Shiko: W-What..? She looks at him, confused. Kuro bends a little to be the same height as her.
Kuro: I mean, let's be friends~ smiles slightly, innocently and stands back straight
Shiko looks down to think a little. Kuro sits on the swing sideways, facing towards Shiko.
Shiko: I.... I don't really know how it works... I've never had a friend before... she says silently, embarrassed in herself
Kuro: That's Fine. I've only had a few... Shiko slowly looks at him
Shiko: I will if, you tell me why; And why you even approached me in the first place... she says hesitantly, Kuro nods and looks towords the side, in front of the swings, Shiko looks at him and starts waiting to listen as silently as possible
Kuro: To be honest... I hate women.. But, I also hate men.. he rolls his eyes to himself
I can barely stand any human in fact.. giggles very slightly with a sigh, shortly after, his expression turns blank and slightly...colder
I hate this system and that is something everyone knows. I despise it. If I saw the principal, I don't know what I'd do from anger..
I only saw you as a victim of the school. Of the world in fact.. I saw many people like that. He looks at Shiko with the corner of his eyes
But you...you didn't look like you felt scared of the bullies specifically. You felt just silent...and blank. I had a feeling you had the strength to stand up for yourself. But you simply weren't hopeful. Looks back in front of the swings
You looked familiar...
Shiko: Hm.....Familiar? She says silently
Kuro: You... looked abandoned. He says silently and looks at Shiko
I always hated going through the trouble of being near others and had no way of expressing...me. He takes a breather and sighs
Even though social interaction felt unnecessary, tiring and cruel, I felt like you were... kinda similar to me.
Maybe I'm just seeking out someone who'd understand. He averts his eyes
Even I don't know anymore. I didn't purposely seek you out. I saw you after the announcement speech and I felt like you were running away from yourself. Then I asked about you to Haru and ended up seeing you getting bullied while I was going up the stairs just by coincidence... he looks back at her, Shiko looks in front of herself on the ground. Kuro also does the same after seeing she's not looking anyway and sits on the swing properly.
Because I knew about Nagisa since she was a freshman, I felt the need to help. I normally wouldn't waste my energy on it to be honest. I don't even no why I did it when I didn't know you. Sighs and giggles slightly. Shiko listens silently.
Don't get mad but, honestly I even thought I was doing it out of pity for a short while. Then I realized that wasn't the case... With Haruka, he approached and befriended me. He's that sorta goof... he giggles slightly
Shiko: Isn't Haru also a Part of the system that you hate though...?. She says without hesitation silently, Kuro looks at Shiko with the corner of his eyes
Kuro: Not really, he is just full of empty threats.. I mean, yea sure I don't like that he uses people with lies of actually doing something even if he does it rarely. But well, he was all that I had anyway and even if he was also someone that tires me; I felt like I could bare it. I didn't have a problem with being alone so I'd be fine even if he'd left anyway.. he looks back in front of himself
I'm not really one to make friends or start conversation. "Supposed to be hard as a rock" they say for men. I just think that Men are Idiotic and women are cowards... takes a breather
Generally speaking at least rolls his eyes
Shiko: And What are you..?. She says without hesitation, silently. Kuro smiles a little
Kuro: I'm.........both. He giggles in a way mocking himself
I'm stupid enough to play along with the world as a stone person. To always be cold. It is my personality I guess but the real me is annoyingly giggly when you get to know me.
Heh, I just hope I'm not as bad as Haru.. he says this last sentence more silent, Shiko smiles very slightly
Shiko: And what were you planning to do with me......?
Kuro: Heh, you had a line of coincidences backing you up. First the fact that I generally noticed you at the ceremony, then that I saw you getting bullied, then that I heard you stuck in your room and finally when I went for swimming class. I couldn't... well, help.. sighs with a short giggle and looks at Shiko
Even I still don't know what I'm doing so I couldn't tell you. I believe every kind of relationship may seem a little unnecessary... yet I still wanna say so.
Let's.... be friends..? He smiles slightly. Shiko looks at him with hesitation and nods slowly
Shiko: "I..... hope I'm doing the right thing... I've never had a friend and this could break me apart if he betrays my trust... I mean it is my decision. How can it possibly turn out for the better... I just have to do my best not to get used.." Kuro sighs of relief
Kuro: Well then, you don't have to call me Kurosaki-kun anymore. Kurosaki is fine. You can even call me Kuro if you want.. Shiko smiles a little and gets up. She stretches her arms. Kuro gets up.
Well then, I have an idea to pass time now that we got some stuff out of our system~ he gets Shiko's violin and turns to her, She looks at him
Shiko: Hm? Like what? She says, now speaking in a polite and normal tone without being unnecessarily quiet, Kuro points at Shiko's violin
Kuro: Let's go to the music hall. I'd like to hear you play~ smiles innocently, Shiko's eyes widen with a little surprise
Shiko: W-what..? No! I can't. I have stage fright.... even if it's just one person she averts her eyes
Plus I'm not that good anyway... was just an hobby since I was a child..
Kuro: C'mooon~ I'm sure all you need is a push. I'm curious! And I promise to be silent while watching. He zips his mouth, Shiko looks at him and giggles slightly
Shiko: Heh... well fine. But you have to get behind me so I don't see you while I play.. she reaches for the violin case
Kuro: Yaaay~ he smiles childishly and takes the violin away
And I can carry it if you want. It's kinda heavy for you maybe? You carried it all the way here anyway. He says with good intentions, Shiko shakes her head no with a light smile
Shiko: I'm actually used to it... it's kinda like a workout anyway and I don't like other people really carrying it... Sorry.. she avert her eyes with a small smile, she gets kinda shocked when Kuro puts his arm on her shoulder
Kuro: Hey, don't apologize~ You didn't do anything wrong. It was just an offer. He pats Shiko's back, takes his arm off and hands her the violin case.
They both get back in the school from the back door this time, they go up the stairs and get to a side floor on the opposite side of the school, away from the main classrooms or dorms. They go in through a dark wood door and get inside the music hall. It's like a small conference hall with a stage that has a piano on top. It's the place where the music classes take place. They get on the stage, Shiko puts her violin case on a chair on the side of the stage, opens and readies her violin and gets in front of the piano, holding the violin up to herself. Kuro sits behind her, on the Piano chair and waits for her to start silently, with anticipation.
She starts playing "Secret Garden"
The Piece: https://youtu.be/M3n_ftBR4bQ
She is playing kinda hesitantly. It's not the she's making any mistakes, she just, looks kinda scared and is playing only thinking of the notes, not feeling them. Kuro realizes this and opens the Piano.
Kuro: Close your eyes just a little bit. Feel the music...Then open them, you have the muscle memory to do this.. he says, talking to Shiko in a tone that wouldn't distract her, Shiko silently closes her eyes, being careful where her hand is before, not to make mistakes. Kuro joins the music with the piano. He's actually playing! softly too... Shiko is surprised but doesn't opens her eyes. She takes a deep breath and starts playing more at peace. Calmer. She starts feeling the music.
Kuro: Now, open and continue... he says in a tone that can barely be heard on top of the piano
Shiko hears it, being aware and opens her eyes. She starts being more in sync with the piece and with Kuro's playing. She takes a few steps back without stopping and gets almost parallel to Kuro and the Piano. She doesn't look at him and keeps focusing on the music. She feels... lighter.. sucked into the music; a few students look from the corner of the door from afar. Slowly the piece comes to an end. Shiko takes the violin off from under her neck and takes a deep breath. She looks at Kuro and opens her eyes wide as she slowly gets out of the musical trance she's in and realizes what they just did, She puts the violin on the piano as the students near the door leave without a word
Shiko: What was that???? She says in a slightly louder tone than usual and gets next to Kuro near the piano.
Y-you can play!? Why didn't you tell me..? I was so surprised while playing that keeping my attention on the piece was harder...
Kuro giggles
Kuro: Well, we weren't friends an hour ago and didn't have a single conversation since a day ago. Also you didn't tell me you could play the violin either! I found it by chance! He ruffles the back of his hair
Shiko: B-but... that was beautiful... Why don't you play at special days at our school or something? Everyone could enjoy it a ton! She says with sparkling eyes, with excitement. Kuro sighs
Kuro: You know this school... he does the start of Für Elise with one hand for like 3 seconds
Piano isn't really... a guy thing here. He rolls his eyes
They would treat me like I was too sensitive or like I was gay. Sighs
Not that there's anything wrong with that... but, that not me. He averts his eyes
If people tried to bully me, I'd hate to have to hurt them. He says the last sentence kinda silently. Shiko sits next to him.
Shiko: But, you said it yourself that we shouldn't care about stereotypes. And what do you mean?...you would hurt them? She says kinda confused
Kuro: Heh, if men are supposed to be stone like, I might as well be a mushy one... he sighs
I'm talking about self defense. If I'm being honest, I would beat them up if they went after me. I am stone like in many ways. Presses a few piano keys in unison
Yet too sensitive in many ways more. Sighs and roles his eyes
I guess the world didn't give me a personality suited for somewhere who tells me not to be me. I suppose I'm not who... I'm supposed to be..
shiko giggles slightly
Well, what's so funny now then? He smiles very very VERY slightly
Shiko: It's just, you spoke kinda poetic.. It was deep.. giggles cutely with her eyes unintentionally closed
Kuro: Heh... I guess your right. He looks at the piano and closes it
It's just a hobby... I just like having a sound of my own. I don't really care about what other people really  think. But this secret talent of mine would simply get attention. Positive or negative. In any case, I don't want more interaction than I need to have. He gets up and smiles a little at Shiko.
Wanna go? I'll wait for you to close up your violin. Shiko smiles, nods and gets up to close her violin. She falls into thought
Shiko: "That was... great! We sounded great! I actually enjoyed playing... I haven't been so sucked into playing since I first got introduced to violin 6 years ago... When my family... cared about me.."
she turns away and puts the violin in the box
"This friendship.... this feeling of safety... I hope I'm not feeling like this because of my seeking attention from my parents... I don't want to be put first in front of other things... or I'll just be replaced in the end.."
she takes the violin case, turns to Kuro and nods with a small smile.
They get out of the music hall, walk to the other side of the floor and start going up the stairs, Kuro starts smirking very slightly, Shiko looks at him with the corner of her eye.
Shiko: Whats... with that face....? She says kinda hesitantly as they approach the dorm floor
Kuro: Oh Nothing~ he says and looks at Shiko's door
Shiko looks at the door confused and opens her eyes wide, completely shocked, she covers her mouth with one of her hands. The door is replaced with a thick looking door made with a material that looks somewhat like a mix of metal and wood. Something in between. Not something that would be broken easily. It looks like a depo or janitor closet door. The number plate of the room is gone.
Shiko: What... What is this...? What happened to my room!? She says silently with stutter. She puts her violin on the side of the door and knocks it. Kuro watches from behind with a slight smirk.
Two guys come out of the room and look at Shiko with nice and sincere smiles. They both look over 50 years old.
Guy 1: Ohoho, hello there young lady~ You must be Shiko-San. The one who resides here. He tips his hat with a smile
Guy 2: Don't worry~ We've talked everything through with Kurosaki-San. Everything is sorted out and free of charge!~ he smiles and they both do a small bow, Shiko's eyes widen, she turn to Kuro
Shiko: W-wha.....? I'm sorry... I'm trying to piece everything here. But whaaaat is going on? She says, reaaally confused while pointing at the guys and the door.
Kurosaki tells the guys they can leave with head motions that say "go". The guys smile, throw Kurosaki two keys and leave. Kuro catches the keys mid-air, looks at Shiko and smiles slightly.
Kuro: Wellllll, the bullies weren't gonna leave you alone otherwise. We talked about it remember? He smiles innocently
Shiko: B-but... already? What about... the money... I can't ask of that of my parents... she says while averting her eyes, silently. Kuro shakes his head
Kuro: Don't worry. It really was free. I didn't pay anything either. He says and shucks his shoulders as Shiko looks back at him
Shiko: B-but why?....How? She says, still confused. Kuro giggles a little.
Kuro: They were in my father's friends in the business kinda. Not this specific business but they were close. Like family friends. I asked them and they said they wouldn't take payment from me even if I gave it. He sighs and smiles a little
So, does it make you mad or is it fine..?
Shiko: She looks at the door and does a wipe motion with her hand, touching it
If... if I don't get in trouble... Then it's perfect.. she looks at Kuro again
I feel like I'm giving you nothing but trouble... I don't want to keep being in debt to you.. she says silently, Kuro put his hand on her head and pats her a little
Kuro: Remember, we are friends now. You aren't in debt. If you do get in trouble which I doubt; I will take full responsibility because it was technically my doing. I'm also not doing it because I thought you couldn't get it done, I simply used my fathers position in our advantage which I am allowed to do so. You are your own person and i see you as my equal. That might be the thing wrong with this school... they lack a very important human trait.
Empathy.. he sighs a little as Shiko slowly smiles slightly with a little bit of blush. Kuro takes his hand off of her and puts one of the keys in the keyhole. He opens the door and hold its for Shiko with a small smile.
Shiko giggles a little, takes her violin and gets inside. Kuro gets in from behind her and closes the door. Shiko takes a look inside and places the violin under the bed. The room looks cleaner and the nightlights have lightbulbs again. Even the windows look wiped. Shiko's eyes glisten.
Shiko: T-they did so much~ more than just the door!~ she says as she happily spins around of herself slowly, Kuro ruffles the back of his hair
Kuro: Welllll, I'm kinda a clean freak so they must have done it without me saying. He smiles in a kinda ashamed way, Shiko looks at him with a genuine smile. Kuro's smile slowly turns to slight surprise. Shiko realizes this and looks slightly more down
Shiko: I know... you said I'm not in debt. But there must be something I can do... she says with slight hesitation and just before Kuro and can answer, his phone rings
Kuro: Oh, just a second.. he looks at his phone as his expression tuned blank, he sighs and opens it.
Yea- and is cut immediately by a shouting Haru
Haru: "Where the hell are you!? I saw you running away at swimming class and ugh. Where were you the entire day? The last lesson is about to begin!!!! It's maths and I'm bored without you around to bother!!!~" he says loudly but sounds like he's sulking.
Kuro sighs
Kuro: You should pay attention instead of bothering me in class anyway. You suck at maths and simply paying attention in class would save you a few fake bullying moments. idiot. Rolls his eyes, Shiko sits on her bed, looking at Kuro. Kuro leans his back on the wall and sighs.
Haru: "Hey! Don't call me an idiot! And answer my question, where are youuuu??~" he says in an annoying voice. Kuro takes the phone away for a sec.
Kuro: Deeps Of hell dammit. Rolls his eyes, Shiko giggles and Kuro gets the close near again.
Ummm. None of your business. Why?
Haru: "Ouf, Ouch.... whatever. After I come to the dorm let's play video gaaames, I kinda brought in my small TV. Even tho I didn't take it out yesterday. We can play on there!~" Kuro sighs
Kuro: I can't. Today is Monday. I have to work. I'll be on my computer the whole night. He says in a serious tone and puts his hands in his pockets, Shiko looks at him kinda confused but then takes her book "History of the Night" and starts reading it while sitting on the bed. It's the series that she has in common with Kurosaki.
Haru: "Come onnnn! Your so called work can't be THAT important! Your father and mother also has work anyway don't they? It's not your responsibility to earn them anything! Just be a little careless and okay with me!~~~" Kuro sighs and brushes his hair back with his hand and puts it on his forehead. Shiko looks at him, blushes a little and quickly averts her eyes and starts re-reading the book.
Kuro: No. you know how I am with people insisting. I have to work, then write my notes, read a book and sleep whenever I can. Also you better not bother me too much this year while I'm working like you did last year or i might hide your games or something...
Haru : "But Kuro-Chaaa-" Kuro cuts him off, hangs up and sighs.
Shiko puts her book on her nightstand and looks at Kuro
Shiko: Work? She says confused, Kuro looks at her and smiles very slightly
Kuro: Yea, some things I do online for work on some school days.. Coding, helping people online, tutoring and whatever I can find. Usually keeps me working around 3 or 4 hours at most. Pays well if I do well.. sighs a little, tired from Haru's bullshit. He thinks for a second and smirks slightly
I've got an idea what you can do to give me your thanks if you really want to..
Shiko looks at him confused
Shiko: And What can I..?
Kuro: Come over to Mine and Haru's room to play video games with us. Oooorr with me? Because I think he just has two consoles that he still has working.. He'll probably fix the other ones today or tomorrow.. he giggles, Shiko looks surprised
Shiko: What..? But I've never even played video games before... and how would that even repay you... she says kinda silently. Kuro smiles as much as he can right now.
Kuro: It will~ And you can also pick up the next Chapters of "History of the Night" when you finish your current one. He realizes he's still holding two keys for a second
Oh and takes these. I got them to make two just Incase you lose one. He hands them over to Shiko while Shiko kindly smiles
Shiko: Heh... that...... sounds great. And thank you.. she takes a short nervous breath
Kuro..saki.. she says silently. Kuro giggles.
Kuro: You don't have to force yourself if you aren't comfortable yet.. he smiles Welp, I've got to leave now I guess. He stops leaning on the wall and looks at the door.
Shiko nods with agreement and gets up.
Kuro: Oh! I just remembered something. He looks at Shiko and opens his hand
Hand me your phone for a sec..
Shiko takes her phone out from her bag and puts it on Kuro's hand, kinda confused. Kuro puts his own number in the phone, calls himself, closes the phone from his own and hands Shiko's back to her
Kuro: There~ Now you can call me if you ever need. Smiles a little, Shiko also smiles and nods
Shiko: Thank you... for giving me a peaceful day.. I... actually had fun and opened up.. she says kinda silently as she looks down, Kuro ruffles her hair a little and heads towards the door, he takes his bag
Kuro: Welp, By~ he waves back and leaves.
Shiko let's herself get loose on the bed and takes a deep breath
Shiko: Wow... what a day.. I feel like I've got a lot to think about... she says, thinking out loud.
Shiko's phone gets a message. She looks but the sender is an unknown number
???: "Shiko Nagome. You are being summoned to the Principal's office by the Vice Principal. Be there, or else."
Shiko's eyes widen, she feels like her heart skips a beat for a second with anxiety approaching
Shiko: "C-could it be spam...? I...didn't do anything wrong did I...?" She looks at the door
"Was it actually the door?... Was it that I skipped classes today..? Could my parents have called...?!? No no no... they wouldn't care. But maybe someone reached out to them and told them I skipped? Could....could it be a prank...? Should I... not go? But then what if it's real!? I'd get in REAL trouble then....I don't even know what the Vice President looks like... I've never even seen him... her? I don't even know!..."
she tosses and turns on the bed before actually getting up.
She only takes one of her keys and her phone and rushes out of the room. She quickly locks the door and runs two floors up, while running next to Haru on the way, who is skipping the last class. She doesn't even realize it's him. She gets to the floor one above the male dorms floor and gets on the middle of the Corridor. She slowly knocks the Student Council's door with lots of hesitance. She doesn't hear anything and knocks one more time. She takes a deep breath and puts her ear on the big door. She finally hears something
??: Whoever out there, come here. Is said in a very deep voice.
Shiko gulps and tries to calm herself. She slowly pushes the door open and looks inside from the corner. After another deep breath, she finally steps in and very quickly feels heavier from stress and the negative air in the room. There is only one person inside and he is sitting in the corner of the big room and on a one person couch. She looks at him with fear in her eyes. The guy looks at her as their eyes unfortunately meet.
............