Shinoda

The dreadful thought of going to school for the first time shrouded Hiro's mind. What may be his first day will certainly be his last in his perspective. Getting his uniform on became a hassle as he hid in the trees which surrounded Kadan Park, Hiro's home. The uncomforting feeling of wearing such... unappealing clothes. Slipping his books that have been nicely covered in bags and spraypaint into his bag felt extraterrestrial as he suddenly disappeared through the trees to Shinoda.

Hiro has never seen a school before, nor a teacher for that matter. What am I about to attempt? he thought in his subconcious as he passed through the metal gates to his new life. The beautious trees in the courtyard reminded him of his home in the woods. The passerby students reminded him of everyone he saw wandering through the park as he hid in the shadows. Hiro knew he couldn't trust anyone. Yet anyway.

Hiro came early just so he could get a glimpse of how to maneuver around the premises. Not many were there, half of the school, perhaps. A kid with spikes in his lips that screamed of blood. A small group of students by the center, looking nerdy, Hiro could tell, by their taped glasses. Hiro could barely see anyone with his head down to the concrete walkways but his eyes aimed just barely over his books. Then, he saw..... him. A kid wearing a crown over his head like a toddler playing dress-up and a cloak of utterly imbearable colors. Hiro could not believe he was royalty, but he could also not believe he'd come to school in that ridiculous get-up. A mutter moan came from Hiro's mouth slightly knowing that he is going to bring an utter downfall to himself. Hiro sat on the bench with a sketchpad and began to draw anime all alone while waiting for the bell to bring him to his doom.

Xiro laughed as Ahri told him the story of her falling asleep in class. He himself liked falling asleep in class, he found it easier to fall asleep in class than at home. He looked up at the sky and shielded his eyes from the sun with his hands. He smiled at Ahri and nodded in response. Xiro looked over to Jude and noticed that the dog wasn't there anymore.

"Jude?" Hiro asked.

"Jude!" He called out again, but there was no response. He walked over to where Jude was playing just a while ago.

"Jude!" He yelled, already starting to panic. He heard the dog bark from a distance and he heaved out a sigh of relief. Somehow he had that feeling. That feeling that something bad was going to happen. The feeling he usually gets before he gets in trouble.

Hiro's latest masterpiece was finally finished. Such beauty, such elegance, such an achievement. After closing his sketchbook, a small leather journal containing all of his drawings, and lacing it up to keep it concealed. As he set his book in his backpack, Hiro noticed he wasn't alone. The tips of black dress shoes just tipped from his line of vision. Hiro looked up and saw a girl. Hair black as coal, yet shiny as a diamond. Eyes blue as the night sky, like his.She was holding something in her hands, but it fell to the floor as Hiro looked at her. She looked like she was in panic. He was terrified too, thinking of only being taken away when communicating with people. "S-sorry. I'll pick that up," the young girl stuttered as the words came out of her mouth as roughly as a rapid current. Hiro couldn't talk. The words were coming, but blockaded at the end. Hiro remained silent, and started to panic. By the look in the girl's eyes, we were both doing the same thing. She handed me an object. My wallet. Covered in dirt, mud precisely. Hiro could tell by the residue, but she had most likely cleaned it for me. Hiro lightly takes it, slides it in his back pocket, and finally slips out a, "Thank you," with a real smile. The girl scurries off as fast as she could, falling a bit later Her books are scattered across the ground. Hiro decided for a returning favor. He dashed with his backpack to the girl, and started to pick up her books. Hiro made them into a neat pile and slipped them in her soft, pale hands. She muttered out a slight, "Thank you, mister," Hiro smiled yet again, then saw all the people staring at us. Suspects to his arrival, suspects to tell the local police. Hiro ran for it, his backpack by the strap in his hand, running for the classroom.

Ahri started to look around for Jude as Xire started calling out to him. She becamoe worried. She knew how awful it is when your dog runs away. Then she ehard berking, she figured it was Jude. She sighed slightly in relief, but then a slight panic struch her almost instantly again. "Oh no...what if a teacher or council member finds him? We've better go find him." She said to Xire. The council members and teachers in this school hardly had any mercy regarding issues as these. People could be allergic and blah blah. Affecting people's health they would say. "Which way did the barking come from?"

Harlique soon grew tired of wallowing in self pitty, and stood up, beginning to head back to class. Not soon after she began walking, she heard the faint bark of a dog.

'Dogs? She though. Here on campus?' She shrugged her shoulders, and turned back to the door of the school. A few seconds later, she heard the bark again, and spun on her feet.

"Okay, i'll just check it out." She started. "Nothing's going to be there, just take a quick look, and run back to class. You have plenty of time." She murmured to herself. She began to briskly walk torwards the sound. After a few minutes of walking along the campus grounds, she came across the school's tennis court. She spotted two people talking amongst themselves, and decided not to bother them. She heard the bark again, and turned towards the sound. She saw the small figure of a dog, and ran towards it. She stopped a few feet before the dog, careful not to scare him. She dropped to her knees and held her hand out.

"Come on." She coaxed. "Come here, boy."

The fast fluttering of feet echoing through the halls as Hiro runs through the hall. He stops, making a skid from his shoes. That's when he hears a noise in the distance. Barking? Hiro thinks the sound is, trying to comprehend what is emitting the strange noise. He follows the sound closer and closer, certain that its barking. A dog? No... that can't be right. Even if it's my first day, that should be against the rules, Hiro determines in his clustered thoughts. The girl sticks into his mind like adhesive glue. Who was she? Why was she as scared as him? His mind was getting cloudy. Harder to think. Then, he saw the creature. A small dog being controlled. Manipulated by a girl. Hiro had to stay out of this, but the dog noticed him. Eyes locked on to Hiro's. Hiro started to walk behind a door to remove eye contact. The dog still moved his eyes as he did. Eye contact was lost, and the dog was still staring. Hiro felt it. The dog lost interest after a while and the girl began to coax the dog yet again. Peace, serenity. At last.

Kira head a noise behind her, and jumps up, backing away from the dog. She turns and see's a young man, not much older than her.

"Oh! I...Is this your dog?" She asked the boy. She looked at her feet, face turning red. "S-Sorry! I..." She began. "Wellyousee,Ididn'tknowwho'sdogitwasandIthoughtitwasastrayand... She stopped there, breathing deeply. She looked up at the boy again, studying his face. She suddenly noticed his white hair.

"Ireallylikeyourhair" She suddenly blurted out, muttering curses at herself under her breath.

Hiro studies the girl as she looks red in embarrassment. Her reddish-brown hair stretching down to her chest if it weren't in a bun. The eyes were a rare color, never seeing them before in a person. Her face screamed fear of the situation. What am I to say? Is she going to report me to the cops? How should I react? These thought swarmed Hiro's mind. He took a slight breath, trying not to panic, but fear stroke his face. A panic attack. Every muscle in his body froze like ice. He didn't know what to do. He became a living statue. Standing there.... a frightened look on his face..... barely even breathing...... hopeless.

"Alright, Karin." Atobe was slowly growing irritated in this person who was clearly beneath him. "I get it, loud and clear. Do as you please, I'm not going to sit there without taking a brief walk." His self conceit starting to show just a tad, but that was Atobe; he cared more for his physical state than his academic. His education was practically top notch and his grades never stooped below A's. This was obviously in back home, in England, but here wasn't too different. His grades would most likely remain the same, or even improve, but that was only from his own intelligence. Either way Atobe found his physical condition to trump his mental condition. If he wasn't able to participate in Tennis matches with his full strength, then why even participate? That was Atobe's mental note to stay active despite homework and other non-physical tasks. So, Atobe continued his walk, having gained an unattractive angered expression. He quickly recollected his most recent victory in the European Championship, which always brought a smile to his face.


"It's the final set of the Match between Keigo Atobe and Felix Mancini! Who will take this final set for the victory in the European Championship?!" Atobe walked up to the court preparing to serve a perfectly executed kick serve to shorten the set. Felix knew of Atobe's tactic and prepared a strong return causing slight irritation within Atobe. The match continued; now ending up 6 games to 5, 30-30, Atobe leading. "Hey Felix, you're a good player, keep up the practice." He tipped his hat off to his opponent who received the compliment and suddenly gained a revitalizing boost of adrenaline. "Arrivederci Atobe! I shall claim this victory over you!" Felix was suddenly hopping on his feet with knees bent, ready for anything. Atobe gave him a standard serve; straight down center court. Felix returned the ball with ferocity, but lost his footing, Atobe took advantage and lobbed the ball. The crowd viciously erupted into cheers for Atobe. "Felix, be awed at the sight of my prowess!" He threw the ball up and launched a strong kick serve. Felix wasn't honestly prepared for it but managed to return the serve. The volley for match point seemed to last hours, but truly took a mere four minutes. Atobe finished the match with a swift backhand slice, causing the ball to bounce directly up, something Felix didn't expect. The ball struck the ground for a second bounce, and Atobe won the match. The crowd had erupted into cheers for Atobe being the victor for the second year in a row. "Good Match, Felix." He offered his hand only to be refused by his opponent. "Just some advice, Felix... don't keep the sore loser mentality." He turned away from Felix and walked over to receive his trophy and take many pictures and interviews. "Ciao, hopefully I get to play against you again... although the result will be the same." He smiled before reaching his trophy and the awaiting mass of news reporters and fans.

Ahri couldn't take it anymore as she heard Jude continue barking. She started looking. Checking all around the tennis court. But no sign of the little dog. So she started listening for the barking again but she couldn't seem to hear anything..until...there! She thought as she hurried in that direction. She was amazed that she heard it so well, since her hearing isn't very good, it must be nearby. And she was right. As she turned a second corner she saw the little white dog on the ground, looking at a girl. The girl had her back turned though, so Ahri couldn't tell what she looked like, except for the hair color which she found very pretty. But she soon snapped out of it and silently made her way towards Jude, hoping no one would hear or notice her in anyway. Ahri reached the dog and slowly reached out her hands and grabbed the little white dog. Got ya! But Jude whined in surprise as she picked him up, but then calmed down. Alright, lets get you back to Xiro...

Harlique heard the whine of the dog and excused herself from the boy.

"Hold on" She said, and she spun around, seeing a girl running off with the dog she had just found.

"H-Hey! Hold on a second!" She exclaimed running after the girl. She tripped over her feet once or twice, but was still able to catch up with the girl.

"I-Is he yours?" She asked, putting a hand on her shoulder, attempting to stop her. "Cause if he is...S-sorry for taking him. I-I just found him out here barking" She explained, face turning red.

A hand grabbed Ahri's shoulder and she spun around, hoping she didn't have to see a teacher. It was no teacher, it was that girl from earlier. Aw man..hope she doesn't tell on me...Though she doesn't seem like she would though.. Just as Ahri was abot to explain the girl spoke. "I-Is he yours?" Ahri closed her half open mouth. "Cause if he is...S-sorry for taking him. I-I just found him out here barking." As she girl's face turned red Ahri relaxed. "Oh no, he's not mine. He belongs to a friend of mine, he ran away while we were talking so I came looking for him." Ahri smiled but then looked down slightly in shame. "Uhm, w-would you please not tell anyone about the dog? I don't want my friend to get in trouble since dogs aren't allowed on campus. Please?" Ahri looked at the girl with pleading eyes.

"That way!" He told Ahri and ran in the direction of the bark. He followed Ahri but lost sight of her halfway. When he finally found where she was, he saw a girl and a boy. "There you are!" Jude said, taking Jude from Ahri and hugging him.

"Don't do that again, you almost gave me a heart attack." Xiro scolded while the dog licked his face in apology. He looked over to the girl and said, "Thanks, I don't know what would have happened if a teacher found him." He held out his hand and smiled.

"I'm Xiro, you?"

Seeing the girl leave, Hiro felt embarrassed. He had to pull his act together. Holding his stuff by the backpack strap, he walks the way she went. Hiro sees two people talking to each other with the same dog. He is far enough where he is hidden from their sight. The same girl. Hiro could tell by the hair. Starting to back up, Hiro just decided to hide behind a set of lockers. Sadly sitting there, he pulled out his sketchbook, and drew. Didn't know what to draw, he just started doodling. The memory still stuck there. Embarrassment.

Harlique was about to reply to Ahri when a boy ran up to them, grabbing the dog out of her hands, scolding him.

"Thanks, I don't know what would have happend if a teacher had found him" He said to her, a large smile on his face. He held out his hand towards her and she stepped forward to meet her hand with his.

"N-No problem. I r-really like animals, so he was no trouble." She replied. "My name is Harlique, nice to meet you" She smiled and retracted her hand from him grip.

"So...what's the little ones name?" She asked, reaching out to stroke to little dogs fur.

Yukiko felt Edmund's hands grasp around hers, she blushed for a moment before running off even faster. "race you!" She yelled wanting to avoid and real contact like that, personally she felt really scared. When she ran past the beautiful row of cherry blossom trees she stopped and layed against one of the trees "huff-huff" Yuki had never run that far as fast as she had, but she couldn't lose the race with all her might she ran tears fell from the edges of her eyes as she ran. Memories of her and her father walking together, it was all she had, her father...

Yukiko finally collapsed onto her knees, worn out, her knees were now bruised with memoirs and her face flooded with tears. She had run so far and so fast she felt as if she lost them, 'what am i doing? what am i chasing? memories?' her mind flooded with confusion was she happy? sad? angry? she was utterly lost in her thoughts, but she let every tear flow down her cheeks.

Hiro turned his head so he could see what was happening. He couldn't see much, so Hiro stood by the lockers. A girl was crying. Tilting his head in confusion, he pondered at why she was crying. I have to help, but I shouldn't, Hiro thought. What to do? He started to head to the girl slowly, still having second thoughts. By the time he was by her, it was too late to turn back. Hiro put his hand on her shoulder, waiting for a response. "Excuse me, miss. Are you alright?" Hiro barely mutters out. Communication was Hiro's weakness, but he had to push through.

Karin was annoyed by how Atobe still insisted on being outside of the classroom. "I dont trust that act of yours. You act like you have a cool head and probably just see girls as usable objects!" She was going to go on until he would actually return to class or snap or do something unexpected. "A spoiled prince like you doesnt think he is in need of school or so but even where I dont go to class, I help out somehow! With your attitude you will not be happy and I really doubt you are capable of loving someone."

"His name is Jude." Xiro grinned, ruffling the dog's hair. Xiro eyed the girl and raised an eyebrow. "And she's Ahri." Xiro said, pointing to Ahri.
"You don't tell anyone about this won't you? I have a hard time keeping this little guy in place and---hey...wasn't there a boy there just a second ago?" Xiro asked, scratching his head.
"Must have been my imagination..."

"Oh, don't worry. I won't tell a soul" She smiled. "W..wait? A boy? Crap! I'm sorry to cut this converstation short, but I was talking to someone else and..." She cut off.

"Aww. Crap. I hope to see you later Xiro." She smiled at him. "And you too Ahri" She turned and waved goodbye to her before she turned and began to run back to where she was talking to Hiro. She soon reached the spot, only to find him not there anymore. 'Shit!' She thought. 'He probably thought I ditched him. Well, Xiro and Ahri probably went back to class, so i'll just head back and hope to meet him on the way.' she began to walk back to class, staring at the ground. When she turned into the schools large doorway, she heard the voice of Hiro, and went torwards the noise. Oh! Good. Maybe I can tell him that I wasn't avoiding him' She thought with a smile. She turned the corner, and came apon the sight of Hiro talking to a crying girl. Harlique quickly hid behind the corner, straining her ears to listen. I shouldn't be listening to this! I'm so nosy...

Hiro heard footsteps coming from behind him. Spinning on his heels, he turned to where he heard the footsteps originally. "Who's there?!" he exclamated, knowing the person would be there. Slowly, he started walking, feeling cautious about who would be there. Hiro surveyed the area, looking left and right, behind corners, in gaps, everywhere. Suddenly, he heard a slight breathing. Hiro's skin began to get goosebumps. He didn't know anyone. No one knew him. What was he to do? He started to back up, but then felt something squish against him. Spinning around, he saw the girl from earlier. From the shock, Hiro landed on his back, hitting his head with a yell. As it echoed through the halls, he knew everyone heard him. Embarrassment.

Harlique grunted as Hiro ran into her.

"Oh! I'm s-so sorry!" She exclamed, as she saw him fall. She reached out torwards him with her hand, attempting to help him up. "Are you okay?" She asked him.

"Sorry if I interupted your conversation. I was just...passing though to get to my next class. I was actually hoping to see you again." Harlique told him with a small smile. "About earlier, I wasn't trying to avoid talking to you. I just didn't want the dogs owner to think I was stealing him or something. Again, I'm really sorry!"

Hiro willingly lets Harlique help me get up, having a pain in the back of his head from the fall. Rubbing his head, he smiles a bit, feeling less nervous.

"It's cool," Hiro begins to say to Harlique, "I was a bit nervous at first because..... well..... it's hard to explain really," Hiro can't help but laugh at himself for what he said. "Sorry about earlier, when we first met," Hiro tells her calmly, "I'm new here and I barely know anyone, plus with some.... other life details added into it. I'm just really REALLY nervous,"

Harlique smiles at the boy, now feeling completly as ease.

"It's fine. It's my fault entirely." She told the boy, for once not stuttering or begining to squirm around. He was like her, socially akward and clumsy, she felt...normal in front of him.

"So, wanna' start over?" She asked with a chuckle. She held out her hand, a large grin on her face now. "I'm Harlique, and I'm new here." She told him.'I didn't flinch when I had helped him up, so maybe I could do a simple handshake and not feel akward.' She thought to herself.