NBNM 6
Noble Blood Calls for Noble Men
Chapter 6
“”Ako-chan, why are we outside my room? And how did you know this was my room...?” I questioned slowly. I hope she wasn't a stalker. That wouldn't be fun. I'd feel even less safe. And with the twins across the hall...ugh.
She tapped her chin curiously. “Really? This is your room? Wow, I hadn't noticed. How strange! But I guess that's a good thing! It means we're neighbors!” She squeezed my hands tightly in her own. “Gosh, there's like no down-to-earth girls in hallway aside from me and Tabitha! This is so exciting!” Ako was bouncing off the walls with excitement.
Was she serious about that down-to-earth girls comment? Come to think of it, the girls I saw when I first got here seemed rather preppy and snobbish...definitely not down-to-earth. It must have something to do with that Kei-kid. Ugh. I wonder if he's harassed Ako yet...
“Aren't you just so happy, Riiko-chaaaaan?” Apparently she hadn't quite lost her pep. Geez.
“Uh, yeah. I guess... But here's a question, why haven't you left yet---”
“Oi, Rii!”
Uh oh. What would she think of me when she figured out I was hanging out with a guy like Ryouta? Wait, no. I can't think that way. Ryouta's just a normal....angry-looking guy. There's absolutely nothing wrong with him. To put it broadly.
Ryouta came loping down the hall with his book bag hanging over his shoulder. He totally disregarded Ako and ordered me to come with him. But I did have something set up with him before I did with her, so... Oh, but then there was Maki..!
“Princess-erm, Komaki-san.” Shoot. And now here he came too. I'm such a popular girl. Not.
I only stared blankly at the two new arrivals while waiting for Ako to say something.
“Wow, Riiko-chan! Only your first day and you've already met two of the most popular guys on campus! You must get around really well!”
“Er.” My face faltered. “Really? Is that all you're gonna say?”
Her big green eyes questioned me silently. “Were you looking for a more surprised tone?”
I shook my head quickly. “No! But I kinda have some stuff to do. But it'll be real quick and then um...I'll be back. So uh..” Shoot. What do I do with Ryouta? I don't think Maki would approve of me taking him along to the Grandpa's. “Hang out with Ryouta for a bit. You two'll get alone just great!” The words tumbled clumsily out of my mouth as I grabbed Maki and ran, not waiting for an angry yell from Mr. Angry Face.
“Are you sure that was a good idea?” Maki asked once we were outside.
I only ran ahead of him saying, “Ryouta's not a bad kid. Don't let his looks fool you.” I never heard a response from Maki, but from the feel of the atmosphere, it seemed like he was doubting me.
I only got as far as the main office building until he took over. We entered through a different route this time. It was more public. Not to mention normal. He entered a building that was labeled 'counseling.' There wasn't anything particularly strange about this place. A woman at the front desk nodded at us as we passed. I followed Maki into the elevator. When the door had closed, he took out a key and played around with the telephone box underneath the buttons. The elevator started to descend. And then went...right? Are you freaking serious? I thought those kinds of elevators only existed in cartoons or like the FBI headquarters. Or in Wonka's chocolate factory. Please don't tell me we're going to be floating in the air or something.
The elevator stopped and the doors opened. But there was nothing but black there. Pitch black. There was no dimension or anything. It was like one of those scenes in a movie where you think you're safe but then a second later, something jumps out and carries you into the dark.
“Maki, where are we this time..?” Just then, he walked forward and right off the edge and dropped into the darkness. A gasp escaped me. “M-Maki?”
No answer.
“Hey. I freaking swear, Maki. You better not have committed suicide down here...!” My voice echoed off the walls. And it sounded like it was traveling a long ways. Shoot. I'm not gonna get anywhere by just sitting here. Slowly, I peered over the side. But before I could even get a good look, a hand came outta nowhere and pulled me under.
And then...I screamed the loudest I had ever screamed before. For a second, I'd gone deaf. It had probably been amplified by there being empty...space all around. But then I noticed that somebody was holding me. The light from the elevator was illuminating his scrunched up face. Just Maki.
“You've got quite a pair of lungs on you,” he commented quietly, shaking his head to get his ears to stop ringing.
“Maki, you're alive?”
“Of course.”
“Why didn't you reply to me before?”
“I'd bumped my head.” I hated how he always gave me such straight answers. “We should get going,” he said, putting me down. I grabbed onto the back of his vest as he lead the way down the somewhat familiar halls. “You don't seem to like the darkness.” I heard a smile in his voice. Was he actually amused by that fact?
“You're not laughing at me, are you Maki?”
“No, of course not,” he answered quickly and completely just like all the other times.
I was never able to understand how he could navigate through such total darkness like he did. He found the corners and the door just fine.
“Headmaster, I've brought the Princess,” Maki announced upon my entrance.
The old man looked up from his reasonable stack of papers waiting to be signed. “Ohhh,” he cooed. “How is my granddaughter doing today?” He hobbled over, giving me a hug. Did he seem more like a normal old man today than before? Or maybe it was just me. “Did your first day run smoothly?”
“I suppose,” I started. But then I remembered Twin Terrorism. “Until the twins approached me. At least, when Kei did. The other one I don't mind as much.”
“Oh ho! Kei's making his move already, is he? That boy never slows down!” He laughed loud and boisterously. “Neither does Tojo, it seems.”
Maki snorted at the last comment.
“Kei and Tojo are a no-go, Grandpa,” I said quickly. I didn't want him supporting something that would never be.
“And why is that?”
“You seriously think I'd go for a guy who has trouble staying with one person at a time? Or at least someone who flirts excessively.”
“But Riiko, dear. Kei is dedicated to one person at a time. Trust me, I have seen it. And I believe Maki here has too.” Grandpa shot a glance at Maki. “And Tojo...Tojo hasn't had a successful net. You should cut him some slack.”
I didn't know how to reply to the comment about Kei. I shouldn't have made an accusation when I didn't know everything about him. But about Tojo..
“Tojo's attracted to one of my suitors.” Maki also received a look from me. “It'd be better to support him instead of conflict with him, right?”
Maki fidgeted like he had something to say about it. But instead, he just stood quietly with a pattern of emotions running across his features.
Grandpa cupped his chin. “That's true, I suppose. Hm..” He spent a few minutes concentrating on that. But the thought seemed to fly out his ear. “So have you met any of the others?”
I nodded eagerly. “Yes, I met Ryouta and Kaito. I'm currently having some anger management sessions with Ryouta. And Kaito is just the most adorable guy ever! He's just so shy and his eyes are so big! Oh my goodness, you would not believe how cute he looked when he was blushing the other day!” My sentences ran off without an end. I kept bringing out whatever popped into my head. Grandpa seemed like he wanted to stop me, I noticed. But wasn't really sure how to.
“A-alright, dear. So I'm guessing that Kaito is your best bet right now?” He chuckled nervously, probably worried about me starting up again.
“Hm...well, he really is a sweetie. But I don't think he's one of those guys that I would really go out with...Gosh, it makes me feel so bad for saying that---”
“And what is your opinion on Maki?”
All went silent.
“The guy scared me half to death just a few minutes ago.” Was all I said.
“My apologies.”
The air was a bit tense. I hope he didn't think I was mad at him or something. Grandpa seemed to be waiting for me to continue, but I didn't have much more to say. Or rather, I couldn't say anything else since Maki was in the room right now.
Instead of waiting it out, I changed the subject.
“Heya, Grandpa. Do you think you could get me a ride into town today. My Phys-ed teacher said I need a change of clothes, but I didn't bring anything aside from that shirt I was wearing when I was brought here.”
Grandpa started to flip through a few pages a little book. He sighed. “Sorry, dear. It seems like all the buses are booked this week. You'll just have to wait around like the rest of the students. But I'm sure Maki would lend you some clothes. Or Tojo if Maki was asking.”
“They're both too big.” I didn't need to try any of their articles on to figure that out. Maki was freaking six feet!
“What about Kaito? He seems nice enough. And you seem to like him a lot.”
“He might take it the wrong way.”
“Ryouta?”
“Are you serious?”
“What about the twins? I'm sure Kei would be very willing to lend you some clothes. And Jiao is always a helpful option.”
“It can be taken the wrong way on both sides. Kei thinking I actually want something to do with him. And the class would also think something's up with us. It wouldn't be a pretty outcome.”
“You sure like to make things difficult, granddaughter of mine. Have you made any friends on campus yet? Perhaps you could ask them. Maki could go with you and let them know it's an official thing.”
Oh shoot. That totally made me remember that Ako was still stuck with Ryouta. Oh, the chaos that I'm imagining. Colorful and not pretty.
“Er...I'll figure out something, Grandpa. For now, I need to go---” I also remembered my uniform problem. “---and I need a spring uniform! Yes, okay, thanks. Maki, don't you have a switch that opens up the floor and you slide outside in some random place?”
Maki raised his brow. “Are you alright? Maybe you're dehydrated. You're saying strange things.”
“Nevermind, I'll find my own way out!” And out the door I went.
Guh. Maki ended up coming with me. But I was glad about that. I had absolutely no chance of getting out there in one piece on my own. We took the elevator route and bumped into Tojo outside the building.
He looked overly happy to see Maki. Not like that was surprising. He trotted toward us happily. “Heya, Maki-kins!” He shot a glare at me. “Hanging out with Wifey today?”
“Since when did you have permission to call me that?”
“Since yesterday. After that one incident. For that, I'm gonna ruin your love life so everyone'll think you're taken. “
“But doesn't that mean that they'll know you're taken and then you can't find a bi-lover?”
“That doesn't matter. Maki does. And he knows what's going on behind the scenes. Ain't that right, Maki?”
Maki shuddered. “Please shut up,” he grumbled, turning away.
But honestly, Tojo might prove to be a problem. From what the guys look like to me right now, I think they may actually believe him. Even though Tojo's notorious for being all googly-eyed for Maki. Kaito would definitely take it as a true. If Ryouta actually had interest in me, he'd drop it as soon as he picked it up. Jiao would just go along with it, trying to support. And Kei...who knows what Kei would do. Whatever the case may be, it won't be good.
“Anyways, did you guys hear somebody scream bloody murder in there? That was hilarious! All the students in the waiting room were squirming like there was no tomorrow! I wonder who it was.” Tojo laughed throughout his comment.
I cleared my throat, finding the time to leave to be now. “I'll uh...see you guys later and stuff. I've got other appointments to attend to...and stuff. Maki, uniform if you can, please.” He nodded and I was on my way once again.
Arg. I wonder if Ako and Ryouta are okay. I can just imagine them being totally awkward. Or Ryouta getting tired of Ako's talking and getting all angry...The thought made me speed up and I was zooming up the stairs so fast I wasn't even sure of my surroundings anymore. If only this could kick in in phys-ed.
Neither was in the hall. I peeked in my room. Nobody. And then I heard laughing coming from Ako's room next door. And then I heard Ryouta's booming voice seeming to murmur something behind the door. Ako answered with another laugh. Guess my worry was all for naught.
Not really wanting to interrupt their good time, I knocked lightly on the door. Something crashed against the other side and the door was pulled open. I was met with a red-faced Ako wearing a big grin on her face.
“Oh, hey! You came back!” She clapped me on the shoulder and then wiped a tear away from her eye. “Gosh, we were having an awesome time. Ryouta's so funny!”
On a first name basis without honorifics already? That's some progress for just an hour or so.
I tipped my head to the side peering past her. Ryouta was sitting back on the floor, avoiding my stare by glaring at the floor. But it's not like he could hide that dark blush on his cheeks. A smile crept onto my cheeks. Guess there's no need for a session today.
“Good job, Ako!” I laughed. More at Ryouta's embarrassment than at her achievement. “You seem to get along well. Maybe I should leave him to you more often?”
“I wouldn't mind that,” she giggled in response. Ryouta rolled his eyes.
Ako proceeded to inform me of what had gone on while I was away. Apparently they'd just started out murmuring about school today and it eventually grew into stories of the past. She said that Ryouta didn't have many because of certain problems, but she gladly took over and he was able to relate to her most of the time. Ako also seemed to be fairly amused by his runs from the authority figures around here.
Being around Ako...it just felt so fuzzy and warm. Like no matter where you came from, it would always be this way for every person. She was amazing for able to make people feel that way and I envied her for that. And her clothes. So much cute style in her one closet.
When she was talking about her favorite sweater that got the sleeves ripped off, she remembered that we originally came back to her room to dress me up. And she just came up with the most brilliant idea. At least, that's what she thought of it.
“Y'know what would be fun?” She started with a mischievous tone.
“What?” I questioned. Ryouta was listening as well.
“Since we have a guy here who seems to enjoy our company, maybe we should give him a little fashion show.”
“Er...wait, are you serious?” Ryouta might've been seemed like he was doing just fine with us around, but I don't think he was the type to stick around to watch a fruity fashion show.
She nodded. “Of course, of course!”
Ryouta looked like he wasn't sure of what kind of reaction he should be giving us.
“I dunno...”
“It'll be fine! We have to get you some clothes anyways.” Without another word, I was shoved into her closet. And she seemed to treat me like a life-sized doll. She never really paid attention to when I said “too tight!” Or when I was squealing about something getting caught in my hair. Gosh. After this experience, I no longer wonder what a doll would feel like if it were alive.
Four times. It was four times that I was shown off to Ryouta. He never made much of a comment either. Which I guess irritated Ako a little bit. She would push me back in with a grumpy look and made the next outfit more elaborate from the last. On the fifth try, I reminded her that I was only looking for something casual to wear around campus and something for phys-ed. She came back to her senses and tossed a pleated denim mini-skirt at me. Along with a cream-colored top with casual ruffles and lace around the armholes and straps.
She presented me to Ryouta once again. Who didn't say a thing this time. He flushed rosy pink and his lower lip jutted out in a pout as he seemed to concentrate on anything else but me. Should I take that as an insult or a compliment?
Ako went to stand over by Ryouta to get a look from there. She cupped a hand over her mouth thoughtfully, thinking. That didn't last long. She found what was missing and threw it at me after having to scramble through drawers. Socks?
“Your legs are too long and peachy. I messes with the skirt,” she explained.
I shrugged. Not like I could really say anything against her. I wasn't much of a fashion expert.
“I think you need to do something with your hair too---”
She was reaching for my hair when there was a knock at the door. I ducked past her hand and got the door.
Oh geez.
“Heya, Angel.”
Ako hopped up right beside me in a second. “Hiya, Kei-kun!” The words tumbled out of her mouth. She normally didn't have a problem speaking. She spoke so fast and never tripped up a word just a few minutes ago, and now...
Kei grinned. “Hey, Ako. Mind if I borrow Riiko for a few minutes?” He seemed totally at ease and not like he was when we were in class.
Ako frowned. She looked me up and down. “I guess she'll do for now.” She pushed me lightly towards him and waved. “Come back soon, dearie!” The door was shut behind me. Lovely.
Gosh, where was Jiao? I didn't want to be left all alone with his brother in something like this. Why did I agree to even try it on? It's not even my style!
He exhaled suddenly. “Mind if we talk in your room? Jiao's showering right now.”
Should I? Or shouldn't I? “If I can leave the door open.”
Kei chuckled. “Sure, that's fine.”
As I was leading him into my room, I kept on wondering why he was acting so different from all the other times I'd encountered him. The first day, he was the twin who had been laughing at me. Earlier today, he was the one who was teasing me and made me make some enemies in class. And now...he's totally calm. I don't understand.
“Sorry,” he said suddenly. I snapped out of it. He was standing casually in the foot of my bed. “You're staring at me like I'm some kinda monster in human skin.” He smiled weakly, finding a seat on my bed. “I know it's kinda weird too.”
He motioned for me to come sit beside him. I looked at the open door once more to make sure I hadn't closed it. Open. Wide open. I took his offer, only I was sitting about three feet away from him.
There was a short grunt before he reached into his sweatshirt pocket. Out came a cup of chocolate pudding. He handed it to me. I stared at the snack, wondering what the heck he wanted me to do with it? Did he want me to eat it? Seriously? Randomest thing ever.
“It doesn't make up for much. But it's all I could come up with on such short notice. Don't worry, it hasn't been opened, and it's not drugged or anything. Honest.”
It did look like a rather innocent cup of pudding. And I was rather hungry. I ended up having so much fun next door that I forgot to eat again. What's up with me these days? Sheesh.
“So what was it that you wanted?” I skipped onto the main topic while staring at the cooled chocolate in my hand.
Kei didn't say anything for what seemed like three minutes. He took in a sharp breath suddenly. “I probably seem like a bad guy to you, right? Well...I don't mean to do it. It just kinda happens sometimes. Whenever people are around or watching. Or maybe if there's just a certain someone in the crowd. I'm not usually like that. And I usually don't care what people think of me, so I'm not one of those people who put on a mask.” He paused. And I could feel his gaze on me for just a second. “Like, I don't mean to come off as a Player. Or a jerk. Or a guy who flirts all the time. I just don't know how to get around people. I guess. So this whole other side just randomly comes out of me.”
This was getting heavy. What was he really trying to say to me? Ako said that all he did today was normal. So who should I believe?
“As random as this pudding cup?” I asked in something of a joking manner. I peeled the foil lid and licked at it.
He went silent again for a few awkwardly timed seconds. “Trying to tempt me, are you?” He laughed, sounding much like his self during class.
My lips automatically dragged into a frown. He seemed to notice and jumped up.
“I didn't mean that! I uh...I...that's how it goes! Er...”
“You actually sounded convincing for maybe 3 seconds. Still just like most guys spouting perverted thoughts seventy-five percent of the time.”
“Hey, you gotta believe me---”
“I'll believe that the way you were acting in class was the 'norm.' As quoted by a friend.”
Kei dropped his shoulders. Seemed he was at a loss as to what to make up next. Geez. I can't believe I actually believed him for a minute. Honestly.
“Kei?”
Both Kei and I seemed to drop our conversation when somebody entered. Jiao. He stared at us both. His face made it look like he was trying to figure out what was going on. But he dropped it too.
He turned his attention to me for a second. “Hiya, Riiko. You're looking nice tonight.” Jiao said things in such a flowy and calm manner. It was hard not to be taken in by it. “What's the occasion?”
I shook my head quickly.
For a second, he was confused. Jiao then went onto Kei. “I thought you'd gone off to get in trouble again while I wasn't watching. So here I am. You know the drill.”
Kei took in a haughty breath. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” He dragged himself from the room and returned to his across the hall.
“What was that all about? You guys were raising your voices and stuff,” Jiao questioned quietly.
Again, I shook my head.
He shrugged. “Alright. Mm...Kei wasn't the only reason I came over here.” This caught my attention and I lifted my head. “Since we're gonna see a lot of each other, I thought we should hang out some more. So..I was thinking on Friday, we should hang out. Play some games over at my place. Or if you're not into games, we could always watch movies. We got tons of 'em.” Jiao started to mess with his hair, trying to fluff it up even more than it already was. “And Kei's got a date that night, so it'll just be us. Nothing to worry about.” He said it so easily.
I ignored the little comment about Kei having a date that night. I could make some rude remarks, but I won't.
“Sure, sounds fun.” I smiled sweetly.
“Awesome. Then...I'll see ya in class tomorrow. G'night.”
“Yeah...good night.”
I think Jiao has the best chance right now... By a long shot.
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A/N: So, there you go. 8D This was probably a rather boring chapter overall since I was going into it blindly. I never wrote down the ideas that I had when I wrote chapter 5. Horrible habit of mine. You can choose to believe Kei or not. I won't comment.
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