Aberrant: Quantum Zero - Nippontai High

[Asbjørn]

As the group gets closer to the school building and eventually the principal's office, Kenji asks the world in general

"So. Er... Who's going to knock on the door and tell her?" ::unsure

[Alex Green]

Kenshi shrugs and answers,

"I'll do it.

Kenshi doesn't say what must occur to at least a few people there. His Father is the Mayor. Technically that doesn't mean anything... but only technically.

[Bahamut810]

Kio sighs a breath of relief. He haden't really wanted to get into this, but he...no...the entire school (that didnt like that bully) owed her a lot! She is probably one of the few people who could get away with doing that, and he needed it! Especially since the school was unwilling to step in and chastise that boy. How he wished he could be there for that one! Mabey he could use his Goton-no-jutsu and hensho-jutsu skills that he had been working on to get in! That would be so cool!

...

Must stay on track! First...he had to help Nezumi out.

[Nullifier]

Strangely, as they approached the principal's office, Hiro could only think about what kind of story this was devloping into. It had all sorts of appeal. He only wished he knew the culture better, otherwise he'd volunteer to go talk to the principal too. Just to be in there would give him a great insight, even if he couldn't write about any of it. As it was, though, it was better to stay quiet and be supportive at this point. So Hiro kept to the edges of the group, watching and listening.

[ProfPotts]

Reaching the principle's office the 1Bers can hear Morioka-sensei's firm, but calm, voice...

'... you think you were doing young lady?'

Nezumi's answer contains a touch of defiance... but only a touch...

'I... we were just singing, Morioka-sensei!'

'You were not "just" singing, now, were you - or do you take me for a fool?'

'No I... no...' Nezumi starts to sound resigned to her fate...

'Well then? What do you have to say for yourself?'

'I... I used my powers sensei... But...'

Kenshi knocks on the door...

... A moment later the door is swung open by Morioka-sensei, a stern look on her face. Past her the classmates can see Nezumi standing in front of the principle's neatly kept wooden desk, facing away from them, head hung in shame. For a moment Morioka-sensei stares down at the classmates, & they could swear a glimpse of golden fire dances within her eyes. Then she addresses Kenshi,

'Young mister Koizumi - what can I do for you...' her gaze passes over the rest of the group, '... & your friends?'

[Alex Green]

Kenshi opens his mouth to say some elegant and wise... what comes out is...

"Morioka-sensei... He started it!

[Nullifier]

::blink ::huh Hiro's stunned by Kenshi's outburst, but only for a second, before quickly recovering. Suddenly feeling a lot more eloquent and able to handle himself, Hiro decides to take the momentum that's been created and run with it.

Stepping forwards, a polite smile on his face, he quickly but calmly says, "Morioka-sensei, pardon the interruption, but what I think my friend here means is that Mister Kamachi came levitating up to Miss Kasai and practically dared her to use her powers. "

[Asbjørn]

Kenshi opens his mouth to say some elegant and wise...

Kenji stands quietly behind his classmate, a silent and supporting witness in this important situation.

"Morioka-sensei... He started it!

::blink ::brick ::glare

Stepping forwards, a polite smile on his face, he quickly but calmly says, "Morioka-sensei, pardon the interruption, but what I think my friend here means is that Mister Kamachi came levitating up to Miss Kasai and practically dared her to use her powers. "

"Exactly. What? No! He didn't dare her, Hiro!"

With that comment he too steps forwards, bows for the principal and explains

"Morioka-sensei, we simply wanted to make sure you were aware of the whole situation. Junzo Kamachi broke the rules first, and he needed the lesson. And we would have supported Nezumi even without the effects of the song. That is all."

Having said his piece Kenji straightens up and waits for the principal's reply in silence, hoping nobody else thinks there's more that needs to be said. What could possibly be more embarassing that an argument in front of the principal?

[Nullifier]

"Exactly. What? No! He didn't dare her, Hiro!"

At this, Hiro thinks to himself, biting his tongue to avoid saying it out loud, even as he turns with a raised eyebrow to Kenji, *I said practically dared her.* ::brick

"Morioka-sensei, we simply wanted to make sure you were aware of the whole situation. Junzo Kamachi broke the rules first, and he needed the lesson. And we would have supported Nezumi even without the effects of the song. That is all."

Hiro rolls his eyes skywards before returning them to regard Morioka-sensei with a mixuture of emotions hidden behind a polite smile. ::rolleyes

*Like Kenji telling another version of the story is going to help things at this point.*

[Jeremiah]

Seiji Yasuhara walks down the hallway slowly, rubbing his face with one hand, then running it back through his hair as he yawns. It seems like school gets earlier and earlier every morning.

"Maybe you should stop staying up so late," says a familiar voice in his head.

Seiji shrugs to himself and the voice. Dressed in the same suit as every other boy in the school both of his sleeves are halfway rolled up. He is slim with messy slightly red hair that rises from his head in all directions, these two combined make him seem taller than his rather average height. His dark eyes are cast down towards the ground as he walks.

His school bag under one arm, Seiji reaches in his pocket and pulls out a tiny music player, clicking a few buttons then stowing it back in his pocket. A cord leads from there to an oversized pair of headphones around his neck. Looking up he notices a crowd of students around the entrance to Morioka-Sensai's door, with the famous nova herself standing over them, glowering. They all seem to be talking at once, gesturing to the principal.

Seiji grins, "Don't you think it's a little early in the morning to be getting in trouble?" he says quietly to himself.

No sooner have the words come out of his mouth does he notice that they're all his classmates, some of them on the newspaper staff with him too. Seiji quickly reaches in his pocket again and moves closer, pretending to be absorbed in the music player but listening intently. Casting a quick eye towards Morioka-Sensai, he rolls down his sleeves, no point in drawing attention for his uniform when she's in this kind of mood...

[edited for uniform discrepencies...]

[Bahamut810]

Kio looks unsure wether he should speak or not, it seemed that the others were not giving a consistant story. What he could give would be yet another...but it should be told. He finally works up his nerves.

"Morioka-sama...what happened. Mr. Kamachi came floating up, then one of his 'friends' pushed Hiro down and he called us all toads, then threatened Nezumi. Then Nezumi stepped in to help him."

It was hard to speak, but he felt so indebted to her. The staff obviously let him get away with what he wanted to get away with and its hard for a bunch of non-nova's to stand up to a guy who can bench a car. This was probably the first time since he got his powers that someone *has* stood up to him! He felt it was his duty to help protect the one who, even if she wasen't protecting them directly (which she was) helped put a bully in his place!

[phoenix]

"Morioka-sensei... He started it!"

Jinsei grins inwardly. Couldn't have put it better myself.

He doesn't say anything for the moment, watching the principal warily for her reaction.

[Prince of Boredom]

Having followed the rest of his classmates to Morioka-sama's, out of sheer curiousity more than anything else, Kazuki stands to the back of the crowd and shakes his head as they each provide their version of the story. Sure, Nezumi was cute and all, but why risk the wrath of Morioka-sama, or Junzo Kamachi for that matter, for someone they'd just met. He didn't get it, but he was curious enough to see what happened.

[ProfPotts]

"Morioka-sensei... He started it!"

"Morioka-sensei, pardon the interruption, but what I think my friend here means is that Mister Kamachi came levitating up to Miss Kasai and practically dared her to use her powers. "

"Exactly. What? No! He didn't dare her, Hiro!.. Morioka-sensei, we simply wanted to make sure you were aware of the whole situation. Junzo Kamachi broke the rules first, and he needed the lesson. And we would have supported Nezumi even without the effects of the song. That is all."

"Morioka-sama...what happened. Mr. Kamachi came floating up, then one of his 'friends' pushed Hiro down and he called us all toads, then threatened Nezumi. Then Nezumi stepped in to help him."

Morioka-sensai listens calmly as the boys happily trip over each other's explanations. When they've said their pieces she nods,

'Thankyou. Your loyalty to your new classmate is admirable...' she casts a glance back towards Nezumi, adding, '... if not entirely unexpected.'

Facing the group again the principal says,

'I'll need one volunteer to show Miss Kasai to your class & to help her get settled in here. The rest of you can be on your way. Miss Kasai will be with you shortly.'

With that Morioka-sensai closes the door on the pupils, leaving them to decide among themselves who will get to volunteer...

Through the door the conversation between teacher & student can still be heard - if one makes the effort to listen...

'Miss Kasai, I know you're yet to master your Nova gifts, but I also know that you are fully aware they "activate" when you perform. This was no accident.'

'I... No sensai...'

'I appreciate the difficult circumstances you find yourself in, but you must practice restraint.'

'Yes sensai.'

'As this is your first day I will overlook the seriousness of this incident. However, you will not receive any special protections because you happen to be a Nova. If I find you've broken the rules again you will be in serious trouble. Do I make myself clear?'

'Yes sensai.'

'I also trust that this incident has illustrated just how important it is for you to master your talents, Miss Kasai. Even with the best of intentions powers such as yours can be very dangerous. What if your little demonstration had sparked a full-scale riot? You must be mindful of these things in the future.'

'I never would have...' Nezumi's voice trails off, then she just says, '... Yes sensai.'

By the time the door opens again, hopefully there's just one classmate waiting, as per instructions...

[Alex Green]

Kenshi holds up Nezumi's book bag and says,

"Dibs. And I've already got her bag."

[Bahamut810]

"Dibs. And I've already got her bag."

"Uhhh...errr...yes."

Kio quickly takes off to class...

[phoenix]

With a bow to the principal, Jinsei smiles peacefully at Kenshi before stepping out into the hall and walking Kohana to class instead - no sacrifice, in his opinion!

[Asbjørn]

Kenshi holds up Nezumi's book bag and says,

"Dibs.  And I've already got her bag."

::rolleyes

"Lucky you. And you're by far the smoothest talker of us..." ::glare

With that Kenji heads off down the hall, flipping his book back open to finish the chapter before he reaches class.

[Jeremiah]

Seiji groans inwardly as he listens to Morioka-Sensai. He'd almost forgotten about Nezumi. Sure, he'd had to write that article about her for the paper, but he'd been trying his hardest not to think about her since then. Thinking about her too much was usually a good way to get one of her songs stuck in your head, and Seiji did not want that...

"Too late," says the voice with a chuckle.

"Shut up," Seiji mumbles to himself as he shoves his headphones over his messy hair and securely over his ears.

He jams a button on the player and pushes it back in his pocket in frustration. As music starts to pour out of the headphones Seiji looks up and down the hall then starts off towards the classroom. It wasn't far off but hopefully he could push the song out of his head by then. Why'd she have to make all of her music so damn catchy...

"Makes good business sense." More laughter.

Seiji grumbles something nonspecific and walks down the hallway, trying to concentrate on the music.

[ProfPotts]

When the principal's door opens Nezumi shuffles out, head hung in shame, to follow Kenshi's lead. a few steps down the corridor they hear the door close again, & an instant transformation occurs - Nezumi looks up, beaming a cheeky grin, nudges her escort in the arm, winks, & says,

'Easy!' ::biggrin

Before classes begin all the pupils line up, in class groups, in front of the school for Morioka-sensei's morning speech. The pupils at Nippontai High actually consider themselves quite lucky on that score - they only get a speech on the days when the Nova headmistress happens to be at the school & are spared on other days - most schoolchildren in the land have to suffer through the morning meeting every day!

As usual everyone tries to stand at the back, where they can whisper to each other instead of listening. In 1B, however, Nezumi - with her distinct hair colour - can't get away with that, so has to stand in her correct place - which leads others to chose to stand near her. With the whole school standing quietly to attention Morioka-sensei begins her speech about spiritual purity, excellence in study & all things, & the responsibility which goes with that excellence. It's a good speech, but basically the same as she gives every time, so most of the pupils tend to zone-out a bit...

After the speech comes announcements - read by Junzo Kamachi as head of the student council. Some are very mundane, but the reminder that the school is playing host to the Kuro-Tek Technical College judo club that evening, for the quarter-final bouts in the regional championships, sends a ripple of interest through the ranks. Kuro-Tek's team is very good, & considered the Osaka Academy's closest rivals.

Once the announcements are done there's a nervous silence as the pupils all wait to see if there will be any scolding after the morning's events. But Morioka-sensei, after a suitably nerve-jangling pause, allows the student body to bow in unison & head into the school (to the sound of piped marching music).

The first thing all the pupils do when they enter the school is to change their outdoor footwear for their school shoes - exchanging one pair for the other from the rows & rows of little cubbies in the entrance for just such a purpose. The school shoes ('uwabaki') are soft-soled slip-on white cotton sneakers, although most pupils have decorated their uwabaki with magic markers - writing their name on them, & often adding other designs as well.

Classroom 1B has the basic school layout. To the front is the blackboard & a slightly raised wooden 'stage' for the teacher - on which is the teacher's desk & chair. The pupils' desks all face the front & are of the type where they open for the storage of books. Since the pupils stay in the one room, each has their own desk full of their own stuff. To the rear of the room are small lockers (but without actual locks) where the pupils' PE kits are stored, & a few pegs for coats & umbrellas. Also at the back of the class is the closet containing cleaning supplies. A row of windows down the left of the classroom look out upon the playing field, & make the left-side of the room primary seating territory for those who prefer daydreaming & watching sports to actual study. The door to the class is opposite the windows on the right hand of the class.

Pupils in many classes find their seating plan rearranged every now & then by teachers wanting to break-up children who have gotten too 'chatty' & the like, but so far Kozaka-sensei has been generous & allowed the students to remain seated with their friends.

On the walls of the class are the class schedule (decorated with little animé-inspired doodles), the class bulletin board (with the month's goals posted on it), & several posters & decorations left over from previous festivals. A copy of Hiro Shujinkou's last nationally published article & a photograph of last year's championship-winning judo team are numbered among the decorations.

Once the pupils of 1B have filed in, & Kozaka-sensei has arrived, the class president leads the class in standing & bowing, then sitting again - as is standard practice for each time a new teacher comes to the class. Since Kozaka-sensei is a popular leader, the class tend to bow in neat unison (reserving sloppy bowing for those they don't like).

The formalities over with, Kozaka-sensei perches on the edge of his desk, his suit jacket informally open, & grins at the assembled pupils,

'I know how you'd all love to just dive right into today's lesson on quantum physics, but before we begin I think our newest arrival should come to the front & tell us a little about herself.' ::smile

Taking the invitation in stride, Nezumi bounces out of her seat & walks to the front of the class. Bowing to them all she says,

'Good morning. My name is Yumi Kasai, but you can all call me Nezumi!'

One of the lads at the back of the class lets out an excited 'whoop', but is quickly silenced with a stern look from Kozaka-sensei. Nezumi smiles & continues,

'I've been out of school since I erupted as a Nova at an idol contest over a year ago. Since then I've been having private tuition, but I'm now pleased to join you all here...'

'Thankyou Miss Kasai...' begins Kozaka-sensei, but Nezumi hasn't finished...

'... After all, a fan erupted & tried to kidnap & kill me. Not to mention the yakuza who drove my family to flee the country & wanted to force me into slavery. Then there was...'

'THANKYOU MISS KASAI!' says Kozaka-sensei, even as various class members gasp at what Nezumi has said. The Novox singer bows low to the teacher, a naughty twinkle in her eye, & returns to her seat. Kozaka-sensei sighs, picks up his chalk, & turns to the board,

'Right. The fundamental forces of the universe as decribed by quantum mechanics...'

...

...

...

... At the end of the lesson the pupils again bow, & Kozaka-sensei leaves. With ten or so minutes available until their next teacher arrives, the pupils start to chatter & gossip, get books ready, hang around each others' desks, & generally relax & mess about. More than a few class members crowd around Nezumi...

[Jeremiah]

Seiji does indeed zone out in the back of the group during Morioka-sensai's speech, his mind wandering back to a forum discussion he'd had on Opnet last night about the influence of late 80's music on today's modern rock bands. He's snapped out of it by hearing two older students in front of him whispering loudly about Nezumi's display in front of school this morning. Despite himself, Seiji listens in, catching up with the events of earlier today.

After the speech Seiji walks in the classroom and heads for his seat in the back of the room. Chosen on the first day when he didn't know anyone, he hasn't found a great reason to change it yet. He has a few friends in the class, but it would be a great stretch to say he is very close with anyone. He quickly throws his few books and headphones inside his desk and sits down, slightly slumped in his chair. While waiting for everyone else to get settled he takes off one of his uwabaki school shoes and begins to idly draw on it with a marker. They are both already covered in a complicated and intricate design that Seiji adds to from time to time. He stands to bow to Kozaka-sensai, but then sits back down and takes off the other shoe, adding to it here and there in a bored fashion.

One of the lads at the back of the class lets out an excited 'whoop', but is quickly silenced with a stern look from Kozaka-sensei. Nezumi smiles & continues,

Seiji glances up from the shoe to look at the boy next to him and shake his head at him in both pity and disgust. *What a clown, I've got to find a new seat* he thinks to himself. Then for the first time does he look up towards the front of the room...

'THANKYOU MISS KASAI!' says Kozaka-sensei, even as various class members gasp at what Nezumi has said. The Novox singer bows low to the teacher, a naughty twinkle in her eye, & returns to her seat. Kozaka-sensei sighs, picks up his chalk, & turns to the board,

Seiji slowly puts his shoe back on his foot as Nezumi talks, all thoughts of drawing forgotten for the time being. He'd seen hundreds of pictures of her on Opnet music sites and had to choose one for the article earlier in the year but he never expected her to be quite this...cute.

"Or do you mean you never expected to be this impressed by such a...what was it? 'Pink-haired sell out whose dominance in popular music has pushed many more worthy artists away from the spotlight?' Sounds like you better do some reevaluating," said the everpresent voice, laughing again.

Seiji didn't even bother to come up with a smart ass reply. True, those had been his words, but they were edited out after the first draft. Now, more than ever, he was glad the other editors had convinced him to take a more neutral road with the article.

By the end of her little speech Seiji had composed himself and was deep in the process of rationalizing his attraction. *She's just a carefully crafted commercial product. She's supposed to be cute, have a wonderful voice, nice legs...no, dammit! It's okay, it's natural, it's cool, it doesn't mean you approve of her music...* It didn't help that the laughter had only picked up in the back of his mind. Thankfully his mind is soon distracted by the lesson, Quantum Physics was one of the only parts of science that Seiji actually enjoyed and he gladly focused on it.

... At the end of the lesson the pupils again bow, & Kozaka-sensei leaves. With ten or so minutes available until their next teacher arrives, the pupils start to chatter & gossip, get books ready, hang around each others' desks, & generally relax & mess about. More than a few class members crowd around Nezumi...

←

Seiji stands up as Kozaka-sensai leaves, and walks over to Hiro's desk, a fellow newpaper club member, and apparently a large part of this morning's events.

"Okay man, what happened? I heard you stood up to president meat-head and the pink haired wonder over there almost started a riot. I knew I should have gotten to school earlier..."

[Nullifier]

Seiji stands up as Kozaka-sensai leaves, and walks over to Hiro's desk, a fellow newpaper club member, and apparently a large part of this morning's events.

"Okay man, what happened? I heard you stood up to president meat-head and the pink haired wonder over there almost started a riot. I knew I should have gotten to school earlier..."

Hiro looks up at Seiji, and blinks, having somewhat zoned out during Kozaka-sense's lesson, thinking about this morning's events. Shrugging, Hiro says, "I just let Nezumi know what knd of guy Junzo is. I don't think she almost started a riot, we were all happy, not angry. I assume you're going to write an article on her and the incident this morning. Let me know if you need any help with it... " Suddenly remembering something, Hiro reaches into his pants pockets and pulls out a small handfull of flash memories. Finding the only unlabeled one (the rest are labeled in Arabic script), Hiro hands it to Senji, a small smile on his face, saying quietly, "Here. I caught most of her entrance on video. Feel free to use it, or parts of it, with your article, so long as I get credit for it of course. "

[Alex Green]

When the principal's door opens Nezumi shuffles out, head hung in shame, to follow Kenshi's lead. a few steps down the corridor they hear the door close again, & an instant transformation occurs - Nezumi looks up, beaming a cheeky grin, nudges her escort in the arm, winks, & says,

'Easy!' ::biggrin

Kenshi waits until they are down the hall to say,

You did good. Standing up to him like that I mean. He is… rather full of himself.” ::happy

With the whole school standing quietly to attention Morioka-sensei begins her speech about spiritual purity, excellence in study & all things, & the responsibility which goes with that excellence. It's a good speech, but basically the same as she gives every time, so most of the pupils tend to zone-out a bit...

::indifferent ::closedeyes

Once the announcements are done there's a nervous silence as the pupils all wait to see if there will be any scolding after the morning's events. But Morioka-sensei, after a suitably nerve-jangling pause, allows the student body to bow in unison & head into the school (to the sound of piped marching music).

::biggrin

... At the end of the lesson the pupils again bow, & Kozaka-sensei leaves. With ten or so minutes available until their next teacher arrives, the pupils start to chatter & gossip, get books ready, hang around each others' desks, & generally relax & mess about. More than a few class members crowd around Nezumi...

Kenshi says,

"So Nezumi... you were saying? What was the deal with Samurai?"

[Jeremiah]

Hiro looks up at Seiji, and blinks, having somewhat zoned out during Kozaka-sense's lesson, thinking about this morning's events. Shrugging, Hiro says, "I just let Nezumi know what knd of guy Junzo is. I don't think she almost started a riot, we were all happy, not angry. I assume you're going to write an article on her and the incident this morning. Let me know if you need any help with it... " Suddenly remembering something, Hiro reaches into his pants pockets and pulls out a small handfull of flash memories. Finding the only unlabeled one (the rest are labeled in Arabic script), Hiro hands it to Senji, a small smile on his face, saying quietly, "Here. I caught most of her entrance on video. Feel free to use it, or parts of it, with your article, so long as I get credit for it of course. "

←

Seiji looks down at Hiro and flashes a grin, taking the flash memory card. "I suppose I will have to write something, this should add a little spice to it, thanks. Oh, and don't worry, credit will be given where credit is due." He pockets the card quickly, looking around the room as he does.

[phoenix]

Jinsei listens to Morioka-sensei's speech. He has small use for the lecture himself, but feels too uneasy about zoning out to take the risk, for some reason.

As Junzo announces the judo tournament that evening, Jinsei meets the eyes of every other member of the club with an acknowledging smile, then shakes his fist in the air a single time.

"So Nezumi... you were saying? What was the deal with Samurai?"

Jinsei chuckles and looks up to listen.

[Heritage]

Nabiki Watabe watches the students watching Nezumi, too many emotions swirling inside her to count; at last she slumps down into her seat, casts a world-weary eye towards the window to her left and sighs.

We're all doomed.

Rumiko Takahashi, her best friend in the whole world, leans forward from the seat behind and shakes Nabiki's shoulder playfully.

Are you kidding? This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to our class! Didn't you see what she did to Junzo?

Nabiki shakes her head, her short black hair swishing around her ears.

See, what I remember is feeling something take over my brain, my whole body, and making me dance to some stupid gaijin song that didn't make any sense. What I remember is every stupid boy in this school with his eyes popping out of his head.

She wriggles back up into her chair and tries to set Nezumi's bubble gum hair on fire with her eyes, with the usual lack of results; tired of her game, she returns to doodling elaborate Nezumi-killing deathtraps in the margins of her notebook.

None of us stands a chance anymore.

(OOC: Sorry it's so short, but my access is a bit limited right now. Rumiko is in crimson font, but if someone can suggest a better one, please do.)

[Nullifier]

Seiji looks down at Hiro and flashes a grin, taking the flash memory card. "I suppose I will have to write something, this should add a little spice to it, thanks. Oh, and don't worry, credit will be given where credit is due." He pockets the card quickly, looking around the room as he does.

Hiro nods, grinning as he stands up and looks around, more awake and aware now then before, "Great. I'd write the article myself, but it's not really my beat. Besides, I was too involved to be objective, and Junzo probably wouldn't even consider giving me an interview now. " ::biggrin ::sly

[Bahamut810]

Kio reads his school book intently the entire class period (which happens to have an unfinished manga on Ninja for thoes behind him ::sly ). He writes something down now and again, some notes on this or that.

When Nezumi gets up to speak about herself, he goes wide eyed when she talks about her stalker and...The SAMURAI! He made a note that he would need to go pick up his manga. It might be good.

When class gets a break, he continues to read (man, that manga was getting to a good place!). His eyes, however, keep finding their way back to the group surrounding the nova teen idol.

[ProfPotts]

"So Nezumi... you were saying? What was the deal with Samurai?"

The Novox singer flashes Kenshi an angry look ::angry , then pointedly looks down at one of her textbooks & mumbles,

'He left. End of story.'

None of us stands a chance anymore

Rumiko frowns at her friend's negative attitude, but then a smile spreads across her face. Leaning in close to Nabiki she whispers,

'There's someone you like, isn't there! A boy! You're worried she'll steal him away before you get a chance to lure him in with your wicked wiles! Oh Nabiki-chan, why didn't you tell me?' ::biggrin

However, before Nabiki can confirm or deny the statement, Haruki Oshiro creeps over to her desk. Glancing about to make sure that no-one is watching ::unsure , he leans a little too close for comfort & whispers,

'We've got PE this afternoon... How much for pictures of Nezumi?.. or... or... her p-p-panties?' ::blushing

Oblivious to the dirty dealing across the class Nezumi, meanwhile, tries to change the subject away from The Samurai, asking instead...

'So what do you guys do for fun around here?' ::sly

[Alex Green]

The Novox singer flashes Kenshi an angry look ::angry , then pointedly looks down at one of her textbooks & mumbles,

'He left. End of story.'

Kenshi blinks,

*Open Mouth. Insert foot.* ::blink

Oblivious to the dirty dealing across the class Nezumi, meanwhile, tries to change the subject away from The Samurai, asking instead...

'So what do you guys do for fun around here?' ::sly

Kenshi says,

”Kendo, study, sometimes fly. Or Festival Gate isn’t all that far away.”

[Heritage]

Rumiko frowns at her friend's negative attitude, but then a smile spreads across her face. Leaning in close to Nabiki she whispers,

'There's someone you like, isn't there! A boy! You're worried she'll steal him away before you get a chance to lure him in with your wicked wiles! Oh Nabiki-chan, why didn't you tell me?' ::biggrin

However, before Nabiki can confirm or deny the statement, Haruki Oshiro creeps over to her desk. Glancing about to make sure that no-one is watching ::unsure , he leans a little too close for comfort & whispers,

'We've got PE this afternoon... How much for pictures of Nezumi?.. or... or... her p-p-panties?' ::blushing

←

Nabiki's face suddenly flashes with color, but the arrival of Haruki thankfully snaps her into business mode; her voice is cool and professional, her best yakuza. ::ultracool

A thousand yen for pictures-

The young entrepenuer cocks her head and peers carefully at her new cash cow.

Double that for panties, with half up front, non-negotiable.

She sneaks Rumi a sly look over her shoulder that indicates that things are perhaps looking up... ::sly

[phoenix]

Letting the conversation ball pass back to Kenshi, Jinsei withdraws from Nezumi's circle and goes to spend the rest of the ten minutes talking judo with the formidable Tetsuo, the class's only other club member.

[Jeremiah]

Hiro nods, grinning as he stands up and looks around, more awake and aware now then before, "Great. I'd write the article myself, but it's not really my beat. Besides, I was too involved to be objective, and Junzo probably wouldn't even consider giving me an interview now. " ::biggrin  ::sly

←

Seiji nods in agreement, "Yeah, hard to imagine that it would go well. I'm not really sure it'll fall under my beat, although I suppose Nezumi is a musician and it certainly did sound like entertainment this morning. I'll lobby for it harder now that I have this, thanks again Hiro."

Seiji turns and walks away from Hiro, smirking a bit as he moves pasts the group hovering around Nezumi and over to Nabiki's desk. Standing behind Haruki, he tries to catch Nabiki's eye. He puts two fingers to his lips and inhales deeply on the phantom cigarrette, raising one eyebrow in a questioning look.

[Prince of Boredom]

As Kozaka-sensei leaves, Kazuki finishes reading the current chapter on quantum mechanics, thoroughly entranced by the subject. When he finally finishes and glances up, he sees a crowd formed around Nezumi. More importantly, a few people seemed to be hanging around the love of his life (other than Melinda Guzman of course), Nabiki. As he gets up from his desk he knocks over his textbook, then accidentally bumps into a fellow classmate as he beds down to pick it up. Finally, he makes his way over to Nabiki, and her crowd, though it seemed a bit smaller than usual. "Uh, hey Nabiki... ummm, how's it going?"

[Nullifier]

Seiji nods in agreement, "Yeah, hard to imagine that it would go well. I'm not really sure it'll fall under my beat, although I suppose Nezumi is a musician and it certainly did sound like entertainment this morning. I'll lobby for it harder now that I have this, thanks again Hiro."

Hiro nods, "You're welcome. "

As Seiji walks away, Hiro yawns and stretches then sits back down at his desk, taking out his camera and flash memories. looking through them, he finds the one he wants, puts it in, and starts watching at low volume. Taking out a pad and pen, Hiro starts taking notes on the interview he's watching.

[Asbjørn]

As he gets up from his desk he knocks over his textbook, then accidentally bumps into a fellow classmate as he beds down to pick it up.

"Hey! Watch it!" ::angry

A handful of pens and pencils fall from Kenji's hand and scatter inside his desk. Grumbling under his breath he glares at his clumsy classmate while picking them back up.

Once the desk is organized again, he pulls out the books for the next class, and leafs absentmindedly through them while looking up and scanning the classroom now and then. He shakes his head a little as he looks over at his sister Nabiki and the group surrounding her, then lets his move towards Nezumi - completely ignoring Jinsei and Tetsuo.

When he does look in Nezumi's direction he seems to watch the new girl with fairly intense interest, in contrast to the detached attitude he had to her earlier.

[Jeremiah]

Seiji can't quite catch Nabiki's eye, she seems to be too deep in Yakuza mode... ::ultracool

He shrugs, playing it off, and heads back to his desk.

"You don't need that crap anyway, it's bad for you...And you don't look cool smoking them, despite what you think."

Seiji mutters something unkind under his breath about the judgement of disembodied voices and slumps down in his chair, pulling his headphones on in the same motion. He fiddles with the music player for a while and finally decides on something to listen to, then pulls a pad of white paper out of his desk and begins to draw with a thick pen. His head bobs slightly with the music as one heel noiselessly taps the ground in time. He now and then looks up from his drawing, both considering his next pen stroke and making sure that he doesn't miss out on anything else exciting in the room...

[Heritage]

As Kozaka-sensei leaves, Kazuki finishes reading the current chapter on quantum mechanics, thoroughly entranced by the subject.  When he finally finishes and glances up, he sees a crowd formed around Nezumi.  More importantly, a few people seemed to be hanging around the love of his life (other than Melinda Guzman of course), Nabiki.  As he gets up from his desk he knocks over his textbook, then accidentally bumps into a fellow classmate as he beds down to pick it up.  Finally, he makes his way over to Nabiki, and her crowd, though it seemed a bit smaller than usual.  "Uh, hey Nabiki... ummm, how's it going?"

←

Nabiki shoots her 'love slave' Kazuki a sidelong glance and whispers.

I'm kinda busy right now. Here-

She reaches into her bookbag and pulls out a notebook covered in doodles.

Check my homework for me.

Suddenly realizing that a little effort on her part might be a good idea, she turns to Kazuki and gives him her best heart-melting smile.

Please? I'd really appreciate it. ::wub

[ProfPotts]

”Kendo, study, sometimes fly. Or Festival Gate isn’t all that far away.”

Nezumi looks interested,

'You can fly? I didn't know you were a No'...' then realisation dawns on her, '... oh, you mean like planes? Like a pilot? I guess that's cool too... You'll have to show me your cockpit some time...' ::sly

A thousand yen for pictures... Double that for panties, with half up front, non-negotiable.

The blushing Haruki silently slips Nabiki the downpayment & slinks quickly back to his own desk...

It's not long before the next teacher arrives & lessons are resumed. Things continue in a similar vein for the rest of the morning, then lunchtime - the big break of the day - arrives.

There's no cafeteria at the school, so most pupils bring a 'bento' packed lunch - rice, fish, & vegetable meals in cute plastic boxes. The appearance of the food (lots of colours) is almost as important as the food itself, & pupils comment freely on each other's meals. Some people buy their bento ready made from a store, but most pack their own. Girls who like a certain boy will often make his bento for him... ::blush Other pupils head down to Mister Tendo's noodle stand instead, although this is slightly frowned upon by the school authorities. Pupils spend lunch either in the classroom, or outside.

When the bell goes, the bowing is completed, & the last teacher before lunch departs, the pupils all head off to eat & hang out together. As usual Kohana passes Jinsei the lunch she's lovingly prepared for him (& she's a really good cook too!). Watching the pair, Rumiko smiles & nudges Nabiki,

'So who are you making lunches for then, Nabiki-chan? Come on, you know you can tell me!' ::sly

The more observant pupils notice that, rather unusually, the odious Haruki seems in quite a hurry to get out of the classroom at lunchtime - heading off quickly like a man on a mission... ::unsure

[Alex Green]

Nezumi looks interested,

'You can fly? I didn't know you were a No'...' then realisation dawns on her, '... oh, you mean like planes? Like a pilot? I guess that's cool too... You'll have to show me your cockpit some time...' ::sly

Kenshi responds with apparent seriousness, ”I’d enjoy that.”

A few moments later, his face turns red. ::blush

After the final bow, Kenshi goes to Mister Tendo’s noodle stand to buy some noodles.

The more observant pupils notice that, rather unusually, the odious Haruki seems in quite a hurry to get out of the classroom at lunchtime - heading off quickly like a man on a mission... ::unsure

Kenshi mentally thinks, *Odd* but shrugs and goes back to mingling.