Hideki Mirian

Hideki was outside the school building, but inside the school gates, before the bell could ring. It was 7:15, and school kind of started around a whole hour afterwards, so he was much earlier than most kids, although there were still many in the area. He tended to stay away from the groups of people, and for their own good, so what he did was go to the garden on the side of the school and just stay there for the whole hour he'd have to wait until school would begin.

He sat on a bench in the center of this little garden and watched the bees move from flower to flower. Some people found it strange that he stared at such minor things in life, but what else could he do since he didn't take a major part? As a minor character in the book of life, he thought he wouldn't be associated with the major characters in life, so all he did was do unnoticeable things, things regular people would do, or anyone for that matter.

Hideki pulled out a book from the bag of his on the bench and turned to his left where a lovely lily was leaning on the armrest. He blinked at it for a while, doing nothing about it until he decided why not? Hideki got a pencil from his bag and put it gently onto the paper as he began to sketch the flower, very slowly, but very accurately.

He didn't expect anyone to come across him actually, he didn't expect anyone to even go near the garden since they were already with his friends and all, but apparently, someone did.

Hideki pulled his eyes off the notebook when he saw a man walking through the garden, stepping on the flowers, and not caring what he crashed into. The man then caught Hideki staring at him as he immediately brought his eyes back down onto the paper, hoping he wasn't seen since he didn't want to cause any trouble, or even talk to another person.

"Oi." The man walked up to him, an angry and ugly look on his face. Hideki didn't answer to the man said even louder, putting his foot onto Hideki's leg, pushing onto it hardly which would probably hurt someone more than usual, but Hideki didn't even twitch as the man repeated again, "Punk, look up at me."

Finally, Hideki moved his bored and tired eyes up to the man and said, "I can hear you."

"Then why aren't you answering huh?" He asked impatiently. The man then saw how Hideki was sketching out a flower and laughed, taking the note book away from his hands and pointing at this, "What's this! A flower? What? You're an artist? How draws flowers? Such a wimp! Girl!" He immaturely teased.

Hideki could stand getting beaten up, but if someone were to just snatch away his drawings like that only to insult him, he would get angry, despite how much tolerance he had for anyone, "Give it back." He said, giving the man a chance, and a warning even though he obviously didn't see that.

"This? Like hell I would!" The man laughed and ripped the notebook of his in half like it was just a single sheet of paper.

That's what got Hideki angry as he sent a threatening glare at the man, and after just a mere second, he noticed that his arm had caught fire and he dropped the halves of the book before screaming and running around, trying to find help, or water. Hideki, on the other hand, simply kneeled down and began to pick up the torn pictures with an emotionless face, "I told you..." He sighed sadly.

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Kana was definitely a morning person. Ever since her hospital stay she'd never been able to sleep past 6 AM. She went through the motions of her usual morning ritual, breakfast, a shower, brushing her teeth, getting dressed, and finally heading out to school. She lived in a dorm on campus so she always ended up at school rather early, today she arrived at just before 7 AM. She had no reason to be so early, but she enjoyed spending time in her usual club room before school started.

After making herself some tea she moved over to the window in the room, looking out over the school. She had a rather nice view from here up at the fourth floor of the school, she could see some students beginning to trickle in. Her gaze wandered as she slowly tended to her tea before she finally spotted two boys in the garden. Strange... I don't often see many there this early... That one with the book looks a bit familiar though.

It seemed the two were not off to a friendly interaction. A bully?... You'd truly have to be an idiot to pick a fight like that here with all the powers these students have. She raised a brow as she continued to watch from a distance. The bully had taken the other boy's book, and then ripped it in half. It wasn't a moment later that the bully's arm was aflame. Kana's eyes widened in surprise as she hesitated for a moment. She quickly put her tea down and went to find a bottle of water, I don't know if this will be enough but... She shook her head and opened the window before tossing the bottle down towards them. She watched as the bottle landed with a loud thud near the two, satisfied with this she closed the window and drew the blinds closed.

Kana let out a sigh before moving away from the window and heading downstairs, not really wanting to stick around and watch. I can't say he didn't deserve that but still... Lighting him on fire might've been a bit much. She passed by one of the bulletin boards on her way and stopped to take a look at it. There were advertisements for various clubs and such, but what caught her attention was an official notice from the school. Oh yeah... Today's the day they're assigning partners isn't it? Maybe I'll actually try to do some missions this year. As she was reading over the notice one of her teachers walked by, a large stack of papers in hand. Kana turned toward her and offered a smile, "Ah, do you need any help carrying that?" The teacher graciously accepted Kana's help and asked her to bring them to class 1-A on the first floor. With that, she began to make her way further downstairs.

Hideki Mirian

The man who was on fire found a water bottle that landed near him and immediately picked it up, pouring it on his arm. The fire didn't get down to his skin luckily, only affecting his jacket which it burnt through and began on the shirt. Immediately, the man ran off, heading for a teach since he was a student, most likely in the college classes.

Hideki looked up to only catch a glance at who threw that. When he first saw her, he didn't know who it was until he began to search his mind through every name and face he knew and saw before, 'That's... Tokui-san...' He thought to himself, wondering if she just accidentally dropped her water bottle from her window, or actually throwing it on purpose.

He decided he may ask her about it later, or perhaps never since he might her hurt like he hurt that man also. Hideki cringed at the thought of it, and turned back to the flower he was just sketching ago, which it's picture was ruined since it was ripped in half. Because of his thoughts and how frustrated her was just then, the fire also caught on fire.

Hideki nearly jumped at the tight and since the man had used all the water left in the water bottle, he had to quickly make a decision on what to do, or the whole garden would burn, and he'd be responsible for it. Immediately, he took both his hand, and just slapped them down onto the lily. It was like someone pinching a candle, but instead, Hideki was putting out a fire the size of a flower, and it did sting.

When he removed his hands, the flower was burnt, but the fire didn't spread at least. He sighed and picked up what was left of his book, but flinched when he took it into his hand. Hideki put up his right hand, the one that wasn't holding the book, and saw how red it was from putting out the tiny flower and frowned.

'I'm too dangerous still...' He sighed, and carried the books in his hands, despite the pain, and showed little sign of how much it hurt, or someone would worry, and he'd only get into more trouble with holding back the fire he had so little control over.

While he began to walk to class, he noticed there was something on the bulletin board, 'We're picking partners...?' Hideki felt a bit excited at first, but then his smile lowered when he remember, 'Right... never mind. That's never going to happen... Who would choose me as a partner right? If missions require magic, I can't do that. Self defense is all I have... Magic doesn't work for me.'

He let out a sigh and headed inside to get to his class since it may start soon. Along the way though, he saw the same person he saw that morning. At first, he wasn't going to say anything, but since he couldn't hold back his question, he looked at her and asked, "Tokui-san, forgive me if I'm wrong, but you're the one that gave the man the water bottler just then, right?"

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Kana smiled and waved at 1-A's teacher as she left the room, having completed her delivery. Coming down to the first year's floor always made her a little uncomfortable though, she felt like people were staring at her when she wasn't looking or saying things about her as she passed by. As she made her way towards the stairs lost in her own thoughts, a voice calling her name pulled her back to consciousness.

She turned to find the boy from earlier in the garden was the one who had called out to her. He knows my name?... Hm, I thought he looked familiar but I can't say I know his name. She cleared her throat before speaking, she wasn't smiling exactly but she sounded pleasant enough. "Ah, yes, that was me. Surprised to noticed me up there. Well, since you're here I assume things turned out alright?" Kana tilted her head a bit as she looked Hideki over briefly before noticing his hand. Hm... Did he burn himself too? She decided not to bring it up at this point and glanced over at the nearby bulletin board.

"Have you got a partner yet?" Kana brought it up not because she was curious, but she had the feeling the brown haired boy before her wouldn't want to talk much about the fire. She was also perhaps a bit happy that someone had come up to talk to her, so she didn't really want the conversation to lead anywhere awkward. Best to just talk about school then... That's what I see most of the others do anyways.

Hideki Mirian

"Ah, yes, that was me. Surprised to noticed me up there. Well, since you're here I assume things turned out alright?"

Hideki put on a small smile as he did to someone who he found friendly, "Yes, they did. I really do have to thank you for throwing down that water bottle though... If you threw it since it also could have dropped. Luckily the man wasn't injured, so all is good, though I may get a detention in the end."

He spoke as if he didn't harm the man or scare him in anyway, even though he was certain he did. But since he had very little control over his abilities, he couldn't help it. It was by accident, but the girl in front of him probably didn't know that, so it most likely sounded quite unusual and off.

"Have you got a partner yet?"

"A partner?" Hideki asked, almost as if the term as unfamiliar to him, but a moment later, he shook his head and said, "I've seen people already group with each other, and I hardly know anyone. Not only that, but well... I'm not the best around people... Especially with my ability which I think you've already seen..."

He sighed at the thought of harming someone and frowned at the memory of hurting the man, "I don't have much control, even with the few years I've been studying here. I don't know why, but it's just not working. So this year I'm most likely going to be alone again. What about you, Tokui-san?" He asked out of curiosity.

(Gah, such a short post.. Sorry!)

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Kana tapped her chin idly as she listened to the boy. Well... It seems talking about partners backfired... His lack of control really seems to bother him... I suppose in some way I know how he feels. His lack of control means he hurts others, mine only meant that I hurt myself. She crossed her arms as she did so often. "Well, as for the detention thing, if you need I can just tell them you were defending yourself, at the very least you might get in less trouble for that." Despite the unhappy nature of the conversation so far, she was happy to be talking to someone.

"And... A partner? Hm..." The truth was, she had no one in mind for a partner, and it was doubtful anyone would come up to her and ask. In the past this hadn't bothered her at all, but this year... She wanted to take part in some missions. It seems he and I are in the same boat for partners. In that case... "Truthfully, no, I don't really have anyone to ask, and I don't think anyone would ask me either..." She looked up at Hideki's face. "Your power shouldn't be much of an issue for me, so how about we partner up? Though, I suppose I should learn your name first at least." Still she wasn't wearing much of an expression, this seemed to be rather typical for her but there may have been a hint of excitement in her eyes.

She glanced at her watch. Classes are going to start soon. "Sorry to cut this short, but I need to get to class. If you're interested, you can find me during lunch, I'll be in the same place I was this morning." With that she began to head towards the stairs and waved goodbye. Wonder if he'll show up... She arrived at her class, settling in to her seat. She honestly enjoyed classes, but today felt like it dragged on a bit. Perhaps it was the anticipation she felt for lunch to arrive.

"Well, as for the detention thing, if you need I can just tell them you were defending yourself, at the very least you might get in less trouble for that."

"Huh?" Hideki asked, a bit of a surprised look on his face since he didn't expect her to say that. In fact, he didn't even think that their conversation would last very long actually. He thought it'd just start, and end, not even spanning a single minute long, but apparently what he thought was wrong.

A moment later he told himself to stop thinking and say something as he put on a small smile and asked, "Y-You'd really do that? Because... well... Who knows... It could last longer than you'd expect and you may get into the situation as well. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble or waste any of your time..." Or else he'd feel really guilty about himself and probably regret it in the end, so he also made sure that it was alright with the other person a second time beforehand in a very polite manner.

"And... A partner? Hm... Truthfully, no, I don't really have anyone to ask, and I don't think anyone would ask me either... Your power shouldn't be much of an issue for me, so how about we partner up? Though, I suppose I should learn your name first at least."

"Eh, really?" Hideki asked, a little rush of excitement passing through him as seen by his stunned looking expression, 'T-that'd be great...' He thought to himself, not realizing that he didn't say anything out loud, 'But I'm not sure you really understand how dangerous I could be...'

He only noticed that he didn't speak what he wanted to say, but when he finally did, Hideki saw Kana look at her watch and say "Sorry to cut this short, but I need to get to class. If you're interested, you can find me during lunch, I'll be in the same place I was this morning."

"Ah, alright." Hideki said before waving slowly, still a little anxious about what would go on. Yeah, he always wanted to try going on one of those missions with a partner, make a friend like he used to before he got his curse of fire manipulation. With that, it seemed impossible for him to meet new friends, or just meet anyone actually.

Or maybe it was just him. Hideki began to actually think it was because of himself being so anxious and nervous all the time that he was never able to meet new people, 'Maybe if I just tried to relax once I'd calm down...?' He wondered to himself while staring out the window curing class, which ended up with the teacher lecturing him about paying attention during class.

Later after class ended, Hideki stayed after just slightly longer to get some extra work done, 'Just real quickly... Then I can go see if Tokui-san really still wants to be my partner... or maybe she was joking? Will she even be there...? Well... I don't think she's one to joke like that at least... hopefully this isn't some sort of prank...' He sighed nervously before packing his bags and walking towards where he saw her that morning, looking among the children, teenagers, and adults in the hall way who all sort of glared back at him after the rumors of him 'attacking a man on purpose' got out around the school.

He was sort of used to it, but he was a bit afraid that Kana wouldn't like all the negative attention drawn towards him and would probably walk off because of how much he stood out and how unusual he was, and he slowly began to think that meeting up with her was a bad idea again, but nevertheless, kept his tiny hopes up and continued to look among the crowd for the girl he met that morning that offered such a surprising deal he had an urge to accept.

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Kana pondered the conversation she had just had as she waited for class to start. He seemed pretty surprised that I was being friendly and talking to him... Then again, I think I'd be surprised if someone came to talk to me like that too. He seemed interested in the partner thing though. She quietly observed the class that was abuzz with the usual pre-class conversation. It seemed word of the incident she had observed this morning was already beginning to circulate among the student body. It's really remarkable the talent teenagers seem to have for gossip.

The class was silenced as the teacher entered the room and started class. Things went smoothly enough despite the slight distraction that was in the back of her mind. Finally the bell for lunch rang, the students all rose from their seats quickly and joined up with their friends, heading out of the classroom to enjoy their lunch. Kana however did what she did every day. She carefully put her things away in her bag and quietly left the room, heading straight to her little club room on the 4th floor. A thought occurred to her as she went, Oh... I hope he's actually able to find this place, I guess I didn't really give any directions or anything... Oh well, even if he doesn't show up I'll probably see him around again.

She arrived at the very familiar door and slid it open, stepping inside and setting her bag down near the lone couch that sat just below the window. The quiet room filled with the sound of her humming as she moved about and opened the window. Kana took a deep breath of the fresh air before moving on to the usual practice of making herself some tea. Though... I guess I am expecting a guest... I'll make enough for two then. She poured herself a cup, retrieved her lunch from her bag, and took a seat at the lone table in the room. The fact that there was only one chair for the table truly spoke to the fact that only one person ever visited this room. The only other notable features of the room were an empty keyboard stand and a few storage boxes tucked away in a dusty corner.

Hideki Mirian

"Which way was it again...?" Hideki asked himself, looking around from room to room, kind of forgetting where she was that morning, but determined to find it whatsoever, 'Or... was it outside?' He wondered to himself but then shook his head, conforming to himself that what he thought was wrong, 'No no... she was inside... And... on the 3rd floor? No, the 4th floor, right. The 4th floor from what I remember.' After remembering which room she should be waiting in, he took off again, still getting the odd glances from the children and adults who he passed by, yet paid no attention to at all because after a while, he got used to the way he was getting treated.

Finally finding the room, a small club room that was rarely used very often, most likely a storage or haunted room from what he's heard of among the other students, usually on Halloween to scare other people off though. He didn't mind it though, because he knew the rumors were also false as were all the other rumors that always spread around the school. Only the idiots would believe him, and he wasn't very much of an idiot actually.

He slid open the door, and he, for some reason, was a bit surprised to find Kana sitting in the room. She looked quite content, despite being alone and eating her lunch alone while other students were off with their friends, probably laughing and having fun. In a way, she kind of reminded him about himself, eating alone, being alone, but she didn't seem very bothered by it, or at least, from what he saw and knew from his first glances.

Quietly, he stepped into the empty room other than Kana, and did a polite bow as he always did, a habit of being polite to many people, even with being treated horribly back just for things he had no control over. Then, when he raised his head and stood up straight, after closing the door, he walked up to her, and said quietly, but there was a very small and relieved looking smile on his face whatsoever, "Honestly... I didn't think you were serious, even though you don't appear to be the type of person to joke about these kinds of things... But I'm actually a bit grateful that you didn't abandon me." He said.

Hideki took a seat across from her desk, noticing the tea cup in front of him, but unsure if it was for him since he's never really been treated to respectfully you could put it, so he simply left it there for the time being and instead asked, "If you don't mind my curiosity... do you always eat like this; Alone? You seem to be a really kind person... and you're very beautiful as well, I don't understand why anyone would avoid you. But that's just my opinion."

He just noticed that he strayed off topic again as he quickly apologized and said, "A-anyways... About... about the partners..." For some reason, he seemed quite shy to talk about it, "If you'd really have me, and not regret it later..." He got quieter, feeling that she understood what he was trying to say and ask as he glanced up at her.

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Kana ate slowly as she waited, sipping at her tea from time to time and mostly just watching the window. Her attention however was drawn away from the window and towards the door as she heard footsteps approaching the room. Not long after that the door slid open, Ah, guess he was able to find the place. She raised her brow as he bowed but dismissed the slightly odd display of politeness just a moment later.

"Honestly... I didn't think you were serious, even though you don't appear to be the type of person to joke about these kinds of things... But I'm actually a bit grateful that you didn't abandon me."

Kana stood as she listened to him speak, moving to retrieve the tea pot and fill the cup in front of Hideki before taking her seat once more. Hm... He doesn't seem very confident. She seemed to punctuate this thought by taking another sip from her cup.

"If you don't mind my curiosity... do you always eat like this; Alone? You seem to be a really kind person... and you're very beautiful as well, I don't understand why anyone would avoid you. But that's just my opinion."

She considered the question for a moment before clearing her throat and speaking, "Mm, yes, I suppose I do always eat like this but it's never bothered me really, it's quite relaxing in here. As for being kind, I don't know if I'd say that, I don't think doing what you believe to be right is anything special, it should just be a natural reaction." Kana finished her cup and stood to refill it, continuing as she went. "And I don't think that people avoid me, I suppose they just find me hard to approach or something like that, it's hard to say." She quickly returned to her seat and began to nurse at the steaming drink.

"A-anyways... About... about the partners... If you'd really have me, and not regret it later..."

Kana gave a small nod, "Well, I still don't believe I've actually caught your name yet. But yes, if you're up for it I'd like to partner up with you. I'm not the type to have re-" Her speech was interrupted by a small jingle from her pocket. "Ah... I'm sorry." She retrieved a plain silver cellphone from her pocket and quickly scanned over the text she had just received and for the first time in Hideki's presence she smiled. She clicked out a quick response before putting the phone away and resuming her usual stoic expression. "As I was saying, I think I'd regret having never given it a chance more than anything else, so really, you don't need to worry so much over it."

A thought occurred to her at this moment as she glanced down at the mostly empty table. "Did you already eat by the way?"