My limbs creak as I stretch across my bed, twisting my back until I can’t twist anymore. I let out a satisfied moan as my body goes limp. My eyes flutter open, reaching for a body that isn’t there. I swear I had a boy here not too long ago…
I sit up, clutching the duvet to my chest, peering into the still dark room. The approaching dawn helps highlight the shuffling shadow in the darkness.
“Hisao? Where are you going?” I ask as my boyfriend finishes buckling his pants.
“S-sorry!” He whispers, creeping over to my bed to kiss my forehead. “I didn’t mean to wake you!”
“It’s, mm, okay. What are you doing?” I ask, still a little bleary-eyed.
“I forgot to take my medication last night and I can’t exactly shower over here plus I think I ought to go check-in with the Nurse before I go to class.” Hisao rambles and I plant a finger on his lips.
“I get it, I get it. I just wish I could cuddle some more before you had to go.” I smile toward his voice, barely able to keep my eyes open.
“Me too but I’ll catch you later, okay?” Hisao reassures, gently lowering me back to the bed.
“Okay, senpai…” I yawn, snuggling back into my duvet and drifting back into sleep. “Love you…”
“I think I caught a draft on my neck…” I grimace as I crane my neck to the left, rubbing the right side. I roll my head around in a circular motion, lolling it back-and-forth over a soft gristle-y noise in the back of my head where the pain is worst. “Ugh, this is going to be my whole day…”
“Is that it? The only thing you have to report about last night is that you’re getting old?” Fuuka glares at me incredulously from across the cafeteria table. Her boyfriend, Jiro, chuckles to himself as he butters his morning toast.
“Leave her alone, Fuuka.” He bumps her shoulder with his own before looking at me. “Did you two have a fun date?”
“Oh, yeah! It was really fun! We couldn’t go dancing at the place I wanted but we figured it out.”
“Aaaaand?” Fuuka leans-in expectantly but Jiro reins her in. She pouts up at her partner, who can only shake his head at her rampant nosiness. I breathe a little sigh of relief and give him an appreciative smile.
“And it was nice.” I say honestly, even if the night didn’t go exactly the way I wanted. I think Hisao enjoyed himself; it’s just a shame he passed out from all the excitement… But I at least got to feel him inside me before that happened. I should check-in with him, to see if he’s okay and if he’d be up for…
“Rika, you’re blushing~!” Fuuka’s teasing brings me back to the present moment and I realise my skin is pinker than usual.
“Knock it off, you’re embarrassing her!” Jiro softly karate chops the top of Fuuka’s head.
“Hey! It’s not like we weren’t doing the same thing!” She purses her lips and bops her boyfriend on the arm, his own face burning red in much the same way mine is. Only Fuuka is so shameless that naughty thoughts don’t make her blush.
There’s only a few minutes before the bell rings and classes start, but there’s absolutely no sign of Hisao inside his classroom… “What the heck? Where is he?”
“Seriously. I thought you two would still be attached at the hip after las-” The smug smirk of Akio Hayashi disappears as he’s pulled, by his collar, back into the classroom by Molly Kapur. Thank you, Molly…
“Pack it in, Akio!” Molly chides as she takes his place at the rear door, looking up and down the hall before returning her focus to me. “Look; you chip off and we’ll let you know if he’s just late or whatever, yeah?”
I really should get to class… “Thanks, Molly, appreciate it. See you later.”
While I power-walk my way to my own classroom, I anxiously thumb a text to my absent boyfriend.
[Hey Senpai, hope Doc didn’t give you a hard time this morning! Let me know if you’re free for lunch!]
I reach my class and slip into my seat next to Fuuka just as the bell rings. Still no response from Hisao…
“What’s up?”
“Hisao wasn’t there and I haven’t heard from him all morning.” I sigh, propped up against my desk by my elbows. I grip my biceps nervously, frowning down at my desk.
“I’m sure he’s okay. He might’ve just have left his phone in his room.” Fuuka shrugs. That must be it. He got up super-early and had a whole bunch of stuff to do before class so he probably just forgot his phone!
“Yeah, you’re right!”
“Duh! Of course I am!”
Time passes agonisingly slow while I wait for the tell-tale vibration of a message from Hisao. A message that doesn’t come. As soon as the lunch bell rings, I bolt up from my desk and head back to Class 3-3. Please be there, please be there, please be there…
I reach the room as the last few students file out. I don’t recognise any of them; I don’t even know how well they know Hisao… I just end up stepping back to the opposite side of the hall, craning my neck past the crowds to see if I can find anyone that I know but find nothing but a sea of bodies.
I grumble, knocking the back of my head against the wall before pushing myself away from it and towards the stairs, defeated. I’m sure he’s fine. I scratch the back of my head, annoyed that he hasn’t gotten back to me yet. I should get food… Can’t chase my boyfriend all over campus on an empty stomach and he might be there anyway…
The line for lunch goes out the door to the cafeteria as expected. Tilting out of the line to look down its length doesn’t yield me any sign of Hisao but I do see a larger guy and a small blonde hanging off his arm further down; Taro and Saki. Too far to talk right now and I don’t want to cut in line either… I guess I can wait for now…
The boy in front of me looks back over his shoulder and double-takes before grinning and holding up his hand. “Hey, Rika.”
I blink a couple times before I even register that it’s Daisuke, my classmate. “Lost in your thoughts there?”
“Y-yeah, sorry Daisuke.”
“No worries. Whatcha waitin’ for?”
“Uh, lunch?”
“Oh yeah, that makes sense.” He grins dopily, as he often does. “Thanks for the tip about the FT controller, by the way! I’m heading into the city to grab it straight after school!”
“Heh, no problem. I was out with my boyfriend when I spotted it. You haven’t seen him around, have you?”
“That third-year with the hair, right?” Daisuke ponders, his left hand mimicking Hisao’s hair flip. “Don’t think so…”
I pull out my phone and see no new messages. Again. Alright, time for a guilt trip!
[Going to lunch alone because I can’t find you (ಥ﹏ಥ)]
“Hey, d’you wanna run a few sets in the club room when I get back?” Daisuke asks as we shuffle forward with the line while I put my phone away.
“This isn’t another ploy to get me to join the GRC, is it?” I give him a knowing look, which is countered by a shrug.
“Maaaybe. I also wanna put my new toy through its paces and you’re the only person I know who’s actually any good at fighters. My clubmates are too busy messing around with Wii peripherals, trying to jury rig a better one-handed controller, to bother with classic controllers.”
I snort with laughter at his plight. That’s partly why I never bothered joining the Gaming Research Club; I prefer playing games to making them into homework. Still, it’s a worthwhile endeavour; especially around here.
“I’ll have to let you know.” I answer, shuffling forward some more. “I don’t know what’s happening later.”
“Ah, gotcha.” Daisuke winks. We make more small talk as the line moves but as soon as I have my bread-y lunch in-hand, I make a bee-line for Taro and Saki’s table. The pair are flirting up a storm as I toss my bread onto the table.
“Oh! Hey, Rika!” Saki greets with a smile but I only give a respectful nod before turning my attention to my real target.
“Taro; please tell me you’ve seen Hisao today.” I look to Hisao’s classmate to ease my anxiety and he gulps hard, a look of confusion on his face.
“I haven’t… I just assumed he was out sick. Is something wrong?”
“I hope not… I haven’t seen him since he left thi-” I stop in my mental tracks when I realise what I’m saying out loud. My eyes dart between Saki and Taro while I try to think of something else to say but Saki quickly turns to her boyfriend.
“I’m surprised you didn’t see him this morning. You left my room pretty early.” Saki states that little revelation so matter-of-factly that Taro splutters a little before sheepishly glancing at me. Saki simply snorts with amusement.
“Oh, please, we’re all grown-ups here. You stayed the night,” Her finger swings from Taro to me. “And Hisao stayed the night too, I assume?”
“Y-Yeah…” I blush crimson but can’t help but smile a little.
“Like I said.” Saki says smugly.
“I didn’t see him, no. And I know for sure he hasn’t been in class; he sits right in front of me.” Taro explains and my heart sinks.
“Crapbaskets…” I mutter quietly, rubbing my forehead.
“So he’s not been in touch? Like, at all?” Saki asks.
“I went to his class earlier but he wasn’t there and he hasn’t messaged me back…” I slowly stand up from the table; the most obvious course of action now is to make sure he isn’t hurt. “I should check-in with the Doc.”
“I’ll ask around, see if anyone’s seen him since lunch started.” Taro pulls his own phone out as Saki pushes herself off the bench. She makes a move towards me before stopping, flashing a huge smile and then leaning over to kiss Taro on the cheek.
“Keep us in the loop, darling.” Taro’s face becomes more flustered before switching to that determined look I’ve seen him get sometimes.
Saki sidles up to me and, before I can protest, she’s interlocked her arm with mine and is all but dragging me away. Didn’t even get to eat my bread…
“Uh-oh. This looks like trouble.” The Doctor smirks as he turns away from locking his door before his eyebrows rise expectantly. “I hope this isn’t urgent.”
“Did Hisao come to see you today? Early morning time?” I ask, hoping that he at least saw the Doc and this pit in my stomach can be filled somewhat.
“Yes, I saw Nakai this morning.” He eyes Saki before returning his gaze to me. “He just wanted some advice about syncope and a recent exercise regime he’s started.”
There’s a short, sharp ‘hm’ noise in Saki’s throat but I breathe a little sigh of relief at that news at least.
“So he’s okay?”
“I gave him the once over and he was fine. He did ask about circulation problems though, like digits feeling cold. Have you noticed anything like that?” Alright, that feels like a question directed squarely at me…
“Nothing comes to mind. The seasons are changing; maybe that’s the issue?” I gently fib. I know Hisao’s been on my case about that but why would he bring that up with the Doc? And why would he skip classes if he’s fine?
“Okay! Sounds like everything’s fine then!” Saki chimes in and attempts to pull me away. “Sorry to interrupt your lunch, sir!”
“Wait a minute, please.” The Doc orders and we both freeze in place. “If you have any concerns about Hisao in himself - I recommend asking him directly before trying to get info out of me.”
What do you think I’ve been trying to do!? No, don’t lose your cool with the Doc…
“I will but you know how he can be sometimes.” I turn a little and offer a little smile. His right eyebrow twitches a little but he nods with seeming understanding.
“You know where I am if you need anything.” He says and I nod back. “The same goes for you, Enomoto.”
Saki beams and pulls me down the hall again. We separate away from the authority figure before her grin fades, Saki side-eyeing me as we leave the medical wing.
“So he passed out last night?” She asks bluntly.
“Wh-what? Th-that’s not…” Oh, right. She’s clever… I forgot that.
“Oh, honey. I know what syncope means.” Saki gives me a sympathetic look. “Do you think that’s why he’s not been around? Because his pride took a dent?”
“Well, I didn’t until now…” I huff. “It can’t be that… I told him it was fine…”
“And I’m sure deep down he knows that.” Saki reassures, slowing a little and reaching for a hand rail. She rests her butt against the railing and I take up a spot beside her while we both catch our breath. “But it’s still gonna sting if you faint during your first time.”
“I did when we were doing other stuff. I didn’t freak out and not talk to him.” I admit quietly but with a little bitterness in my voice. If he is freaking out about last night, I’m going to have to give him a talking to…
“Well, girls are more mature than boys.” Saki cheekily says, nudging my shoulder with hers. Alright, I think I’ve had enough talk about my love life for the time being.
“Speaking of… Have a very grown-up, mature evening with Taro?” I smirk back at her. “Finally get that physicality you were hoping for?”
Saki’s eyes grow wide as her cheeks burn crimson. She looks away as her lips curl over her teeth, like she’s trying to seal her mouth shut, but there’s the tell-tale dimples in her cheeks that can’t hide that she’s smiling. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear her whole being sort of lit up with joy.
“Mm-hmm…” She hums melodically, avoiding eye contact.
“Wow, really?!” I loll my head in disbelief. Between her and Fuuka, I’m not proud to admit that I’m a little jealous that their nights were much better than mine but still… She’s clearly over the moon.
“Sorry! That was a shitty thing to bring up, all things considered!” Saki shifts gears but I stop her just as quickly. As bummed as I am, I can’t begrudge her some happiness.
“No, no, I asked.” I smile, despite myself. “Though I’m really gonna give Hisao hell when I see him now…”
My phone died sometime during fifth period. It’s taking all of my strength not to bang my head against the desk but I guess I’ll settle for resting my eyes during the group work with Emiko.
Emiko asks me questions every now-and-then but Fuuka carries us through this workload without my help by picking up my slack. Have I become one of those girlfriends? The kind that can’t function without talking to her boyfriend? No! Hisao’s being a butt! That’s the only reason I’m distracted and worried and annoyed.
I mean; how hard is it to send a message, huh? Oh, he better actually be totally depressed or something because at a certain point, he’s just being rude!
I feel every tick of the clock before the final day’s bell rings, despite my best effort to try and engage with the work in front of me. However, by the time the bell rings, I find I don’t have the energy to bolt to Class 3-3 like I did at lunch. Probably for the best, I’ve been chasing Hisao all over the school today and I’d rather not have another whiteout…
“Hey, let’s go check-in with the others.” Fuuka shoots me a smile and I simply nod, blowing air out of my nose in lieu of a sigh. We follow the crowd all the way to the elevators but it’s while we’re waiting with a couple other kids that an ear-piercing whistle rings out through the halls.
“Oi-oi!” The source of the whistle grins from the top of the stairs, arms crossed across her chest. Molly steps back and allows two more people to come up the stairs, the red-haired Akio and a girl I’ve seen around the school - a shy girl who hides her scars behind her hair.
“Hey, Molly! Red! What’s up?” Fuuka beams as she spins in place to face them.
“Well, we couldn’t find your boyfriend but we got you the next best thing!” Akio announces, holding his arms out to present the girl just behind him.
“I’m not going to speak for Rika but I’m pretty sure she likes her boys with boy parts.” Fuuka snorts with amusement.
There’s a beat of realisation right after the girl looks at Akio, then at us, then back to Akio, before she panics with an ‘eep’ noise. She disappears into her hair then slinks behind Akio.
“What the hell is this, Akio?” I ask, not even caring to hide my annoyance.
“Alright, alright, if you’re gonna be like that…” Akio responds defensively, standing in front of the shy girl after looking back at her. “Hanako here has managed something no one else today has; she’s actually talked to Hisao.”
“What!?” My shouting seems to make the shy girl hide even more behind Akio. “Sorry, I’m sorry, um…”
“H-Hanako…” The girl quietly says.
“I’m sorry for shouting, Hanako, I’ve just been worried about Hisao all day and no one’s seen him. Well, except you, that is.” I adjust my tone, lower my volume, try to look less crazy, anything to get this girl back on my side. “Oh, I’m Rika, by the way.”
“Y-y-yeah, I know, I’ve s-s-seen your-nevermind. H-Hisao came into the l-l-library during lunch time.” Hanako peeks out and finds her confidence with a nod for Akio. “He said he didn’t feel w-w-well but he l-looked fine to me. I t-told him I h-had a panic attack just before lunch and he asked h-how I f-felt. He sat n-next to me while I read…”
I should be more patient with this Hanako; she’s clearly got some sort of social anxiety but I’m really hoping she gets to the point soon.
“Hisao seemed l-like he w-was lost in thought. No, n-not just that. He l-looked… He looked l-like he did when y-you w-were in the hospital…” Hanako trails off and I think about all the times I’ve seen him sad, when he was stuck in his own head. Dammit, I should have talked to him more last night…
“But you left him there when lunch ended, right?” Akio asks her and she nods.
“I’m s-sorry I d-don’t know anymore, R-Rika.” Hanako looks at me apologetically and I have to give her a smile in return.
“That’s alright, Hanako. I appreciate you telling me. And for looking out for Hisao.” I chuckle a little and she smiles back. She looks to Akio and he gives her a smirk and a nod that says ‘good job’.
“I sh-should b-be getting to my cl-club but it was n-nice to m-meet you f-finally.” Hanako bows a little and Akio follows her to the stairs as Molly takes up her spot.
“Has he messaged you back yet?” She asks and I shake my head, holding up my dead phone. She frowns a little before trying to put on a brighter expression.
“Bloody hell… I’m gonna give that lad a right bollocking when I see him.” Molly pouts after a string of words I don’t quite understand but get the gist of.
“Thanks anyway, I’m gonna go get changed and charge my phone.” I sigh as I hit the elevator call button for Fuuka again before going to the stairs. “I’ll talk to you guys later.”
“Call me!” Fuuka calls out as I disappear down the stairs. At least someone other than the Doc talked to him but still, what the hell’s his deal?
I walk across the quad and into the girls’ dorms without saying another word to anyone. My hands shake a little as I put the key into my door. I throw my bag against the wall in frustration while looking for my charger.
I tear my bow from my collar, collapse onto my bed, and scream into my pillow. All of my anger and frustration with Hisao let loose in a couple growling yells into my pillow. I roll onto my back and rub my face, angrily huffing at no one and nothing. I don’t know what I’m angrier at; Hisao, for not talking to me, or myself, for not talking to him.
How can I be there for him if he doesn’t tell me? All that hovering he’s done around me but he takes a little knock and skips a whole day of classes? I thought he smarter than that. I thought he was stronger now. I thought I knew how to handle him…
I groan as I hear my phone come to life, then vibrate and chime with a text message. I’m about to pick it up when there’s a knock at my door. Is it too much to ask that this is Hisao? Probably, given how popular I’ve been today with everyone but him. I finish my thought as I open the door to a familiar boy, with brown hair and signature cowlick. Of course he shows up now!
“Where the hell have you been, Hisao?” I question, looking him over incredulously. “Why haven’t you been in class? Are you alright? Is it too much to send me a little heads-up? Is this about last night? Seriously, have you lost your phone?”
I bombard him with question-after-question while he stands there placidly, looking into the middle distance between us before he pulls something out of his pocket.
“Hey,” He holds up the folded paper and I see the name written on it. “I think we need to talk.”
The letter is addressed to Hisao. My letter to Hisao.
Crapbaskets.
Accept Side Quest? Bonus Level: Tilted
Previous Level <---> Next Level