[IC] The True Self - Persona

[Kissu]

Leiko Hamada: Warakuma High- Nurse's Office

Leiko watched the scene unfold before her with just a hint of amusement. Hashimoto obviously wasn't the kind to take physical contact very well, and even though the school nurse was merely drawing close to inspect his cut lip, her senior's unease and outright refusal of the other male's proximity was as plain as day. Quickly, she hid the developing smirk on her face with the back of her hand as she observed the nurse searching for an antiseptic lotion whilst the male looked on in hopeless despair. At this stage, Leiko considered suggesting that she and Hashimoto take their leave, if only to spare the boy from any further shame, but the rattling of the door that was pressed against her back immediately drew her attention.

Quickly, Leiko stepped to the side so that she wouldn't obstruct the person trying to enter, and soon after, a small, dark haired girl entered the room, her skin decorated in a few purplish bruises. The girl wasn't someone Leiko recognised on sight, and as such, her eyes swivelled away from the student as she inquired the nurse about receiving some treatment in a notably strained tone.

Hashimoto played the momentary distraction to his advantage as he quickly escaped the nurse's clutches, only stopping when he reached Leiko's side with a look of distress and horror at what just occurred. As he relayed the disturbing experience with a particularly dramatic flair, it was impossible to hide her own amusement at his words, her lips breaking into a smile as she stifled a small chuckle. "Oh please, Hashimoto-san. It wasn't that bad. The nurse barely touched you," she reprimanded him with a shake of her head. "Besides, I'm the President of the Drama Club. Adapting to certain roles is a...necessity," she added as an answer to his sudden question regarding her own composure. "Anyway...the important thing is that you were treated for your wound," she pointed out with a look of satisfaction as her eyes flickered to his lip. "Your face looks much better now."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, the male nurse turned his attention to the new girl reluctantly, appearing slightly embittered that his treatment of the young boy had come to such a quick end. Still, he was a nurse first and foremost, and a hot-blooded male thereafter, and so, he looked over the female student with a look of concern and sympathy. "Alright then, sweetheart. Sit down and let me patch you up," he said soothingly, his voice smooth like caramel as he rummaged his cupboards for the tools that he would require.

[SwordfishKnight]

Aiko-Warakuma High

Aiko expressed his own concern as she asked him to call.

"It isn't any use. I've already tried calling him from my own phone today. Didn't work. Wouldn't ring."

Aiko turned aside and thought to himself. I really hope I didn't push him too far. He could handle it before. He wouldn't break this easily.

Aiko then noticed Toma standing near him.

"Yeah i'm looking for someone. I'm looking for my younger brother. I haven't seen him at all today. Maybe he just decided to stroll around town or something. Shit. Shit. I don't know. This is terrible. I don't want to take the fall for this shit. This isn't my problem."

Aiko turned away and thought to himself again for a second. There was one other place that he could've gone, and it was a last ditch effort. He had to check and make sure.

"Hey you two. I'm going to go check somewhere. I'll be back. I think I know whre he went."

Aiko faced his destination and broke into full sprint, heading torwards one certain place.

[Sho Minazuki]

Rui Shinichi | Warakuma High After School
11/4/2015 Sat.

"Noboru...?", oh that's right, he wasn't at school today... It looks like they can't get a hold of him. Rui had some kind of feeling he knew what happened to him... It was a stinging feeling in the back of his head, but he repressed it for now. He could simply be away and his phone ran out... Regardless, Rui hadn't had a chance to check a few things this week, Kendo has a break today, but some culture clubs should still be open.

---

Rui Shinichi | Club Building

As he expected, most of them were empty. Music and performance-based were all gone and art club was empty too. As he walked through the building ready to go home, he saw one door was still slightly ajar. Out of curiosity he approached, and peered in. Someone was there... He looked at the sign by the door, it clearly said anime/manga club. He pushed door open a bit to get a better look of everything inside.

[I-Am-X]

Akane Hanazawa // Warakuma High // After School // Club Room
April 11th, 2015

Alone in the club room, Akane sat there fiddling with the pen as it hits the table. Letting out a groan, she began rapidly pulling at her hair with both hands. "Dammit...!" For some time now, she's been in a bit of a rut, unable to think of what should come next. Leaning back in her chair, she covered her eyes with her hands. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I don't get it at all! Why now all of a sudden?!

As she was despairing like any writer would, she heard the creak of the door opening. Taken a bit off guard, she stumbled and fell out of the chair. Lying on her back, she glances up and sees a boy standing just outside the room. After a moment of awkward silence, acting as if nothing unusual was going on, "Oh hey there, what can I help you with?" Akane replied normally, like it was perfectly natural for her to be on the floor.

---

Akira Kirigakure // Warakuma High

As he listened in, he found out why Aiko was acting differentely. "So his younger brother went missing, eh? Totally forgot that they had a brother." Pausing for a moment, as Aiko turned away. "I wonder if this has anything to do with the disappearances and what not that they were going on about on the news. Hmm, probably not but you never know." As Aiko broke into a full sprint, Akira debated whether or not he should see where he heading off to but than decided it wasn't his problem. They weren't really friends so he has no reason to get involved in anothers problems. With a shrug, he turned in the opposite direction and started looking for something to kill some time.

[Sho Minazuki]

Rui Shinichi | Warakuma High After School - Manga Club Room
11/4/2015 Sat.

As he entered, he heard a crash and immediately brought his attention to the floor, where a girl fell over. Her reaction upon seeing him was rather nonchalant, asking if she could help him with anything... Uhh, he should be the one asking that... Right now. Also what is it with him meeting girls who fall over lately...?

"Uhhh...", he looked around a moment. He spotted she was working on a manuscript, not to mention he and her were the only ones here.

"I... Guess... I'm here to join the club...? Also are you okay down there?", he added on. His response was kind of out of doubt, because there didn't seem to be straight up activities today, as she was the only one here freely using the club room.

[TrixyTrix]

Akiko Asakura: Warakuma High – Nurse’s Office
11/4/2015 Saturday

Akiko did not know what to make of what had just occurred. Part of her was wondering if something interesting could have happened if she did not enter the room. It seemed to her that the nurse was trying to get it on with the male student he was treating. Another part of her just wanted to go back out of the room. She had not expected the school nurse to be a guy...full of muscles and a weirdo.

Akiko watched as the male student took the opportunity to retreat from the nurse and went straight to the girl in the room. It would seem the duo knew each other. The boy looked a little freaked out by the experience and seemed to tell the girl about it who seemed amused. Somehow Akiko felt a little irritated just glancing at the both of them.

They should do their flirting elsewhere…
Before Akiko went to take a seat, she overheard the girl talking about being the Drama Club President.
Drama Club President…?
Akiko turned to get a good look at the girl for a moment as if something just clicked in her mind. However, nothing did and she just shrugged it off. She saw the nurse rummaging for something to treat her with. Akiko wondered what the weird man was looking for. She knew where the painkillers and the bandages were located in the room. She had helped herself multiple times to them when the room was empty and the man sure was not opening the compartments that contain said items.

Akiko walked over to the nurse who just opened the compartment that contained the painkillers that she always took.
“Umm…sir? Those painkillers would do just fine. Someone is waiting for me…and I do not intend to make her wait.”
Akiko cursed herself for actually saying it that. Furthermore, she put far too much emotion into that sentence. It always like this when it came to Youko.

[Haru Nyan]

Ayano: Warakuma High, After school
The classes were rather short today, it also made Ayano ponder if there was something big happening. As her classroom began to empty itself she did recall a few of her schoolmates saying that a boy named Noboru just disappeared, "Disappeared?" what if he was just absent? Surely no-one just disappears off the face of the planet with no explanation. Then, a shocking thought crossed the girl's mind, what if this alleged disappearance is linked to that cult that's been spreading around town recently? It would make sense, with newfound knowledge in hand, Ayano began to leave the room in search for clues, or at least a lead as to what caused the boy's disappearance in the first place.

But before any actual searching should be done, it would be wise to question people he's been with, yes? Recalling a few days back, she did see him audition hosted by that Leiko chick...Maybe she's seen him? Or, at least know any of his latest activity. And with that, the girl set out to find the girl known as Leiko.

Ayano: The Nurse's Office
Asking around a few students at school, Ayano went to the Nurse's Office. Opening the door, her eyes quickly began to look everywhere for the girl and there she was, talking to someone. The girl tapped on her shoulder and asked, "You're Leiko, right? Hamada Leiko? President of the Drama Club? Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?".

[Savo]

-Kaminari : Warakuma High = Nurses Office-

Kami didn't really find anyone to start up a conversation with during his time wandering around the school. He felt that randomly wandering into someone in the hallway and conversing with someone for a period of time wasn't going to work this time, so he shook his head and decided to converse with people he knew... If he could find anyone anyways. From what he could recall, there was Ayano, Sachiko, Rui, and a few others he could converse with, but he wondered where they were. Were they at home or were they still lingering around the school, conversing with other people. He ruffled his hair before walking down the almost barren hallways of the school.

"(I wonder where everyone ran off to... I mean, I really shouldn't be infringing on other peoples conversations, but... Damn, i'm so indecisive that it's annoying as hell. Its like the scale, one side trying to tip in favor of each other. Why can't I just make a frickin' decision?)"

As he pondered within the confines of his mind, he saw a few people away from him. One of the three has unkempt red hair, and seems a bit more laid back just from the looks of it. The other looks as if he primp himself all morning, and appears to be rather flamboyant, even in uniform. He recognized that person as one of Noboru siblings who teased him the other day on his rather humorous acting. The other looks to be a lot younger than the other two, and it looks like she sports a gothic lolita look. As he neared the trio, he was able to pick up on their conversation. It seems they were rather interested about where Noboru was at for the timebeing, with the brother rather worried about what might of happened.

"(So some people have noted about his disappearance... Guess it must be really unusual for him to miss school, hmm?... I wonder...)"

Kami immediately withdrew his phone, and began texting a message to Kazuki. He stopped briefly during the middle of his text and shook his head. Why was he thinking like that? He was worry I about the worst possible scenario that he got dragged into the mirror world somehow. He felt it was still a possibility, a low on at that, so he put that one choice out of his mind. He felt he should try and learn something and try and learn his whereabouts to try and assist the ones worrying about Noboru. He withdrew his phone from his pocket and canceled the text he was going to give to Kazuki and quickly punched in Sachikos and Ruis name in. He then texts them a brief message, inquiring if they had seen Noboru all day. He hit the send button and pocketed the phone before walking up to the three. Hopefully he wouldn't be butting in on a rather delicate conversation, but the boy seemed to be in a rush to locate his brother and left before Kami could say a word.

"Thats rather selfish of him... He is focus is on trying to keep himself out of trouble rather than worry for his brothers own safety. Not trying to be rude to your friend here, but it seems he doesn't have his priorities straight at the moment."

The boy let out a brief sigh before swiftly glancing at the two of them before continuing on.

"Anyways, I'm sure he will be fine, however I do hold a bit of suspicion... I feel something broader might of transpired, but I don't have any evidence to build on it."

He briefly stopped, and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He forgot that he didn't introduce himself to the two yet and felt rather condescending about the whole ordeal. Kami swiftly organized himself and cleared his throughout before speaking again. He needed to adjust his mind set, as this was no interview with any type of suspect, but rather was supposed to be a regular, every day conversation. He was making it out to be some type of noir stuff you would see in movies, instead of a talk between individuals on a specific subject of interest.

"Erm, where are my manners, I haven't even introduced myself yet... The name is Kaminari, but you guys can just call me Kami."

[XLegs]

Toma Tanaka - Warakuma Highschool Hallways

Upon hearing that it was Aiko's younger brother who was missing, Toma's brow furrowed with concern.

Aiko continued mumbling to himself, falling into his own thoughts. Toma's frown deepened as it seemed that Aiko was more concerned for himself than his brother. The taller boy opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Aiko, who appeared to have figured out where his brother might be. The boy took off at a dead sprint, leaving Toma and the girl behind. Toma clicked his tongue as his eyes followed the other boy's receding figure.

An unfamiliar voice spoke, commenting on Aiko's backwards priorities. Toma turned to face the new boy as he continued, suggesting that there may be more to the disappearance.

To this, Toma's frown morphed into a scowl. He was confused, and that angered him. Obviously, considering how panicked Aiko seemed, his brother's disappearance wasn't normal -- there was a real chance that something was wrong. That couldn't be dismissed.

Add onto that the fact that Aiko seemed to only want to find his brother so that he himself wouldn't get into trouble. Toma had to make a conscious effort to beat back the flare of anger that cropped up inside him.

It wasn't a certainty -- maybe Aiko had just poorly chosen his words in his panic. Maybe he was just one of those types that didn't like to make his affection for his siblings obvious, more like a tough-love kind of person.

Toma wanted answers. He wanted to understand the situation. And that wouldn't happen if he continued to stand around analyzing the little information he had.

Running a hand through his hair, he softened his expression. He looked from the boy, who had introduced himself as Kami, to the younger girl.

"I'm Tanaka Toma," he said quickly and with a slight bow. "I'm sorry we had to meet like this, but I promise I'll make it up. To both of you." He finished with a small smile and wave, before turning on his heels and bolting after Aiko.

It took several seconds and a couple blind turns, but Toma was soon able to spot Aiko for a quick moment. It also helped that most lingering students stared in the boy's direction for a few seconds after he had passed through. He couldn't help but apologize to anyone who seemed to have been disturbed by either him or Aiko as he ran by.

[I-Am-X]

Akane Hanazawa // Warakuma High // After School // Club Room
April 11th, 2015

Upon getting a better look at the boy, who seemed a bit lost for words as he looked around the room, he seems kind of familiar. While she doesn't know who he is, she knows she seen him around. Oh, where was it? Oh, that's right. Back at the club board...he was the one talking to the Archery Club VP, was it? Not like it matters...

After finally speaking up, Akane started to sit up. "Oh, I'm fine. Just leaned back a bit far on the chair again." Taking a moment to stretch, she looked back at the boy. "Looking to join, eh? Good to hear! Though, you seem a bit unsure. Doesn't matter! Always looking for new members." Pausing, [b]"Another new member, looks like we won't be closing down after all!" she said with a smile before turning away and quitely muttered, "Which means I won't get kicked out of this room, whew!"

With a cough, she turned back around and offered her hand. "I'm Akane Hanazawa of Class 2-2, Who might you be?"

[Sho Minazuki]

Rui Shinichi | Warakuma High After School - Manga Club Room
11/4/2015 Sat.

Kicked out... Were things really that bad...? That didn't seem to be an issue for her now though, assuming he joins, but he's here to join so it'll be fine. He stepped into the room as Akane was talking and seating herself properly upright. She seemed to be a peppy personality, which was nice. Everyone he's met so far coming here except Noboru have been rather solemn or dramatic people. As she finished talking and asked for his name, he responded simply,

"Rui Shinichi. I'm in the same year in class one".

[Takaru]

Kotori Shirohane - Warakuma Shopping District: Shirohane Flowershop | After School

Following her answer, a silence fell between the two students as they continued on their way. Unsure whether her answer had been enough, Kotori decided to simply let it be as it was; directing her eyes on the road ahead - they'd already reached the Shopping District by now, meaning that their destination was no longer far. A moment later, Alexei spoke up again - to thank her. Blinking up at him in surprise, Kotori then shook her head as if to say that it was no matter needing thanks. He did seem more at ease though, judging from the small smile on his lips - before he pointed out the flower store not far in front of them.

As they headed for it, Alexei struck up another question, inquiring about who made the Ikebana. "My mother does most of it. I help out, but I'm afraid I'm not as good as she is. And we have both, seeds as well as potted flowers," Kotori explained as they entered through the front door, the familiar scent of dozens of different flowers greeting her in their various colours. A small smile came across her face at the sight, as it always did - until she redirected her attention to the woman a a little into the shop, currently busy turning a potted flower just right so that it would look its best before looking up at hearing the small bell attached to the door ringing: Tsubame Shirohane, owner of the Shirohane Flowershop and Kotori's mother.

It wasn't exactly difficult to see the resemblance between mother and daughter - Kotori clearly had her mother's eyes and hair, even if the older's was shorter and tied up for practicality's sake. Turning to greet the customers, a wide smile could be seen on Tsubame as she recognised her daughter - even as she cocked her head to the side ever so slightly in a questioning manner at the fact that she wasn't alone; such a thing being quite rare indeed. She wiped her hand on the green apron with the white flower-and-feather symbol of the shop on as the tall boy, obviously a student of the same school as Kotori judging by his uniform, bowed in greeting.

Kotori meanwhile gave a small bow, too, along with a quiet "I'm home" as her mother came closer. "Welcome home and welcome," Tsubame said in a cheerful voice, her smile unabated, in turn to Kotori and Alexei. She looked at the latter with a concentrated look in her eye for a moment - before snapping her finger, realisation coming over her face. "You must be Alexei Dragunov-kun, yes? Kotori here said you'd probably be coming by," she said to a small nod on Kotori's behalf; not in the least perturbed by the tall and imposing Third Year's appearance.

As similar as their looks may be, it seemed that there was quite the difference in personality from mother to daughter - where the latter was quiet and reserved, the former was far more of a cheerful and approachable person; fitting her role as a friendly neighbourhood store owner quite nicely. "So, how exactly can we help you?" Tsubame asked, laying a hand on Kotori's shoulder to include her in the question - whilst she'd remained quiet throughout, it seemed that her mother was more than making up for her silence with her own cheery attitude.

[Diabolicalrhapsody]

Alexei Dragunov | Shirohane Flowerstore.

Alexei was speechless for a moment as the lady came up to the duo and greeted them, quickly realizing who he was and that Kotori had told her beforehand that he may probably drop by. This usually never happened to Alexei, due to his distinct looks and height he was usually either ignored and entertained lightly. He usually got the impression that people didn't like talking to him, well back in Saitama they didn't. It seems Warakuma was totally different. Everyone had been very welcoming and this left him a bit surprised.

He quickly gathered himself as the elder Shirohane questioned him. "Well Shirohane-dono, I want to order a daily bouquet for my girls but first I wanted your insight on a question that has been confusing me. Kotori-san here was extremely helpful in reaching a conclusion but I think a reply from you would give it a proper closure." he said with a bow. On a closer look there was definitely a good resemblance between the duo but their personalities were totally different. Shirohane-dono was bright and cheerful, qualities that further helped in her day job.

"Well, here it goes. When someone close to you gives you a bouquet, is it more important that it confirms with your personal likes or the image of you that person holds. What I mean is, say someone close to you like family or dear friend presents you flowers. Should those flowers mimic your choice or the image of you that that person holds dear." he said with a distant look in his eyes. It may seem he was fussing over such a small thing but it meant a lot to him. He hoped that her mother would give a wise answer that would put his mind at rest.

"Kotori-san suggested that it is the thought that matters for it is difficult to guess the personal choices of people correctly."

[Diabolicalrhapsody]

Alexei Dragunov | Shirohane Flowerstore.

Alexei was speechless for a moment as the lady came up to the duo and greeted them, quickly realizing who he was and that Kotori had told her beforehand that he may probably drop by. This usually never happened to Alexei, due to his distinct looks and height he was usually either ignored and entertained lightly. He usually got the impression that people didn't like talking to him, well back in Saitama they didn't. It seems Warakuma was totally different. Everyone had been very welcoming and this left him a bit surprised.

He quickly gathered himself as the elder Shirohane questioned him. "Well Shirohane-dono, I want to order a daily bouquet for my girls but first I wanted your insight on a question that has been confusing me. Kotori-san here was extremely helpful in reaching a conclusion but I think a reply from you would give it a proper closure." he said with a bow. On a closer look there was definitely a good resemblance between the duo but their personalities were totally different. Shirohane-dono was bright and cheerful, qualities that further helped in her day job.

"Well, here it goes. When someone close to you gives you a bouquet, is it more important that it confirms with your personal likes or the image of you that person holds. What I mean is, say someone close to you like family or dear friend presents you flowers. Should those flowers mimic your choice or the image of you that that person holds dear." he said with a distant look in his eyes. It may seem he was fussing over such a small thing but it meant a lot to him. He hoped that her mother would give a wise answer that would put his mind at rest.

"Kotori-san suggested that it is the thought that matters for it is difficult to guess the personal choices of people correctly."

[SwordfishKnight]

Aiko-Streets of Warakuma-11-4-2015

Aiko couldn't keep his pace. His destination was still a little farther away, but he had to stop to take a quick breather. his breatj was ragged and sweat was pouring down from his head. He looked behind him, and could see Toma running after him. He decided it was time to show Toma his secret, and waited for him.

"Hey Toma, I just met you and such, but you seem like a good enough person to keep a secret. Follow me, the direction I'm heading is just down the street."

He resumed his running, with Toma in tow.

Aiko and Toma-Warakuma streets after a short while

Aiko gave out a sigh of anger. His search so far had been futile, and he couldn't find Noboru anywhere. he threw his wallet to the ground in anger.

"Dammit! Where the hell is he! I have been searching and putting my ass in trouble all damn day and I can't find so much as a hint of where the hell he is!"

Wiping a small tear away that had formed in his eye, he turned back to Toma, calming down ever so slowly.

"Hey Toma, can you please help me search for him? I have absolutely no idea where my younger brother is, and I can't just stop searching. This is personal, and I need help. The next place I would think he is is the mall."

[XLegs]

Toma Tanaka - Warakuma Streets

Toma bit his lip, going over what he had learned about Aiko's family. It had been enough to at least make him consider telling Aiko about his own brother, but he opted against that pretty quickly -- going through with that thought would completely nullify the biggest positive of moving from his old home.

Aiko had an outburst in his frustration, during which Toma stayed quiet. He eyed the other boy, trying to figure him out. Toma still wasn't sure if he was worried more about his brother, Noboru, than himself, but judging from his reactions, Toma was certain of something -- there'd be real consequences for the Yamamoto's if Noboru wasn't found.

After Aiko calmed himself down, he turned to Toma, and asked for his help in finding his brother.

Toma put on his signature smile -- slight, relaxed, and confident. "Of course," he said, bending over and picking up Aiko's wallet. "I've come this far with you, haven't I? I don't like leaving things unfinished." He flipped the wallet closed and held it out to his friend. "The mall sounds as good of a place as any to look -- we can ask around, find out if anyone's seen him."

---

Warakuma Shopping District

As the pair neared the mall, a small store in the distance caught Toma's eye. A flower shop, it looked like, which meant it must have been the building where Kotori lived. Realizing that Kotori and Noboru were both in second year, he decided it was worth seeing if she was home and asking her about the missing boy.

"Hey, Aiko, before we check around the mall, I'd like to make a small detour," he said over his shoulder as he began to make his way to the store. "To visit someone in your brother's year. We can ask her if she's seen him."

---

Shirohane Flower Shop

Toma opened the door to the building somewhat gingerly, poking his head in as the bell hanging above his head went off. He immediately spotted Kotori, and smiled brightly as he pushed the door fully open and stepped into the store.

"Shiro-- " he started, but cut himself off upon noticing the woman standing next to her, the two clearly related. "Oh, I didn't know you had a sister, Shirohane-san..." as he said the words, he realized, to his embarrassment, that the woman was more than likely Kotori's mother.

He also finally registered that there was a third person already in the store, and that he had just rudely interrupted their conversation.

He really should have taken an extra moment to study the situation before opening his mouth.

Feeling himself go red, he bowed - more deeply than usual to hide his face, eyes to the ground - towards the large stranger and the older Shirohane. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt."

He cringed internally. Why was he so flustered? He never got like this. Knowing that both Kotori and Aiko were there to see him as he was just made it worse.

Still bowing, he took a deep breath and composed himself. Tilting his head, he looked up at the trio with a sheepish grin. "My name's Tanaka Toma. I was hoping I'd be able to ask Shirohane-san a question."

[Takaru]

Kotori Shirohane - Warakuma Shopping District: Shirohane Flowershop | After School

Following Tsubame's question, the tall Third Year quickly answered that he was here for a daily order, much like Kotori's mother had already heard - though an oddly familiar smile came over her as he mentioned for whom this should be. As he then went on to say that he first wanted to ask for some advice on a matter he'd already consulted Kotori on, the smile took a turn for the bemused, given the way this tall, muscular young man was so politely asking both her and her daughter for advice. "Of course," Tsubame immediately agreed, turning a similarly bemused smile to Kotori who had been quietly keeping out of the conversation and a little off to the side throughout - a smile which only grew as she just got a questioning look back. "What would you like to know?"

Kotori blinked behind her glasses, a little confused at the look her mother had shot her - was it something she'd said? Or had she somehow missed something funny happening? Unsure about it, she wondered about it, even as Alexei relayed his question to Tsubame who was listening closely and who, at the end of it all, gave a thoughtful look and tapped her finger at her lips - a gesture, it seemed, that had somehow been passed from mother to daughter. A moment later, she glanced first to Kotori, then back to the answer-awaiting boy; having readied her answer. "If you give a gift, it's got to be the thought that counts," she said in such a matter-of-fact tone that she may as well have been stating that the sun shines.

After a brief pause, Tsubame went on: "If it's about flowers, you have three options: One you know they'll like, one you think suits them particularly well - or one which has the meaning you're trying to convey," she said - before giving another smile as she added one more thing. "But at the end of the day, there's definitely no girl who wouldn't like receiving flowers, so you can hardly go wrong," Tsubame declared, only to give another of her small smiles to her daughter. "Isn't that right, Kotori?"

It took a moment before Kotori realised that the question was directed at her - and even then she at first just blinked once or twice in confusion before giving a surprised "Eh?" at so suddenly being questioned. Luckily for her flustered self though, she was interrupted by the ringing bell behind her, signalling the entrance of another customer. Turning around, Kotori saw yet another tall student, another Third Year much like the one standing next to her already, in the form of Toma Tanaka. The red-headed older boy began to adress her - only to stop and look between her and her mother whom, as became obvious from his next words, he confused for her sister.

Another "Eh?" was Kotori's immediate reaction, looking from Toma to her mother; only making the connection a moment later - even while her mother simply smiled at the sudden intrusion, an amused "My, my" being all she said to it. Sure, she'd asked her daugher to bring by some classmates if she got the chance, but she certainly hadn't expected her to bring along two at a time. As the new arrival then bowed, apologising for his sudden interruption, Tsubame gave a small chuckle - both to show that is was no grave matter and that she was actually a little amused by the politeness of both these young men.

Kotori, having remained torn between not wanting to make someone who had just entered feel uncomfortable as well as speak out of turn for both Alexei and her mother and therefore just looking between the three, gave a surprised look when, after introducing himself, Toma then said he'd like to ask her a question; the way he said so making it clear that he wasn't meaning her mother. Even before Kotori could say anything, Tsubame quickly spoke up. "Of course," she said with a wide smile before giving a reconfirming nod as Kotori looked over to her; evidently unsure if she should just leave Alexei like that, even if it just mean turning around and moving a step or two away.

Seeing as Alexei had come here mainly to talk to her mother as opposed to her, Kotori stepped to the side before turning fully to face the other Third Year, a questioning look about her as she asked a quiet "Yes?" for him to go on whilst Tsubame in turn awaited what Alexei had to say.

[Diabolicalrhapsody]

Alexei Dragunov

Alexei bowed fully as the elder Shirohane gave her sagely advice. Compared to Kotori it was more specific and elaborate. She even went on to explain the three critical ways of choosing flowers for somebody all the while maintaining a rather pleasant and cheerful disposition, one truly fitting to someone who spend her time with flowers. She also held on an amused smile unlike those back in Tokyo who just scowled at him for trying and aping their methods of conversation.

He wasn't the most sterling example of the Japanese art of conversation and his body was at odds to it as well. but he uttered his deep thanks in a low baritone "Thank you, Shirohane-dono. It is of great help to me. I'll keep your tips in mind."

Before he could expand on his order though, the doorbell chimed and another guy barged in abruptly. Alexei just turned to face the newcomer as he fumbled some words of apology and then in turn introduced himself as Toma Tanaka in the same year as Alexei. Alexei felt it would be rude to reply to it. So he just calmly stated his name and class before turning back to Kotori's mum, who had signaled for Kotori to go and talk to her senior while she waited on Alexei.

"Sorry" he said with a bow. "Well I'll go with the last two criteria you mentioned. Something that I think fits them and the meaning of it." he said politely. He thought for a second as he organised his specifications.

"To my limited knowledge, Shirohane-dono. I would like to have an Ikebana bouqet with a Daffodil as its centerpiece. Flanked at both sides with a white Carnation, then a circle of Ranunculus dotted with Crocus in between. Finally sitting on a bed of Apple and Almond blossoms with Azaleas thrown in for a bit more color." he finished. He may or may not surprise the veteran but he thought he had nailed down the flowers he wished conveyed his meaning.

"I would like to know your suggestion, I want to convey my affection and hope for a better life. Plus, a wish for a speedy recovery and never say die attitude." he paused as the corners of his eyes became slightly moist. He quickly wiped them off in a way disguised as a usual rub of the face but the woman in front of him had been quite watchful so she may not be fooled by it.

"I would prefer a morning delivery but anytime during the day is fine." he said with a slight smile. He knew that he shouldn't be imposing himself when he hadn't even given his order.

[Sen]

Sato Hashimoto // Warakuma High, Nurse's Office

The girl brushed off what he had said with a bit of amusement found in it before commenting that it looked worth it, probably due to the fact that there was no longer a streak of blood going down his chin. Sato considered the fact that Hamada seemed to only want to help him just so people wouldn't think he was a hooligan and thus create a further worse image of the town to people, and he couldn't decide whether that was inconsiderate or not. Either way, it didn't change the fact that she had helped him out (despite his protest) and had gotten him to personally meet the... eccentric nurse when he likely would never have otherwise.

The boy, taking the chance to walk into the door way as the new girl and the nurse went over to the cabinets, stopped before exiting and turned back to face the Club President. "I'd like to apologize for causing a hassle for you, Hamada. If you'd like, I could treat you to some food somewhere near here." He pulled out his wallet to exemplify that he'd pay for her, even though he was still nearly broke from buying a bunch of archery stuff before the school year started. If the girl were to accept his generous offer then he'd need to balance off the trip by ordering the least expensive item on the menu to compensate for whatever a girl of her social status would select. Though, he remembered the other girl in the room and looked over at her.

She appeared to have tried to coerce the nurse to just give her some medical supplies instead of having him treat her with those too-big arms, and Sato briefly considered inviting the girl, though overhearing about having to hurry and go meet somebody deterred him from doing so. If she wanted to she could just ask to join after all. Hopefully she knew that it wouldn't be much of a personal meeting, if Hamada did accept. He twiddled with the door's handle for a second before taking another step out of the room all together so that'd he be completely out of the way of the nurse and whatever he was going to do with the bruised girl.

[I-Am-X]

Akane Hanazawa // Warakuma High - After School // Manga Club Room
April 11th, 2015

"Rui Shinichi, eh?" she said to no one in particular. "Nice to meet you, Shinichi-san." she smiled. After pausing for a moment, "What do you find yourself drawing the most? Or should I say, What do you like to draw the most? I ask because I like to get a better feel of what kind of genres or styles that people in the club are the most comfortable with. Like me, I tend to gravitate to all sorts of different genres and ways of writing but find the most comfort in historical settings, especially those involving the use of swords or any other kind of blade. Fantasy and Supernatural are also quite fun."