im not dead iaunch 2017/11/22 (Wed) 11:41 No. 198237 ▼ File 151135089617.png - (546.69KB, 1100x725 , scene2.png)
“I’m curious to see more of the school… you know, get more familiar with the place,” I reply, picking myself up off the ground “So I guess Team A it is then.”
“Team A it is then!” Nitori echoes cheerfully, slinging her oversized backpack over her shoulders. “Hey,” she furrows her brows in concern. “How are you feeling? We could still rest for a bit you know. I’m 100% okay with that.”
“Honestly?” I give my temples a quick massage. “I feel freakin’ terrible, but I think I’ll manage.”
“You know your own feelings best,” she shrugs. “Let’s get going then.”
I poke my head out the doorway, taking stock of the surroundings. Unsurprisingly, the hallways are clean and lit. A cool draft tickles my left cheek, I look around for the source. A half-open door lies about a room’s length down the hallway. Looks like this classroom was at the school’s edge.
“Ah that leads to the courtyard! I’ve propped it open for now to let the others know that we’ve taken this route,” Nitori helpfully informs. “We’re going the other way for now.”
Our footsteps echo in the sterile, empty hallway. I follow NItori’s lead, watching her backpack bounce with every step she takes. It feels like it’s about to burst at the seams.
“How do you even stand carrying all that?” I rub my own shoulders in sympathy.
Nitori turns around to face me but otherwise continues her pace walking backwards. “The backpack you mean? I’m not sure - it just feels right,” she replies, patting her backpack straps. “It’s not too heavy - at least it doesn’t feel too heavy. I’m 80% sure you would have no problem carrying it.” She gives her arms some experimental swings. “You’re bigger than I am, so you should be able to carry it.”
I eye the backpack again. “Er, I’ll take your word for it.”
There’s no way I could even begin to lift that thing…
Nitori raises a finger in realization. “Oh, I just remembered! I never did tell you my talent did I?”
“No, you didn’t,” I say, shaking my head.
She does a little spin - with the backpack - and strikes a pose. “Nitori Kawashiro - Super Duper Schoolgirl Engineerdinaire!” An excited fist pumps through the air. “My specialty is tinkering around with gizmos and gadgets. You want something made? I’ll get it done!” She finishes off her introduction with a saccharine wink.
I suppress the urge to laugh out loud, instead opting to halfway swallow a cough.
“Is that really what your, uh, title is?” I ask, massaging my throat.
Nitori puffs her cheeks out in indignation. “W-well, no. Technically they just listed my talent as just ‘Engineer’ but that sounded 200% lame,” she sighs. “Anyway, what about you? Wanna tell me what your talent is?”
Err, I should have expected this. I guess I can’t hide it forever. Might as well get it over with. “I actually… don’t know.” I sheepishly reply.
“Oh that’s interesting.” Nitori takes a couple of steps closer to examine me. “You’re the second student who doesn’t know their talent.”
Woah, personal space, girl.
“I’m not the only one?” I reply. instinctively leaning back. Nitori doesn’t seem to be aware of my discomfort.
Fortunately she backs off and flashes me a grin, “Feels good to not be the only one, huh? Yeah, the other student’s name is Tenshi.” Nitori’s face sours as she mentions Tenshi. “I am 86% certain her talent is being a spoiled brat.”
I can’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Sounds like a pleasure to be around”
“There’s a reason why I went with Tewi,” she sighs, turning back around. “We just met and I’d still rather be with her than Tenshi. Some advice from me, just avoid her if you can.”
“Thanks for the tip, I guess?” I say, scratching my head.
The conversation peters off as we continue down the empty hallways.
----
I bump into Nitori’s backpack as she suddenly stops in her tracks. If she noticed, she doesn’t show it. “Looks like we’ve caught up with them. I can hear Tewi’s voice.”
A set of heavy, ornate double doors welcomes us. Unlike the rest of the sliding doors we passed by, these doors are of the swinging variety. Nitori casually walks up to the door and pushes it open.
Nitori’s entrance swirls the air around us, causing the musty scent of old books to assault my nose. Tears well up in my eyes as the sudden scent forces a sneeze out of me. A warm yellow glow twinkles through my blurred vision and I rub my eyes to reveal a room completely opposite of the sterile hallways outside.
Old worn bookshelves line the the walls from floor to ceiling, punctuated by the occasional support pillar. It’s homely and decidedly old-fashioned, the aged wood comforting. Reading chairs are scattered about the place, In the center of my vision, a group of people are gathered. I walk through the doors, following Nitori, but stop.
Can I trust these people?
Nitori on the other hand has no such hesitation. She strides forward, calling out to the group. “Heeey~ I found another one!”
Another one? What am I, a lost kitten?
“Excellent timing, Nitori. Your assistance is required. We’ve found another student, though she’s been rather uncooperative.”
“Oh, do you need the sedatives? I think I still have some left. This girl here didn’t need to use ‘em.”
I narrow my eyes at Nitori as I catch up to her. That’s beacuse you tricked me…
“I’ll go ahead and deal with the new one.” She turns to me. “Go ahead and introduce yourself to the others.”
[ ]Crimson and brooding.
[ ]Purple and aloof.
[ ]Pink and playful.
see pic
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Sorry for the huge delay.
