-Okay okay... I'm up. He gets his jacket from the climbing wall, wraps it around his waist and puts his bag on one of his shoulders as he finally stops giggling
Shiko slaps her face lightly from both sides trying to collect herself. Kuro comes and ruffles her hair a little with a light smile
Kuro: You know, your hair is really pretty! It's not natural is it..? It's still soft even if it's an unnatural color.. he says looking at Shiko's now ruffled hair
Shiko: W-well... actually it was very VERY light blond but I dyed it white.. Because my little Sister convinced our mother to dye both of our hairs.. She picked out white for me but since she liked it so much on me; She asked for the same for her own hair. After a while, the White actually stuck to our hair because of how light the blond was before..
She says without thinking and stops herself only after the story is done
I-I'm sorry... you probably don't care that much about hair dye and stuff... I'm just rambling... she says, kinda ashamed of why she didn't shut her mouth.
Kuro: No, no it's interesting... he slightly plays with some of Shiko's Hair.
It's like... paper... he slowly snaps out of it and lets go of her hair
Sorry if I got carried away there.
Ehem. Sooo you said your sister also dyed her hair? How old even is she?? He says as they both start walking inside the school and towards the cafeteria
Shiko: W-well... she asked when she was 3 actually... She's kinda like a star child in the family. Everyone does what she wants... yet she is so understanding and not controlling like you'd expect... she says as if talking to herself for a moment
Kuro: Star child? Didn't you ever hate her for that? He says trying to understand Shiko's situation at least a little better, Shiko sighs a little but then slightly smiles slowly after
Shiko: I... did think I would at first... when she was first born that is... but I never had anything against her.. I saw her as the star in my family too. But she was a different kind of star for me...
while my mother and father would simply put her on a pedestal and adore her as a star. I would see her as a person that is glowing and growing inside and out... she looks down with a calm smile, Kuro smiles a little too when he sees this
Kuro: Heh, now that's poetry. Frommm the heart. He touches the knot over Shiko's stomach on the Shirt and starts walking a little faster. Shiko looks at him and giggles a little. They are both walking to the cafeteria as the new day is beginning..
...............