Kazuki's Route Episode 1
Today Today is my first day attending a new high school in the town of Adelaide. Adelaide. During the summer, my grandparents moved me to this this European town when they heard of the big business boom. They were hoping to get good jobs to support me better. ...It seems like like it will be cool, but... I dont know anyone here. Im not really prepared to make new friends. Ill have to see how it goes. !opefully, this school will be full of nice, friendly people. "rotagonist# $...there it is.% is.% The school is huge. Are all schools here this big& I hope Ill find my way around alright. I park my bicycle outside the front door of the school and start to head in. 'omeone calls after me. (oice# $!ey) !ey, you there)% I turn around. Its a girl. *irl# $!ey) +ou +ou dont look familiar) familiar) ho are you& Are Are you, like, a weirdo& -r maybe a policeman)% I look the mysterious girl up and down. 'hes pretty, and cute, with blonde hair shining and pulled into two pigtails. !er grey eyes sparkle. 'hes rocking from heel to toe, staring at me as if waiting for me to say something. hen faced with such a girl, so full of energy, Im suddenly lost for words. *irl# !ey, you look funny) hy are you staring at me like that& A/E +-0 1--2I3* AT 4+ 5--5'&) E, !E3TAI) Im shocked. I dont really know how to react since she is suddenly mad at me. I guess I have to say something now. n ow... .. "rotagonist# 36no) I was just thinking, youre very energetic) energetic) *irl# Ehehe) ell, ell, duh) I had, like, three cups of coffee coffee this morning and a sugar cube) ...I think Im in over my head with this girl. girl. *irl# $'o& hats your name&% Thats right. I havent given given her my name yet. "rotagonist# $0m, Im Im 2a7uki. 2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.% *irl# $2a7oo Take6a6banana&% Take6a6banana&% "rotagonist# $2a7uki. Ta6ka6ha6ra.% Ta6ka6ha6ra.% *irl# $2a7oo it is)% 'he looks so so pleased with with herself. I want to correct her, her, but when she looks looks this e8cited... 2a7uki# $'o then, then, whats your name&% *irl# $4y name& Its T7igana) T7igana T7igana 9rid) Im, like, captain of the gymnastics team) !ow do you not know me&% 'hes a little weird. I contemplate how to react to her. 4aybe I should tease her. If If I play along, she might be happy too. I should tell her Im new so she gets it. :;< $!ow do you not not know who I am&) am&) *EE=.% *EE=.% :>< $+ou $+oure re right) right) I need an autograph)% autograph)% :?< $Im new here here.% .% :;< 2a7uki# $And yet you dont know who I am&) Im a famous painter from Australia) Australia) *ee7)% T7igana# $+oure $+oure a painter& +ou +ou dont look like a painter. -r Australian. Australian. !ey, are you pulling my leg&)%
3ow she looks upset, but she kinda started it. it. 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou dont look like captain of the gymnastics team either.% either.% T7igana# $Thats rude) 4aybe Im not captain +ET, +ET, but I will be)% 2a7uki# $4aybe that was a bit rude. 5ut you cant blame me. Im Im new.% new.% :Appeal 6@< :>< 2a7uki# $+oure $+oure that that T7igana& -h my goodness) I need your autograph)% T7igana# $+up, $+up, yup) yup) Im world6famous, baby)% ...I dont think she caught the sarcasm. sarcasm. 2a7uki# $Thats ama7ing) +ou +ou must must compete)% 'he laughs. T7igana# $+up, $+up, yup) 'ometimes) orld6famous, orld6famous, remember&% 2a7uki# $E8cuse me for forgetting. forgetting. Im new, see.% :Appeal @< :?< 2a7uki# $Im sorry. sorry. I just got here.% T7igana# $Eh& +oure new here&% 2a7uki# $Thats right.% :Appeal doesnt change< T7igana looks e8cited. T7igana# $3ew& -h my gosh) +ou +ou have to meet, like, everyone)% Everyone& ...Its a good way to make friends, friends, I guess. guess. 2a7uki# $Id love it it if you you could introduce me.% T7igana practically flips in in her e8citement. e8citement. T7igana# $*reat) 1ets go meet 3ancy)% 2a7uki# $!6huh...&% 'he drags me away. I dont have time to protest protest before Im pulled through the doors, holding on to my glasses. e e pass lots of people in the halls, but T7igana doesnt stop b y any of them. e stop when we reach the gym. T7igana pulls me over to a boy who looks older than both of us. !es instructing some of the younger kids, but he looks over at us when T7igana tugs on the sleeve of his green jacket. 5oy# $!ello, T7i. hos hos this&% !e doesnt smile. I shrink shrink away on instinct. !e looks a bit scary. scary. T7igana# $3ancy)% !is name is 3ancy& T7igana# $This is 2a7oo67oo Take6a6muffin. Take6a6muffin. !es new here.% This time, I have to correct her. 2a7uki# $2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.% 3ancy&# $-h& 3ice to meet you. Im kind of the assistant assistant gym coach.% 3o wonder he looks so scary. 3ancy&# $4y names 3in.% 3in.% -h, so its its not 3ancy. T7igana# $Its actually 3ancy. 3ins 3ins just a nickname.% Im not sure what to to call him. !e would know his own name, but T7igana insists. insists. :;< $3ancy.% $3anc y.% :>< $3in.% :;< 2a7uki# $Then, Ill Ill call you you 3ancy.% 3ancy.% 3ancy&# $/eally& The only person Ill let call me that is T7igana. T7igana. Im 3in. +oull +oull call me me 3in.%
That didnt go so well. 2a7uki# 2a7uk i# $+es, $+es, sir) Im sorry)% 3in sighs. 3in# $3o, its alright. alright. Bust...dont call me that. that. Ever.% I Cuietly resolve never to try nicknames on 3in. :Appeal 6@< 6@< :>< 2a7uki# $Then, Ill call you 3in.% 3in laughs. 3in# $Thanks. I know T7i here insists on nicknames, but actually, actually, I dont like being called anything other than my first name. 3in Ta7umae. +ou +ou can call me that, -2&% !e smiles. I guess he isnt that scary after after all. :Appeal @< 3in# $ell, $ell, it was nice meeting you. 2a7uki, right&% 2a7uki# $+es, $+es, and nice to meet you you too)% 3in# $ould $ould you like me to show you to the principals office, or would you rather go with T7i&% T7i&% I think about it. 3in is rather mysterious, but T7igana T7igana is too much to handle. hich one of them would be best to walk with& :;< 3in :>< T7igana Nin's Route
:;< 2a7uki# $ould you take me&% T7iganas too much. I think think Id rather walk with with 3in. 3in# $-f course. course. T7igana, could you you watch the others&% others&% T7igana# $-f course) Im practically team captain)% 'hes still still on that, huh& -h, well. Its good to know shell be preoccupied. 3in starts to head out of the gym. I follow, follow, not wanting to be left behind. e e walk in awkward silence for a while before 3in starts to speak. 3in# $'o where did did you go before coming here&% 2a7uki# $I went to a high school school in my hometown of Tokyo.% Tokyo.% 3in# $-h, youre from Tokyo& Tokyo& Two Two of my best friends lived lived there. I used to live in 2yoto.% !es Bapanese& !e looked it when I saw him, I thought, but I didnt think much of it. 'omehow, knowing that makes me feel a lot more comfortable. 5ut he doesnt look much older than I am. I wonder how old he h e is. 2a7uki# $0m, are you a student here&% 3in# $Actually, Im in my first year of college. 5ut I really like this school, school, so I volunteer here when I dont have any classes.% 'o hes in college. college. 2a7uki# $hat is this school like&% 3in# $ell, $ell, I guess its like any other school. There are all your your basic classrooms, clubs for the more adventurous students, and a wide range of people. ere ere all pretty close6knit, but we love newbies here.% 'omething about the way he said that made me feel so much less nervous. 3in isnt that scary at all hes actually pretty nice. 2a7uki# $Thats good to hear.% hear.% 3in nods.
3in# $Are you nervous, 2a7uki&% Im not. 3ot anymore. 2a7uki# $I was, but Im just fine now.% now.% 3in# $*ood.% e stop in front of a door labeled $"rincipal%. 3in knocks, and then slides the door open. e e go inside and greet the secretary. 'hes a nice6looking woman with long brown hair. 'ecretary# $*ood afternoonF) G?% 3in# $!i, 4s. Eli7a. ere ere here to speak with "rincipal "rincipal rath.% rath.% The principals name is rath& rath& ...Im suddenly suddenly nervous again. 4s. Eli7a# $Ah, of courseF) courseF) G?% This $4s. Eli7a% Eli7a% might be even more cheerful than T7igana. Is she really an adult& 4s. Eli7a# $!es not busy, so go right inF. G?% G?% 3in# $Thank you.% 3in takes me to the back room, a door labeled $-ffice%. e e head inside. At the desk sits a large, large, muscular man, grumbling angrily an grily to himself. I guess this is rath. 3in# $"rincipal, this this is our new student, 2a7uki.% rath# $'o&% ...rath is definitely scary. 3in# $Do you have his schedule& !ell need to get to class.% rath# r ath# $Do I look like I care& *o bug the doll.% I assume he means 4s. 4s. Eli7a. 3in# $ant you at least pretend you care&% 3in doesnt seem to like like "rincipal rath rath much. rath# r ath# $I could, but thatd be too much work on my part. ant you go ask the doll&% 3in# $!onestly...% $!onestly...% 3in looks frustrated, frustrated, but he decides not to argue. 3in# $9ine. 1ets go talk to 4s. Eli7a.% I follow him obediently back out to the girl6woman at the desk. 4s. Eli7a is still smiling. smiling. I wonder if that hurts her face at all. 3in# $4s. Eli7a, do you you have 2a7uki Takaharas Takaharas schedule&% 4s. Eli7a# $Ah, the new studentF) G? rath rath makes me do everything, so of course I have itF. G?% ...even when she says that, shes still still smiling. smiling. 3in and I wait while she prepares the schedule. Its handed to me, and I look it over. I dont know where any of these rooms are, but having 1anguage Arts first is niceHits my favorite subject. 3in# $Im sorry sorry about rath.% rath.% !is apology is sudden. 2a7uki# $hat&% 3in# $!e has such a disregard for everyone)% 3in looks mad. I wonder whether anything I say will make a difference. :;< $!e wasnt that bad.% :>< 'ay nothing. :?< $Is $Is something something wrong&% wrong&% :;< 2a7uki# $I didnt think he was was that bad.% 3in# $+ou $+ou dont know him the way we do, I guess. I mean, he says hes trying, but really) !es just so...rude)%
3in still looks mad, and Im not Cuite sure how to follow it up. I decide to keep Cuiet. :Appeal stays the same.< :>< I dont reply. reply. 3in takes it as a sign to continue and keeps ranting. 3in# $I mean, honestly) !e cant take ten seconds out of his schedule to help new students find their way around& Its cra7y)% I still dont know what to say, say, so I keep Cuiet. :Appeal stays the same.< :?< 2a7uki# $Did something something happen&% 3in sighs. 3in# $I guess not. I dont know, everyone says he used to be terrible. !e keeps saying hes changing or whatever, but...not to us. I think he was a general in a war or something. hatever he did before coming here was so bad people p eople are still afraid of him.% 2a7uki# $Did you know him back then&% 3in# $Everyone knew about him. !is name was like a one6word horror horror story.% story.% 2a7uki# $-h. I get it, I think.% 3in# $+eah. $+eah. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.% chest.% I guess hes just wary of rath rath after hearing so many bad things about him. !e was gruff, but I didnt didnt think rath rath was that bad. :Appeal @< 3in sighs. 3in# $'orry about that. Anyways, you want to to get to class, dont you&% you&% 2a7uki# $-h, if if you dont mind)% 3in# $Ill walk you down.% 2a7uki# $Thanks, 3in. +ouve +ouve been a big help.% 3in# $Any time. elcome elcome to Adelaide Academy)% Academy)% e walk out of the office office together with 4s. Eli7a bidding us farewell. 3in gives me directions to to my ne8t class, then sends me off. I go out to look for it. Tzigana's Route
:>< 2a7uki# $Ill go with T7igana.% 3in nods. 3in# $Alright. Ill stay here. Ti77y Ti77y,, will you take 2a7uki down to the principals office&% office&% T7igana# $'ure thing, thing, 3ancy)% 3in doesnt get mad at T7igana for calling him that. I wonder if he likes her. her. T7igana hurries out of the gym, and I chase after her, adjusting adjusting my glasses to make sure they dont fall off my head. T7igana# $'o where did you live before this& Australia&% 2a7uki# $36no, Tokyo. Tokyo. Bapan.% T7igana# $-h, like like 3ancy)% Im surprised 3in hasnt made her stop calling him him that. T7igana# $ell, $ell, our principal is pretty scary and doesnt do much, so we probably wont bother going to his office. I can let you meet Eli7a, though, shes our secretary. ool lady)% T7iganas gone off on a tangent. T7igana# $-nce I was sad in school so she made me a cup of coffee. 'hes like the school nurse too, but shes actually not. -ur school nurse is someone else, not Eli7a. I like Eli7a more, though.% I dont think she even remembers Im here.
T7igana# $...so yeah, Eli7as cool. 5ut you know who I like even more& 3ancy. !es like, like, my favorite person ever) ell, ell, -2, e8cept maybe my daddy. !es awesome too.% e just passed the door labeled $"rincipal%. Did she even notice& T7igana# $-h) That was it) 2a7oopity, 2a7oopity, why didnt you you tell me&% 2a7uki# $2a7uki.% T7igana# $5less youF.% ...Is she doing this on purpose& 'he turns around and goes to the principals door. I follow follow her inside to where a brunette woman sits, smiling pleasantly. T7igana T7igana bounces right up to her. T7igana# $Eli7a) !ey, !ey, can you get me a schedule for our new student&% The secretary, secretary, Eli7a, smiles smiles at her. Eli7a# $+es, $+es, of courseF) G? hat is his nameF& nameF& G?% T7igana# $2a7oomity67oom67oom Tacky6!air)% Tacky6!air)% 3ow shes not even trying. 2a7uki# $2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.% Eli7a giggles, then looks around for my class schedule. I decide to try to talk to T7igana some more while I wait. 2a7uki# $hat does your dad do&% T7igana# $ell, $ell, I guess hes technically my uncle, but whatever. !es a detective)% A detective& ith ith her guardian having such a serious job, I wonder how T7igana became who she is. 2a7uki# $Thats a cool job.% T7igana# $+ep) $+ep) 'ometimes I get to see the criminals) I usually choose not to unless they did petty crimes. 5ig crimes freak me out.% 2a7uki# $-f course.% They freak me out, too. T7igana# T7igana # $+ep. Especially...% Especi ally...% 'he doesnt finish. I wonder whats bothering her, but I dont want to to pry when we hardly know each other. T7igana# T7igana # $ell, $ell, whatever. whateve r. !ey, Eli7a) +ou +ou find it yet&% Eli7a# $!ere it isF) isF) G?% Eli7a hands T7igana the paper. T7igana passes it over to me. It looks like I have 1anguage Arts Arts first, which is goodHthats my favorite subject, after all. T7igana# $Ill give you you directions, -2& 5ut I gotta gotta get to class too.% 2a7uki# $/ight, that will be good enough. Thank you very much.% T7igana# $+eah, $+eah, yeah) 3o problem, you know& Anyways, it was nice meeting you, 2aboomy)% 2a7uki# $2a7uki.% T7igana gives me directions and heads off. I want to see her again even if shes a bit weird. weird. -n my way to the 1anguage Arts classroom, classroom, I pass a girl who seems to be having trouble with her locker. I dont want to intrude if its nothing, but if she needs help, maybe I can assist her. :;< !elp !elp the girl. :>< Ignore her. Appaele's Route
:;< I approach the girl to see if she needs help. 2a7uki# $E8cuse me& me& Are Are you -2&% -2&% Angry *irl# *irl# $0gh) -pen up already)%
'hes not listening to to me. 2a7uki# $E8cuse me...I can help you, would you like like me to try it&% Angry *irl# *irl# $9or crying out loud) -pen)% 'he doesnt even notice me. I tug on her sleeve. 'he yelps yelps and finally looks at me. me. !er eyes are round and blue, and she has a cute, round face, but she looks mad. Angry *irl# $hat the heck do +-0 +-0 want&) ant you see Im busy&% 2a7uki# $I wanted to see if if you needed help with your locker. locker. Im 2a7uki, 2a7uki, the new kid.% Angry *irl# $0gh, whatever. I dont need your help)% 'he goes back to fiddling with her locker. 'he definitely needs help, but she wont admit it. it. Im about to give up when she speaks up. Angry *irl# $0h..hey, you) I, uh...th6this locker is stupid) +6y +6you ou try to get it)% ...'he still wont admit she cant do it. 2a7uki# $-2. hats your combination&% Angry *irl# $hy would I tell you& you& 'o you can snoop through my locker whenever you want&) 6 creep)% 'he must think Im some sort sort of pervert. pervert. ...This is the second time time today a girl has thought something something like that. 2a7uki# $I cant open your locker without without the combination.% Angry *irl# $Eh&% 'he looks like she just reali7ed that. !er cheeks Cuickly get red. Angry *irl# $I6I knew that) Its Its >6@6;?)% 0sing her combination, I try to get the locker open. It works on the first try. try. 'he must have missed the numbers. The girl is blushing like cra7y now. now. 'he must be really embarrassed that she messed messed up so many times. Angry *irl# $+6you $+6you got lucky)% 'he Cuickly goes to get her things from her locker. I watch her, then slowly turn away to leave for my ne8t class. Angry *irl# $...hey.% $...hey.% I turn around. Angry *irl# $...thanks, or whatever. whatever. 4y names Appaele 4carthy.% 4carthy.% 2a7uki# $Im 2a7uki Takahara. Takahara. Its nice to meet you.% Appaele# $+eah, $+eah, of course it is)% Appaeles the arrogant arrogant type. 'hes easily embarrassed, too. too. Im torn between being intrigued, intrigued, and being annoyed. Appaele# $6well, $6well, Im leaving. Thanks again for the locker, or whatever. whatever. D6dont think Im thanking you because I want to, -2, stupid&% ...'he called me stupid for no reason. Appaeles pretty rude. 2a7uki# $+6 $+6yeah. 0m, youre welcome.% welcome.% :Appeal @< :>< I decide to walk past the girl. 'he probably doesnt need my help. :Appeal stays the sameH sameH beginning of Appaeles route avoided< 'lowly, I walk down to class class to begin my day. day. ...The day has hardly started, and already... already... ...Ive met a hyper sugar6addict, sugar6addict, a cool gym teacher, and an arrogant tsundere. This is is an interesting interesting school.
After 1anguage Arts, Arts, I head to 'cience and then to lunch. hile Im standing in line, I notice that the person serving the food is a boy. I wonder if he cooked it all, too. I love to cook, but Ive never met another male that does. 2a7uki# $E8cuse me, me, um...did you cook this&% 1unch 'erver# $Ah, uh...yeah.% !e looks embarrassed as he serves me a delicious6looking helping helping of casserole. I think I might be the only boy on the planet that likes casserole, too. 2a7uki# $Thats pretty cool. I love to to cook too.% I reali7e too late that I insinuated he actually likes to cook. 4aybe he just does it to make e8tra money. money. Im about to take it back when he speaks again. 1unch 'erver# $+ou $+ou do& !eh, I thought I was the only one) +ou +ou dont meet many guys that cook.% 'o he does like to cook. Thats good. 4y first lunch day, and I already feel less alone. 1unch 'erver# $Im 1eo 'pence, by the way. way. I teach the culinary culinary club and make the lunches.% 2a7uki# $Im 2a7uki Takahara. Takahara. I just moved to Adelaide Adelaide from Tokyo.% Tokyo.% 1eo# $Tokyo& $Tokyo& Isnt that in, like, Australia&% Australia&% I open my mouth to correct him, but he slaps his face in his hand and interrupts interrupts me. 1eo# $3o, its in Bapan. *osh, *osh, did I really say Australia&% 'o he knows its Bapan. 2a7uki# $Everyone seems to think Im Australian.% Do I look Australian& I dont think I do. 1eo# $'orry. I havent looked at a map in a while.% !e laughs, a bit nervously. nervously. I decide I like 1eo. I move on down the line, chatting chatting with 1eo casually at every stop. stop. Im about to go sit when a girl comes out of the kitchen, holding a tool bo8. Theres a bit of grease smudged on her face. I want to leave, but I free7e for a bit. This girl is beautiful. beautiful. I wonder if she cooks too. 5eautiful *irl# $!ey, $!ey, 1eo. 9inished fi8ing the dishwasher like you asked. 'he works like a charm now.% 1eo# $*reat, thanks. !ey, !ey, did you meet meet 2a7uki& !e likes to cook too)% Im a bit embarrassed that 1eo told that to a pretty girl, but I dont want to make a big deal out of it. 'he smiles at me. 5eautiful *irl# $-h yeah& yeah& Thats...really girly.% girly.% I wilt. wilt. 'o does 1eo. 1eo# $Its...not that girly. girly. And, And, I do lots of other manly stuff)% It looks like 1eo wants to impress this girl girl too. It makes sense to me. 2a7uki# $I really enjoy it, at least.% 5eautiful *irl# $/ight, sorry. sorry. I didnt really mean to offend you you or anything.% 'he says that, but she sounded pretty pretty serious. 5eautiful *irl# $4y names Andy Andy hite. Im kind of like the head repairman, and Im leader of the mechanics club.% 'hes a mechanic& I guess it makes sense since she was fi8ing the dishwasher, dishwasher, but she looks too feminine to be into things like that. 'he did say cooking was girly, girly, so maybe I should should point out how manly mechanics is. is. :;< $Thats cool.% :>< $4echanics is for for boys.% :;< 2a7uki# $Thats pretty cool. Do you like fi8ing fi8ing things&%
Andy# $ell, $ell, my grandpa really likes likes it, so I guess I picked it up. I like it, though.% As long as shes happy doing it, I guess guess I shouldnt complain. 2a7uki# $+our $+our grandpa& Does he work here too&% too&% Andy# $!aha, no. !es way too old, but hes great at what he does. If you ever need something fi8ed, let me know, and Ill make sure he finds you)% ell, I have a mechanic now. Im glad of that, and Andy is really pretty. 4aybe Ill see her again some time. :Appeal @< :>< 2a7uki# $4echanics is really really manly, you know.% Andy looks offended. offended. Andy# $I get it, my hobbies are manly, manly, my name is manly, manly, so what if Im a bit of a tomboy& I really like to fi8 things.% 3ow shes upset. Its pretty obvious. 1eo# $I think mechanics are pretty cool) +our +our name suits suits you, too)% It is a boys name. name. I think 1eo reali7ed that, since since he Cuickly turned red. 1eo# $36not that Im saying youre a boy or anything) I mean, youre -5(I-0'1+ -5(I-0'1+ a girl...% Andy is practically glaring at him by now. now. 1eo gives up and turns back to his food. 2a7uki# $'orry, I didnt mean to offend offend you.% 5ut you did say say cooking was girly. girly. Andy sighs. Andy# $+eah, $+eah, its fine. hatever. I guess I just picked it up from my grandpa. !es really good at it.% I consider saying something else, else, but 1eo and I have already picked on Andy enough. I decide not to continue. :Appeal 6;J< 2a7uki# $ell, $ell, it was nice nice meeting you two. Thanks for for the food.% 1eo# $+oure $+oure welcome)% Andy# $3ice $3ice meeting you you too.% After bidding them farewell, I leave leave to go look for a place to sit. I end up sitting with T7igana and a friend of hers. T7igana# $!ey, 2a7erpaderp) !ave you met Appaele&% Appaele&% :;< +es, +es, if if you helped the girl at the lockers. :>< 3o, if you ignored her. her. :;< 2a7uki# $+es. $+es. I helped her get her locker open earlier.% Appaele looks embarrassed. embarrassed. Appaele# $Th6that was just dumb luck) *6go sit sit somewhere else)% T7igana laughs. T7igana# $Dont mind Appaele. Appaele. 'hes a tsundere. If she does this, it means she likes you. I '!I" IT.% IT.% Appaele# $-6oi)% I blush a bit. Appaeles Appaeles cute, but I dont know if Id want to go out with her. 'hes pretty hard to handle. T7igana# $-h my gosh) I can fit this piece of corn right on my tooth) heck it out, Im orn Tooth Tooth 4c*ee)% ...Then again, so is T7igana. Are Are there any normal girls at this school& 4aybe Im best off with Andy. Andy. :>< 2a7uki# $3o, I havent. Its nice to meet you.% T7igana# $hat& Then, you have to meet her) Appaele, Appaele, this is 2a76oompa6loompa Taken6care6of. Taken6care6of. 2a7ig67ag Tic6Tac, this is Appaele 4carthy.% 2a7uki# $Its 2a7uki. 2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.%
The girl named Appaele Appaele stares at me, then sniffs and flips flips her hair. ...'he must be the arrogant type. T7igana# $-h, dont be like that.% 2a7uki# $'o what class class do you two two have ne8t&% T7igana# $4aths)% Appaele# $hy should I tell you&)% I dont think Appaele likes likes me at all. all. T7igana# $ome on, dont be rude) I ship you guys)% 5eing shipped with Appaele is almost a nightmare. Appaele# $E6ew) 6why 6why would I like this loser& '6stupid)% 'hes a tsundere, alright. I wonder how T7igana knew that term. term. ome to think of it, she used $hentai% earlier in plain Bapanese. I wonder won der if she used to live there. Appaele# $I6Im in 1anguage Arts, Arts, what does it matter&)% 2a7uki# $Im in !istory. !istory.%% *reat. Im completely alone. I wonder how Ill make friends again. Ive been doing great so far, but thats because most of these people have been introduced to me or introduced themselves. Id really like to have lots of friends so I dont get g et lost. Its my first day here, and Im in my second year, after all. T7igana# $!istory, $!istory, huh& Thats cool. 5ut its not. 1ike, who cares about some king that ruled thirty thirty st years ago& This is the >; century)% I ignore T7igana. T7igana# $2a7iggity67am& Are you listening&% 2a7uki# $Its 2a7uki.% hen lunch finishes, I head off to look look for !istory class. class. Its unfortunate, but soon, Im completely lost. The The bell is going to ring any second and I have no idea where I am. orse orse than that, I dont see signs of any people anywhere. I sigh. (oice# $hy arent you in class&% I screech out loud. 'omeone spoke out, but I didnt see any people around here. I turn around. There is someone there, poking her head out of a classroom. 'he eventually comes into full view, carrying a stack of paperwork. Its a girl wearing our school uniform and a blue bla7er that makes her look very professional. !er blue eyes look like they can free7e me in place. 'he has this scowl thats pretty intimidating. Im a bit scared of her, but she might be able to help me. me. 2a7uki# $Im lost.% The scary girl girl looks me up and down. 'cary *irl# *irl# $hat teacher&% 2a7uki# $hat&% 'cary *irl# $hat teacher are you supposed to be with&% I glance at my schedule before answering. 2a7uki# $0m, 4r. 5irmingham.% 'cary *irl# $If thats thats true, youre in !istory !istory classroom 5. ome with with me.% 'he immediately turns on her heels and begins to stalk off. I slowly follow follow her. 'he doesnt say anything as she walks, and in a way, Im scared scared to talk to her. 'he carries herself herself with such an air of professionalism and grace. I wonder if she works with the school. 'he looks too young to be a teacher, though...is she a janitor or something& :;< $Are you the janitor&%
:>< $ho are you&% you&% :?< Dont say anything. anything. :;< 2a7uki# $Are you the janitor here&% The girl glares at me over her shoulder. shoulder. 'cary *irl# $Do I look like a janitor&% I wince. 2a7uki# $36no, its just...you just...you really seem to know your way around.% 3ow she looks looks mad. *reat. :Appeal 6@< :>< 2a7uki# $If you dont mind me asking, who are you&% 'cary *irl# $A student.% I think she knows what I was asking, but she was was being sarcastic on purpose. 'cary *irl# $+ou $+ou were asking my name, werent you&% 2a7uki# $+our $+our name, and how you seem to know know your way around.% 'cary *irl# *irl# $Do I&% 'he really does. 'he knows e8actly where shes going even in such a big school. :Appeal stays the same< :?< I decide not to say anything. ere ere both Cuiet for a few more steps. steps. :Appeal stays the same< 'cary *irl# $4y name is Aoi. Aoi. Im president of the 'tudent ouncil Association.% Association.% 'o shes the president of the 'A. That e8plains how she knows her way around so well. 5ut she didnt give me a last name. I cant help but wonder why. Aoi is a Bapanese name. !er eyes are so blue, though, I cant help but wonder if she might have a mi8ed nationality. 2a7uki# $'o thats how you know your way around. Its nice to meet you. Im 2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.% Aoi# $3ice to meet you, Takahara.% Takahara.% 'he used my last name. Im not sure if its its because shes professional or uncomfortable. e dont talk much more on the way, e8cept every once in a while when Aoi pauses to reprimand a couple kissing in the hallway and a boy picking on a younger boy. hile Aoi seems scary, I start to reali7e she isnt too bad. e stop outside !istory !istory classroom 5. Aoi Aoi goes to the door, then stops. I notice the paperwork in her arms and reali7e she probably needs help getting the door open. :;< !elp Aoi open the door. :>< 1ET T!E 5KT! -"E3 IT !E/'E19H Do nothing. :;< I Cuickly go to the door and open it for her. Aoi looks at me for a second. Aoi# $Thank you.% you.% 'he dips her head to me, then goes into the classroom and heads straight straight to the teachers desk. I hadnt e8pected her to thank me. 'hes more polite than I thought. thought. 'lowly, I inch inside and close the door behind me. :Appeal ;< :>< I do nothing and watch as Aoi struggles struggles to get the door open. 'he eventually gets her whole stack in one arm and manages to crack open the door. The second she gets it open, I walk right inside, glancing over my shoulder. 'he glares at me. A shiver runs down my spine. I remind myself never to make her angry. angry.
Aoi sighs, then heads inside to the teachers desk. :Appeal 6;J< I take my seat. Aoi delivers delivers her paperwork to the teacher, then makes her way out without another word to me. 'hes mysterious, but in a way, shes very beautiful. !er professional nature makes her a good class president. Ill probably be seeing a lot of her. her. If you chose to walk with Nin earlier: lasses continue as normal, and when they finish, I walk walk outside with 3in. I stop by my bicycle. 2a7uki# $Thanks for everything today, today, 3in. I really appreciated your help.% 3in# $+oure $+oure welcome. Did you make any friends&% friends&% I think. I met T7igana, the hyper blonde. I met 3in, of course, the mature gym coach. I met Appaele, the tsundere. I met 1eo, the cook. I met Andy, Andy, the beautiful beautiful mechanic. And I met Aoi, the icy6eyed icy6eyed class president. I think, at the end of today, I might might be able to call them all friends. 2a7uki# $I think I might have.% 3in smiles. 3in# $Thats good. Im glad youve youve made friends. Dont worry too too much about fitting in, and just enjoy your time here.% 2a7uki# $I think I will. Thank you.% 3in nods, then waves and heads back inside. If you chose to walk with Tzigana earlier: lasses continue as normal, and when they finish, I walk outside with T7igana. I stop by my bicycle. 2a7uki# $It was nice meeting you, T7igana.% T7igana# $+up) $+up) +ou +ou too, 2a7ippy67appy. Im starting to run out of nicknames.% *ood. 2a7uki# $Im sure youll think of something. Thanks for all your help today.% today.% T7igana smiles. I reali7e for the first first time how pretty she is. T7igana# $+eah, $+eah, youre welcome. Im really glad you had a good time. ome back tomorrow, -2& Ill be waitin)% T7igana winks, then jogs back inside, waving. I wave after her. Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Id like to see her again. !er, and 3in, and Appaele, Appaele, and 1eo, and Andy, and Aoi. Ive made some good friends today. today.
I mount my bicycle and kick up the kickstand. I begin to pedal down the the street back to my grandparents house, reflecting on the days da ys occurrences. 9our pretty girls and two cool bo ys. Ive made some really nice friends. hen I get home, I tell my grandparents about what happened. They laugh and congratulate me. That night, I fall asleep more Cuickly than I ever have. Im desperate for it to be tomorrow so I can go back to Adelaide Academy. End Episode 1
Kazuki's Route Episode
Im e8cited for my second day at Adelaide Adelaide Academy. Academy. After such a nice first day, how could I not be& I wonder if Ill see the people I met on the first day. day. Im sure Ill run run into T7igana and 1eo. hances are, Ill see the class president too. Id like to run into Appaele, 3in, and Andy too. I ride over the streets, past rows of pretty yellow yellow flowers and into a city bustling with people going to and from towering buildings. 'moke billows from the chimney of the te8tile factory where my grandfather works. !es the stronger of the two, but I still worry about him. 4aybe Ill get a job m yself to help pay. I pedal to the front of the school and park my bicycle. I half e8pect T7igana to come come popping out at me again, but no one is around. I head inside, schedule in hand, and begin to look around for someone I know. Appaele# $-i) +ou)% +ou)% ...Its her. I want to see her, her, but shes still pretty odd... Appaele# $!elp me carry these books, -2&) I6its not like I want to walk with you, but theyre heavy)% If I help her, maybe I can get to know her better, but... ...If I am to be completely honest, I really dont want to. :;< !elp !elp Appaele. :>< 4ake up an e8cuse not to and run for your life. Appaele's Route
:;< 2a7uki# $'ure, Ill help you.% Appaele# $-f course you will) will) !ere, take these.% 'he shoves books at me. I take them, but I wish she would actually thank me instead of just ignoring me. Appaele# $4y first class class is !istory, !istory, classroom . Do you know where that is&% 2a7uki# $Im in classroom 5, so I have no idea.% Appaele# $0gh, youre useless.% ...ant she at least try to to be nice& Appaele# $!ere, just follow follow me.% 'he starts walking away. I follow her. 3either of us speak for a moment. I want to see if I can figure her out. 2a7uki# $'o, um...whats your family like&% Appaele# $5oth of my parents work in the te8tile factory and my littler littler brother goes to this school. 6 6 why should you care& 'talker. ' talker.%% 2a7uki# $I just want to to try to get to know you.% you.% 'hes really mean. Appaele# $...hatever.% I dont have any idea what else to to talk to her about. :;< $Tell $Tell me about yourself.% :>< $!ow long have you lived in Adelaide&% :?< 'ay nothing.
:;< 2a7uki# $Tell $Tell me more more about yourself. hat do you like&% Appaele# $ell, $ell, alright. alright. I like baseball, and sometimes I do some knitting since my parents are in the te8tile industry anyways.% 2a7uki# $!ow old are you&% Appaele# $'i8teen. Im still young young and spritely) ay ay prettier than that class president)% president)% Appaele doesnt like the president& I wonder why. 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou dont like Aoi&% Aoi&% Appaele# $ell, $ell, of course I dont) 'he 'he thinks shes so cool and pretty, with her giant hips) 5ut Im way prettier, right&)% right&)% ...Ive been backed into a corner. Theyre both pretty, but since Im talking to Appaele, Appaele, maybe I should just agree with her. :;< $Totally)% :>< $Aois prettier.% prettier.% :?< $+oure $+oure both eCually pretty.% :;< 2a7uki# $+oure $+oure definitely prettier.% Appaele# $!ehe) I knew it) +ou +ou know, youre not so bad after all.% 'hes pretty easily pleased. Appaele# $I6its not like like I think youre cool or anything) +6 +6youre not even handsome)% ...I should be used to this by now. :Appeal ;J< :>< 2a7uki# $I think Aoi is prettier.% prettier.% Appaele# $E6eh...&) !6how could you say that right to my face&) 'hes not that pretty) Bust Bust because shes got blue eyes or whatever) I have blue eyes too)% ...That was absolutely the wrong thing to say. I think she hates me. :Appeal 6;@< :?< 2a7uki# $5oth of you you are eCually pretty.% pretty.% Appaele# $...+oure $...+oure just trying to stay out of trouble, arent you&% 'he saw right through me. 5ut she doesnt look mad. I think shes just glad to hear shes on6par with the president. Appaele# $ell, $ell, whatever. -f course Im as pretty as her) Im prettier)% 2a7uki# $/ight, -2.% Appaele# $/emember that, -2&% 2a7uki# $I6I will.% I make a mental note to never talk about the president in front front of Appaele. Appaele. :Appeal ;< :>< 2a7uki# $!ow long have you lived lived in Adelaide&% Appaele# $About si8 years. Bay and I moved here when we were young. 6why 6why do you care&% 2a7uki# $I just want to start start a conversation.% Appaele huffs. huffs. 'hes blushing, though. Appaele# $+eah, whatever. +ou +ou just moved here, right&% right &% 2a7uki# $+eah. $+eah. ith ith my grandparents.% Appaele# $Did I ask& Do I care&% hat a bully. bully. :Appeal stays stays the same< :?< I decide not to speak. :Appeal stays the same<
e walk in silence for a while. Appaele leads me to her classroom, then pauses. Appaele# $Thanks for helping me.% 'he actually thanked me. If I hadnt heard it with my own ears, I wouldnt have thought it was possible. Appaele# $'6stop looking at me like that) +oure stupid)% stupid)% Im used to this, so so I just hand over her books. 2a7uki# $+oure $+oure welcome. 3ice talking with with you.% Appaele# $...+ou $...+ou too, or whatever. whatever. 'tupid.% I open the door to help her out, and she goes through. 'hes blushing like cra7y. I dont know if its because she likes me, or because its just what she does. I liked walking with Appaele Appaele after all, even if it was little awkward. I hope to see her more often. :>< 2a7uki# $Im sorry, sorry, I cant help with your books. I have to get to class...I have to tie my shoe, and then get to class.% Appaele# $Eh&) hat a lame e8cuse) Trying Trying to get out of helping a lady with her books)% ...Does she really really count as as a $lady%& Appaele# $9ine, whatever) !ave a nice day in class, or whatever)% 'he stomps off. I watch for a few seconds. :Appeal 6@, Appaeles /oute episode > avoided< I make my way to my classroom after coming across Appaele. Appaele. I dont know anyone in my first class, so it kinda drags on. I cant wait to get to lunch and chat with 1eo. 4aybe Andy will be there again, too. And T7igana should be sitting somewhere, maybe with Appaele again. I secretly hope Aois there too. lasses drag on, and then its time for lunch. I go to stand in line. 1eos serving again, and Andy Andy seems to be working on something in the kitchen. I go up to collect my serving. 1eo# $!ey, 2a7uki) Did I get it it right&% 2a7uki# $+es, $+es, thats right.% 1eo gives me a hamburger and moves moves down the line with me. 1eo# $'o& !ow was yesterday&% 2a7uki# $*reat. I was so e8cited e8cited to come back.% 1eo# $Thats awesome.% Im served a heaping helping of broccoli. Its still steaming and looks really tasty. tasty. 1eos a good cook. 2a7uki# $+our $+our food is really delicious.% 1eo# $!a, thanks) I do all the cooking for my family, so I should hope so.% Im curious about his family all of a sudden, but it might not be appropriate to ask. 5esides, I do want to eat. :;< Ask Ask about 1eos family. :>< I D-3T A/E A5-0T +-0/ 9A4I1+ 9A4I1+.. :;< 2a7uki# $hats your family like&% 1eo# $ell, $ell, Im the oldest child. After After me, its my younger brother /olf. !e...hates everything.% 1eos brother doesnt sound very pleasant. 1eo# $3e8t is 3otar. !es a gentle giant. 1ike, by a lot. !e couldnt hurt a fly even if he tried, but he just towers over us.% 2a7uki# $Do they they go to this school&% 1eo# $+ep) $+ep) All three of them. !eathers our sister. 'hes the youngest, and shes a freshman. 'hes really sweet, and cute. e all love her.% her.% !eather sounds nice.
1eo# $4y dad, he...we dont see him, really. Ever. Ever. And And my mom, um...% 1eo doesnt continue. I choose not to push push it. 1eo# $ell, $ell, anyways, its its nice here.% 2a7uki# $It is. I like it here.% 1eo# $*ood) Im glad youre enjoying yourself.% yourself.% :Appeal @< :>< I decide not to say say anything and just move down the line. :Appeal stays the same< same< 'omeone suddenly calls out from the the kitchen. Its Andy. Andy. Andy# $1eo, I cant find anything wrong with this this oven.% 1eo# $2eep looking)% looking)% ...!e just wants to hang out with Andy. Andy. Im glad shes here, though. I was hoping to talk with with her again. 2a7uki# $!i, Andy. Andy. Is Is something wrong with the the oven&% Andy# $'upposedly. $'upposedly. 5ut I cant find anything wrong with it.% 1eo# $Theres something there) Bust keep looking)% I think she knows he just wanted to talk to her. her. 2a7uki# $Its nice nice to see you you again. !ows your your grandfather&% Andy comes out of the kitchen. Andy# $!es good, thanks. thanks. 1eo, the oven is perfectly fine.% fine.% 1eo# $-h, it is& !aha, thats weird)% 'he has this weird look on her face. Andy# $Im $Im really not interested.% ...Andys pretty blunt. 1eo# $-h. /ight. I know, I just...Ill just...Ill just, you know, go cook some more)% 1eo turns back to to his salad dejectedly. Andy can be pretty mean, huh& 5ut shes really pretty. pretty. 3o wonder 1eo seems to like her so much. I certainly like her. her. Im hopeless with girls, girls, though. ...I get the feeling poor 1eo knows e8actly how I feel. 2a7uki# $Im going to go ahead and eat. eat. 3ice seeing you you two.% Andy# $I might grab a lunch too.% 1eo# $3ice seeing you, 2a7uki)% I bid the two farewell and go to find a seat. Appaele sits at one table with a green6haired boy, boy, a red6haired girl, and a brunette boy. boy. T7igana is at another table surrounded surrounded by lots of people. Andy seems to be heading for a table inhabited by staff and faculty. Aoi is sitting sitting by herself, but as I watch, she stands up and walks towards the courtyard. Im not sure sure who to sit sit with. :;< 'it with with Appaele Appaele and her friends. friends. :>< 'it with with T7igana and her friends. :?< *o with Andy. Andy. :< 9ollow 9ollow Aoi. Appaele's Route
:;< I decide to sit with Appaele Appaele and her friends.
2a7uki# $!ey, Appaele. ould I sit sit here&% Appaele# $hat& -h, you. +eah, +eah, sure, whatever.% whatever.% I sit down ne8t to her and across from the the redheaded girl. Appaele# $This is my brother, brother, Bay. Bay. The greenie.% 'he points to the green6haired boy, boy, then across to the brunette. Appaele# $Thats 3otar. And thats his sister, !eather.% 'o Appaele knows 1eos family. family. I wonder if she knows this /olf too. Appaele# $Theyre kinda my friends, friends, I guess. *uys, *uys, this is...2abuki.% 2a7uki# $2a7uki. Im 2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.% !eather# $3ice to meet you)% Bay# $-! 4+ *-'!, 3E 9/IE3D.% 3otar doesnt say a word, and just sCueaks instead. *entle giant indeed. Appaele# $'o what did you want&% :;< $I needed to see you again. -h beautiful one.% :>< $I just wanted a place to eat my lunch.% :;< 2a7uki# $I had to ga7e upon your your beauty again.% Appaele# $!ehe) 'ee& I told told you Im better than than that class president)% :Appeal :Appeal ;J< :>< 2a7uki# $I really just wanted a place p lace to sit for lunch.% Appaele# $Thats $Th ats it& +ou +ou just wanted my table& ow, ow, rude much&)% much& )% ...'o, like you. :Appeal 6@< 2a7uki# $Anyways, how how did classes classes go&% Appaele# $9ine. 6why 6why are you asking& +oure +oure so creepy)% 2a7uki# $I just want to start start a conversation.% !eather# $Dont mind 1ei. 'hes like like this sometimes.% sometimes.% 1ei& !er nickname is 1ei& 'he might not like that, but it might be worth a try. try. :;< all all her 1ei. :>< all her Appaele. :;< 2a7uki# $ould I call you 1ei&% Appaele# $+eah, $+eah, I guess. Everyone Everyone does. I like it.% 'o she likes her nickname. I wonder if she prefers it. 1eis blushing now. Appaele# $36not that I like +-0, +-0, or anything. I see the gears in your head turning) Dont get any funny ideas)% Im used to this now, so I just take a bite of food. :Appeal ;< :>< I choose to stick stick with Appaele. Appaele. :Appeal stays the same< Appaele# $'o. 'econd day, day, or whatever. whatever. !ows that that going&% 2a7uki# $/eally well. I like this this school.% Appaele# $Duh) Im in it, it, after all)% all)% Bay# $-oh, ooh) 4e too)% Bays almost as hyper hyper as T7igana, if not moreso. 2a7uki# $I guess so. Im glad glad I met you.%
Appaele blushes. Appaele# $6well, $6well, duh) I6I mean, i6isnt everyone&% 'hes cute when shes embarrassed, actually. actually. Appaele# $6why $6why are you staring at me&) eirdo) "ervert) 'tupid)% I look back at my food. Appaele eventually settles down. e finish our lunch in casual conversation. :Appeal ;@< Tzigana's Route
:>< I decide to sit with T7igana and her friends. friends. 2a7uki# $T7igana& ould I sit here&% T7igana# $'ure, 2a7ammy6whammy Tackle6her)% Tackle6her)% 2a7uki# $2a7uki Takahara.% Takahara.% I think shes using nicknames nicknames just to make me upset. upset. I sit ne8t to her. 'he grins. T7igana# $'o) !ow have you liked the school so far&% far&% 2a7uki# $I really like like it.% T7igana# $Awesome, $Awesome, awesome) hats your favorite part&% :;< The students. :>< The staff. staff. :?< The classes. :;< 2a7uki# $The students, I think.% T7igana# $!ehe, like me& +oure +oure pretty pretty sweet.% I didnt just mean her, her, but I definitely definitely like T7igana. T7igana# $!ave you made other student friends& !uh, you havent met /olf yet, have you& !es a stick in the mud.% T7igana knows someone in 1eos family& I guess that makes sense since they all attend this school. school. 2a7uki# $I havent met him.% T7igana# $ell, $ell, when you you do, punch him for me.% ...'he must not like him. :Appeal ;< :>< 2a7uki# $The staff, staff, I think.% T7igana# $1ike, teachers and stuff& Ew.% Ew.% 3ins a staff member, isnt isnt he& 'he likes him. T7igana# $Tsk, $Tsk, tsk. 'houldnt you be more wrapped wrapped up in girls your own age&% 2a7uki# $hat& ...thats not what I meant)% 'he thought I was into older women. !ow do I handle this girl& :Appeal 6;< :?< 2a7uki# $The classes, I think.% T7igana# $5oo, boring. +oure +oure a boring person, 2a7oomafoo.% I give up on correcting correcting her. 2a7uki# $I like to learn.% T7igana# $4ore than people& 5oo.% 'he seems displeased, somehow. :Appeal 6;< T7igana# $+ou $+ou seem to be fitting in, huh& !ey, you should join the gymnastics club)%
2a7uki# $3o thanks. thanks. Im not very athletic.% T7igana# $Thats what clubs are for. -2, then at least come watch practice after school)% I think think about it. 2a7uki# 2a7uk i# $ell, $ell, I can try, at least.% T7igana# $3o. 3o trying. +oull make make it.% 'hes very serious. 2a7uki# $-kay. $-kay. Ill come.% T7igana# $Ehehe, good) !ey, !ey, 2a7uCuisha, youre a cool dude.% I dont even bother to correct her anymore. 'he was so close, though. T7igana# $I like like you. 3ow lets lets eat)% 'hes so opposite of Appaele Appaele its scary. 5ut its nice to be told Im liked. 2a7uki# $Thanks. I like you too.% T7igana# $+up, $+up, thats thats good) Then, were friends)% friends)% Ill like being friends friends with T7igana. I can feel it. e chat casually while we finish our lunch, mostly from from T7iganas end. :Appeal ;@< Andy's Route
:?< I decide to sit with Andy Andy and the other faculty members. 2a7uki# $!i, Andy. Andy. Do Do you mind if I sit here&% Andy opens her mouth to reply, reply, but another male faculty member beats her to it. 9aculty 4ember# $Actually, all of these seats are already taken by thousands of invisible crickets. If you sat with us, you would crush poor Biminy.% Andy# $-h, leave him alone. 'ure, 2a7uki. +ou +ou can sit here.% I take my seat warily, ne8t to Andy and across from the the other faculty member, who wears a long white coat. Andy# $Dont mind 2aiden. !es a troll.% I guess his name is 2aiden. I wonder what he does. Andy# $Dont you have friends friends your own age you could sit with&% I do, but... ...Two of them are scary, scary, and one is insane. insane. Andy is my only normal friend in lunch lunch right now. 2a7uki# $I wanted to sit with you.% Andy# $Thats sweet, I guess. Thanks.% e dont say much for a bit. I think about what to talk about with such a mature lady. lady. :;< $!owd you meet 1eo&% :>< $!ow long have you you been doing mechanics&% :?< $!ow old A/E A/E you, anyways, +-0 +-0 !A*&% :;< 2a7uki# $!ow did you and 1eo meet&% Andy# $-h, weve...known each other since childhood.% 'he sounds a bit upset. 2a7uki# $ere $ere you...friends&% Andy gives gives a dry laugh. Andy# $3ot in the slightest. Its Its a kinda sad story. Ill spare you the details.% I sense that she really doesnt want to talk about it and poke at my salad. :Appeal stays the same< :>< 2a7uki# $!ow long have you been a fan of mechanics&%
Andy# $-h, gee...since I was was pretty young, I guess. Its Its been a while.% 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou really like it, it, huh&% Andy# $+eah. $+eah. Its a lot of fun.% Andy smiles as she says this. 'he certainly looks like she enjoys herself. 2a7uki# $Im glad. Its a good hobby.% Andy chuckles. Andy# $+ou $+ou think think so& Thank you.% :Appeal ;< :?< 2a7uki# $!ow old A/E A/E you, anyway&% Andy blinks, then shrugs. Andy# $Im nineteen. 3ot old at all.% 'hes really not old. old. 2a7uki# $I thought you were older.% Andy looks a bit offended. 2aiden clicks his tongue. 2aiden# $A womans age is like like her weight. +ou +ou dont ask about it, you dont guess it, and you dont say she looks above what she is.% I blush. I probably offended Andy. Andy. 2a7uki# $Its not that you look old) Its just that youre so mature, um...% 2aiden# $The damage is done. There goes your hope at a friendship.% Andy huffs. I think 2aiden was right. 2a7uki# $...Im sorry.% sorry.% :Appeal 6@< Andy# $'o, um...how um...how have you been enjoying your time here&% 2a7uki# $Ive been enjoying it a lot. lot. Ive made good friends.% Andy# $Thats good.% Andy goes back to eating. The table is Cuiet for a bit. I want to keep talking to Andy, Andy, but Im not sure what to ask. :;< $!ow long have you you worked here&% :>< Eat Eat in silence. :;< 2a7uki# $!ow long have you worked with the school&% school&% Andy# $3ot long. Bust about a year. I tried college, but I wanted to try to make more money for tuition and joined up.% 'o shes relatively new. new. 2a7uki# $Thats pretty smart. smart. Do something you love while you wait to graduate.% Andy looks happy. happy. Andy# $+eah, $+eah, its its a good plan, if I do say so myself. 5ut I dont know if Ill want to do it forever, forever, you know&% I nod. :Appeal ;< ;< :>< I decide to keep eating in in silence. :Appeal stays the the same< e engage in small small talk until the end of lunch. :Appeal @< :< I decide to follow follow Aoi out to the courtyard. 'hes sitting by the fountain when I see her. !er food tray is sitting ne8t to her. her. I step a bit closer and swear I can hear sniffling.
4aybe she wants to be alone. 5ut it might be nice to go say something, or at least sit with her. her. :;< *o back inside inside and sit with someone else. else. :>< $Are $Are you crying&% :?< Bust sit near her. :;< I decide to give up on Aoi and go sit with with someone else. :Aois route episode ; avoided go back to initial lunchtime choice< Aoi's Route
:>< I approach her and sit down. 2a7uki# $lass /ep, are you you crying&% Aoi gasps and faces me, swiping a hand across her eyes. Aoi# $Im fine)% 'hes definitely definitely not fine... 2a7uki# $Are you sure& +ou +ou sounded like you were crying earlier...% earlier...% Aoi# $I said Im fine)% fine)% 'he Cuickly turns back to the fountain. After how polite polite she ended up being yesterday, Im a bit surprised to hear her yell. I dont bother saying anything else. :Appeal 6@< :?< I approach the president and sit ne8t to her, but dont say a word. 'he glances at me for a second, then Cuickly looks back at the fountain and keeps sniffling. e dont speak. 'he wipes wipes her eyes. :Appeal stays the same< Aoi# $Im sorry.% hy is she apologi7ing& apologi7ing& Im the one that interrupted interrupted her peace. 2a7uki# $-h, no, um...% 'he just stares at me now. !er eyes are so bright. bright. 2a7uki# $0m, Im sorry for coming here. I didnt mean to interrupt you.% 'he stares back at the water, water, dipping her finger into the fountain and trailing trailing it around. Aoi# $I dont mind.% I want to try to learn more about this mysterious girl, girl, but I dont want to say something unwelcome. 'he saves me by talking again. Aoi# $I like to come out here for peace and Cuiet.% 2a7uki# $...Am I interrupting&% interrupting&% Aoi# $Its alright.% e fall Cuiet again. In the silence, Aoi takes a coin out of her bla7er pocket, closes her eyes, mouths a few words, then flips the coin into the fountain. I look down and notice there are Cuite a few coins on the bottom of the fountain. Are they all from her& :;< $Are you making a wish&% :>< $hy would you waste money money like that&% :?< 'ay nothing. :;< 2a7uki# $Are you making a wish, wish, lass /ep&% Aoi shrugs. Aoi# $+es.% $+es.%
'o she was making a wish. 2a7uki# $hat did you wish&% Aoi# $If I told you, it wouldnt wouldnt come true.% 'he believes that& The more likely story story is that its its something she doesnt want anyone to know. I wonder if thats why she was crying. :Appeal stays stays the same< :;< $Does it have anything to to do with why you were crying&% crying&% :>< 1et it slide. slide. :;< 2a7uki# $Does your wish have anything to do with why you you were crying earlier&% Aoi turns on me harshly. harshly. Aoi# $I wasnt crying)% ...'he was definitely crying. 2a7uki# $5ut..I saw you crying.% Aoi# $I wasnt crying.% 'he sounds so serious. I decide not to push it. :Appeal 6@< 6@< :>< I choose not to say say anything about it anymore. :Appeal stays stays the same< 2a7uki# $Did you make make all these wishes wishes too&% I point to the bottom of the fountain. Aoi# $"ossibly.% $"ossibl y.% 'he doesnt talk talk much, does she& :>< 2a7uki# $hy would you waste your money like that&% I e8pect her to get mad, but to my surprise, she offers a slight slight chuckle. Aoi# $Its childish, childish, isnt it& To To throw coins in the fountain, as if you you think its *od&% I dont know what to to say. say. 'he continues. Aoi# $Its stupid, stupid, but I feel like if I just keep trying, one day, Ill actually have a wish granted.% 2a7uki# $I dont think its stupid.% stupid.% 'he doesnt say anything, but I swear swear I see the tiniest tiniest smile on her face. :Appeal @< :?< I ignore the coin6tossing and just stare at the water. water. :Appeal stays the same< Aoi# $hy $hy did you follow follow me out here&% here&% Im caught a bit off6guard by her Cuestion. 2a7uki# $I just thought...maybe youd like the company&% I didnt mean for it to come out like a Cuestion. Aoi# $Thats very considerate. 5ut you should know that I like to be alone.% 'he stands, picking up her tray, tray, and then bows to to me. Aoi# $Thank you for your concern. "lease be prepared to return return to class. 1unch will be ending in fifteen minutes.% ithout ithout another word, she heads inside. I watch her for a minute, then stand and follow her inside. I hardly touched my lunch, but it was worth it to spend this time with the president. I finish lunch lunch inside. :Appeal stays the same< same< hen lunch ends, I turn turn in my tray, tray, then head to my ne8t class.
I had a great time in lunch today. In fact, fact, this whole class day has been a blast. This school in general is great. Im starting starting to be glad I moved. moved. The school day is about to to end. Im heading out when 1eo suddenly calls calls to me from his his way to the kitchen. 1eo# $!ey, 2a7uki) ould I ask your your help with something&% :;< !elp 1eo :>< 4ake up an e8cuse. If you sat with Tzigana at lunch! a third option "eco#es a$aila"le: :?< Tell Tell 1eo you promised T7igana youd watch gymnastics club practice today. %eo's Route
:;< 2a7uki# $'ure. hat is it&% 1eo# $ould you help me cook tomorrows lunch& I was thinking Id Id make soup and cornbread, but its kind of a lot of work.% 2a7uki# $-f course. I love to cook.% 1eo# $Awesome) $Awesome) ulinary club isnt meeting today, today, so well have the kitchen to ourselves.% 2a7uki# $Alright.% I follow him down the hallway. e head into the cafeteria and to the kitchen in the back. 1eo immediately begins to gather up cornbread mi8 and ingredients for soup. 1eo# $!ey, the pots and pans are in in that cabinet down there. ould you get me a pot, a pan, and a mi8ing bowl&% 1eo points to a cabinet under the the sink. I nod and get the things things he asked for. 2a7uki# $!ave you always worked for the school&% 1eo chuckles. 1eo# $hen I graduated, I immediately immediately applied for this job and was accepted. I figured I could do something I loved and make money for the family at the same time.% 1eo thinks really highly of his family. Im pretty curious curious about them as well. :;< Ask Ask him more about his family. family. :>< Ask Ask him more about his job. :;< 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou really seem to love your family. hat else should I know about them&% 1eo offers an awkward laugh laugh and gets some eggs and butter from the refrigerator. refrigerator. 1eo# $ell, $ell, I love them a lot, lot, but...% !e trails off. I wonder if something something happened between him and someone in his family. :;< Ask him to continue. :>< Drop Drop the subject. :;< 2a7uki# $5ut...what&% 1eo sighs. 1eo# $Im really trying to be a good big brother. I made a lot of mistakes in the past, and now my brother /olf hates me for it. I wish I knew how to get through to him. Especially since...% since...% !e trails off again, and this time the pain in his eyes makes makes me decide not to ask him to keep going. 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou seem like a great brother to me. I mean, you could be in college, but you choose to stay here so you can make money for the family.%
1eo# $+ou $+ou think so& Thanks, 2a7uki. That means a lot.% 1eo seems pleased. Im glad. :Appeal @< :>< I dont push him to keep going. :Appeal stays same< same< :>< 2a7uki# $!ow much do you make working here&% I might be interested in in doing the same thing when I graduate. 1eo# $Eh, minimum wage. Its enough, but not much.% Thats discouraging, but Im Im not going to give up just because the pay isnt great. :Appeal :Appeal stays the same< 1eo# $ould you pour the batter in the bowl& Add the eggs with the butter. butter. Bust put a tablespoon of butter in that dish there and pop it in the microwave for a good thirty seconds.% 1eo really knows what hes doing. !e !e must have made this dish dish a thousand times before. I follow his instructions to make the cornbread while he prepares soup. It smells smells delicious, and he hasnt even finished putting it all in the pot yet. 1eo# $'o. +ou +ou got any girls in mind yet&% yet&% 2a7uki# $...!uh&% ...I must really seem desperate for a girlfriend, girlfriend, for him to ask that. that. 1eo# $!aha, dont look so embarrassed) I was just teasing. Andys Andys really pretty, huh&% 'o I was right. !e does like her. 1eo# $I dont know, she hates me me too. 'tir that batter, please.% I obey. 1eo# $If I keep trying, trying, maybe itll happen. I dont want to give up.% 2a7uki# $-f course.% 1eo# $5ut its been so long, you you know&% 1eo sighs. 1eo# $Im sorry, I shouldnt be ranting about my girl problems to you. Its fine, all well and good)% :;< $2eep going, I dont mind)% :>< $Its $Its hopeless, you dork.% :;< 2a7uki# $I dont mind. +ou can keep talking talking to me.% 1eo seems to smile. smile. 1eo# $+ou $+ou sure& Thats sweet. I dont know, know, I guess Im just getting getting desperate.% 2a7uki# $Andy is really pretty.% pretty.% 1eo# $'he sure is.% is.% 1eo sighs wistfully, wistfully, then begins to hum cheerfully. cheerfully. !e goes off6key a few times, times, and the few words he sings that I recogni7e are totally wrong, but he seems to be having fun. It seems he was glad glad to just get it off his chest. chest. :Appeal @< :>< 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou should give up. 'hell probably never like you.% you.% 1eo wilts. 1eo# $I...youre right, I guess, but you didnt have to be so blunt...% Ive made him upset. upset. 5ut I wont take it back. :Appeal :Appeal 6@< 1eo puts the last ingredient ingredient into the soup and begins to cook it. 4eanwhile, Ive stirred stirred up all the batter. 1eo dumps a few pinches of salt salt into the soup, then steps back with a nod.
1eo# $!ows that batter&% batter&% 2a7uki# $-h, its good)% 1eo# $"erfect) I can take it from here. Thanks for your help. It was very much appreciated.% Im almost regretful to leave. 2a7uki# $-f course) Any time. I love to cook, after all.% 1eo# $Thats awesome. Thanks a ton, 2a7uki. !ey, welcome to Adelaide Adelaide Academy.% Academy.% 2a7uki# $Thanks, 1eo.% e e8change a few goodbyes, then I head out. :>< I really cant help 1eo right right now... now... 2a7uki# $Im sorry, sorry, I really need to get home.% 1eo looks a bit dejected. 1eo# $-2, no problem. 'ee you you tomorrow)% !e hurries down the hall. I watch for a minute, then head out the door. :?< 2a7uki# $I would, but I promised T7igana Id go watch gymnastics club today.% today.% 1eo looks a bit dejected. 1eo# $+eah, $+eah, alright. alright. Thanks anyways)% !e heads off off down the hall. Tzigana's Route
I head down to the gym and slip inside, hoping to catch the club. T7igana is inside, stretching. There are a few other people standing around and chatting. 3in is there, too, and takes notice of me. 3in# $!ey) !avent seen you all day. !ow are you doing&% 2a7uki# $*reat, thanks. T7igana invited invited me to watch, is that that -2&% 3in# $'ure. *o take take a seat in the bleachers.% I nod and make my way across the gym to sit in the bleachers. T7igana comes up from her left splits and notices me. T7igana# $2aboopity) +ou came)% I thought she was running out of nicknames yesterday. yesterday. 2a7uki# $!ey, T7igana. hat are you you guys working on&% T7igana# $/ight now, now, its a dance routine were gonna perform for for competition.% 'he actually does compete& 2a7uki# $-h. +ou +ou do competitions&% T7igana# $Didnt I already tell you that, 2a7oom67oom&% 2a7uki# $2a7uki. Its 2a7uki.% T7igana just laughs. T7igana# $Its not.% ...'hell never get it right. T7igana goes back to the floor of the gym and gets into position with the rest of the members of the the club. 3in surveys them. 3in# $Are you all ready&% The club members all cheer. 3in approaches a boom bo8 by the wall. 3in# $Alright. 'how me what youve learned.% learned.% !e presses play. play. T7igana shoots me a wink before focusing on her dance. Its a pretty sharp dance, with lots of tumbling. The club looks so so professional, especially T7igana. 'he
totally belongs in this club. 'hes the best dancer out of all of themHevery movement move ment precise, yet each one flowing perfectly into the ne8t. 'hes perfectly on6time and never misses a beat. !er actual gymnastics is great, too. hen the group breaks off to let some of the lead tumblers perform a bit, T7igana completes a flawless back6handspring into a double back6flip. I didnt think think that was even possible, but shes showed me otherwise. 'hes ama7ing. I watch, enthralled, as the the dance ends. 3in makes them run it through one more time, and they they look even better the second time. T7igana hurries over to grab some water and check in with with 3in, then she joins me me at the bleachers. T7igana# $hat did you think, think, 2a7ippity67ap&% I want to tell her she did ama7ing, but... ...'hes messed up my name again, and it makes me want to tease her. :;< $It was awesome)% :>< $+ou $+ou suck.% suck. % :;< 2a7uki# $+ou $+ou did really well. I was really impressed.% T7igana# $Ehehe) Thanks, Invader 2a7im.% 4aybe I should have teased teased her. T7igana# $as $as I good enough, do you think& I feel like the others are so much better.% 'he really feels that way& 'he was easily the the best. 2a7uki# 2a7uk i# $3o way. +ou were by far the best.% T7igana# T7igana # $Aw) $Aw) +oure +oure the sweetest, sweete st, 2a7ukibble.% 2a7ukibble .% 2a7uki# $2a7uki.% T7igana# $5esides 3ancy, 3ancy, of course. course. 5ut keep trying)% I guess I should have e8pected. T7iganas a great girl, though. :Appeal ;@< :>< 2a7uki# $That was terrible. +ou +ou call that a routine&% routine&% T7igana looks really offended. offended. T7igana# $!ow could you say that& eve eve worked really hard, and I thought we did great)% 0h6oh. 'he didnt see it as teasing. 2a7uki# $36no, I was just teasing teasing you...% T7igana# $+oure $+oure not as nice as I thought thought you were.% T7igana crosses crosses her arms. -ops. :Appeal 6;@< T7igana takes a step back. T7igana# $ell, $ell, nice seeing you again. e have to work on a few more little things before we can go home. +ou can go ahead and head out, -2, 2a7immy6wimmy&% 2a7uki# $2a7uki. "lease, its 2a7uki.% T7igana# $3o. It will will never be 2a7uki.% The one time time she gets it right... 'hes definitely doing this on purpose. T7igana# $!ey, thanks for coming. That was nice of you. I wanna see you tomorrow, -2&% Id like to see her, too. 2a7uki# $+eah. $+eah. I hope I see you you too.% T7igana# $'ee yaF)% 'he heads off.
'lowly, I stand and head out of the gym. I mount my bicycle once outside and kick up the stand, pedaling out of the school grounds. It was another fantastic day da y at Adelaide Academy. I learned more about some of my new friends. And And I think the girls are all really beautiful or cute in their own way. I hope to see them all again. *row closer to them. Its stupid, but Id Id like to find a girlfriend girlfriend here, after all. all. ...5ut with my terrible terrible luck with girls, it it wont happen. Thatll be alright with with me. I just want to stay friends friends with everyone. End Episode
Taka#i's Taka#i's Route Episode 1
Adelaide. Its a nice place, I guess. There are a few big fields and lots of trees, but since since the big business boom, its become more and more industrial. 4y dad moved me here with the rest of my family for retirement since it provides lots of job opportunities. I was enrolled at Adelaide Academy. Today Today is my first day. day. Im pretty nervous, but this is my chance to start over from scratch) Ill no longer be $Ta $ Takami kami the Terror% or $The /ed hirlwind%. Ill be Takami Bunsui, the sweetest, most girly young maiden in school) I run the three miles to school as part of my conditioning for the morning. 4y dad has trained me to love e8ercise, so I do it a lot. I walk through the door, door, and immediately trip trip over something and fall flat flat on my face. Takami# Takami# $hat the the heck was that&)% that&)% A head pops out from behind the wall of the school, then the owner of the head hurries over and picks up the things I tripped on. I notice its a pile of kendo swords. ...Adelaide is in Europe, so why does this school have a kendo club& I look up at the boy who picked up the swords. !e has blue eyes and a black mohawk, and his face is is littered with piercings. !ow odd. !e holds out a hand to help me me up. I accept it. Takami# Takami# $hats the big idea, leaving your swords in the middle of the hallway& I could have gotten really hurt)% Actually, Actually, it wasnt a bad trip, but for some reason my ankle feels sore. sore. 4aybe I hadnt cooled down enough from my run, and I was still tense. The boy just shrugs. shrugs. Takami# Takami# $Thats no e8cuse) Im a delicate flower, and I might have gotten hurt)% ...Im not delicate at all, but he doesnt need to know that. The arm that isnt wrapped around the stack of swords signs something something rapidly. I blink. ant he just just say hes sorry& Takami# Takami# $hatever youre doing, I dont buy it. +oure +oure not going to tell me youre sorry&% The boy blinks, then repeats the odd signs with his hand. ...Is he deaf& Takami# Takami# $an...you hear me&% The boy nods. !e then pauses, holds up a finger, and places the swords down by the entrance. !e takes one and uses it to write in the dirt. Sorry. 4aybe hes mute. Takami# Takami# $I forgive you. 5ut honestly, honestly, why leave them there in the middle of the hall&% The boy erases his message and writes a new one. I had to get something. Takami# Takami# $Thats no e8cuse.% ...It really isnt. !e could have put them on the side of the hall, instead of right in the middle. !e just just shrugs. Im suddenly curious to ask more about him. 4aybe he can help me me get situated, though I admit to feeling a bit awkward around him. :;< Ask Ask the boy his name. :>< Tell Tell the boy hes creepy.
:;< Takami# Takami# $hats your name&% The boy erases his message, then then writes something. something. Kyos. 2yos. hat an odd name. Takami# Takami# $Do you go here...2yohss&% 2yos shakes his head, then writes# Kigh-os. 2 syllables. 2yos. 'till odd. !e writes writes some more. more. In my third year. year. 'o hes seventeen. A year older than me. !e must know his way around. :Appeal stays the same< :>< Takami# Takami# $+oure $+oure creepy.% The boy blinks. Takami# Takami# $Do you have a name, reepy&% !e blinks again, then slowly begins to write# Kyos. I'm not creepy. You're You're rude. I dont think he likes me, but Im not much his fan either. !e tripped me, after all. :Appeal 6@< 2yos gestures to the hallways, hallways, then looks at me Cui77ically and signs some things. Takami# Takami# $I have no idea what youre trying to say.% say.% !e seems to remember his writing in the dirt, erases erases his last message, then writes again. Do you have any idea where you're going? ...3ot a clue. Takami# Takami# $3ot one bit. Im new, and I just got here. ould you show me where to go&% !e seems to be thinking, but eventually he nods. I wait for him to collect the rest of the kendo swords, then he takes the lead heading through the hallway. I follow him, trying not to show how much my ankle is throbbing. -bviously, we dont talk much. 2yos makes some more hand signs, but I dont know what any of them mean. onversely, I try to talk to him, but he doesnt say an ything back. !es still pretty weird, but not as creepy as I thought. e head to a door labeled $"rincipal%. 2yos opens the door and gestures for me to follow him inside. I do. Inside, a secretary woman sits at the desk, busily typing away. away. 2yos waves. 'he looks up at him and smiles. 'ecretary# $!elloF) G? Did you need somethingF& G?% 2yos nods, puts his swords down on a chair, and makes a bunch of signs. The The secretary seems to understand every one. 'he must speak sign language. 'ecretary# $-f course I have the the schedulesF. G? hat is her nameF& G?% ...I never told him. 2yos must reali7e that, since he faces me and makes a few signs. I assume hes asking my name. Takami# $Takami Bunsui.% Bunsui. % 2yos shakes his head and repeats the signs. 'ecretary# $!es asking you how old you are, dearF. G?% ...hy is he asking something like like that& 4aybe hes thinking well have classes together& Im a bit ticked off at him since hes looking at me like that was supposed supposed to be obvious.
:;< Tell Tell 2yos 2yos how old you are. :>< *et angry. :;< Takami# Takami# $Im si8teen.% 2yos nods, turns back to the the secretary, and signs some things. things. ...!e knows she she can hear me, right& 'ecretary# $+es, $+es, of courseF. G? I shall get your schedule right awayF) G?% I wonder why we couldnt just ask the principal for this stuff. stuff. :>< Takami# Takami# $Dontchu gimme that look) !ow was I sposed to know that, eh&)% ...hoops. I slipped into my old accent. I was supposed to make a good, maidenly first impression, but I was pretty ticked ticked off. 2yos shrugs. Takami# Takami# $Dont shrug shrug at me)% Im being more conscious not to speak like that anymore. Takami# Takami# $I mean, I dont speak wild hand flailing)% 'ecretary# $'ign language, dearF. G?% 5eing corrected only makes makes me more upset for some reason. reason. Takami# Takami# $hatever)% I huff, crossing crossing my arms. 2yos frowns frowns and makes a bunch of rapid hand gestures. Takami# Takami# $'till have no idea idea what youre doing.% Doesnt he reali7e that by now& Takami# Takami# $5ut in any case, wheres the principal during all this&% this&% 'ecretary# $In his officeF. officeF. G?% 2yos borrows a pen and paper from from her and writes some some things, finally remembering remembering that I dont speak sign language. I inda hate him. ...Thats blunt. I cant help but wonder why. :;< Ask why. :>< Ignore it. :;< Takami# Takami# $hy is that&% 2yos writes something rapidly. rapidly. !e's "reaing scary. scary. #lus I'm pretty pretty sure he illed someone or something. ...Thats horrible reasoning. Takami# Takami# $'o...its based on assumptions&% 2yos sighs dramatically, dramatically, then writes a few more things. $ssumptions that are very very true. ...That still makes no sense, but hes nodding no dding and looks pleased with himself. I decide to play along. Takami# Takami# $That makes a lot more sense. ell, ell, guess were avoiding the principal.% 2yos looks content. ...Did I make him happy just by agreeing with him& *uess this guys pretty easy to handle. :Appeal @< :>< I dont say anything on the subject. :Appeal stays the same.<
The secretary gives me my schedule. I check it. 1ooks like my first class is is 1anguage Arts...ugh. I hate that subject. I wish I had "E first since its something I actually love. 2yos Cuickly gets a fresh piece of paper and draws me a map to my first classroom. ...Its really badly drawn, but I get it. Takami# Takami# $ell, $ell, thanks for the map. 3ice meeting you.% I can still salvage this first impression impression if I work hard enough. This in mind, I add a smile. 2yos signs something, then then waves. 'ecretary# $!e said it was nice meeting you tooF. tooF. G?% I cant help but blush. !e may be weird, but 2yos is a boy, after after all. I wave back, then head out of the room and head down the hall. 4y ankle is still throbbing. I walk down to the classroom 2yos directed directed me to. 'tanding outside the door, I can see another boy with a girl. As I approach, both of them point at me and wave. 5oy# $1ook) A person I dont recogni7e)% *irl# $4aybe shes new&% I am new. I look forward to making making potential friends and Cuickly smile. smile. Takami# Takami# $!i. Are Are you two waiting to get into 1anguage Arts&% Arts&% 5oy# $+up) $+up) +oure +oure at the right place. Im Bay 4carthy. hats hats your name&% !es really energetic. energetic. Is he really a high6schooler& *irl# $Im !eather 'pence. Are Are you new&% !eather seems so nice and girly. girly. Takami# Takami# $0h6huh) Im Takami Takami Bunsui. Its Its nice to meet you two)% Bay# $hoa) Its nice to meet you, too) That That is so weird)% Its not. Bays really hyper. !eather# $elcome $elcome to Adelaide, Takami. Takami. Thats a nice name. hat culture is it from&% I could tell tell her the truth, but... ...4y name is pretty obviously Bapanese, isnt it& :;< Australia :>< Bapan :?< An An alien planet. 1ike 1ike "luto. :;< Takami# Takami# $Its from Australia.% Australia. % !eather# $hoa, really& Thats Thats pretty cool)% Bay# $I love Australia) Australia) ...-r was that Austria& Austria& The one with the bo8ing kangaroos)% 3either of those places have that. ...They both believed me, so I should tell tell them the truth. Takami# Takami# $Its actually Bapanese. Im from Bapan.% !eather# $!uh& -h, you were teasing.% *ood. 'hes not angry. angry. Bay# $Bapan...thats the place with the pandas, right&% ...Bay doesnt even count. :Appeal stays the the same for both< :>< Takami# Takami# $Its Bapanese.% !eather# $Thats cool. I have friends from there.% Bay# $+eah, $+eah, like my song buddy)% ...ho& Takami# Takami# $There are other people here from from Bapan&%
That makes me feel less less alone. :Appeal ; for both< :?< Takami# $"luto.% $"luto .% Bay# $ow) $ow) +oure +oure an alien&)% alien& )% !eather# $/eally& I thought aliens werent werent real.% Takami# $+et, $+et, here I am. In the flesh)% Bay# $Aliens have flesh& Awesome)% !eather# $Thats weird, but pretty cool)% ...They actually believe me. me. They really do. They must be really gullible. Takami# Takami# $...Its actually Bapanese. Bapanese. I was just pulling pulling your legs.% Bay# $!uh, you lied about aliens)% !eather# $-h...so it was a joke.% ...'omehow, they both look disappointed. :Appeal 6; for both< !eather looks at the door. !eather# $lass hasnt started yet, so we have a bit of time to chat. Takami, Takami, whyd you move to Adelaide&% A lot of reasons, I guess. I want to go home, though. Takami# Takami# $4y dad wanted to retire retire here.% Bay# $/etire& $/etire& 9rom what&% I could tell them hes a champion champion bo8er, but... ...Id rather let them think think he does something less...manly. less...manly. :;< $!es a bo8er.% bo8er.% :>< $!es a world6class gardener.% :;< Takami# Takami# $!e was was a world6class bo8er.% bo8er.% !eather# $ow) $ow) 'o he was famous&% Takami# $+eah, I guess.% Bay# $Thats so cool) +ou +ou must be, like, like, second6degree famous)% ...That isnt a thing. 5ut they seem pleased, somehow. :Appeal :Appeal ;J for Bay, @ for !eather< :>< Takami# Takami# $A world6class world6c lass gardener.% !eather# $...That e8ists&% 3o. Takami# $+ep.% Bay# $Thats a little weird.% ...Even Bay seems displeased. Takami# $...!e was a bo8er.% bo8e r.% Bay# $hoa) Awesome)% Awesome)% !eather# $Thats cool. +ou +ou could have just told us.% 'orry. I didnt want you guys knowing I was the daughter of such a masculine athlete. :Appeal stays the same< !eather# $ell, $ell, it looks like class is starting.% 'hes right. The The teacher is starting to talk. !eather# $1ets go inside. e e can talk after, after, -2&%
Bay# $+up)% $+up)% That sounds good. !eather and Bay are nice. Takami# $-2. Thanks)% !eather# $+ep) $+ep) 3ice meeting you, Takami)% Takami)% Bay# $hat $hat she said)% Takami# Takami# $3ice meeting meeting you two, too.% e head into class. hen class ends, Bay and !eather chat with me a bit more, then direct me to my ne8t class while they head off to !istory. lasses pass pretty slowly, and then its on to lunch. The person serving lunch is a boy, which is pretty weird. I get my lunch and look for a place to sit. 3owhere necessarily looks appealing, and on such a nice day, Id rather sit outside. I decide to go outside and look around. Theres a girl sitting by the fountain who looks way too deep in thought to be good company. A boy is laying in the grass under the shade of a few trees. !e looks like hes napping. :;< Approach the boy. :>< 'it somewhere else outside. :;< I decide to go up to the sleeping boy. The closer I get, the more I reali7e something looks wrong. 5y the time Im right ne8t to him, I know its because hes missing an arm. ...9irst a weirdo with piercings, then a weirdo with AD!D, and now a weirdo with one arm. Are Are there any normal boys in this school at all& I kneel down and stare at him for a minute. !e has pale pale skin, and black hair that covers one eye. !e looks very peaceful, somehow, even though his arm is missing. ...!es so deep into sleep, I cant help but wonder how long hes been out here. hile Im staring at him, his eyes begin to twitch, and he slowly blinks them open. I Cuickly sit up from e8amining him so closely. Even if hes a bit weird, hes pretty handsome. The boys eyes open. Theyre Theyre brown, but somehow very insightful. insightful. Armless 5oy# $...hat&% ...!es a bit blunt. Takami# Takami# $0m, I was just...hoping I could eat lunch out here.% !e yawns, then sits sits up. Armless 5oy# $'ure. As guardian of the forest, I grant you you permission to sit as far away from me as possible.% I can practically practically feel the sarcasm. !ow rude. Takami# Takami# $I was actually hoping...youd grant me permission to sit here.% !e stares stares at me. Armless 5oy# $3o.% ell. e ll. 'o much for subtlety. I want to stay, stay, but maybe I should just give up. :;< *ive up :>< 'tay. :;< I give up and decide to go sit somewhere else.
Takami# Takami# $ell, $ell, nice meeting you, I guess.% Armless 5oy# $+ep.% $+ep.% !e promptly goes back to to sleep. ...Im kinda glad Im leaving. Rolf's Route
:>< Takami# Takami# $Im not going to move.% !es glaring at me now. now. Armless 5oy# 5oy# $I never asked for company.% company.% Takami# $ell, get used to it.% I dont take $no% for an answer. Even if the person giving it is is a really hot boy. !e grunts at me, but eventually gives up and lays back down. I dont want him to go back to sleep. :;< Ask Ask the boy his name. :>< all the boy out for for being a rude little prKck. :;< Takami# Takami# $Dont go to sleep yet. Tell Tell me your name.% !e looks at me. me. Armless 5oy# 5oy# $And why the hKll should I&% 3ow hes made me mad. Takami# Takami# $4aybe cause an innocent new girl is askin ya for yer name) An An when a girl like that asks ya for yer name, ya give it to her, dKmmit)% rap. Ive snapped. And yet, somehow, somehow, he seems to have rela8ed a bit. Armless 5oy# $Innocent my Kss.% -r maybe not. Armless 5oy# $The names /olf. /olf. Inscribe it on your heart for years to come. ear ear it proudly on your sleeve. Tattoo Tattoo it on your neck and an d rip it off when I inevitably hate you. you . ait. ait. Too Too late.% ...!e gave me his name, but hes still still a prKck. :Appeal stays stays the same< :>< Takami# Takami# $E8cuse me&) Dont you just...fall asleep on me, stupid) 'it up and engage with me, you little jerk)% !e looks looks frustrated. Armless 5oy# 5oy# $*ee7, woman, cant a guy get some peace around here&)% !e gestures to the little little nub where his left left arm should be. Armless 5oy# $3o rest for the wicked& Do I get a *et -ut of Bail 9ree card& Dont I get some pity or whatever you call it&% All hes doing doing is making me more angry. angry. Takami# Takami# $+a cant give me yer name&) +a cant ask me mine&) 3one o that&) *ee7) +oull +oull get no pity from me)% If I look closely, closely, I swear he looks offended. Armless 5oy# $4y names /olf. /olf. 3ow will you shut the hKll up so I can sleep&)% ...I learned his name anyways, but hes definitely really mad at me. :Appeal 6;@< Takami# Takami# $...'o, /olf.% /olf grunts and closes his eyes. Takami# Takami# $!ow long have you been out here&% !e groans.
/olf# $I dunno, hours&% ...!es skipping school, isnt he& Takami# $+ou cant just stay out here forever.% /olf# $hat ever happened to 1ittle 1ittle 4iss Accent&% ...DKmn this this guy. Takami# Takami# $9orget you ever heard that.% that.% /olf# $!m. 5it hard to when that annoying voice of yours is constantly bu77ing in my ears like a fly.% fly.% Its like hes hes making me mad mad on purpose. Takami# Takami# $9ine. *o to sleep. 'ee if I care when someone someone finds out.% Im annoyed, but I dont want to to slide back into my accent again. !es Cuiet. I return to eating my lunch. Its Cuiet for a while. Im nearly done when he speaks again. /olf# $+oure $+oure still here&% Takami# $+es.% $+es.% ere e re Cuiet again. /olf# $hy&% Takami# Takami# $5ecause this is a nice spot and I wanted to eat my lunch outside.% ...Its true, but I was also hoping to get to to know /olf a little little more. /olf# $+oure $+oure annoying.% ...Does he take lessons lessons on this or something& Takami# Takami# $E8cuse me. Ive hardly done anything since you fell asleep.% /olf# $I wasnt sleeping.% sleeping.% 'o he was awake. And he let let me eat in silence. hat a bKstard. bKstard. :;< *et really mad. :>< 'TA+ 'TA+ I3 !A/ATE/) :;< Takami# Takami# $+oure $+oure the rudest, most inconsiderate jerk Ive ever met, you know that&% !e looks amused, and it makes makes me start to hate him. /olf# $3o accent this time&% ...I want to give this guy a left hook thatll make him wish he had never messed with $Takami $Takami the Terror%. Takami# Takami# $Are you doing this on purpose&)% /olf# $+up.% $+up.% !e didnt even have to think. think. I hate this guy. guy. Takami# $+oure $+oure terrible)% /olf doesnt protest. protest. !e just blinks at me. me. This time, I do slip slip into the accent. Takami# Takami# $!ow can that be -2 with ya&) !uh&) hat, ya want people to hatchu&% /olf# $There it is. +our +our inner boy.% boy.% ...Its taking all my self6control not to kill kill him. Takami# Takami# $+a got no spect for a girls feelins)% /olf# $!m, nope. 3ot really. really.%% I practically scream in my frustration and stand up. Im ready to go back inside. :Appeal stays the same.<
:>< Takami# Takami# $-h. ere ere you uncomfortable&% /olf looks a bit surprised. surprised. 4aybe he e8pected me to yell. /olf# $ouldnt sleep sleep with the sound of your heavy breathing.% Takami# Takami# $Im sorry. sorry. Ill be more conscious of that.% Even I4 surprised Im not screaming. /olf# $*ood. +ou +ou owe me me that.% ...I owe him& ...Its a wonder he hasnt been killed. I give up and decide to head inside. inside. Takami# $ell, nice meeting you.% I stand. !e stares stares at me. /olf# $-2.% ...'elf6control, Takami. Takami. :Appeal 6;< Im starting to head back to the school when something suddenly snaps out and catches my foot. I yelp and tumble to the ground. Takami# $6what was...% was... % I know before I check back and hear /olf casually whistling. whistling. ...As if his despicable behaviors already werent werent bad enough. 3ow hes felt the need to trip trip me. ...And it was was the same foot, too. 4y ankle is is throbbing really bad. :;< Tell Tell /olf he sucks one last time. :>< 1et 1et it go. :;< Takami# Takami# $5Kstard.% !e chuckles, to my surprise. /olf# $Im here all week.% ...!es being totally totally serious, isnt he& Takami# Takami# $3o wonder youre alone out here.% here.% The words come out before before I can stop them. !e winces. winces. "retty visibly. visibly. Its too late to take it back. I stand up, get my tray, and limp back inside. :Appeal 6;J< :>< I choose not to make a big deal. Takami# Takami# $'illy me. I tripped.% tripped.% ounting to ten silently, silently, I stand stand and gather my tray. tray. Takami# Takami# $3ice sitting sitting with you, /olf.% It comes out pretty sarcastically. sarcastically. /olf# $The pleasure is all mine, mine, 9atty.% 9atty.% I resist the urge urge to crush his skull between my thighs. Ill show you you just how $fat% they are. Instead, I flash him a smile over my shoulder and limp back into the school. :Appeal stays the same< :> also occurs when you give up on /olf< I decide to sit somewhere else outside and settle down on the opposite end of the courtyard from the boy. ...Its lonely, and I trip over a branch on my wa y inside and really mess up my ankle, but it was worth it to stay away from that guy. :/olfs /oute episode ; avoided<
Im limping to my ne8t class when someone suddenly calls out behind me. (oice# $!ey) ait ait for a second, you look hurt)% I turn around. Its a girl. 'he has a pretty boyish face, short black hair, and pretty purple eyes. ontacts, maybe. Tomboy# Tomboy# $!ey, you need help getting to the nurse& +oure +oure limping pretty dang bad.% I might like the help, but being seen with this girl would make people think I was a tomboy too, probably. :;< /efuse /efuse her help. :>< Accept her help. :;< Takami# Takami# $Dont $Don t worry, I can do it.% Tomboy# $+ou $+ou sure&% Takami# Takami# $Ive got it, thanks.% The girl gives a little little nod. Tomboy# $ell, $ell, -2. 'ee you later.% 'he heads off, and I start start towards the nurses nurses office alone. &akoto's Route
:>< Takami# Takami# $That would be great, thanks.% Tomboy# Tomboy# $EheheF) Alright, Alright, then) 1ets get you there at top speed)% ...!er speech is pretty manly. manly. ...Am I sure shes not a boy& Tomboy# Tomboy# $/ight, $/ight, then.% 'he comes up to me and slides an arm around my waist. Tomboy# Tomboy# $"ut your arm around my m y shoulders, -2& +ou +ou can lean on me. !ey, Im 4akoto. 4akoto 2obayashi.% Takami# $Im Takami Takami Bunsui.% Bunsui .% 4akoto grins. 4akoto# $+oure $+oure new, arent you& !ey, has has anyone given you a grand tour yet& -oh) +ou +ou need to join a club. +ou +ou look like youd be good at dancing. T7igana and an d I are trying to start a dance club, but people think its pretty redundant since we already have gymnastics. 5ut thats gymnastics, and this is dance. Theyre totally different, you know&% ...'he talks a lot. lot. :;< $...hat&% :>< $I totally get it.% :;< Takami# $...'orry, $...' orry, what&% 4akoto blinks. 4akoto# $ere...you $ere...you didnt hear a word I said, said, did you&% Takami# $'orry. $'orr y. I kinda got lost. 4akoto# $Its -2, its its -2) 3o hard feelings. feelings. 3ot a big deal, right&% right&% 'he laughs, but I get the feeling feeling it really wasnt $-2%. :Appeal 6;< :>< Takami# Takami# $That makes sense to me.% 4akoto beams.
4akoto# $/ight) 5ecause, gymnastics has dance routines, but thats not a dance club. +ou +ou know&% 'he seems pretty passionate. Takami# $/ight.% $/ight .% 4akoto# $EheheF. !ey, youre pretty cool, Takami.% Takami.% Takami# Takami# $Thanks.% 'hes pretty friendly. :Appeal @< e keep walking down the hallway. !er shoulders are pretty broad, and the more we keep walking, the more I start to think shes really a boy. b oy. Bust a giggly boy. boy. 4akoto# $!ey, howd you hurt your ankle, anyways&% Takami# $I tripped.% tripped .% Twice. 4akoto# $-uch, that would suck. +eah, +eah, Id hate to lose the use of a foot. I like like running too much, you know&% ...If 4akoto is a boy, hes the most normal one Ive met all day. ...And if 4akoto is a girl, girl, shes an even bigger tomboy tomboy than me. :;< *ive in and ask 4akoto what the heck gender heLshe is. :>< Decide not to pry and be confused forever. :;< Takami# Takami# $...4akoto, you...youre pretty normal, for a boy.% boy.% ...I think Im going to regret just assuming 4akotos a boy after being so sure he was a girl. girl. 4akoto# $!ehe, yup)% ...4akotos a boy after all& 4akoto# $I get told that sometimes. I guess Im just so...% 4akoto suddenly goes bright red. 4akoto# $3o) ait) ait) Im not) not) Im not a boy) +ou +ou dont have to believe me, but I can prove it) I have boobs, see& Theyre small, but theyre there, see&% ...hoops. 'he was a girl girl the whole time, after all. ...'he seems a bit self6conscious of absolutely everything. 4akoto# $...I kinda hoped you were different, different, Takami.% Takami.% And now shes upset. Takami# Takami# $I6Im sorry. sorry. I thought at first, you must be a girl, but then I started started getting confused...% ...Im only making making things things worse. :Appeal 6;J< :>< I decide not to say say anything about it. 4akotos probably a girl. 4akoto# $!uh, Takami& +ou look like theres something on your mind. +oure +oure kinda red.% ...Then again, if shes a boy, shes pretty pretty attractive and her arm is on my waist. I have no idea what to think. 4akoto# $!m. ith that look, I think I know what youre thinking. +up, +up, Im definitely a girl)% 'he figured me out. 4akoto# $'orry I didnt clear that up. I should be used to it, since youre new. 5ut Im a girl for sure) ...1ast I checked)% ...'he checks...& Takami# Takami# $'6sorry. $'6sorry. I hope youre not offended. I assumed you were a girl.% 4akoto# $!ehe, you did& Aw, Aw, shucks. Thanks, Takami.% Takami.% 'he seems pleased, somehow. somehow. 4akotos pretty pretty easy to deal with. :Appeal :Appeal @<
e continue down towards the nurse. Im leaning pretty heav ily on 4akoto at this point. 4y ankle is still throbbing, and Im surprisingly comfortable around her. 4akoto# $'o. +ou +ou moved to Adelaide. !ere for the industry&% Takami# Takami# $4y dad retired here.% 4akoto# $Ah, cool) +eah, +eah, my dad moved the family here to try to get in on a bit of the big business boom. 5oth my parents work, but we make good money, so I guess I should should be happy.% I didnt ask, but its kinda nice knowing shes so comfortable comfortable with me. 4akoto# $The nurses office is just down the hall here. !es a little little weird, but you get used to him.% !im& The school nurse is male& I wonder if hes normal. 4ore importantly, importantly, I hope hes not thirty. thirty. e finally stop at the nurse and 4akoto opens the door. door. I go in alone so 4akoto can get to class. 4akoto# $ell, $ell, here you are. Bust sit there for a minute. !e comes out of his office office every time he hears the door to check for lass /ep.% lass /ep& 1ike the school president& I wonder what kind of person they are. 4akoto# $3ice chatting with you, Takami) elcome elcome to Adelaide Adelaide Academy)% Takami# $+eah, you too) Thank you)% 4akoto gives a two6fingered two6fingered salute, then then hurries off. off. I really like 4akoto. 'he makes makes me feel less out6of6place. 4aybe well see each other again some time. I sit in the nurses nurses office for for about thirty seconds before I hear a voice. (oice# $Is someone here&% hat a smooth, gentle voice. voice. Im already getting pictures of the school nurse in my head before Ive even seen him. And Im hoping against hope hes a young guy. Takami# $+es, $+es, someones here.% (oice# $Ah, just a moment.% moment. % 4y uninjured foot starts tapping without me reali7ing it. After a few more seconds, a door opens, and someone comes out, walking towards me. ...!e definitely looks young, but... ...!es freakishly freakishly tall. 'chool 3urse# $Another girl& If I didnt know any better, Id say you were all pretending to be sick just to come see me.% !e laughs, and I e8amine him more closely. !es wearing glasses, and his black hair is ridiculously long. 5esides his cra7y height, the first thing I notice is his rather large nose. !e has such a gentle e8pression. !ow handsome. Takami# Takami# $I think I sprained my ankle.% M$Think% is the wrong word. Its definitely sprained. 'chool 3urse# $Bust a sprain& sprain& Darn. Its more more e8citing when you can see the bone sticking sticking out.% ...I try to ignore that. The school nurse seems completely normal so far, far, and I dont want a little bout of hopefully6sarcasm to ruin that. !e walks over and holds out a hand to me.
'chool 3urse# $ome on into the back with me. Ill make sure sure your foot isnt broken.% Takami# Takami# $Th6thank you.% I take his hand and let myself be pulled to my feet. 'tanding ne8t to him makes me feel really short. Together, Together, we go into the room he had just come out of. It looks surprisingly surprisingly similar to the kind of office youd see at a hospital, with a high bench, a chair, and a desk. Theres a dispenser for gloves on the wall. Its the perfect picture of a doctors office. ...The only problem is that there are a few blood stains on the floor. I try not to focus on it too much. 'chool 3urse# $E8cuse the mess. I was just working working on a small project.% ...A small small project that got blood blood on the floors& ...Im trying not to look at the desk. I assume hes going to ask me to sit on the bench and Cuickly hop up. This person is so mysterious, but Im a bit scared to ask. /ight now, Im still determined to believe the school nurse is normal. normal. 'chool 3urse# $'it tight for just a moment. Are you new& I dont recogni7e you, and by now I should know every girl in the school.% !e must get a lot of female guests. I dont blame them. them. Takami# Takami# $Im Takami Takami Bunsui. I just just moved here.% 'chool 3urse# $A pleasure pleasure to meet you, Takami. Takami. Im 2aiden /eaper, serving my third third year here as school nurse.% Im still hoping hes under thirty. thirty. And Im still very curious. 3ow that I know his name, maybe I should ask him something. !e seems to be busied with with tidying something up on his desk. I consider what to do. :;< Ask Ask 2aiden something. Anything. 1ike 1ike if hes under thirty. :>< Decide 2aidens creepy and say nothing. :;< Takami# Takami# $If you dont mind me asking, how old are you&% 2aiden laughs. 2aiden# $The height is misleading, isnt it& Im only twenty, twenty, dear.% dear.% Dear. Does he say that a lot& lot& I like to think Im Im special. Takami# Takami# $Did you you go to this school&% 2aiden# $!m.% !e seems to be thinking. 2aiden# $3ot once ever.% ever.% ...I cant tell if hes serious serious or not. 2aiden# $I was seventeen when I applied here. 3ever finished high school.% ...!es twenty, twenty, he never finished high school... ...And yet hes the nurse. Is he really Cualified Cualified for this& Im starting starting to get nervous. :>< I decide to keep Cuiet. 2aidens a little odd after all, but nowhere near as strange as the others. +et. +et. Id like to keep it that way wa y for a little longer. 2aiden# $!ow did did you hurt your ankle&% Takami# Takami# $I tripped. tripped. 4ore than once.% 2aiden# $Tripped, or were tripped& Theres a massive massive difference, dear.% dear.% Does he use pet names on everybody&
Takami# Takami# $I guess I just tripped.% 2aiden# $!m. Then its merely *od playing a cruel trick.% trick.% Does that matter& 2aiden# $If it were a human causing trouble, then thered be a problem. Itd mean you had made an enemy, and then you would have to hire bodyguards to make sure you werent shot in the middle of the night.% !e pauses, and then, as if I couldnt guess already, already, he continues. 2aiden# $I couldnt fi8 something like like that.% ...Does he even know how to fi8 my ankle& Im starting to have doubts. 2aiden goes to a small free7er and removes an icepack. I try to peek into the free7er to see if I can catch a glimpse of anything else he might keep in there, but I dont have enough time to search before the door is closed. !e takes off his glasses and places them on the desk. Theyre probabl y for reading, I reali7e. 2aiden# $!ere you go, darling. 1eave that on the sprain for a bit. +oure +oure welcome to rest in here for a while. Aside from rest, rest, the only thing I can do for you is break the bone and send you to a hospital so you can be their problem.% ...The part that scares me is that hes still smiling, smiling, and he doesnt sound sarcastic at all. Im starting to think it might be a good idea to just get back to class. 4aybe 2aiden isnt normal after after all. :;< 4ake up an e8cuse and run for your life. life. :>< 'tay and rest your foot. :;< Takami# Takami# $Actually, I just remembered. 4y dog ate all my motivation to live.% If he buys that, I lose all faith in in his normality. normality. 2aiden looks very serious. serious. 2aiden# $Thats very serious. +ou +ou should probably go see a doctor.% doctor.% ...Arent you you a doctor& I mumble an apology and slide off the bench, heading for the door. 2aiden remains silent. silent. 4y foot still hurts, but I think it it was worth it. Kaiden's Route
:>< Im a little freaked out, but my foot still throbs, throbs, and 2aiden doesnt seem too bad. I decide to stay and rest. Takami# Takami# $Thank you.% I rest my foot on the end of the bench and place the ice ice over it. 2aiden watches me for for a second, then turns to his computer and begins to type. ere both Cuiet for a few minutes. Takami# Takami# $'o how long have you lived in in Adelaide&% Adelaide&% I really want to get a conversation conversation started. 2aiden thinks. 2aiden# $9our years. The first first year was spent trying not to die.% ...!e sounds totally serious. Takami# Takami# $Thats...-2.% I have no idea how to respond to him anymore. !e continues. 2aiden# $I know how to deal with with basic injuries. !ow to treat them, and how to to inflict them.% ...!es a total total sadist, isnt he&
2aiden# $'o at seventeen, I essentially begged for this job.% 5egged. 4aybe hes poor& I want to ask something else, but 2aiden suddenly seems a bit solemn. 4aybe its best to drop it. it. :;< Drop it. :>< Ask something else. :;< I decide not to continue. :Appeal stays the same< :>< Takami# Takami# $+ou $+ou said youve lived here for four years. Then, when you moved here, that would make you...% 2aiden# $'i8teen, love.% ...Im torn between swooning and wanting to to run for my life. life. Takami# Takami# $Then, your parents&% 2aiden# $3ot here.% 2aiden glances at me me for a moment moment and smiles. It looks a bit sad. sad. Did something happen to his parents& Takami# $+oure $+oure alone&% 2aiden# $ompletely.% $ompletely.% !e sounded so upset for a second there. !es pretty young, so Im not surprised. Takami# $Im sorry.% The apology just came out. 2aiden smiles. 2aiden# $3ot a problem, dear. 3ot a problem at all. I spend all my time surrounded by high school girls, so it isnt all bad.% ...A sadist and a pervert. !es not very normal at all. :Appeal @< Takami# Takami# $...+ou...do $...+ou...do know what youre doing, dont you&% Im not Cuite convinced even though he claims he knows what hes doing. 2aiden# $3ot at all.% all.% ...I have no idea how to react. 2aiden# $...would be a lie. -f course.% ...Im relieved, but at the same time... ...I have no idea what to think about him. :;< 2eep asking Cuestions. Cuestions. :>< all 2aiden out for being a weirdo like everyone else. :;< Im still curious, so I decide to ask a few more Cuestions. Cuestions. ere ere not doing much else while I sit here and rest my ankle. Takami# Takami# $'o...where did you live before Adelaide&% 2aiden# $Ah, yes. The Emerald Isle. Isle. 'uch a beautiful beautiful place.% The Emerald Isle. Isnt that Ireland& 2aiden# $Ireland. 'ometimes I wonder why I ever left.% left.% It is. Takami# Takami# $And...your parents are still there.% I wonder why Im so incredibly incredibly curious about his parents. parents.
2aiden# $orrect.% Takami# Takami# $hy didnt they come with you&% 2aiden# $4other didnt know I left. left. 9ather...% 9ather...% 2aiden stops, and Cuickly goes back to typing. typing. 2aiden# $9ather cant.% Takami# Takami# $hy not& I mean, if your son is leaving the country, isnt it bad parenting toH% 2aiden# $4y father was a great parent)% 2aiden sounded angry. I didnt e8pect him to get angry. I promptly decide not to say anything else. 5ut the way he said said $was%... I cant help but wonder if his father is dead. :Appeal :Appeal 6;J< :>< Takami# $+oure weird.% To my surprise, 2aiden laughs. 2aiden# $It took you this long to notice. +oure +oure Cuite slow.% slow.% 'o he knows hes weird. Takami# Takami# $'houldnt you be trying to to make me more comfortable&% 2aiden# $5oo. Thatd be no fun.% ...!e knows, and he does it it on purpose. 2aiden# $Dont you worry, darling. darling. Ill only kill you if I feel threatened. 1ike a gri77ly bear.% bear.% ...!es comparing himself to a gri77ly bear, and now I feel eighty times times worse. :Appeal ;J< ere both Cuiet for a few moments. 4y ankle is so so numb, I cant remember why I ever even came here. 2aiden# $!ow is your your foot&% Takami# Takami# $I cant feel it.% 2aiden# $Then its worked. +ouve +ouve missed the the first half of your ne8t class, but if you hurry, hurry, you can make the rest. Dont put too much pressure on that ankle, and try to keep it elevated if your teacher will let you. +oull be better by tomorrow.% The way he said that made me reali7e he might actually know what hes talking about. 2aiden# $...is what this article says.% says.% -r maybe hes totally clueless after all. Takami# Takami# $Ill head off, off, then. Thank you.% Im thanking him, but he really didnt do anything. 2aiden# $-f course, love. ome back any time.% Are the pet names an Irish Irish thing& I slowly lower myself myself off the bench and start to head out. 2aiden begins to hum behind me, reaching to put his glasses back on. I begin to head out. -n my way, I pass a girl who seems to be on her way back. I reali7e its the same bla7er6wearing girl I saw at the fountain during lunch. *irl# $!urry to class. /emember not to run.% ...'he says that as she passes me. 'he has a professional aura. I wonder if shes the lass lass /ep 4akoto mentioned. Itd make sense, since shes carrying a few papers. I head out of the nurses office and back up to class. Its a little difficult difficult since my foot is pretty numb, but I make it upstairs well enough. lasses seem to drag on a bit, even though "E with 4akoto 4akoto is fun. Im on my way out when 2yos catches up to me.
A paper airplane hits me in in the back of the head. Takami# $6what the...&% the... &% I stop and open the paper airplane, glancing glancing at 2yos, who waves. Sorry "or tripping you today. You You should have looed where you were waling. %ut anyways& nice meeting you. See you tomorrow. tomorrow. It was pretty sweet of him to write this, but... ...Did he have to throw it at my head& !e waves again, and I wave back before starting starting the run back to my house. This whole school is really weird. 5ut somehow, I think Ill like like it. Id like to see everyone again too. End Episode 1
