Katawa Shoujo Forums

Yay breadcrumbs! I think that it's better to show characters piecemeal as they develop and you'll get some more detail soon, the older brother gets some more fleshing out in Act 2 as he's not around until then. As for the breaks, that is an old habit from my FF.net days... better to leave the breaks out then?

Ayane is a bit flip-floppy but she likes to try and present a calm front to her family, when in reality she's like a pot boiling on the stove with a lid on!

I'm just glad people are enjoying my random words!

Character development pushed too much too fast usually comes off wrong, so I do think you're doing it one of the better ways by exploring them slowly and allowing them to develop in the reader's mind as it all goes along. I would indeed suggest leaving out the breaks, just for the sake of ease for the reader. Your style would definitely benefit from merely having a very brief 'filler' that explains what the character does rather than a cut-to-black and start-a-new-scene type of deal. For example, between Ayane storming out of class angry and appearing in the pool, all you'd really want to have might be a single paragraph having her go to her room, grab some swimming clothes and say she changed, head to the pool and dive in. Exactly that, a paragraph, maybe two. Maybe a slammed door or something to show she's still angry, or maybe keep it strictly informative of her actions. Either way it dispenses with that break and keeps the fluidity of your 'chapter'. Something similar could easily be put for drying off and getting into some fresh new clothes before she goes and meets with her sister. Once again, it keeps your writing fluid and descriptive; which I do believe suits what you're going for here.

In regards to Ayane, fair enough; further character development, ahoy!

Cheers, hope to see more of this in the near future!

*Edited as it was posted; Scene III already? Guddam. Will likely redo this post momentarily to reflect Scene III as well as my response.

* In regards to Scene III; Enjoyed it, good additional fleshing out of Ayane and alliteration to her past. Especially with tying in some of the more active parts of her imagination in the dream (the horror movies and book she was reading). It flowed much more naturally to me with being a singular entity rather than having the various breaks. There's really very little that I think I could recommend in regards to either stylization or grammar from this point forwards. I'm still brushing off a lot of my own writing cobwebs, and if I don't see anything the first time that jumps right out my second scrutiny all falls to personal opinion rather than objective fact. All in all? Can't wait for more!

Really enjoyed this last chapter. I'm glad Ayane is making an effort to open up somewhat. I understand it will take time, but as long as she makes progress in that regard, I'll be happy. I think I've said enough about that though in my last post. Anyways, I loved her reaction when "Alien" popped up on the screen. I'm personally a horror fan, so I get a kick out of seeing(in this this case reading about) it freaking people out.

The end of act 1 folks! There is small nekkid scene in the bath between Fuji and Ayane but it's tame. No update tomorrow as It's open evening at school. 4.5k words. Enjoy!

Act 1

Scene 4

If we could live like every day was Sunday.

(She wonders if she'll ever find him, wonders if she'll ever fall in love. Maybe she's right there behind him now)

I’m not sure what time Fujiko and I drifted off to sleep. Most of the night is a fuzzy memory of whispered conversation, comforting mumbles and assurance.

Someone pounding on my door wakes me from my dreamless sleep. Heads are going to roll. I still feel groggy and sleep deprived and I realise my bed is empty. Fujiko must’ve left at some point.

As the hamster wheel in my brain squeaks into gear, I realise why. Fujiko is helping set the stall up, so…

More knocking. My head hurts and the knocking doesn’t help my mood. Whoever is behind that door is getting both barrels.

I stomp over to the door and yank it open a growl armed and ready, which rapidly turns into a squeak as I realise who was knocking.

It’s Hisao. He is trying to look anywhere but me. I can feel a flush creeping over my skin. I’m still in my sleepwear, which is just a pair of light panties and thin, rather short ratty t-shirt of mine. I must look a sight, sweaty and flushed.

Why haven’t I shut my door yet?

Not sure.

Hisao smiles and then says “Nice… t-shirt” he chuckles and rubs the back of his head awkwardly and looks at the floor.

Smoooooth Hisao, real smooth. It’s enough for my brain to re-engage though and for me to move the door over so I’m hid mostly behind it’s comforting wood. “Why are you knocking on my door Hisao?” I ask, voice still groggy and my throat a little rough.

“Your brother sent me to get you. It’s quarter to eleven Ayane, stall shift starts in fifteen minutes,” Hisao gently reminds me a small smile tugging at his lips.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh.

OH SHIT. My brain lurches into high gear. I dart into my room, grab some yen and my toiletries and almost throw the coins at Hisao. “Grab me a coffee! I’ll be down to the stall in five!” I ask as I rush past him with a towel and wash stuff. It only registers when I’m standing under the shower thirty seconds later that Hisao must’ve had a wonderful view of my panty clad behind when I went running past him.

I hope he enjoyed the free show. Honestly what was my brother thinking sending Hisao up to my room? Normally he’d do it himself, he has a key for pities sake! Maybe he’s just busy with the stall I think as I towel my hair dry. He’s probably getting some of the ingredients prepared.

I head back into my room, the corridor being Hisao free and rapidly get dressed into some casual wear. If I’m managing the food on the stall along with brother dearest then some light casual clothes I don’t mind smelling of various food odours are the way to go. I grab my medication from the side and pop them in my pocket. I’ll down them with the coffee that hopefully Hisao has got for me at the stall.

As I turn to leave my room I catch myself in the mirror. I look a mess. Bags under my eyes, my good eye is incredibly bloodshot, hair a mess and I look… drawn out, a little ragged around the edges. Eye patch. Mustn’t forget my eye patch. In a red mood today, so I pick my red one up and slip the eye patch over my bad eye. Set… kind of.

Now I can face the day, feeling semi human.

As I bounce down the stairs to the school grounds my mind wanders back to this morning with Hisao at my door. He was trying not to look I realise. He wanted to look but he was a gentleman about it. Part of my brain thinks this is a good thing, shows he can be chivalrous about it, whilst another part, the darker part of my brain fires at me but shouldn’t you be flattered that he did want to look?

I’m still slightly pink by the time I get to the stall. Stupid brain. Stupid, stupid mental images. Did I want Hisao to enjoy looking at me? General consensus was fifty/fifty.

My internal monologue died a swift death as I approached the stall through the morning bustle of the crowds at the festival. It’s always a fairly busy festival with plenty of traffic from the town below but the real hustle and bustle begins after twelve.

The stalls easy to spot and I wind my way behind it, Arashi spotting me and throwing an apron in my face. I splutter and pull it off of my face and tie it round my waist. [You made it with two minutes to spare] Arashi signs, whilst Hisao stirs a pot of what smells like miso soup.

“ I know, I know” I say tone apologetic “Had a shitty nights sleep thanks to a bad nightmare. I think I woke most of the dorms” Ah damn it, I should probably watch what I say in front of Hisao as he seems concerned. “Keep stirring the soup Hisao”

[You ok?] Arashi signs, placing his knife down so he can sign at me.

I switch over to sign myself, as I want this conversation slightly private. Sorry Hisao. [It was a dream about the day Dad died] I confess, my hands trembling as I sign.

Arashis eyebrows shoot up into his hairline [You mean… like a flashback or a dream?]

[Bit of both. There was a stage and…] I let out a breathe and my hands go slack. I owe this to Arashi, Akiho and Akihiro. I owe them all an apology I realise. I’ve been a stubborn bitch over the last two years and it’s only now I realise what stress I’ve caused my family and myself. [He was in the audience of an empty playhouse] I sign finally.

[Dead?] The sign is very final, very swift but I can sense that Arashi is reluctant to ask it. I nod in response my throat feeling tight all of a sudden. Arashi simply nods back and gives me a hug, patting my back, before releasing me and going back to preparing vegetables.

I turn to Hisao, who promptly hands me a can of coffee. I blink and then it registers what he’s given me. “Thank you Hisao” The nod I receive is a serious one in turn and he knows I’m not just thanking him for the coffee, I’m thanking him for the privacy.

I pop the tab on the coffee and retrieve my tablets from my pocket. I swallow them down with the coffee, the sweet nectar of the gods and I see Hisao, trying and failing not to be curious about the medication I just had. “I know that feeling,” He says eventually, after serving a couple “I take a lot of pills too” He says with a soft smile.

“How many?” I ask softly.

A shrug and he answers “About seventeen different types, some twice daily others once” His tone is slightly bitter as I digest that information. Seventeen? That must merit a serious condition. Part of me wonders what’s wrong with Hisao as we begin to work the stall. It’s early still before the rush and I have time to ponder. It’s definitely an internal problem. Heart? Liver? Cancer or some autoimmune problem?

Could be any number of things and I should respect the unwritten rule of Yamaku. People tell you, you don’t ask. My train of thought about Hisaos condition is shunted to one side as I lose myself in the routine of running the stall.

It’s soothing in a way, reminds me of the days when Arashi and me worked with Akihiro in one of Dads restaurants at weekends. The lulling rhythm of the knife and the sizzle of the woks and pans are very therapeutic. I’m running on instinct, almost on automatic as Hisao calls out orders and Arashi and me carry them out.

We work like a well-oiled machine, perfectly in tune as vague flashes of memories play across my brain. Dad teaching me how to handle a knife, cut an onion, how to use a wok, making pastry with him in the house kitchen. A small smile flickers across my face as I fry some noodles.

Good memories of Dad. I have many of those but that fateful evening and the events afterwards tend to dominate my memories of Dad. It shouldn’t. I had fifteen years with Dad. I can remember the good times I had with him but I struggle. The memory of that evening is like a blight, a thundercloud hovering in my head and I’m never sure when it’s going to strike.

I can see Arashi out of the corner of my good eye and he’s smiling, silently laughing as he tosses his wok, fulfilling another order. I need to get past what happened. I need to try, for my brothers and sister.

For Arashi.

For Akiho.

For Akihiro.

The lunch rush then hits us like a freight train and all extraneous thoughts are banished from my mind as we fall into the hot sweaty work of running my class’s stall.

The two-hour shift flies by in the routine of sweat, food and orders. As our relief comes in and takes over, I notice Hisaos face it drawn and tight. He’s pale too and sweating. Well I’m sweating too but he seems to be really sweating, almost drowning. I guide him to a bench nearby and I see Arashi move off into the crowd, presumably to find some water.

I sit Hisao down and wrap an arm over his shoulder. I’m the same height as him so it’s fairly easy to do. “You ok?” I ask softly “You look like shit, no offense”

A strained grin and soft chuckle that turns into a cough is my response. “Really out of shape” Hisao wheezes, “Didn’t think managing the till would affect me so much” he admits.

“Maybe you should keep up the running with me then!” A sweet chipper voice cuts into the conversation and the effect is like driving an ice pick through my brain.

Ibarazaki Emi. I can feel my jaw clenching. One of my many flaws and certainly my biggest flaw is my ability to hold a grudge and I definitely have a grudge against the ‘fastest thing on no legs’. She’s only just registered who’s sitting next to Hisao and I feel a savage, toothy grin spread wide on my face. Yeah it’s me Ibarazaki remember what you did?

She pales slightly at the sight of me next to Hisao and I do feel a small amount of vindictive glee at her expression. “Ah Tsukino” she says with a sweet saccharine smile “Didn’t see you there” she says, still eyeing me warily.

I nudge Hisao gently “Didn’t realise you were Ibarazakis running partner Hisao”

He glances at me. His breathing is better now and his face looks better. “I was. Sent myself to the nurse after pushing myself too hard” He admits.

I sweep my gaze to Ibarazaki. “Sent him self to nurse hmmm?” I say “Guess someone didn’t know when to tell him enough was enough” My voice is oozing with vicious barbed sarcasm and Ibarazaki flinches. I could say more but I hold my tongue. Hisao is probably friends with the pint-sized runner.

My history with Ibarazaki is about a boy. During my first year I began to date one of the track and field members. His name is banished from my memory banks now, the scum-sucking prick doesn’t even deserve to be remembered properly in my headspace. First year was when Dad died and I was a mess afterwards. I was a mess but instead of even trying to support me, the little prick started flirting with Ms Ibarazaki. She did nothing to stop his advances, even though she knew I was dating him and he then dumped me for her.

The runner then dumped him.

Prick deserved it.

Yes, I’m still a little bitter about it.

So sue me I’m only human.

Thing is Ibarazaki knows I still hold her partially responsible and as a result our interactions are always a little… chilly.

Fortunately my brother arrives with ice-cold water and breaks up the unpleasant atmosphere. We all guzzle down the cold water and I see Hisao returning to almost normalcy. As we drink Ibarazaki takes her leave, trying to bug Hisao into running with her tomorrow morning. That girl really doesn’t know when enough is enough. “You going to run with her?” I ask Hisao as he finishes off a second bottle of water.

I get a shrug from him in response and I can see my brother smirking. We sit there in the sun for a good fifteen minutes simply sitting in companionable silence. It’s a good feeling.

Hisao breaks the silence first “Thank you for today” He says. “I wasn’t going to do anything today, probably just sit and read in my room” His smile is a little bitter, a little wistful in equal measures “You’ve got me out here and for the first time since my… incident” And the word ‘incident’ is phrased very deliberately. “I guess what I’m trying to say is… thank you for befriending me. Friends are something I’ve had in short supply for some months now”

I can tell that took a lot for Hisao to say, so all I do is smile, my ass of a brother takes a bow and I say “It’s what friends do Hisao but the day isn’t over yet. You’ve got to deal with Shizunes tender mercies first” The face Hisao makes is priceless. I think he’s had enough of Shizune over the past few days.

And speak of the devil and they shall appear. Shizune and her shadow loom over my brother who grins and engages Shizune in conversation hands flashing rapidly back and forth. “I think you’d best have a shower before you tangle with Shizune. Your shirt looks a little drenched” Hisao gives me a wan smile and stands. I tune the conversation he has with Misha out as I suddenly feel as though someone’s pulled my batteries out.

I flop back against the bench and watch Hisao and Arashi head to the dorms presumably to shower and change. Shizunes hands moving shock me out of my exhaustion. [Please repeat that] I sign slowly.

Shizune moves her glasses back with a gesture of impatience whilst Misha laughs.

[Fujiko is going to help me. She said it would take a couple of hours] my signing is sloppy and I can feel the disappointment in the air.

Shizune huffs silently then signs [I shall have your brother text you when Hisao is free. Is that acceptable?]

[Sounds good] I sign then perk up as a familiar face appears nearby. [See you later Shizune!] I sign as I move to meet Fujiko [Don’t treat the boys too harshly]

[Who do you think I am?!] is signed back a frown on her face.

I laugh and say aloud “The student council president who likes to try and get her own way!” I see Misha sign what I say to Shizune and I laugh at her facial expression as I grasp Fujiko by the arm and we glide through the crowd to the girls’ dorm.

I only catch half of what Fujiko is saying as she is chattering a mile a minute. I register climbing the stairs, Fujiko barging into my room with me, getting my showering kit, a towel and one of the bags she gave me last evening.

Pushed down the hallway again we end up in the bathroom. It’s when Fujiko starts peeling my clothes off that my brain begins to switch off from autopilot. “What are you doing?” I squawk, flapping my hands.

A cheeky grin lights her face “You’re practically asleep on your feet Ayane” She says, peeling my trousers off.

“I can undress myself thank you!” I say, batting hands away from my bra. Fujiko nods and then shimmies out of her clothes lightning quick. For a moment I admire her form under the bathroom lights. Fujiko is a pretty thing, all porcelain skin, smoothness and slight curves, the lights giving the patches of shadow more depth. She preens under my look and then gestures for me to divest my remaining clothes. I shuck my bra and panties and step under the shower Fujiko has running for me, sitting down on the stool.

Fujikos careful delicate hands lather soap into my hair and a groan escapes my lips.

“Damn Fuji that feels good” I say as somehow she finds knots in my head that I didn’t even know I had. “What’s in the shampoo?”

“My own secret mix” She whispers in my ear. “Mum helps me make my own mixes when I’m at home. Feels good don’t it?”

I stretch under her ministrations and the next fifteen minutes passes in a blur of nakedness, tender touches, perfumed soaps and scents as Fujiko works her magic on my skin and hair. I feel like a goddess!

After the shower and the unexpected head masage, I step into the bath Fujiko had drawn up earlier. I sigh as the water relaxes my tense muscles. Then tense up again as Fujiko slips in opposite me. “Er… Fuji” I say, water rippling around me “Why… why are you doing this? I’m beginning to question your sexuality here”

Fujiko relaxes and a toe touches mine “Does it bother you?”

“Not particularly” I say with a shrug water splashing as I do. “You’re my friend Fujiko just not sure how I’d react to you hitting on me” I say honestly.

“As for why… I did say I’d help you get ready” Nothing else is said and we marinade in the water for the next ten minutes before Fujiko drags me out of the bath and wraps me in warm scented towels. She's really spoiling me.

Fujiko would make an excellent therapist I muse as I’m herded down the corridor into my room festooned in towels. I smell of jasmine and vanilla and I think every muscle in my body is relaxed.

But it’s not over. For the next hour or more, Fujiko primps and preens me; face scrubs and other odd things that I’ve never even considered are applied to me. She then dresses me in my yukuta, ties my obi and fixes my hair with the hairpins my sister had brought for me. I’m allowed to put on my sandals at least.

“One last touch” I hear her murmur. She pins my coloured lock of hair back, exposing my eye and then hands me a colourful box. I open it and nearly drop the box. It’s an eye patch but it’s a beautiful one. It’s in my favourite shade of green and a dragon is embroidered in gold thread spiralling into the centre of the eye patch. “It’s made from silk” Fujiko says, “Dad helped me to make it. I hope you like it. I was going to give it to you for your birthday but I think you could make more use of it now!”

I can feel tears in my good eye. “Fuji” I whisper reverently “It’s beautiful” I hold it out to her. “Help me put it on?” I turn and face the mirror and I feel her gather my hair back in a ponytail. She ties my hair up and then slides the eye patch on. It’s gorgeous and the person looking back at me certainly isn’t Tsukino Ayane.

Fujiko nods approvingly “My work here is done. Hisao isn’t going to know what’s hit him!” It’s eerily accurate then when my phone vibrates, skittering across the desk. Fujiko reads the text as I’m still slack jawed at my reflection. “And your date has been freed from the presidents clutches” She says.

“It’s not a date,” I grumble half-heartedly, although with all the preparation Fujiko’s put into me I’m pretty sure that Hisao is going to think this is a date.

Well this might get awkward quickly. Still Fujiko is ushering me out of my room, a clutch (one of hers I notice) is pressed into my hands and in rapidly short order I find myself outside the girls dorm a beaming Fujiko hands me over to a stunned Hisao.

He… cleans up nicely. I think he’s borrowed some of my brothers’ clothes but that sweater vest is certainly his style and it really suits him. He’s dare I say it… cute. “Hi” I say softly and he seems to shake himself out of a stupor.

“Good evening Ayane” Hisao says, a light blush decorating his cheeks. Nice to know I’m not the only one that blushes that particular shade. “You… you look really good” He says in a rush.

Ok he’s just as embarrassed as me. Equal ground here. Good, good. I think I see Shizune spying from the steps with my brother. Yes, she is and I think if my brothers’ jaw went any lower it would hit the ground.

[Wow, you clean up nice. Never would’ve guessed it] He can even sign sarcastically it seems. I give him a universal sign, the middle finger and he laughs it off silently, guiding Shizune by the arm into the lights of the festival. Her expression is unclear. I’m not sure if she’s happy, pissed or smug at something. It’s that bobcat expression again.

Hisao offers his arm to me and I take it and we descend the dorm steps into the festival crowds. He opens his mouth to speak and embarrassingly my stomach rumbles rather audibly. He laughs and the earlier awkwardness shatters like fragile glass “I guess that answers my question then” he says with a smile. “Shall we get something to eat?”

“Onwards my good sir to nutrition!” I jest as we vanish into the festival crowds.

We have a grand time at the stalls, sampling foods and playing the silly games. Hisao tries to not let me spend anything but the allowance my mother gives me is more than enough.

He does win me a small stuffed eastern dragon though. He says it’s because of the eye patch I’m wearing. I’m not normally one for stuffed animals, its more Fujikos or Akiho thing but I’m a sucker for dragons as they are after all, awesome!

We have a good time, laughing and chatting in the crowds. We share a love of reading and I wiggle a promise out of him to exchange books. I learn more about Hisao and in return… I open up a little.

I tell him about my father. How he was a chef, how he taught all of his children.

I tell him about my family. My siblings. Blond teacher Akiho with her love of motorbikes and her no-nonsense attitude. I tell him about my older brother Akihiro, the chef, my gangly, smoky and sweary brother.

He in returns tells me more about his. He’s an only child, career parents, looked after himself for the most part. We spend the festival connecting.

For the first time in a long while, I feel connected to someone else apart from my siblings and Fujiko and it feels… nice. Really nice. We can be good friends I think.

An announcement goes off. It’s time for the fireworks! It’s my favourite part of the festival and I often thank my lucky stars I’m not photosensitive.

“Can I show you something Hisao?” I say, my voice trembling with childlike anticipation and glee.

“Sure” He says immediately, his eyes trusting. I take his warm, soft hand in mine and lead him to the edges of the school grounds. There is a small off the road path and it leads up to a small grove of trees, on a slight hill and it gives a perfect view of the school and the display when it begins.

We settle down on the grass and say nothing. In a few short, breathless moments, the sky erupts into an orgy of lights and sounds. It’s then I realize that my head has found it’s way into Hisaos lap and I’m looking up at the display and Hisao. His dark eyes reflect the display and I find it mesmerizing. His hands are running through my hair and it feels so damn good.

Time slips away and it’s only when the lights from the fireworks fade do I realise we’re staring at each other. I push myself up and Hisao climbs to his feet. We meet each other’s gaze for a moment and I smile as does he. “You should smile more often” I say.

“You and your brother are helping that to happen” He says taking my hand as we head back to school. We stop outside the girl’s dorm and there is a beat of slightly awkward silence “Thank you for this evening Ayane” Hisao says.

“No, thank you” I say with a smile. I draw him into a hug and I feel him stiffen slightly before relaxing.

He surprises me then, drawing back and then taking my hand and pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I think I might be glowing in the night. “Goodnight Ayane.” Hisao says his voice having a mischievous lilt to it. “Sweet dreams and see you tomorrow”

He begins to walk away to the boy’s dorms. Oh no you don’t Nakai. “Hisao” I call out and he stops, turning around. I swoop in, in a cloud of jasmine and vanilla and place two feather light kisses on him. One on each cheek. Less than a second contact. It’s his turn to look flustered now. He's standing there, hands touching his cheeks, looking as if a herd of elephants has just stampeded parts.

“Sweet dreams” I say, as I saunter to the dorm entrance “See you in the morning!” I say sweetly and I as I look over my shoulder, I see Hisao still resting his hand against his cheeks and a glazed expression on his face. I think he's still in shock the poor boy!

That image sends me into the sandman’s embrace with a grin on my face.

If only we could live like everyday was Sunday.

End Scene 4

End Act 1

Really enjoyed it. Probably the soonest any route has reached the first kiss(even though he didn't have time to reciprocate, there's only one way a kiss on the lips can be interpreted). Also,

TheTealeaf wrote:Why haven’t I shut my door yet?

Not sure.

I loved that line.

Nice chapter, though I agree the pacing is rather high...

There are a few places where you slipped into past tense, and also your use of the possessive "s" is a bit sloppy.

About the bathing scene - usually in Japan you'd do all the showering and washing of hair before soaking in the tub. Since most baths are communal in Japan, they place great emphasis on cleaning your body before actually climbing into the tub that everyone else is also going to use.

AntonSlavik020 wrote:Really enjoyed it. Probably the soonest any route has reached the first kiss(even though he didn't have time to reciprocate, there's only one way a kiss on the lips can be interpreted). Also,

TheTealeaf wrote:Why haven’t I shut my door yet?

Not sure.

I loved that line.

Thank you Anton! I fixed the pacing now I think. She pecks him on the cheeks instead!

Mirage_GSM wrote:Nice chapter, though I agree the pacing is rather high...

There are a few places where you slipped into past tense, and also your use of the possessive "s" is a bit sloppy.

About the bathing scene - usually in Japan you'd do all the showering and washing of hair before soaking in the tub. Since most baths are communal in Japan, they place great emphasis on cleaning your body before actually climbing into the tub that everyone else is also going to use.

Argh... possessive "s". Missed those.. ugh. I'll go over it tomorrow and fix it.

Fixed the bath scene, I knew i'd mucked something up there. I think I've fixed the pacing too.

Act 2 begins tomorrow as I'm dead on my feet from open evening.

I think I've lost my voice!

Also here are the names for the remaining three acts.

Act two: Finding your feet.
Act Three: To carry a tune.
Act 4: The music of the night.

(And is no-one spotting the song references? If any gets the big one in Scene 4 I'll be pretty impressed as they're a not so well known band!)

Well after open evening, talk like a pirate day and marking 60 exams I still manage to churn out a 3.6k chapter. I've read over it 3 times but there may still be mistakes. Enjoy!

---------------

As act 1 ends the cinematic begins.

The screen fades out to black, then pulls out into an old ‘movie screen’ style. On the screen from a young Ayanes perspective she is learning to walk from the help of her father, who helps her to her feet and then holds her hand. The perspective then changes to the side of Ayane and as she walks she ages. Her father let’s her hands go and she walks forward on her own until she falls to her hands and knees. Perspective changes to Ayanes again and she looks up from the ground to find four hands waiting for her. The hands belong to Arashi, Akihiro, Akiho and Hisao. They all help her to her feet and they join hands in a line and walk off screen. The opening screen of Act Two is a masquerade ball mask lying on the ground with couples feet in background presumably mid dance.

Act 2: Finding your feet

Scene 1

Louder than words

The morning after the festival is always the worst. It’s another night of a thrown off course sleep schedule (Nurse will kill me if he finds out, keeping to a strict sleep schedule helps prevent/regulate the chances of me having a seizure)

The blaring of my alarm clock is like a siren blasting into my ear as it rouses me from slumber. My hand slaps it off, knocking it to the floor in the process. It is way, way too early for this but due to the fact exams begin to day I need to stir from the warmth of my cosy, cosy bed.

Morning routine is on automatic. Kettle on, stagger into bathroom, shower, towel off, stagger back to room, make myself a coffee and then glug down the brew of life with my pills. The routine and caffeine rouse me from automatic into first gear and I can begin to assimilate more.

Uniform and eye patch on. I hate the bows on the uniform, always a pain to do and I’m always worried the skirt is too short and I’ll end up flashing someone a lovely view of my behind. My brain sleepily provides me with the fact that Hisao had that view yesterday morning due to me running to the shower in front of him.

Not my brightest of ideas.

Mind you I often have a lot of not-so-bright ideas. Some go well… others… not so well.

I yawn widely and pick up my study books and writing materials. I also prepare a thermos of coffee. I am something of a coffee fanatic and I share this taste with my older brother Akihiro. He often supplies me with really good quality coffee for birthdays and Christmas and I make sure I stash some for mornings like this. I also need cups, some sugar and a sealed jug of milk… check.

All I’m missing now is Fujiko. I leave my room, lock up and trot down the dorm corridor. Fujiko is three doors down from me so less than thirty seconds later I’m rapping on Fujikos door.

It opens promptly and Fujikos beaming face meets mine. She’s a morning person. I loathe morning people until I’ve digested my coffee. “Morning Fujiko” I mumble, yawning afterwards.

“Good morning Ayane!” She chirps. Ugh… morning people. Why are they so cheery in the mornings? She smothers a giggle and says nothing more; she knows far too well what I’m like in the mornings. We descend the stairs and leave the dorms heading out into the school grounds.

Like I said, it’s early, barely another soul in sight. Apart from two figures waiting near the girls’ dorm in the early morning light, the place looks and feels like a ghost town. Arashi and Hisao are waiting for us as we leave the dorms, Arashi carrying a large picnic basket and Hisao has the blanket. Hisao looks like I feel, so he looks pretty sleep deprived but upon seeing me, a small grin lights his face and a small dusting of pink graces his cheeks.

I feel my own matching grin settle into place as we meet the boys. I introduce Fujiko to Hisao properly as the first course of action as she didn’t get much of a chance to meet over the previous few days. “Jakuzure Fujiko, Meet Nakai Hisao” I say with a sleepy flourish.

Fujiko actually curtsies; freaking curtsies at Hisao and shakes his hand. Hisao and Fujiko exchange the usual greetings and I nudge Arashi, signing [good morning] at him. He waves one hand back, beaming widely; he’s another morning person.

Hisao and Fujiko exchange greetings and we begin to make our way onto the school lawns. “Hisao how did you know about the exam breakfast?” I ask. It had become something of a routine that after the festival, the morning of the exams, we three, that is Fujiko, Arashi and myself would go out onto the school lawns and have breakfast along with cramming for the exams that day.

A scowl crosses Hisaos face and I see my brother hide a grin behind his free hand “Because someone banged on my door rather early this morning. I thought Emi had decided to break my door down to make me go running!” Fujiko stifles a giggle behind one of her sleeves at Hisaos slightly terrified expression at the though of the pint sized runner kicking his door in.

We quickly reach the lawns and I help Hisao set the blanket up. We all settle down, Fujiko making sure her right side is facing everyone so she can see and hear everyone. I give everyone a cup a crack open the thermos as Arashi begins serving. He’s been a busy bee I realise as he produces a lot of different dishes from the picnic basket.

There’s a mixture of western breakfast items and traditional Japanese breakfast items. Another thermos joins mine and the smell of fresh miso soup joins the heady aroma of coffee. There are pickled vegetables, grilled fish, bacon, scrambled eggs and even some western cereal. I lose track after the cereals come out as the siren call of my coffee is too much to resist and I pour myself a cup, savouring in the smell before slowly drinking the glorious, glorious brew down.

I can see Hisao eyeing the coffee thermos “Want some?” I ask, offering him the thermos.

Hisao frowns. I can see he’s tempted but in an unconscious gesture his hand comes up to rub his chest. “I’m not sure coffee is the best thing for me at the moment” He says slowly. “It smells gorgeous though” He says, a disappointed look in his eyes.

I eye his hand that is still rubbing his chest. I can probably assume he’s here for some kind of heart problem then. “It is. Akihiro, my older brother gets good coffee for me. It’s no problem though, Fujiko did you bring the juice?” I ask.

“Yup!” She says, rummaging through the bag she brought with her. Assorted fruit juices join the coffee thermos in the middle of the blanket and Hisao takes one. Melon I note as I have another cup of coffee. Fujiko pours herself a cup and one for Arashi and drinks hers down slowly.

Hands clapping together draw our attention. Arashi holds up his white board with the words [Dig in!] written on the board along with a smiley face and thumbs up.

You can be such an idiot sometimes brother.

We snap chopsticks open and dig in to the feast that Arashi has prepared. I think that Akihiro would be proud of the food laid out as we all tuck into the feast.

For several minutes we simply enjoy the food and the cool morning air. Hisao keeps sneaking glances at me whilst we eat and I can tell something is on his mind. I find him surprisingly easy to read, which is odd as normally the only people I find easy to read are my immediate family. I struggle to read Fujiko sometimes. The food supplies are dwindling so we break open the books and begin the arduous process of cramming for today’s exams.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” I ask, through a mouthful of fish.

[Maths] Arashi signs and once I translate Hisao nods in agreement.

“Maths” The word leaves a foul taste in my mouth. “I hate maths” There’s a hum of agreement from Fujiko.

“Maths isn’t so bad” Hisao says, “its a little like science. Formulas and memorisation mainly, not as interesting as science but it’s not difficult”

“I prefer my science when the word ‘Fiction’ follows it” I mutter and I draw a cheeky grin from Hisao.

“Not your best subject then?” He asks

I shake my head “I struggle with Mutous lectures. I struggle with sciences in general” I admit. “English is easily my best subject” Arashis head bobs up and down in agreement as well.

“Oh?” Hisao says “Opposite problem here” He rubs the back of his head awkwardly “I struggle with English”

“Don’t worry” Fujiko says, rolling her good eye “These two have an unfair advantage just like our class rep Lilly”

“Oh?” Hisao asks, his voice alight with curiosity, “What is this unfair advantage?”

“Dad was English” I say “We grew up listening to English at home. It’s our second language. Same situation as Lilly” I’m omitting a lot of information here and I can see the glance thrown my way by Arashi.

The Tsukino family is… complicated. Akihiro and Akiho are only our half siblings. We have different mothers. Like I said it’s complicated and the less Hisao knows at the moment, the better.

“That really is an unfair advantage” Hisao jokes and my darkening thoughts are abruptly derailed.

“Less talking more studying!” Fujiko says, huffing and opening her maths textbook. “I want to pass this exam this time!” We share easy grins and we all put our noses into books and for the next hour before classes start, we share an easy camaraderie as we cram and test each other in preparation for the dreaded maths exam.

When the bell goes, it is with great reluctance that we disperse to class, packing the picnic up as we do.

The air in the corridors is one of tense anticipation as we head to homeroom. I get the feeling lots of people haven’t revised and are hoping for the best. Homeroom carries on as normal and then the feeling of dread intensifies in the classroom as the maths teacher enters the room. Hisao and Arashi are lucky, they don’t have maths until later, I have to suffer first!

As the paper comes round and the exam begins, I take a look at the first questions and struggle to hold a groan back and smash my head against the desk. This is going to be a nearly two hour-long torture session instead of a maths exam.

When the teacher finally tells us time is up, I’m not the only one who heaves a sigh of relief, amid the clatter of pens and pencils hitting desks in an odd synchronisation. My brain is swimming with maths formula and numbers and I think I feel the beginnings of a headache incoming.

I still have two more classes before lunch. I glance to my left and Fujiko gives me a discrete thumbs up. I let my head hit the desk.

I can’t take two more classes… Someone or something just kill me now!

My pleas aren’t answered though and I resign myself to more classes before lunch. The maths teacher leaves and the heavily pregnant Ms Miyagi waddles into class. It’s a revision session for the exam later in the week so I coast by in the lesson, only paying a little attention to the class.

It’s her last statement that gets my attention. “Now as you are all aware” And here she indicates her baby bump “I am having a baby and as a result I will be leaving Yamaku after the three day weekend. A new replacement teacher has been found and she will be introducing herself at some point in the following weeks” We, the class, had all realised that she would be leaving us at some point but it was a surprise that they had already found someone to cover Ms Miyagi. Guess whoever she is, she really impressed the school.

In the lull of teachers switching, the class bubbles into gentle chatter. “Wonder who the new teacher will be” Fujiko asks, leaning over towards me.

“Beats me” I say with a shrug. “We’ll find out in due time, no point worrying about it, so long as whoever it is isn’t a giant bitch” I see a frown from Lilly. Oops. Guess she heard me swearing. She doesn’t like it when I’m ‘uncouth’ but it’s something that happens on a regular basis, something I picked up from my older brother.

It’s then that Mutou walks in, mumbling about being late. Yay… time to be bamboozled by science.

I really do try to pay attention to the lesson but my mind wanders off as I begin to hear terms that I struggle to understand. I am never going to pass the science exam in a couple of days.

My mind wanders to plans for the weekend. Akiho mentioned that Akihiro would be in the city, so I may pop into the city to see him. It’s at this moment my attention slips and my head slips out of my hand and impacts the desk. The thud draws the attention of Mutou and the frown on his face makes me try to pay more attention to the lecture.

That and the throbbing headache I now have made for excellent focus tools.

Not.

Thankfully the rest of the lesson passes quickly after my slip up and lunch rolls around. The bell goes and students quickly leave the room apart from a few in the back row and Fujiko. She’s prepared lunch for herself and I realise that… I forgot.

Damn it.

Guess I’m going to go hungry. I pout at Fujiko but she hides her box from me. “Uh… Ayane?” Hisaos hesitant voice comes into the classroom. He’s holding what looks like a large collection of yen notes in one hand.

“Hi Hisao” I wave him over and I can hear murmurs from some of the other students in the room. “Where’d you get the cash?” I ask.

Hisao appears uncomfortable “Your brother gave it to me. Wrote on his board saying that you’d probably forgotten lunch that I need something to eat as well and then thrust the money in my hand” He pauses and looks at the notes “It’s a lot of money Ayane”

I sigh “Not really” I say finally, trying not to meet Hisaos disbelieving look. “Look Hisao” I say, cutting him off “My family is… wealthy. Dad made a lot of money before…” I grit my teeth. “Before he died. Mother has helped manage that wealth and all the restaurants Dad opened are still bringing in money. What Arashi has given you is probably a small percent of his monthly allowance Mother has given him” There is a stunned silence from Hisao and I feel embarrassed.

I’ve never really flaunted the money I have. A lot of it goes unused as Akiho insists on sending me manga and anime ‘care packages’ and Akihiro supplies my expensive coffee and some of my reading materials that he gets sent over via the Internet.

Arashi is a lot more free with his money and spends it fairly liberally and often on other people. I do spend my money on other people I just dislike flaunting it so much.

The money comes with strings attached though. Good grades and that we ‘toe the family line’. That means if Mother asks us to do something we do it. Akiho and Akihiro do sometimes ignore Mother but for the most part they tolerate her and have the money supplement their income.

“Hisao” I say softly “I’m sorry if my brother made you uncomfortable. He can be very… overly generous at times but you need to know Hisao that the money doesn’t bring me happiness. That’s my siblings and you two that make me happy” I say indicating Fujiko and Hisao “And sometimes the money brings more trouble than it’s worth.” I meet Hisaos gaze steadily “Please don’t treat me any differently because of this fact”

He nods once solemnly and then smiles, rising from the seat he’d taken. “Well then, I shall go get us lunch and come back.” He takes my hand and then asks impishly “Is there anything that milady would like in particular?”

The whispers rise in volume and I feel a flush creeping over my face “I’m not a fussy eater Hisao, quite happy with anything, so long as it’s edible”

I gently try to pull my hand from his grasp but he tightens his hold slightly as he bends his lips to my knuckles and lightly kisses one of them as he says “Of course, as milady wishes” Did his voice just go husky?

I think I must be glowing bright neon pink as he walks out of the classroom. The whispers have reached a fever pitch around me and I feel slightly pole axed. Fujiko giggles and I feel slightly indignant. That smooth prick got one over on me!

“That was so sweet!” Fujiko says, still giggling.

“It was not sweet” I growl “He’s trying to one up from last night”

I immediately regret that sentence as Fujiko pounces on the gossip with a gleam in her eye “Oh… care to share Tsukino?” She says sweetly, bringing her desk closer.

“I kissed him on the cheeks last night when he brought me back to the dorms after the festival” I say, still feeling highly embarrassed by Hisaos antics. “He seemed rather stunned by that fact”

Fujikos mouth goes into a little ‘o’ of surprise “You kissed him?”

“Less than a second on each cheek” I grouse, arms folding “Just saying thank you for the evening”

“Oh Ayane” Fujiko grins and I can hear her teasing tone “You my dear” she says, poking me in the chest “Must quite like young Mr Nakai”

“He’s a good guy,” I admit. “Poor bastard looked so lost when I saw him last week and he had Shizune and Lilly locking horns near him. I just… wanted to help him,” I say.

Fujiko leans back in her chair and smiles. “Will he get an invite?”

“An invite? Fujiko dear what on earth are you on about?” I ask confused.

“Well the three day weekend is coming up in several weeks isn’t it?” She says.

Oh. The yen drops in my head. The masquerade ball that Mother hosts every year during the three-day weekend. Some years I go, some years I don’t, the times I don’t I get my allowance slashed. I hadn’t even thought about the masquerade ball in a long while and it had totally slipped my mind.

“Until I receive an invite, I’m going to assume it’s cancelled. Mothers made no mention of it during our weekly emails” I say, my tone of voice closing this particular discussion. Fujiko just smiles a small, secretive smile and goes back to eating leaving me in silence.

A few minutes later Hisao comes back with lunches and drinks for us. He pulls up a chair and we have a desk lunch. The theme of conversation is exams and the tension in the students in the academy. Lunch passes us by in a swift fashion of idle conversation and eating.

Just before the bell goes though Hisao frowns for a moment and asks me “Ayane do you think you could tutor me in English?”

I try to process that statement. The best I manage is an eloquent “huh?”

Hisao grins and gains more confidence in his voice “Well I’m fairly good with science. Can’t do anything about the maths now but I though we could… trade. You tutor me in English and I’ll help tutor you in science. We both benefit!”

It… makes sense. English is my strongest subject. In fact I think the only person who scores better than me is Lilly. Science is one of my weaker areas and in her last email Mother did hint that she didn’t want any failing grades. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth Ayane I scold myself. “Ok, sure. I think my science exam is Friday”

“My English exam is on Friday” He exclaims, “Perfect!”

“Fujiko I can help you with your English too” I throw in and she nods in agreement.

“Sure” She chirps “but I may have to leave early as I have club activities this week. Nomiya has a bee in his bonnet about the art club so there’s various things going on in the week”

Ah, I had forgotten that Fujiko is in the art club. “Sure, that won’t be a problem.” I say “Do you not need help with science then?”

“Not particularly” Fujiko says, “I pay more attention than you do in class”

Ouch Fujiko that stings!

“Ok, so does Wednesday after school sound good?” Hisao says. Fujiko and I nod in agreement and it’s all settled just before the bell goes.

As Hisao leaves it suddenly dawns on me that I’ve had another fast one pulled on me but this time by sweet little Fujiko.

We agreed to have the sessions in MY ROOM. Fujiko will be leaving early leaving me to tutor Hisao on my own in my room.

I look left as the teacher comes into the classroom.

“That was evil Fujiko” I mutter under my breath “Pure evil and sneaky”

“Of course,” she says smugly, primping and flashing me a grin “I learnt from the best after all”

End Scene 1

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Thanks for all feedback so far, I'm off to finish Tokyo ghoul now if anyone needs me!

Enjoy the scene!

I'm calling it right now, Ayane's new English teacher will be Akiho!

Another great chapter Tea, I really liked the cinematic you came up with as well.

Keep up the great work!

Very enjoyable chapter again.
I think your "please" are supposed to be "pleas", though.

Frosticle wrote:I'm calling it right now, Ayane's new English teacher will be Akiho!

Another great chapter Tea, I really liked the cinematic you came up with as well.

Keep up the great work!

Goddamit frosty!

I admit nothing! NOTHING!

Thanks, the cinematic literally just popped up in my head so I figured, meh why not write it in. If I could draw I'd probably draw the Opening screen for Act 2 as well.

Thank you for the praise, it always makes my day when I see new replies!

Mirage_GSM wrote:Very enjoyable chapter again.
I think your "please" are supposed to be "pleas", though.

Ooops! I shall fix that post haste! I'm glad you are enjoying my ramblings and hope you continue to do so!

(I think I've fixed the pacing issues? Not sure, wold love some input on the matter)

I'm not sure if we understand the same thing when we hear "pacing"...
What I meant was that your plot progression from first meeting to first kiss was awfully fast. In this chapter the progression was at much more believable levels. As long as they aren't having sex at the end of that study lesson I guess you're in the green.

Nope I wondered if the scenes were moving along too fast and your feedback about the kiss did prompt me to go back and rejigger the scene.

Ok, I can breath a sigh of relief.

The tutor session is...

No kinky times no, but whatever you may have in mind, I shall leave it as we begin to learn more about what makes Ayane tick.

Still I value everyone's feedback so thank you mirage for your feedback!

Really enjoyed this chapter. I liked how flustered Ayane got when Hisao played the gentleman card. Looking forward to the studding session.

I feel as if I've been a bit harsh to some of my characters here but this was how the conversation played out. I did research about haemophilia so I hope that my portrayal at the end of the chapter is accurate. I get the feeling it's not.

Also first introduction of Akihiro! Enjoy!

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Act 2

Scene 2

A few angry words

Tuesday morning begins much the same as yesterday. Wake up, shower, dress, glug my coffee and pills down and then head out for exam breakfast.

Hisao joins us again this morning for breakfast and adds to the breakfast spread with his donation of some spreads and toast. It’s a thoughtful gesture and one that I appreciate. We never asked him to but he went out and did it of his own accord, which was sweet of him.

As breakfast carries on around me I take a moment to just watch everyone. I like to people watch. I’m not as outgoing as my brother I’d rather watch someone than walk up to them. Talking to Hisao like that was a rarity for me and a little out of character.

Fujiko, ever graceful with her brunette locks and baby blue eyes, gently picking from the spread of food with her chopsticks, giggles behind long sleeves at my brothers’ antics.

My fraternal twin Arashi, with his dark eyes and dark hair and delicate features, wildly expressive in his facial features with his hands currently in the air as he mocks a joke Hisao just cracked

Lastly but not least Hisao, with his messy brown hair and chocolate sleep deprived eyes, trying in vain to explain some science based joke, with a mug of juice in one hand, to Fujiko and Arashi and judging by the silent laughter coming from my brother I think he’s mocking Hisaos attempt at a joke.

“Ayane?” Hisao questions me “Anyone home?”

I snap out of my musings and crack a yawn at the same time “I’m fine Hisao, just a little sleepy, same as you”

“That obvious?” Hisao asks wryly “Just a bout of insomnia. Side effect”

“A side effect?” Fujiko questions, mid chew, she swallows the remains of her mouthful and then asks “Side effect of what?”

I grimace. Fujiko dear you are treading thin ice here. “My medication” Hisao says “Can have odd side effects sometimes” His tone is wary and I can sense his discomfort at the direction this conversation is beginning to take.

Fortunately my brother is up to the task and his white board shoved in our faces reads [What subjects today?] It is a sufficient distraction as it veers the topic into safer waters.

For Fujiko and myself today’s cram topics are history and geography, for the boys their respective topics are Japanese and history, so there is a little overlap for us to study as a group.

The grounds are busier this morning than yesterday morning and the four of us on a picnic blanket, surrounded by the debris of breakfast, half drunk cups of coffee, arguing over historical dates and places and falling over in laughter when we realise that we’re all wrong, cuts quite an odd sight even for Yamaku academy.

Mid revision session I spy Haruhiko watching me from a short distance away. I can’t reasonably tell from this distance but he looks really, really pissed. There’s a tenseness in his body language that even when I wave at him in greeting doesn’t fade away. After I wave at him he appears to sweep his gaze over the group and then with a huff stalks off.

Odd. Haruhiko does have his strange moods but I’ve never seen him be this tense and dismissive of me ever. Mind you things have been off with Haruhiko since our encounter in the pool several days ago.

I nibble my lip in quiet contemplation. I guess I’ll need to track him down and speak to him. Easier said than done as he lives off campus down in the town below Yamaku. The sooner the air is cleared the better as I do owe him an apology as I was a bit of a bitch towards him when last we spoke.

Hisao sees my contemplative look and he sees Haruhikos retreating back. I see a frown crease his forehead. “Something wrong?” I ask. My gut tells me I already know what the answer will be.

“Haruhiko was really off with me yesterday” Hisao admits.

Fuck it Haruhiko don’t come down with the green-eyed monster on me.

Why must my life get complicated? No I’m the only one that makes things complicated. Next time I see Haruhiko, I apologise. Simple.

Yet why do I have that sinking feeling?

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” I say plastering a fake smile over my face. Neither of the three look impressed or that they believe me, but the subject is dropped.

The rest of breakfast and study is taken with a more sombre mood than the gaiety a few minutes earlier. We disperse into our pairs for class when the bell rings, packing up the picnic accoutrements and then heading into another day of classes and exams.

My first exam is history and it’s easier than I expected. In fact most of the subject matter in the test is what we covered during the exam breakfast this morning so most of the dates and important information is fresh in my head.

The exam gods must be smiling on me then as I finish the test with plenty of time to spare, enough to go over and fine-tune my longer answers. Satisfied with my answers, I check the remaining time. I have enough time for a fifteen-minute catnap. Don’t mind if I do.

Fujiko gently shaking me awake brings me round from my nap. My sleepy brain kicks into gear and I realise that class has ended and the teacher is collecting the papers.

Next class is maths and the teacher has already marked the papers. That was a quick turn around. I can feel my stomach churn in nervousness at the face down exam paper. There is a nervous anticipation in the air and everyone is slightly on edge.

All the papers are handed back out and the teacher strolls to the front of the class. “You may turn your papers over” He’s a good guy our maths teacher. All the blind students get their marks stamped in Braille on the papers so everyone gets their results at the same time.

I’m procrastinating. I flip the paper over and then heave a sigh of relief. I passed. One of my weak points down so now only the science exam to go, as I’m quietly confident about the rest of my subjects.

The rest of the lesson passes in a wave of relief as the teacher goes over the exam paper, helping us spot our mistakes and what not to do next time. Before I know it lunchtime is upon us.

Today it’s only Fujiko and me dining together. The boys have been dragged off by Shizune and Misha for lunch so it’s just us girls dining today. I did remember to make myself some lunch last night so we both wander out the classroom, navigating the sea of student life, down the stairs and out onto the front lawns.

We eat out on the front lawns a lot I realise, especially when the weather stays good like this. Fujiko likes people watching just like me. She likes to imagine what they do, their hopes, their dreams and what they plan for the future. Tezuka Rin joined us on one of these lunches once, totally out of the blue. It was a highly surreal experience that lunch and made me wonder if there had been something in the water.

It is whilst we are eating lunch I have something of an epiphany. “Fujiko?” I ask gaining her attention.

“Yes?” She asks, one eyebrow raised, chopsticks halfway to her mouth.

I wave my phone at her “You ok if I make a call?” She shoves her food in her mouth and nods, her cheeks puffed out with food. She looks like a squirrel or a hamster with its cheek pouches full and it’s adorable yet oddly disturbing at the same time.

I flip my phone open but before I dial the number, I dig out a notebook that I keep for doodles and a pen. I dial the number in and let it ring. Pick up…

The phone picks up and an acerbic baritone voice charmingly greets me with “Well if it isn’t my shitty little sister, gracing her older brother with a fucking phone call”

“Hi Akihiro” I chirp back “lovely to hear from you too brother”

A snort from the other end of the line “Fuck you too”

“As charming as ever I see” I respond dryly.

There’s a bark of laughter in response and then I hear him bellow “OI! Shirou! SHITTY SAUCE CHEF! WATCH WHAT THE FUCK YOU’RE DOING!” There’s a clatter of pots in the background and a indistinct voice speaks back at my brother who responds with a muttered “I don’t get paid enough for this shit”

That is my charming older brother Akihiro. He’s a foul-mouthed lout generally but for me, Arashi and Akiho he’s still an asshole but he’s our asshole. There is the sound of footsteps, a door opening, more footsteps and then another door opening and I hear the ‘click’ of a lighter being used and then the inhalation of breath that indicates he’s having a cigarette. “So” He says in-between drags of his cigarette “What can I do for you? I doubt this is a courtesy call sis”

“Actually it is. Akiho told me you’d set a place up in the city nearby and I wanted to pick your brains for a moment if you had the time” I keep my voice sugary sweet because I know it pisses him off faster than anything else on the planet.

“Cut the sugary sweet crap,” He growls at me in English. “Yeah I have opened up a place in the city, looking at expanding near Yamaku too, got my eyes on an old tea shop near the school that I’m thinking about putting in an offer on”

That sounds… “You don’t mean the Shanghai do you?”

“Yeah that’s the fucking place. Right shit hole it is too. Think I scared the ever loving fuck out of the waitress when I went there yesterday” He laughs and I hear the click of his lighter again as he lights another cigarette as I cringe in sympathy for Yuuko. She would not have known what to do with my brother.

“I’d turn that place into something the students would like. Cheap but friendly, good service and excellent food. I’d try and hire from the school too.” There’s another inhalation “but that’s neither here nor there. What do you need shitty brat?”

I explain my idea to him and I hear him muse in agreement as he lights another cigarette. “You’ll be dead before you’re thirty” I chastise him

“You’re not my fucking mother” he fires back. There’s a beat of silence and then he mutters “Sorry. That was out of line”

“It’s fine” I wave it off, even though he can’t see me. “Lets get back on topic. Brain food”

“Hmmm your dessert idea is good. Bit fucking basic but a classic. I’d say add some booze but that ideas fucked before it even leaves the ground.” There’s a pause and I can literally hear Akihiro rummaging in his head “Fish is always a good idea for brain food. Can’t go wrong with that. What about Dads fish skewer recipe?”

That is a good idea… “I don’t have any skewers Akihiro”

A grumble. “You could probably buy some crappy bamboo ones”

“If I can’t get any?” I press him.

“Stir-fry it you fuck wit” is the whiplash remark back. “Noodles will give you better sauce coating than rice”

“Ok sounds good. Refresh me on the ingredients again?” I scribble down the ingredients I need as Akihiro lists what I need to buy.

“So what’s this all for then?” he asks.

I hum for a moment “Planning a study session on English and Science ready for exams. Figured I’d feed Fujiko and Hisao at the same time”

There is a beat of quiet, almost dangerous silence from the other end of the phone “Who is Hisao?” there is a silky, dangerous tone to my brothers voice.

“He’s the new guy at the school. Went to the festival with him…” Oops. Hisao I may have handed you a death sentence.

“Do I need to come up there with a cleaver and threaten this punks dick?”

Real, real classy brother dearest. “Leave it alone Akihiro. He’s a friend. Poor fucker got transferred here mid term, he’s well out of his depth. He needed a friend”

“And you’re such a bleeding heart” is the waspish reply I receive.

There’s a commotion down the other end of the line and I hear Akihiro say to someone else “Yeah I’ll be up there in a moment you prick, talking to my sister. Fuck off.” There’s a beat of silence and then he says to me “Sorry Ayane, I’ve gotta go. Lunchtime is beginning to pick up. You should swing by and see me in the city this weekend!”

“I was making plans to” I confess. “I’ll give you a bell on Saturday after class alright?”

“Excellent!” He says before adding, “That fucker Hisao better appreciate you cooking for him. Stay safe Ayane”

“You too Akihiro” I say, grinning “Go scare those chefs you boss around”

“You bet I will, the lazy fuckers!” And after that tasteful sentence my phone beeps at me indicating that he’s hung up. I snap my phone shut and see Fujiko looking at me oddly.

“Who on earth were you talking to?” She asks. “They sounded rather rude and loud!”

I laugh as I pack away my phone and writing kit “That was my charming older brother Akihiro.” Fujikos face dawns with understanding. “And we” I add, “Should be getting back to class. Lunch is nearly over” And lo and behold as I say this, the bell goes and we make our way back to class.

Geography passes in a blur of the exam and it’s a relief to have it done. The next lesson is Japanese and it’s a revision session for the upcoming exam tomorrow. The class is mostly note taking and the time flits by pretty quickly and before I know it, the bell is going for the end of the day.

I pop up back to my dorm, waving goodbye to Fujiko, moving my way through the other students. In my room I get rid of my uniform and put on my casual wear. Thank goodness for pants. I grab a shopping bag and head out of the dorms, leaving the school grounds and heading down the winding road to the town below. I have some shopping to do!

The walk into town is quiet and apart from a few nods with other fellow students and quick greetings, I’m left to my own devices. I consult my scribbled list and decide that visiting the grocer would be better than the convenience store that most students visit.

I’ve made it down into town with enough time to visit the grocers and I flit into the store, browsing the aisles with familiarity and an expert hand, I’m not a ditherer or a window shopper, I go in, get what I need and get out again. I get what I need and I get out again. I have pretty much everything I need for tomorrow but I will need to pop by the convenience store and get something to drink for tomorrow, as there is nothing in the grocers that tickles my fancy drinks wise.

So it’s out of the store and down the road, passing the Shanghai on my way to the convenience store. I enter the store, the ‘beep whoosh’ of the automatic doors giving me a blast of chilled air as I enter. I wind my way around the shelves to the chilled drinks section. I think I see a flash of blue hair out of the corner of my eye. That might have been Suzu from Hisaos class. Possibly getting energy drinks? I shrug and put the thought out of my mind and get a selection of low sugar drinks. If Hisao can’t have caffeine, too much sugar is probably just as bad for him.

I make my selection and wander to the tills and see Suzu and Miki leaving as I come up to the till. Guess I was right. Shrugging I set my purchases down and fish my wallet out from my pants pocket, paying for my items. With that done I wander out of the automatic doors and as I leave I hear a voice behind me.

“Ayane!” The voice shouts and I turn.

“Haruhiko” I say, regarding him. Well this is a bonus, Haruhiko found me. Now’s as good a time as any. “You ok?” I ask first.

“Been better,” He admits, not meeting my gaze.

“Oh? How so?” I ask.

He frowns and fiddles with his hair band before answering me “Well I’ve been worrying about you”

There is a stony silence after that little confession and he fidgets on the spot. “Why?” I ask finally, my tone flat.

He licks his lips before answering, “I… heard from a friend that you haven’t been sleeping well” That much is true. The nightmare and then last night I was up in the middle of the night due to another odd dream. Someone must’ve heard me up.

“That is true,” I admit “But I fail to see how it concerns you” Ouch. I’m channelling Mother.

“Because I care about you!” Haruhiko blurts out, looking at me defiantly.

Oh boy. This is going to get messy. I pinch my nose in frustration at the situation. “I’m not quite sure how to phrase this Haruhiko,” I say.

“Don’t phrase it then” He says with a shrug moving a little closer. “Kiss me like you kissed Nakai after the festival”

That gets my hackles up. When the fuck had he seen that? Haruhiko must register the look in my eye as he looks as though he’s just made a monumental cock up. Which he has the blithering idiot. “Suzumiya” I grate out and I see him flinch at my tone of voice. “I’m going to be gracious and ignore that last comment, as that implies something which could have the great effect of pissing me off. The last person that ended up pissing me off like that ended up not liking the fact I dyed his bed clothes bright orange, wiped his computer and replaced all his action DVDs with ‘Hello Kitty’ ones”

Haruhikos eyes widen and there is fear in them but he straightens himself up and faces me in the light of the store. “I’ll be blunt then,” He says finally after appearing to carefully consider his words. “I’ve known you for two years now. I consider you a very close friend –“

A snort erupts from me before I can help it. “Close friend? Suzumiya we barely speak to each other apart from passing greetings in corridors, occasionally having lunch together with some of the track team and I sometimes lend you my manga. Apart from that Suzumiya I regard you as an annoying younger sibling as that is generally your behaviour round me.” His jaw drops and I press home the attack “You are a friend Haruhiko” I say my tone softening “But not a close one”

There is a moment of heavy, oppressive silence. “Fucking Nakai. He’s come along and fucked everything up”

“I fail to see how that is the case” I say, my tone cold enough to freeze penguins.

“How blunt do I have to be?” He cries, throwing his hands in the air. “Tsukino Ayane I like you and want to take you on a date before Nakai steals you away…” his voice trails off and he appears to be girding himself up for something. He shuffles slightly closer and says “You always flirt back too”

Flirt back? What in the name of… the hamster wheel clicks and the lights go on in my brain “That’s what you call flirting?” I blurt out “News flash Suzumiya! That was not me flirting back! Nine times out of ten your comments pissed me off! That’s why I gave you that nickname! We’re not ten years old Suzumiya and pulling my hair isn’t going to get me to like you!”

He stands there stunned at my verbal tirade and all I can hear is Akihiros voice going in my head “Wow you’re up shit creek without a paddle now sister” I spin on my heel and turn, beginning to walk rapidly away from the mess that my big mouth has landed me in. I make it less than three steps away before Suzumiyas hands are on my shoulders and he’s spinning me around mouth pursed in a kiss. I can feel my head pounding, fear rising. His hands are strong but I manage to push him, making him stumble back a little. He looks angry, angrier than I’ve ever seen him and I feel afraid.

That is until my brother Arashi appears behind Suzumiya, grabs one shoulder, spins him around and lays him flat on the floor with one punch on the jaw. It’s over in less than a second and Suzumiya is writhing on the floor with my brother looming over him. Blood drips from my brothers’ knuckles and Suzumiya… shit. His haemophilia.

I panic “Arashi his condition!” Arashi’s eyes go from wild and angry to concerned in less than a second. He kneels down to help Suumiya up but his hand is batted away.

“I’m fine. My conditions not that severe. I’m not about to bleed to death” He spits blood at this and I frown. “I’m fine. I’ll have a shiner of a bruise and be spitting blood and I’ll take some tablets when I get home. Just…” Suzumiya deflates “Just leave me alone please”

He begins to get up as we leave, my brother watching him warily. He staggers into the store and as we hear the clerk gasp at the sight we take that as our cue to leave the scene.

The walk back is in silence. I appreciate what Arashi did but he’s just opened a whole can of trouble for himself. When we reach the gates, I grasp his hands, look him in the eye and say, “If anything happens tomorrow about what just happened come and get me. I’ll back you up.” I feel tears falling from my good eye and I drop my shopping, hugging Arashi hard “Don’t get yourself expelled over me Arashi” He nods solemnly at me and then vanishes into the boys dorm leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Sleep eludes me again tonight.

One last thought kicks me in the teeth as I try to sleep. I never did apologise.

Damn it, tomorrow is going to suck.

End scene 2.

I have to say, Akihiro is not a person I would get along with in real life. I'm not big on constant swearing and i HATE smoking.

Also, I don't really blame Ayane for not apologizing. In her place, I think I would have fired back too. He was being an asshole.