Class was about to start, and yet, I was just plain and simply tired. I didn't get much sleep last night as I stayed up late trying this new video game one my classmates loaned me.
"Hey dude!" I felt a tap to my back, "So how'd you like the game?"
"It was interesting. Interesting enough that it kept me awake until 4 in the morning..."
"Way to go dude! That's my man, always a gamer at heart!" Yosuke said with a grin.
Yosuke is a good buddy of mine, and we've known each other since way back then. His family and my family are also well acquainted with each other.
Yosuke sat down on his chair, which was to my right and said, "So did you hear we have a new transfer student coming in?"
"Ah yes, today's the day she comes in right?"
A transfer student from Okinawa is joining our class today, but we don't know much about, other than the fact that she is a 'city girl' and that her parents have decided to move back to their hometown, here in Inaba.
At that moment, our homeroom teacher, Ms. Akimoto, came in.
"Good morning class. I hope that you're all fresh and rested from that long vacation and ready for another round of school."
There were groans and sighs heard from the students.
"Now, now, I know that you are all so excited to start with your studies, but before we start, I'd like to introduce a new addition to section 2-3. She is a transfer student from Okinawa High, please welcome Ms. Aoi Fujimoto. The floor is yours, Fujimoto-chan."
Aoi stood in front of the class and spoke, "Hello all. I'm Aoi Fujimoto, and I am very happy to be part of this class.." she looks around and looks at Ms. Akimoto, "...uh, and that's about it. Thank you everybody."
"Heh, a shy-type, that's your kind of girl right dude?" Yosuke snickered and looked at me, giving me the thumbs up.
"Sure, if you say so...", I replied while staring at the newcomer.
Come to think of it, I do seem to have a soft spot for the quiet type girls. But then again, who would want someone who's loud and obnoxious right? I'd trade that for quiet and reserved anytime.
"And since the seat behind Zildjian-kun is available, you can have that seat Fujimoto-san."
Yosuke got my attention and he mouthed the word ‘jackpot’. I just shrugged back at him.
Aoi, bowed to the class and to our teacher, and walked towards the seat behind me.
As she passed by I took a quick glance and it seems like she did the same, but then when our eyes locked on to each other, we both turned our gaze away.
Awkward...
"Ok, class. Now, for some fun time. Open you textbooks to Chapter 23 and we'll have a question and answer session, shall we?"
There's no doubting it...school's back. How I wish it was still Christmas Break.
*****
You can see that most, if not everyone in class, still had the vacation hangover. Some are slouched on their seats, just chilling and chatting. Some have their DSI handhelds and PSPs and gaming away like they're in their own bedroom. And others are just, well... taking a nap.
Wait a minute.
Come to think of it, this scene is actually a "normal" everyday lunch break scene for our class. So I shouldn’t be surprised at all.
Today I decided to eat in the classroom, to the behest of Yosuke and our other classmates who wanted to grab a bite outside. And of course, I did not escape their teasing that the reason I wanted to eat in class is because Aoi-chan is also eating in the classroom.
Seriously, I just did want to eat in and relax in class. But, I guess deep inside, I did see it as an opportunity to probably get to know Aoi-chan some more.
I unpacked my lunch on my table, glancing at Aoi who was seated behind me and also having her lunch.
"So how are you enjoying first day of class?" I asked.
I was eating and not facing Aoi when I said that, and I guess she thought I was talking to someone else, because I didn't get a response.
I looked back and said, "Ah sorry, I was asking you, Aoi-chan,"
She looked up to me and smiled.
"Oh...I thought you were talking with someone else", Aoi replied, as she put her chopsticks down. "Well, so far I'm doing good and I think I'll get used to this place in no time..."
There was a bit of a pause and silence - I just suddenly ran out of words to say.
Awkward...
Aoi smiled, despite the lack of a counter-response from me, and continued with her lunch.
"I see," was the only thing that I could muster. How lame.
I added some more, "Well...uh, g-glad to have you in our class!"
Aoi acknowledged me with another smile. A really, really, heart-melting smile.
Nice going there sport. That was lame of me, I said to myself. It's like I got into some sort of suspended animation while looking at her and then I couldn't think of anything to say. Maybe she won't talk with me anymore or ask for a change of
seat somewhere else in the class by tomorrow.
I wanted to look over my shoulder and talk to her again, but something in me said otherwise. I guess I'm just trying to justify my being a lame conversationalist there. Oh well.
*****
The bell rang for the final class – what a relief, another school day is done!
"See you guys tomorrow - we got Kendo practice, don't forget dude!!" Yosuke shouted as we parted ways at the school gate.
As I started to walk home, I noticed Aoi was walking ahead, so I walked faster to catch up with her, and called out to her.
"Hey, Aoi-chan," I said as I walked up beside her.
"Sorry about the lunch time thing, I didn't mean to bother you or make you feel uneasy.", I said as I caught up with her.
Actually I think shouting her name out loud just now while still in front of the school, with lots of other students looking on, and then rushing to walk beside her made her feel more uneasy. Nice move on my part again. Sheesh...
"Oh no, it's ok. I didn't feel uneasy at all, nor was I bothered at any point, please don't worry." she said with a smile.
"Do you live close by?"
She pointed towards the west, "Just a couple of blocks that way..."
Which was actually where I am walking to, since our house is in that block too. How convenient.
"Ah, that's nice, at least you're close to school too."
We continued to walk. And again, an uneasy silence fell, and I really didn't know how to break it.
"Do you -"
"Have you -"
We both decided to talk at the same time, cancelling each other's sentences, and we were rewarded with chuckles and smiles from each other.
"Jinx!" I teased her "Now you got to buy me a soda pop"
"Hey, ha ha, I talked first!"
Talk about breaking the ice. Aoi smiled - this very lovely smile that made me feel so warm and fuzzy. And only then did I take more notice of her features.
She's around 5'3"-5'4", slim, with long straight hair, just past the shoulders. And you'd know in an instant that she knows how to carry herself. She had green eyes and when she smiles, it’s like it can really make one’s day.
I think she noticed me staring to long.
"Ah, you know," she paused, "...we've been chatting a bit and all..."
I suddenly had an uneasy feeling she's going to mention something to me. Maybe she'll say that it's rude to stare or something.
Aoi continued, "...but you've never really mentioned your name."
Oh snap! Of course! I knew I forgot something! I had the nerve to start calling her by name - when I totally forgot to tell her my name. I felt a little warm on the ears, and I think it was a blush from being embarrassed, that I hope she didn't notice.
"Ah, ha ha ha..." I chuckled, as I scratched my head, "...my bad! You're right!"
I stopped and pretended to fix my tie and coat like I was about to say an inaugural speech, and I bowed to her,
"I'm Zildjian Amari, from section 2-3 of Inaba High. Welcome to Inaba, Ms. Aoi Fujimoto!"
*****
I had just finished dinner and was still sitting at the dining table and staring out into space, when my little sister decided to snap me out of it.
"HEY BIG BRO!!"
"Argh!" I was really spaced out and got startled big time. "Cut that out!"
My little sister was giggling so much that she fell over her back.
"You're so funny big bro! That look on your face, ha ha ha ha ha!!"
Why I always manage to get myself into humorous or embarassing situations is beyond me.
But today it was a bit more frequent. Ever since Fujimoto-chan sat behind me. And everytime I think of her, I have this feeling that there's still more mystery to this girl than meets the eye.
Maybe after a good night's sleep I'll feel better...
*****
The next day, I barely made it to the corner of our street when I saw someone running up to me...oh please no….
"Ooooooo, I saw you talking with the new girl in class yesterday, senpai!", Hikari said with a mischievous smile as she was running circles around me.
"How is she? Did you ask her out? Does she like you? How old is she? Does she have a boyfriend?"
"Hikari-chan...would you cut that out? Your running and hopping around me is making me dizzy…."
"How is she? Did you ask her out? Does she like you? How old is she….?,"
Hikari is a close friend of ours from the first year class. We hang out at her parent's Inn a lot, and that's where we met her and became friends with her. And she is the spunkiest in the group, and also the youngest.
"Dizzy in love? Just kidding senpai!!"
Then another booming voice came to bear from behind us.
"Hey, hey, what's this dizzy in love thing I'm hearing here??"
Joining the fray is another buddy of ours, Kanji. He's our 'tank' in the group. The big guy. I mean really big and strong that he can squeeze Hikari into a ball and throw her across the full length of a soccer field without any effort at all. But despite that, he's one gentle giant and is an advocate of peace and diplomatic solutions. And also a softie when it comes to animals.
"Hey there senpai Kanji! I'm just teasing our friend here about the new transfer student in their class" Hikari replied, while still spinning around me like a top with a sugar rush.
Kanji "Ah, yes, how is she, Zildjian? Adjusting well to your class I take it?"
I nodded, "Yeah, she's settling down, I think," and before any of them could make the topic longer I changed it, "...hey, you guys know we have to hurry as it's Yosuke's turn to bring snacks today. And if we don't get to him early...well...you know..."
"Bye-bye to our snacks?" Hikari had a pretend-shocked look, "then let's get going Senpais! Wheeeee!!!"
I swear, I do not know where that girl gets her daily perkiness and energy. Too much sugar perhaps? Or maybe too much coffee? Sometimes I do envy her for having such a fun and positive outlook everyday.
We rushed to school and made it just before the second bell.
*****
I remembered I had to return a book to the library and got sidetracked for lunch, and by the time I got to the canteen, everyone else was there.
"Hey Zildj," Yosuke called out, his mouth full with his ramen, "come and get lunch while it's hot! Or while there's still something left!"
Yosuke, Kanji, Hikari, and two other friends of ours were there - Minori, and Yuki.
Minori and Yuki are both classmates of Kanji. We all basically met up here in school one 'fateful' day and decided to be friends since then. I know it sounds kind of too simple or too easy, but that's how it was. And it shows in the friendship that we all have - that has been solid and stable for as long as we all know.
"Hey lover-boy Zildjian," teased Minori after she gave me a light slap on the back.
"Oh no, please, Minori, not you too?? Has Hikari's personality rubbed off on you already? This is bad...the planet is doomed..."
"Hey!" Hikari pouted and made a face to me, "Maybe you meant, 'the planet is saved!' Saved by the personality of Hikari!"
"Kampai to that, he he..." Minori gestured, as she raised her soda can to cheer.
"Don't mind them Zildjian-kun, go ahead and eat. And don't rush. Eating fast is bad for you. You don't get the full nutrients and you'll just stress out your body", beamed Kanji.
And just as I was about to take my first bite from my tempura, everyone in our group suddenly fell silent and were looking behind me.
"Ok, heh-heh.." I was snickering, "Don't tell me. Either our school principal is standing behind me right now and is eyeing me, or some big, God-awful insect is starting to climb on my shoulders and you guys are just waiting for me to find out and then scream like a little girl, right?"
"Uh...senpai...heh heh..." Hikari was pointing behind me and then waved her hand in a 'hello' gesture.
Oh no. Please don't tell me I did it again to her.
I slowly put the tempura down and looked behind me, and standing there was the pretty Aoi-chan, all smiles and with her glasses on. She was chuckling actually, as the rest of the group started to chuckle too.
"Hey there Mr. Forgot-to-mention-his-name..."
"Aoi-chan, ah..h-hello! Sorry about that...I mean..what I said...you know...principal...God-awful creature... I didn't know it was you. And these people…," I was pointing to my
friends like they were criminals, "...they're full of pranks and jokes so I thought they were playing another prank that’s why I reacted that way...."
Aoi came closer, "Ha ha ha, it’s ok, Zildjian-kun. I saw you and your friends here and was wondering if I could join you guys for lunch?"
I breathed a sigh of relief, but before I could answer her, Hikari was already wrapped around Aoi in a big hug, like she was a long-lost relative she's seen for the first time in 50 years.
"Of course you can join us!! It's our pleasure!!!!"
"Why thank you...Miss..."
Hikari stood up in attention like a soldier and made a salute, "Hikari. Hikari Kaneshiro. Always here with a smile!!"
You got that right, I said to myself. More than a smile too.
My other friends followed suit in the introductions.
"Kanji Matsunaga, at your service."
"Yuki Okazaki, very pleased to meet you…"
“Yosuke Taito, and I’m the man!”
"And last but not least, I'm Minori Hasegawa."
I was looking at my friends and noticing how 'formal' they were, when I realized why they introduced themselves in such a way.
"I'm Aoi Fujimoto, the pleasure is mine, thanks..." and Aoi gives a slight glance to me, "...at least your friends knew to mention their names first…" , which she ended with a wink.
How cute.
Hikari was trying to hold her laugh but it went out anyways, (it actually sounded like a fart or something) and everyone else joined in and laughed out loud.
What a day...
*****
I woke up to the buzzing of the alarm clock, and the buzzing of my cell phone. I looked at the caller ID - it's Minori. I looked at the time, then the calendar. Good thing it was a weekend.
"Hello, 'sup Minori-chan?"
"Oh, hi Zildjian-kun. Hey, did I wake you up? You sound groggy."
You did and I am still groggy.
"Anyways, hey, do you want to join us today at the mall, later in the afternoon? Hikari's got a gig with her band in the Central Shopping District. There's other bands performing too, and we can show Aoi around too. What do you think?"
The only word that I heard and stuck to my head was 'Aoi', so I replied, "Ok, I'll see you guys at the CSD then. What time?"
"2 in the afternoon. The concert starts at around 4, so at least we can get some light snacks first and go around before hitting the show."
"Sounds good Minori, see you guys later, bye!"
I almost forgot that today was that band concert at the Central Shopping District. And Hikari has been talking about it all the time during the weekday, almost every lunch. Thankfully, Hikari is a very good singer. And knows how to play the guitar at that too. I hope she does a cover of Aya Hirano's 'God Knows' - she did it last time during her practice sessions, to which I 'sessioned' in as bass player and that was a very nice experience.
My little sister knocked on the door, "Big bro, can I come in?"
"Sure, Nanako. Is everything ok?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to tell you that breakfast is ready. And...I..."
I looked at her suspiciously "And...yes, what were you going to say?"
She looked a bit nervous, but replied otherwise, "I...I heard you talking over the phone, and you mentioned about a concert, and Hikari-chan being there?"
I can already see where this is going. Nanako has always been a 'fan' of singing, and of course, Hikari. They would do Karaoke duets here at home, although Nanako still has her singing to work on, there's never a dull moment with those two together.
I took the initiative, "Yes, there's going to be a concert tonight.Want to come? Just make sure to ask mom first ok?"
"Really??" Nanako's eyes gleamed with excitement, "Yey!!! Thanks big bro! I'll ask mom for sure. Moooom!! Mom!"
"Yey!! Thanks big bro! I’ll ask mom for sure…,"
I actually do like having Nanako around, even though at rare times she gets moody or annoying, she has always been easy to get along with and quite obedient. I guess she also knows that we don't put up with tantrums of any kind, and that it will only get her in trouble and make her day go bad.
I called up Aoi and I asked if we could walk with her to the mall, and she agreed. Next I sent a text message to Yosuke, Kanji, Hikari, and Yuki, to confirm that we will be there, and Nanako will be coming too.
I looked at the clock - 9:30 am. Better get breakfast over with and start the day!
*****
The shopping area's covered atrium was bustling with people, since the concert stage has been set there, and everybody was looking for the perfect spot to sit.
"Hey guys!" Hikari shouted to us, "over here! There's a great spot here!"
We went over to where Hikari pointed to and it was pretty close to the stage.
"Hikari-chan!" Nanako shouted and ran to give her a hug, "I can't wait to hear you sing! I'll be cheering you on from here!!"
"Ha ha ha, thanks Nanako-chan, my number one fan!"
Hikari looked around and got Aoi's attention, "Hey Aoi-chan, ready to party!??"
"As ready as I'll ever be!" Aoi replied.
"Do you like going to concerts Aoi-chan?" Yuki asked.
Minori followed up, "Or better yet, do you like singing?"
Aoi looked up and put her forefinger to her head.
"Ah, well, only while taking a bath I guess, ha ha ha. But kidding aside, yeah, I really like music a lot. It's a very nice form of expression, specially if the singer really knows how to 'feel' the song and reach out that feeling to the spectators."
"Very nicely said Aoi-chan," Minori commented, "That's how a professional would look at playing music, right Hikari?"
Hikari was preparing her guitar, a pearl white Fender Stratocaster, with a neon pink strap and matching pink pick guard.
"Yes, that's how it should be, because no matter how much you know that song, if you can't really relate to it or know how to get the feeling out of the song, it will turn out dry and can even make one look as if they'r trying too hard. And the crowd will notice that very fast."
A voice on the PA system blared.
"Good afternoon everybody and welcome! We'll be ready to start in a few minutes, so get seated and hope you enjoy the show!"
I walked over to Hikari, "Give 'em your best Hikari-chan," and gave her a hug.
"Thanks, Senpai. I'll do my best!"
"Your groupies will be right here cheering you on!" Kanji added.
With a smile, Hikari walked to the backstage to get ready for the concert.
*****
There were five bands playing, and Hikari's band was lined up as the last to play, which actually made her more nervous as being last in the lineup is as hard as being first, since the last band needs to be able to keep up the momentum or even surpass it, so that it will be a good show in the end.
Time seems to have flown so fast, and the first three bands breezed through, and the fourth band is already playing their last song.
"Hey, is that Hikari coming over here?" Yosuke was pointing at someone headed our direction.
Aoi stood up, "Yeah, it is her, I wonder what's wrong? She looks worried."
Hikari got to our side and tugged at my shirt.
"Zildjian-kun!! We got a problem in the band. And I really, really, really need to ask you a favor!"
Uh oh. I saw the worried look in Hikari's eyes and I know she's been practicing for this concert for some time now, so this favor is going to be very important to her.
"Our bass player had to leave for a family emergency. We don't have a bassist! So...can you step in his place for tonight?"
"Whaaa, Hikari, wait why me? What about the other bass players in the bands that played tonight?"
"Well, I did think of that, but me and my band mates are more comfortable with you. Plus you've jammed with a couple of times already right? So you know our songs, and the lineup for tonight too.."
Hikari was looking at me with sad puppy eyes.
"Aaaw, big bro..." Nanako was the one tugging at my sleeves this time, "Can you help Hikari-chan and her band? Please? That would be so cool!"
"Yeah man, go for it!" Kanji said with a reassuring tone, "I know you haven't practiced but, hey, you're a natural!"
I was looking around at them. Talk about peer pressure. Granted, I do know the song lineup for Hikari's band and have practiced and jammed with them before. But never live and with an audience this big. And the fact that I didn't practice with them - can this even work?
Aoi came over and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Zildjian-kun, I know it's not that easy, but maybe at least try right? I think that you're not the kind who would turn down things like these, specially from friends. I can feel the bond and closeness in this group, and I know that from that bond, there's that inspiration that can help in
times of challenges like this.."
I was looking at Aoi and was wishing that she'd never move her hand away from my shoulders. Strangely though, Hikari wasn't even doing her usual side comments, so this has to really be serious for her.
I looked at Hikari, then everyone else, then back to Hikari again.
"You're definitely right Aoi-chan. It's not like I'm walking on a tightrope or eating swords. It's music! Ok, I'm in!
I gave Hikari a thumbs up, "I'll try my best Hikari-chan. I hope!"
"Senpai!! Thank you so much! Let's go now, quick, there's still some time for you to at least go over the lineup and some last minute checks."
With that Hikari grabbed my hand and we ran backstage.
I looked back at my friends, Aoi up front with her lovely smile as always, Nanako jumping and cheering, and Kanji, Minori, Yosuke, and Yuki doing the 'wave'.
I really hope I don't mess up the gig!
*** Concert Dejavu ***
Seriously, I was thinking of bailing out the moment I heard the host call out Hikari's band. I even almost forgot that I was standing in for their bass player.
"Hey, Zildjian-kun! It's our turn, you ready?"
Hikari, had that look of nervousness in her. And I really can't blame her for that. Their band has been preparing for a long time for this, and of course they're a bit more nervous, specially now that all of a sudden they are missing one of their members, and since I came on board literally just minutes ago, their confidence level may just have dropped a notch or two.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you all had a good time. We've got our last band for the night just around the corner. So let's hear it for 'Autumn Dejavu'!!"
Ok, I guess it's really now or never.
We walked up to stage – the guitarist, lead singer Hikari, the drummer, the keyboardist, and yours truly, the ‘guest’ bassist.
I was still able to make out my sister Nanako's voice over the din of the spectator's noise.
"Go Autumn Dejavuuu!! Hikari-chan!! Go Big Broooo!!!"
Hikari looked around the stage, and then got the microphone.
"Good evening all! So are you all ready for one more round of high revving music??!!!"
The crowd applauded in glee, and one can hear people shouting Hikari's name. I think I even heard 'I love you Hikari' somewhere.
"Ok then," Hikari strapped on her guitar, "Let's get it on!!"
And so we played music. To the delight of the crowd, and to the relief of all in the band, we managed to pull it off with flying colors. The first song was a bit slow, but then we all jived together and made up for a slow start, giving the next 3 songs all our best.
It's really amazing how music can be an outlet of expression. I never dreamed that I would be playing on stage with a band, much less a band of a very talented musicians, and one of them being a good friend of ours. It's like Aoi and Hikari said, that when you sing or play music, you really have to be 'in it', and not anywhere else. You have to understand the song you are singing and feel it. That's the only way you can get a real good performance, and also the only way to allow one to really convey what the meaning of the song is to the crowd. Once you get that groove and feel, everything else will follow. Just like how they say that from a good defense, comes a good offense. And it's just like that with music.
We finished the last song, and it actually felt short for me .Four songs just breezed by like it was nothing. And the crowd was still ecstatic and screaming.
Screaming 'encore-encore'.
Hikari looked at me, and I felt like she did want to do an encore. I smiled and nodded, and I saw this glimmer in her eyes.
"Ok everybody, here's one more for the road...we'll play a cover of a song that me and my friends like very much, and I know this song is something close and familiar to a lot of you too..."
Hikari looked at me again, and I had a feeling I knew what the song was going to be.
The crowd's screams intensified.
"1, 2….1, 2, 3, 4!"
For some reason I was also going all out and getting into the beat. Seeing our friends in the crowd dancing and lip-synching to the song also made us more inspired.
Hikari belts out the chorus with all her heart, and even I feel her sincerity in singing the song, like it was her own. And the crowd's woos, shouts, and claps just proves it.
We ended the song and afterwards there was a display of fireworks outside, a perfect way to end an encore.
"Good night everyone, and thank you so much!" shouted Hikari, and we did our bows and waved back to the crowd as we exited the stage.
Hikari was jumping up and down, and congratulating her band mates to no end.
I was just setting the bass guitar down and getting ready to go back to our friends, when I felt Hikari hug me ever so tightly from the back.
"Senpai!! Thank you so very much! You did so well back there, it's like you were practicing with us for ages and were so prepared. I can't really thank you enough, it means so much to me and my band mates..."
I turned around to face Hikari and gave her a big hug back.
"No, thank you for giving me the opportunity and believing in me. And you did a great job back there. You know you really should consider trying the music industry. Maybe make a CD or two?"
"You really think so senpai?"
"Yes, I think..no I believe that you can do it."
Hikari was holding back tears of joy. Normally I'd see her always joking around and being silly, but deep inside I know and all our friends know how passionate and serious she becomes once her music is the topic.
The rest of our friends decided to go back stage and join us.
"Hikari-chan!!! That was neat! And you too big bro! You were so cool, specially in that last song! I wish I had a video of that!" Nanako was so happy and hugged both me and Hikari.
The rest exchanged high-fives and hugs, as Aoi walked over to my side.
"Zildjian-kun, that was a good performance back there. And Hikari's voice, I didn't know she had such a strong vocal range. And you can really feel her intensity in each song. I'm so proud of you
both", and she hugged me and planted a kiss on my cheeks.
Wow, now that was worth it's weight in gold, priceless actually.
"Well, I had you guys to thank for...and for inspiration too. same goes for Hikari and her bandmates."
After helping Hikari and her band pack up, we decided to call it a night. As much as I wanted to stay up late, I don't want Nanako to go way past her bedtime too. I also wanted to walk Aoi home too, and while it's still not too late in the evening.
Walking home with Nanako, I still have remnants of adrenaline from the concert. I think all of us shared the same rush, one way or another. Even Nanako is still peppy and all, considering it is quite late already.
“Did you have a fun time, Nanako,” Aoi asked my little sister.
“Yes Aoi-chan, I had such a fun time with all of you!” replied my sister while sporting a huge grin.
“Ha ha ha, I’m glad you did. You should ask your big Bro here to take you with him more often when we go out with the others.”
Nanako looks at me with her trademark ‘puppy eyes’ and said, "Let's do this again next time big bro!"
You bet Nanako, we sure will.
***** Epilogue
"Is this beef bowl a portal to the 'meat dimension'?" inquired Yuki as she was staring at her beef bowl, "I swear I have been picking on this for some time and I still haven't seen the rice!”
"Huh?" Yosuke asked as he was finishing his beef bowl, "I saw the rice within five minutes of eating..."
"That's because you eat like a hungry bear, senpai!" Hikari said while taking a sip from her bubble tea.
Every Friday, this diner has a special 'beef bowl challenge' where you get to try out their famous entree', and if you finish the whole thing (no sharing!), you get it for free and join the 'hall of fame' wall in the diner. So far only Yosuke has managed to do this feat everytime he orders this meal, granted he doesn't do it always, but maybe once a month, like today.
"Uhrrmm...." Kanji was preparing to say something to us as he finished his bento.
"There's a group camp out that is being planned by a group of students in our section. And they are reaching out to the other classes, to see if there is any interest."
"Hmm, is this something that is ok or sanctioned by the school?" Hikari asked.
Yuki got a piece of paper from her bag, "That's the nice thing about it. It is school sanctioned and most of the organizers are part of the clubs in school. So someone from the Music, Science, and Literature club...yours truly... have agreed on this and already set a tentative date."
"Now that is awesome! So what's the proposed date?" Yosuke gave his signature two thumbs up to me, and I reciprocated with my own.
Minori whipped out her Netbook laptop and started typing, "Let me see....looks like a week from today. And it is going to be a three day event."
Hikari walked over to Yuki, "Will there be events during the camp out? I hope it's nothing boring like the regular school camp outs we do"
"Yes Hikari-chan, there will be some events. Some team games and all, and I think they're having something like a 'Survivor' type theme."
"Really Yuki-chan? Wow!! So there's going to be like a tribal council, strength and mind challenges...and exile island?? Wheee!!!" Hikari was already daydreaming of being there.
"Hmm, do I know who to send out to exile island if I get to vote..." I said, while taking a glance at Hikari.
"Hah!" Hikari remarked she gave a playful punch to my arm, "If I am exiled, then I'll get the immunity idol and I'll use it at the most critical moment!!"
"My dear Hikari-chan," mused Minori, " I will surely be your ally and will help you in all the challenges in this camp out, as long as you don't vote me out."
Hikari smiled gleefully, "Ah, Minori-chan! Of course, we will be allies!"
Geez, camp out hasn't even started and the alliances are already in full force. And shouldn't these alliances be in secret and not being broadcasted in front of other people?
I looked over to Aoi, "I hope you can come, it'll surely be nice if you're around. Helps keep the edge off this motley crew of ours."
"Of course Zildjian-kun, I will go. It's been a long time since I've been our region, and this camp out is just perfect. And with the perfect companions too."
A smile coursed through her lips, and I was actually smiling back too.
"Ooooooo...I heard that!!! Perfect companion…."
Aoi said ‘companions’ not ‘companion’, plural form please.
Here goes Hikari again. Sigh.
"Zildjian and Aoi sitting on a tree......"
I saw Aoi smiling ever more, and blushing lightly. I know I am blushing too.
After some more small talk, we wrote down suggestions for the events and groupings, handed it over to Yuki so she could spread the word to their class that they have support from ours.
It looks like it's going to be a very, very, interesting camp out.
