Unmei Nijo's Story

There was no getting behind it. She was absolutely late. It was a fact she wouldn't hide. That's why she stood before the Principal who was eyeing her with obvious disappointment, but at the same time conflicting interests. "Nijo Unmei, you do know that you are here because of your scholarship." She wasn't needed to be reminded of that. An orphan like her would not be able to attend such an exclusive and high-standard school if she didn't pass those scholarship exams in flying colors. "Yes, Riyumiya-sensei." Unmei answered in a tamed manner. Her eyes lowered to the floor as she also felt dejected about her performance on the first day of school. "Are you not going to offer me any excuses?"

Unmei finally raised her head and looked at the Principal's eyes. "No, ma'am." She won't offer any excuses for her own blunder. The reason behind her tardiness was due to a series of incidents. It started at the orphanage when one of the helpers got sick. She needed to stand-in and do the chores adding to hers. One of the children had a fit and she addressed it too. She soon finally got some time to herself but the train she got in suffered machine failure making it stop in the middle. There was also an incident that she called out a groper in public train and had to testify as a witness to a fellow student. There was also the rain which prevented her quick advancement, memories of the past, and the present melded, but no matter, she should have able to handle it. She was not a child anymore.

"Without argument you are one of the top students entering this academe, I hope you do not disappointment me the second time around, because there won't be another." She gave an apologetic bow and also a grateful one. She seemed to avoid losing her scholarship. That's what she had gathered from what the Principal said. "Yes, Riyumiya-sensei. This would not happen again." The answer seemed to be enough as she was instructed to hand-in her cellphone which was a gift by the Head Nun at the orphanage. "You better take care of it. It's important." She did so with little resistance but, not before saying a few words from the one who took it. She was a bit worried about having a means of communication. She does have work and responsibilities outside this school even if she knew that she would be staying inside the school grounds, since this is a boarding school.

She was soon dismissed from the office and in her hands are her school documents along with her class schedules for the entire year. She has been told that she will take part in a program where she'll be paired with a sophomore. It was no problem with her as long as that sophomore won't be meddling into her affairs too much. She missed the opening ceremony and apparently the school tour. It wasn't a problem for her. She always manages to find her way, so getting lost is not a problem she is considering. She released an aggravated sigh as she walked through the hallways. She was still angry on herself on the impression she left. She had already placed her scholarship on the line and she couldn't do that again. This school will be her stepping stone for a better life. This school's recommendation could land her to wonderful universities and a good and stable future.

She doesn't want to mess that up ever. That's her prevalent thought as she walked on, but took glimpses at the windows. It was still raining. She doesn't hate it. It reminded her of that promise and that person. Every time it rains, she wondered if that person would come back and take her home, but it never happened, and the years continued to pass by. She was now resolved that she couldn't wait forever. She must make her own move. She can't be a damsel-in-distress. She looked away from the window and looked forward. That's right. This time, she'll be her own hero.

She soon reached the cafeteria and that was a good thing. She was getting hungry and did skip breakfast because she was in a hurry already. Her things should have been sent her before her arrival, so she'll get to it after she gets something to fill her stomach. She entered the hall and she could feel the curious gazes of the people around her. She is used to it especially with her hair color. It was rather unusual but not completely unnatural. She was also said to be beautiful. It was an unhealthy combination for her when it comes to attention. She ignored them and went to the line. She wasn't here to socialize anyway. She just wants to eat and when she was done, she would be going to her assigned room. There should still be enough time before classes resume this afternoon.

Was she hearing things? Was she dreaming? Her eyes of ruby red widened in surprise as she comically pinched her cheeks. There was pain and she was still in the cafeteria of the school, so it must be real. Aeon agreed to her request and would take care of Hotaru. She instantly changed her expression to that of a very bright smile. "Thank you so much, Aeon!" Her action propelled by excitement and happiness made her hug Aeon who sat beside her. Her face nuzzled affectionately at the crook of his neck. She was so ecstatic, she forgot her promise to Hotaru not to make things difficult for Aeon if possible. That one action of hers made most of the occupants of the cafeteria rumble in varying reactions.

It was only when the noise became quite loud that Cassiopeia was taken a peg of what her actions implied to those around her. She caused quite a commotion. She quickly pulled away from Aeon. That's right his identity is a secret, so she could not be too reckless on how she acts around him. Her face now displayed red cheeks not because of her earlier pinching, but her own embarrassment of probably causing Aeon trouble. Her hands clasped together on her lap as she lowered her head in apology. "I'm so sorry... I didn't meant to. I was just so happy..." She looked at her hands intently and if it would possible to sink in a hole right now, she would have. She should have more self-control of herself, really. She could already hear Hotaru scolding her when her guardian hears about this. Plus, Daniel could have seen this foolish event of hers, this is really embarrassing.

Cassiopeia seemed to have a different reason for being ashamed than what the normal reason would have been like intimacy. Their surroundings quieted a bit and Cassiopeia took a deep breath and lifted her head to look at Aeon. That's right, she has yet to answer his question about what club she liked to join. It would be a good time for her to do so. It would avert her mind from her blunder. "I'd like to join the Drama Club... and maybe... just maybe..." She bit her lower lip and began to fiddle with her fingers. She might be pushing the envelope here, but it wouldn't hurt to ask, right? "Could I join a sports club?" Her eyes looked at Aeon with its glassy quality and the puppy dog expression which she has no control over.

For anyone observing the two, it could be said that the pair gets along exceptionally well. Their conversation is also a basis for many conclusions, but they can only be a guess. In the end, the nature of their relationship is a big mystery that most wanted to know about. Well, if Cassiopeia liked to be talked around the school, she effectively did that today without fail. A lot of rumors are now flying off the bat as she attached herself to someone who had been perceived as some kind of idol around the school which she has no idea about, but she really didn't meant it to at all. At the same time, she was worrying about something else entirely. It's Aeon's approval of her joining a sports club. "Please, Aeon?"

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It was about time, really. Unmei finally got her meal as she glared at the server while speaking about fast and efficiency. Some of the students looked at her in surprise and oddly. Well, she knew it was probably because she was new, but most of all about her unrestricted tongue. She was used to it by now, so it didn't bother her with what people think of her most of the time. It's not like they contributed anything to her in the first place. After speaking her piece and the server apologizing for the wait, she went on her way looking for an unoccupied table, but it seemed the day for her was truly an unlucky one as far as her assessment of it. All the tables were occupied that she couldn't help but sigh. This school is known to be very expensive, they could afford to buy more tables.

While having that thought, her attention was taken by the sudden noises by the other students in the cafeteria. It was starting to be a bit loud and the source was a pair of uncommon hair colors. Well, she wasn't the only one. That's good to know. A white-haired girl (Cassiopeia) and a bluish-purple haired guy (Aeon), they seemed to display public affection without care. Her eyes narrowed at that sight and inwardly gagged. She wasn't simply a fan of it. They could do those things in private in her opinion. She rolled her eyes and didn't want to waste her time on something useless. She has to find a place to eat and then, her eyes zoned on a particular individual. It's not because of anything personal as love at first sight or someone she knew in the past. It was more logical. The person she was looking at resembled the photo attached to be her Sophomore Partner.

With a smile on her face, she carried her tray over the table where there are two occupants. "Hi there." She started while looking at the two students there, one noticeably a girl and another a boy who had a more softer edges in her opinion. "My name is Nijo Unmei. You must be Miyuu Akira." Her eyes now on Akira as she has polite and friendly smile on her face. "I'll be your freshman partner now on. I hope we get along well." She offered her a hand for a handshake while the other carried her food tray. When that was done, she spoke once more. "I hope you and your friend." She gave Himeko a polite glance and nod of the head before continuing. "Don't mind if I eat with you guys." She stated while still standing before the two. She wasn't the kind that just sit down. The nuns did teach her manners, but it would be a good thing the answer would not take long. She was never patient as presented earlier when she got her food.

"Etto... My name is Akira, what's yours?"

Himeko tilted her head toward the foreign voice, but simply stared at the boy. He had feminine features and light brown hair. If he was dressed as a girl, she wouldn't have been able to tell he was a boy either. She decided to trust the uniform, because after all, this school was top notch. She sighed to herself, closing her eyes as she came to the realization that she would more than likely have to at least answer the boy to avoid further irritation and disruption, "Himeko Kitogawa." she stated in a monotone. She really did not want to socialize with Akira, but since they were sitting at the same table and she just so happened to invite herself, she didn't have a lot of say in this situation.

Did you and your partner get along? Mine was abruptly taken by their parents.. I guess I get a new one... Pretty lame, huh?"

"I suppose. My partner was tolerable. He went to the dorms." She replied, taking a quiet sip of her drink before delicately placing it back on the table. Her gaze did not return to Akira and she continued to eat her meal as if the conversation had never even occurred in the first place. She wanted to finish out her lunch without interruption, but life had a cruel way of never giving people what they want... and this was no exception. Suddenly they had new company, a very bright haired female, with a tray in hand. Another? This is getting to be fairly troublesome to say the least.. Himeko thought to herself, but kept eating in her usual pristine manner.

"Hi there."

Himeko made eye contact, noting the girl's smile and somewhat friendly greeting. It would be rude to ignore her, and it would only cause future issues so Himeko decided to bite the bullet and socialize, at least a little, "Hello." She responded, a faint trace of a tiny smile crossing her lips for a split second before the blonde returned her attention to her own food tray. There wasn't a lot for Himeko to discuss, or rather, there wasn't a lot she was willing to share. Trusting others didn't come easy to the blonde, especially not other females. She recalled the drama and rumors that surrounded her in middle school and she preferred to ignore girls because they typically chose to gossip, but she was well aware that boys also had the capacity to tell lies if it would make them look 'cool'.

"My name is Nijo Unmei. You must be Miyuu Akira."

O-oops.. Finally she addressed Akira, and Himeko nearly blushed as a sudden realization hit her. Perhaps the hello was never meant for the two of them? Perhaps Nijo was simply addressing Akira only? She turned her gaze to the people around her, people who occupied other tables. Everyone was socializing so freely, without inhibitions. She envied people who weren't constantly second guessing themselves, people who could thrive in this particular setting. She wanted to be like that, but her upbringing brought a constant fear of rejection that was harder to shake in reality than it sounded in theory.

"I'll be your freshman partner now on. I hope we get along well."

Oh, it's the boy's partner replacement. This makes sense... She decided to tune the two out, taking a small bite of food and swallowed. Though Nijo's next words threw Himeko for a loop. She never expected the words to come out of her mouth. She wasn't sure why the girl said it, but it definitely tore down Himeko's guard.

"I hope you and your friend."

...Friend? Her eyes were wide and shifted to Nijo, then to Akira. Did we really come across as friends to Nijo-san? She was completely shocked by this, considering Himeko felt like there had been a stone wall between herself and Akira so far.. She wanted to get to know this boy, yet at the same time she didn't. She felt like she was building a bridge, but removed each plank directly after nailing it down. She was in this constant state of creation and destruction. She was getting nowhere fast.

"Don't mind if I eat with you guys."

Himeko hesitated, but this seemed like a second chance if there ever was one, "I don't mind.." She stated in a soft voice, shy and definitely fragile. No one ever asked to sit with her before, and it was kind of making her anxious. Even though she knew that Unmei was sitting here to get to know Akira, she acknowledged her as well, and it kind of sent butterflies to her stomach. She wasn't crushing on Unmei, but she was the first person to acknowledge her without ulterior motive or prior reasoning to do so. Akira only started conversation because they were sitting at the same table, and wished to avoid awkward silence. Unmei chose to interact with her, despite having no obligation to do so.. Himeko never had that happen before, "I..I mean if Miyuu-san is alright with it.. I'm Himeko Kitogawa.."