Boy Meets Girl
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on Jan 10, 2012 21:51:29 GMT -6
Saturday 10th May 2003 11:45 AM
Even so close to the end of the day, students were still setting up for the Founder's Festival. It seemed each year the underclassmen were determined to outdo their predecessors. They were certainly dedicated. And come tomorrow, the entire campus would be abuzz with the fruits of their labor.
Koji's P.E class had finished a little earlier than usual, as one of the junior classes required use of equipment for a game of some description. it was being kept a secret so as not to spoil the surprise. Suffice it to say, they had procured a decent amount of soccer balls.
So Koji decided, now that his mind was clear, he'd take that leap of faith he had been planning to take ever since the cards of fate had presented him with an opportunity. A choice. He wasn't quite ready to make that choice yet. He needed just a little bit more information before he could, at last make his decision. As it stood now, he either stood to pursue an uncertain relationship with Fujibayashi Kyou, the hot-blooded, dazzling girl with whom he had a long-standing affection for. Or, recently-appointed Student President, the beautiful and strong Sakagami Tomoyo.
Thus Koji found himself with his brown bag slung over his shoulder, his school tie hanging loosely from his collar, and a newfound stride in his step as he cleared the distance from the male changing rooms to the main part of the school grounds. His eyes widened with a look of success. Just the girl he wanted to see. Tomoyo, observing a duck-hooking stall in it's early stages of construction. It didn't take the boy very long to reach her, but in the interests of manners, he waited until she was no longer occupied
"Good almost-afternoon Sakagami-Daitoryo!" Koji announced with a bright, refreshing smile. Given the complications surrounding the previous day, and that curious fellow Kiyoshi. Koji didn't want to be so quick to judge, but something about him rubbed Otomo the wrong way. He wasn't here to dwell on him, or his nature. No. It was written on the cards. Fujibayshi Ryou's fortune suggested that there could be, as she put it, "a princess in another castle." Tomoyo seemed to be the only other girl he knew that would possibly fit that description, though she was far from a timid damsel in distress. Perhaps that was why she was looked up to by many of the female student body.
As it was irregardless, Koji dispensed immediately with thoughts of analyzing the situation. No over-thinking. Just a bold attitude. A new Otomo Kojiro. A more confident one. Now it was time for him to put himself to the test and see if he was cut out for it. No... He was cut out for it. No questions asked.
"Tomoyo. School's nearly over for the day. Would you go on a date with me if you're not busy?" He asked, keeping his voice calm and composed. It was strange for him to hear himself so collected instead of stuttering like a maniac (as he did around a certain class rep's older sister) or going on a lengthy spiel about irrelevant, superfluous issues.
"I know it's a bit left-field, but I think it'd be great, and I promise I'll take you somewhere fun." The boy assured, evincing his new attitude with a small, but sincere smile.
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on Jan 26, 2012 16:30:56 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
“It shouldn’t be so far from the other games. Let’s move it over there.”
[/color] The sun was beating down hard. Hikarizaka High’s underclassmen had been hard at work since the start of the school day, and finally everything was finally falling into place. No longer were the grounds merely a random scattering of huge paper sheets, flaccid latex, and wooden tables. Instead, colorful long-reaching banners, directional signs, and helium-filled balloons adorned the entire campus. Imaginary festival-goers buzzed between the stands. Tomorrow, they’d be replaced by the real thing. Real happiness. Still... even though everything looked ready, that was only the outside appearance of it all. There was much more to be done. There were more stands to be set up, more volunteers needed to operate those stands, a few more decorations to hang, and to top it all off, the schedule for tomorrow was yet to be finalized. Never before had Tomoyo felt such heavy responsibility. Even so, it was a good feeling. Tomoyo swiped the back of her hand across her damp forehead, brushing away the sweat which lingered on her skin's surface. Founder’s Festival was the first and last chance for the leaving student council officers to pass their experience onto the newly elected officers, and so it was a crucial time for all those involved. As fun as it was and no matter how Tomoyo tried to view it, it was a lot of hard work. She stepped back to admire the culmination of two day’s worth of work, when suddenly the sound of an overly cheerful voice rang from behind her. “Good almost-afternoon Sakagami-Daitoryo!”She whirled around to meet whoever it was who dared speak with such vitality. “Oh, Koji, good afternoon.”[/color] Her gaze, tired but surprised all the same, landed upon the man. She didn’t even bother to question what kind of president he thought her to be. While everyone working was weary with exhaustion (herself included), the freshness of the male’s voice sounded almost alien to her ears. She stared at him as if he were an outsider. Koji wasn’t sweating at all. Why was that? And then she noticed the color of his badge. Right. He was a senior. She’d nearly forgotten that fact. Tomoyo couldn’t say she was unhappy to see him. He was as refreshing as his voice was. There was something distinctly different about him today, but Tomoyo failed to pinpoint what exactly it was. Whatever it was, any chance she had to examine her encounter with him was thrown out the metaphorical window as soon as the reality of his question set in. “A... date?”[/color] Tomoyo asked. For a second, she doubted her own hearing. Then, when she reasoned that she’d heard him perfectly well, the abruptness of his words cajoled her into momentary speechlessness. ... Finally, she made up her mind. She didn’t care for the gazes of her colleagues which bore into her, urging her to say no. The student body president was saying no not because of them, but because the whole situation was something she wanted terribly to avoid. Tomoyo wanted nothing to do with a date, much less one with Koji. “I can’t,”[/color] she said, her voice final, her eyes narrowed with slight irritation. She swept her eyes around the campus. “Although it may not look like it, we’re far from finished. There’s still a lot we need to do before tomorrow.”[/color] There was only one thing which bothered her... Why would he ask? The answer was too obvious to be comfortable. [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on Jan 28, 2012 8:09:54 GMT -6
A familiar sense of apprehension struck Koji quite soundly when he locked eyes with the recently-elected Student President. Unless his perceptions were deceiving him, he would have said, though not aloud, that the young woman standing in front of him was tired. Surely the tasks befalling the Student President weren't that demanding, were they?
He bit his lip after asking. It looked as if his rather sudden request to partake in a guy/girl outing didn't quite hit home with Tomoyo. Quickly chalking it up to be a lack of energy, he waited patiently, and eagerly for Sakagami's response. Even if she didn't want to, there was the possibility of taking a rain check until her schedule freed up.
“A... date?”
Koji quickly nodded an affirmative, wordless reply. A date. Him, her, and all that a date implied. Bowling was perhaps a little too dependent on energy for a date. After all, it wouldn't be right for the gentleman to take the somewhat tired lady on a date that required flinging a heavy ball across a floor with enough force to send a decatet of pins loudly to their polished, wooden doom. A cinema was far less demanding. All one had to do was keep their eyes on the screen, and their hands close to the box of popcorn.
"A date." Koji echoed, refusing to lose his grin. The time to be apprehensive had long since passed, and the young man was positive his friend would humor his request. If not now, then another day. Being positive and not worryingly over think things was the key to this new Otomo Kojiro. It was a wonder Okazaki hadn't written a self-help book with his simple, yet sage-like pearls of wisdom.
After what he could only assume was some initial apprehension of her own, and under the almost baleful watch of her peers, Koji received his answer.
"I can't,"
Koji nodded again, his facial expression turning from brightful and joyous, to an understanding straightness. She was probably too tired, or too busy to indulge him with her presence by his side on a romantic rendezvous. Koji continued his accepting, rhythmic head-bobbing up as Tomoyo concluded.
“Although it may not look like it, we’re far from finished. There’s still a lot we need to do before tomorrow.” [/color] Koji's eyes slid shut. This was the one time in a situation like this where he was allowed to think, and think he did. Even if he was unable to take her on a date, there was no reason, in his head, why he couldn't spend time with his friend in another fashion. "Mmm-hmm. You all do look busy. Is there anything I can do to help now that my evening is free?" Koji wondered, still determined to see what Tomoyo thought of him. He'd reverted into his normal, helpful self. Perhaps it'd be fun in itself to assist the Student Council. His parents did say he needed to shape up his image, and try to restore his fractured reputation among the hierarchy Eyed darting hither and thither, Koji watched, as he too was subject to the deafeningly quiet, and judgemental stares of Tomoyo's associates. They probably already knew who he was, the senior in 3-D, the former... 'Vigilante' of 2-B. Though his principles were respectable (the upholding of decent treatment towards one another) his non-verbal, or in some cases, very verbal methods went against those of the Student Council. In the end he'd been nothing more than a thug, stooping to the level of delinquents and ne'er do-wells. To make matters worse, he then had the gall to try and take a moral high ground, claiming his reasons for beating fellow students black and blue were purely altruistic. But maybe, if the Student President, a former rogue herself, could become president, then perhaps she'd rub off on him, and then he too could change. "I won't keep you if you're all managing well enough." Koji finished, with a small addendum. They seemed to be fairing well enough, but he was offering, ans was sure they'd appreciate an extra set of hands. [/blockquote][/size]
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on Feb 4, 2012 16:19:36 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
Rejection. The mere sound of the word was an unpleasant one. It was a thing of phobias, and if not phobias, than at least fear and disappointment were rejection’s closest friends. If there was one specific reaction Tomoyo expected from Koji, it certainly wasn’t his almost-stoic acceptance of the situation.
The boy’s eyelids drifted closed like curtains and his head nodded slowly up and down like a drinking bird. As if approving of how their president handled such a potentially messy and already obviously awkward situation, Tomoyo’s colleagues unfroze from their statue-like selves and set back to work, their toiling voices rising once more into the air.
Relief streamed into her. The junior girl's tense jaw relaxed and her shoulders visibly slackened. There was something infinitely relieving about how calmly Koji taken it all, but at the same time... that same calm manner in which he’d accepted the facts was almost bothersome, and it didn’t look like he had any intentions of leaving. Had he not gotten the point? Tomoyo didn’t have time for him. She waited expectantly for him to walk away, but he stayed rooted in his place.
Finally, he spoke. He’d help set up for Founder’s Festival.
There was only one way she could respond, and so she ended up speaking instinctively.
“... Are you serious?”
[/color] That was where her instincts stopped. At a momentary loss of what to say, she could only stand there with a puzzled expression. “You just asked me out on a date. I said no, and now you’re fine with just helping?”[/color] Tomoyo sorted the situation aloud, seeking to understand Koji’s reasoning for herself rather than wanting any answers from the boy. She crossed her arms and eyed him with careful skepticism. “Wait, I think I know why...”[/color] she said. This was the second-best situation for him, wasn’t it? Suddenly understanding, Tomoyo let out a sigh. This guy simply didn’t give up. “Alright then,”[/color] she ceded, allowing her arms to fall to her sides. “In that case, you can help us finish preparations outside,”[/color] Tomoyo said, doing her best to show her friend a cheerful smile. She had no gripes with Koji merely helping out, so long as he didn’t end up following her around. But, could she even consider him a friend? Before today, she might have. Now she wasn't so certain. Surely if she thought him a friend, she wouldn’t so badly want to shake him off. Considering this, Tomoyo paused, looking troubled for a second, but she quickly pushed her own questions to the back of her mind. Right now, there were more pressing issues to attend to. She didn't want to waste any more brainpower than was necessary on whatever it was that had happened between Koji and herself. “We still have some booths that need to be set up,”[/color] she gestured around, “But I still need to get the schedule and maps finalized, so just -- just ask someone."[/color] She didn’t have time to give him any more thought. "I’m sure you’ll get something to do."[/color] [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on Feb 12, 2012 23:41:24 GMT -6
“You just asked me out on a date. I said no, and now you’re fine with just helping?”
"I'm good at dealing with rejection." Koji lied, keeping his confident, bold nature up. But the facade had begun to show the cracks. Tomoyo, turning down his offer of a date had smashed this flawed mindset bluntly with a hammer. Anyone that knew him well enough would be able to see right through him like a finely-polished window.
“Wait, I think I know why...”
Koji quietly gulped. Tomoyo was a perceptive young woman, and she was armed with the tools to bust this mental dam and let the flood of truth pour out of the boy's mouth. It took the senior student every scrap of courage he had in him to force the confident air up.
“Alright then,”
A much needed sigh of relief.
“In that case, you can help us finish preparations outside,”
There. That was something he didn't have to keep a facade up with. Helping. At least he wouldn't have to follow Tomoyo around holding stuff. The would be White Knight of Hikarizaka daren't look her in the eye after trampling over their friendship with his gallant steed with such a request. He'd forgotten already why he'd even done it. A troubling realization for someone who moments ago was gung-ho about dating the girl.
“We still have some booths that need to be set up. But I still need to get the schedule and maps finalized, so just -- just ask someone."
With a nod, followed up by a lightning quick bow, Koji hurried off to ask some students who were painting a large wooden sign for their stall. It looked to be some sort of stand for selling candied apples. Weren't such things eaten at Halloween? He didn't have time to ask, for something tight and painful gripped his left arm, dragging the unsuspecting boy down to crouching height.
He had been apprehended by his younger cousin, Aizawa Shouko. The blitzing, and boisterous young lady from 2-E. She had pulled him down between a semi-completed stand and one with a drape hanging over it. They appeared to be out of the way for now. Koji earned a slug on the right arm from his furious relative.
"What are you doing talking to her? I thought I told you she was trouble Koji-niisan!" She hissed through her gritted teeth. It was obvious she was angry, and had spotted the lad talking to Sakagami Tomoyo. Koji rubbed on his socked arm, glaring daggers back at Shou.
"And I told you that Tomoyo is my friend Shou. Why shou-"
"Friend? Friend?! You just asked her on a date! On what planet does that constitute to being friends you blockhead?!" She screeched at a very audible decibel level, before hunkering down further, pulling the drape over their heads.
"Now you listen to me Koji-niisan. Sakagami Tomoyo is trouble. Sure she might have a pretty face that stupid body of hers, but she eats people like you for breakfast. Where do you think all those rumors came from?" Shou asked rhetorically, leaving no margin for answer before she gripped her cousin's ear, "So you get your head on straight and start working out how you're going to get Fujibayashi-san to like you back, not Sakagami! Understand?"
Koji nodded, if only to appease her, and avoid drawing very due attention to her. This little girl was full of fire. It terrified him to see her get so... Passionate about these things. She locked gazes with him before retreating back to her friends with a graceful movement. Koji was left with a soon-to-be-bruising arm, and a painfully tingling left ear. So he returned to his original plan, of helping the food stand students out.
~~~~
Stretching his back out after leaning over for the best part of an hour, painting carefully and cautiously, he returned the pot of paint, following the washing of the brush. He now had the music to face. Painting in silence didn't do wonders for detaching himself from his thoughts, and inevitably, he thought. About how ridiculously gullible he'd let himself become to the suggestion of a mere hunch.
He was not infuriated with Ryou or her prediction, but his warped perception of it. He would have to make up to his friend for the troubling past hour he'd given her with his request. Understandably hesitant, Koji approached Tomoyo.
"We finished up the large sign for the food stand."
Without a word of approval being uttered, Koji did what he did best as of late. He apologized.
"I was out of line earlier. Asking you something like that, and so sudden. I don't know what I was thinking, and I'd like to make it up to you," He began, doing his best not to crack, "so... Could we put it behind us and maybe go someplace as friends, my treat?"
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on Feb 14, 2012 20:56:52 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
“Mrrmn~”
[/color] With a light groan, Sakagami Tomoyo locked her fingers together and pushed her arms out in front of her for a well-deserved stretch, reached up for the sun, then spread her arms apart like wings before finally letting them fall loosely to her sides. Hours of constant movement mitigated any relief their blue and white summer uniforms might have provided. Yearning to get some much-needed ventilation, Tomoyo tugged at her collar. Strolling alongside her was a member of last year's council whose task it was to share their experience with the entering student council officers. No matter how tiring physical labor could be, the mere idea of a short period of relief had the strange effect of reinvigorating all those involved. “Thank goodness it’s lunch break,” the senior said cheerfully, taking light, happy steps. Tomoyo looked to her senior and beamed. “Mm,”[/color] she nodded her head eagerly. “We’re getting close to finishing too. I’m already excited.”[/color] It was amazing to see how much a small group of people could organize such a huge event for others to enjoy. Never before had she been around such a festive atmosphere. It wasn’t even opening day, nor had they even finished. Despite already feeling a tad out of place among the bright colors, banners, and festival stands, the silver-haired girl was looking forward to the actual event of School Foundation Day. It was a shame she couldn’t spend the festivities casually and without an agenda. As part of the student council, she would need to run rounds to make sure all the booths, stands, and events were operating smoothly. In the midst of her chatter with her female companion, she barely noticed Koji approaching until he was practically in front of her. Misunderstanding the situation, Tomoyo’s colleague drifted away quietly, leaving the two of them to themselves. With her mouth a small line and her eyebrows raised, Tomoyo watched the young man expectantly. What was it now? He was apologizing, even going as far as offering to take her out just as friends. While she wasn't surprised by his apology, she was pleasantly surprised by his offer. For a second, doubt flashed through her mind. Ignore it...He was being courteous enough to offer to treat her. That was enough to convince her. Plus, he'd helped out voluntarily. Accompanying him didn't sound like such a bad idea. “Don’t be so apologetic. I don't know what you were thinking either,"[/color] she said. Like Koji, she was ready to push that awkward memory behind them. Tomoyo didn't want to bother thinking about it. It was best to forget it ever happened. A slight smile gradually returned to her face. "But, that sounds fine.”[/color] As convenient as the situation was, she couldn’t let him treat her. “Even though I'm a girl, I don't want you to pay for me."[/color] she said. "That's my only condition.[/color] [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on Mar 3, 2012 15:41:35 GMT -6
“Don’t be so apologetic. I don't know what you were thinking either,"
Out came a stifled noise from the depths of Koji's throat. He stopped himself from verbalizing an apology again. Did he really do it so much that people had to actually state it outright? He'd have to work on that, even if he thought it a simple case of good manners.
Instead of words, he gave a simple nod to let it be known that all was understood, and all was well. It was time for something else, for that moment had passed by them. Time to look forward to something delicious. Ice-cream? Crepes? Ice-cream crepes?
"But, that sounds fine.”
He'd make a decision later. For now, he was rooted to the spot, keeping that back of his straight, after having been bent over for so long painting. Glad to know his friend was still willing after the past period of awkwardness, he slotted a hand into his pocket, poking around for some notes. He'd forgotten how much crepes cost. It wouldn't be much of a treat if Tomoyo had to pay for both of them. “Even though I'm a girl, I don't want you to pay for me."
"Oh."
Koji digits, and the hand they were attached to retreated from the dark, fabric cavern. Honestly relieved at the request, Koji took a small mental moment for himself to feel calmer about buying something. He was sure to have enough for himself. Perhaps if he was buying it only for the young woman, then that may have worked, but he had intended to eat one himself. Food was always, for some reason, better when eaten with friends.
"That's my only condition."
An understandable ultimatum. He vaguely recalled his mother telling him that girls didn't always want to be waited on, hand and foot by boys. Perhaps always paying seemed like it might be arrogant from a man to think a woman cannot pay for herself. Koji didn't need to think about it any longer. Content with the turn of events, he finally let his raised, stiff body slacken, and he wore his best expression. A smile. Beginning his walk, away from the stalls, and Tomoyo sure to follow, the roving knight Koji did begin the quest for treats.
"There's a c..." Koji began, trailing off at the end, "actually, I won't say. It can be a surprise."
He had decided that the quest for tasty treats could be a fun one too. Even if secrets and guessing games were a little childish, it seemed like a fun thing to do, especially after what was surely a work-filled day of stress and worry for the Student President. Ah! Something struck in his mind. He had rather suddenly reminded himself of something.
"I heard that you're campaigning to save the sakura trees. My brother liked them. I think he took his then-girlfriend for a picnic under them once." He started, gazing off in the direction of those trees that blossomed full with the light pink petals. They had quite a calming effect. It would be a great shame to lose them if they made so many people happy.
"He'll be glad."
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on Mar 31, 2012 21:54:57 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
This would be fun, she thought, and with a broad smile, she joined cheerfully in step at Koji’s side. Ever since her inauguration, she hadn’t been able to spend time outside of school with any of her friends due to the intensive demands of her position, and so no matter where the two of them were going to eat (and he refused to tell her where), this outing of theirs was a much-needed reprieve.
“A surprise?”
[/color] Her eyebrows rose quizzically and she cocked her head to the side, her long silver hair falling over her shoulder. “... You’re playing with me, aren’t you?”[/color] She said accusatively. “I’ve worked nonstop for hours, haven’t even gotten much of a break until now, and like everyone else, I’m starving,”[/color] Tomoyo complained with good-natured humor. “Who would’ve thought you’re such a cruel guy?”[/color] For the sake of the game, she’d let her curiosity remain unsatisfied. She had enough self-control for something so simple, and she figured it wouldn’t be as fun if she knew where they were going. Waiting would hopefully be worth it, but at the same time, she knew she wouldn’t be disappointed. Especially since her stomach was on empty, any place would be fine. As they neared the school gates, Koji spoke up with a sudden voice, which Tomoyo could only be thankful for. Being left to mull over her appetite had been anything but pleasant. “I heard that you’re campaigning to save the sakura trees, he said, the thought seeming to have come to him only by mere chance as he gazed fondly toward the trees. Their waxy, dark green leaves of late spring stretched down the path, lining it on both sides. “My brother liked them. I think he took his then-girlfriend for a picnic under them once,” he remarked. “So you know,” Tomoyo said, nodding affirmatively with a smile. He knew about the plans that lay ahead for them. “Although some people think they’re just ‘ordinary trees’, they really are special. It always amazes me to think about the different stories that have unfolded here.” Though their pink flowers had long since fallen, every year the trees would bloom again without fail, and friends and families would walk this same road and create special memories underneath their pink blossoms. “I – and the other student council members of course – are all doing our best to work out a settlement with the contractors, but it’ll be a slow process…”If there was anything she’d learned so far, it was that making things officially could possibly be the most tedious and tiring task to have to undertake. [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on Apr 6, 2012 9:47:37 GMT -6
"A surprise?"
Koji snickered slightly. Surprises were often fun when friends were involved, so maybe he'd throw a curve ball and walk past a greasy spoon cafe.
"... You're playing with me, aren't you?"
"Could be." Koji responded cryptically, enjoying the fun moment. Those were few and far between in his junior year, so to enjoy himself this much, and make new friends in his senior year was truly a gift from the wheels of fate.
Glad to put the past, fraught with awkwardness well and truly behind him, the young man walked, an even pace. side by side with a friend, after a long afternoon. A light gurgle married with the familiar constricting sensation reminded Koji that he needed food too. Not wishing to keep either his stomach, nor Tomoyo waiting for too long, he'd already made up his mind.
“I’ve worked nonstop for hours, haven’t even gotten much of a break until now, and like everyone else, I’m starving,”
Crepes. With fresh cream. Tempted with the thought of lashings of fruit on top, he'd have to pick the pips out of his teeth. Hopefully they'd have toothpicks to avoid showering someone addressing him with the offending seeds.
“Who would’ve thought you’re such a cruel guy?”
Koji said nothing, wearing only a silly, triumphant grin on his face. He soon found himself humming, as if victorious over the hunger gods.Gentle leafy shadows trailed across the boy, walking down that welcoming path. Truly, it would be a shame to see the currently-bare blossoms be cut down to make way for more urban growth. In a way it would be like defacing one's skin, ripping up a perfectly beautiful spot to make way for the needs of a growing town.
“So you know,”
It seemed Tomoyo took his words about the sakura trees to heart. It made perfect sense. If everyone loved them, then why cut them down? Similarly, it was said that fish soothed nerves in a dentist's office, so why take them away?
“Although some people think they’re just ‘ordinary trees’, they really are special. It always amazes me to think about the different stories that have unfolded here.”
"Special?" Koji thought out loud. They clearly meant a lot to many people, Tomoyo included. What would be in their place were the chopped down? A set of unsightly neutral apartments? A tree or two left as a reminded of something more colorful and vivid? Koji had to admit, even though he held no personal connection to the trees, he could appreciate their aesthetic value, and what they meant to others.
“I – and the other student council members of course – are all doing our best to work out a settlement with the contractors, but it’ll be a slow process…”
Koji nodded thoughtfully. For once, it didn't seem like the student council was quite so stoic, and bound tighter than a coiled spring to their rules. Likely not a popular student with them, due to his junior year, Otomo at last figured they were only doing their jobs, and were just students like he was, hints of a musical savantism notwithstanding.
"That's good you're fighting for it. All of you. The sakura trees must mean a lot to you."
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on Apr 19, 2012 20:10:58 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
“They do. These trees mark the place where we walked together as a real family for the first time, after my brother was discharged from the hospital,”
[/color] she said, her voice laced with sweet fond remembrance as images from that day drifted back to her. It was two years ago along this same path when she pushed her brother in his wheelchair, smiling serenely with him amidst the swirling blossoms while their parents, finally looking like a couple instead of strangers living under the same roof, strolled behind them. From that day onward, the trees became her goal. She’d do anything to fulfill her brother’s wish, that they’d come and see the cherry trees every year together as a family. It was the least she could do for him and all that he sacrificed. “It’s thanks to him that I’m here now. If he hadn’t done what he did… I’d still be lost. I’m sure of that,” Tomoyo said. Now, the student council president could hardly imagine living as the person she used to be, or rather, an empty existence which could hardly be called living. "Lost..." [/color] Koji echoed thoughtfully, "I see how much this place means to you and your family." [/color] “Yeah,”[/color] Tomoyo gave a resolute nod. It was the voice of an unbendable will, of a determined person who’d long since made up her mind. She paused to think for a brief moment, then looked at him with her curious blue eyes. “What about you?”[/color] she asked. “What’s important to you?”[/color] It was small talk to pass the time until they reached their destination, but her question was sincere. Koji looked thoughtful for a moment. “Music, and my brother too,” [/color] he said. “Despite everything, we... We didn't have such a good family life, and his music kept him from doing what I did. I lashed out." [/color] He responded, adding a bemused chuckle. Unlike him, Tomoyo couldn’t laugh, but only stared at him with a surprised gaze. She’d gotten the sense that they were two similar people, but hearing it from him confirmed it. How many other young people rebelled for the same reasons? How many people hid their troubles in the depths of their hearts, until those troubles boiled up inside and forced them to drastic measures? "Then there's my stepdad. He made us a family again. I was happy for the first time in a long time. And I wasn't angry. My whole family is very dear to me." [/color] “I can definitely understand those feelings,”[/color] Tomoyo empathized with him. “And you’re not the only family-oriented person either,”[/color] she smiled wryly as Shou’s belligerent image suddenly came to mind. “When I met your cousin, she was – how should I say this… She was really insistent on watching out for you.”[/color] The junior tried to laugh, unconvincingly, as she recalled that frightening scene at the hot springs. "Shou thinks I'm someone I'm not. If she... If she wasn't very polite to you, she didn't mean it, and I'm sorry for her." [/color] Koji replied uncomfortably. He had no idea of what Shou had said, did he? Yet, he was apologizing as if he already had a vague idea… … Before she felt too spooked out by what Koji’s quick worries implied, Tomoyo quickly waved it off. “It’s fine, it was just weird,”[/color] she said, showing a more cheerful face. “Anyway, it’s done.”[/color] While she wasn’t looking to encounter Shou ever again, she couldn’t say the girl was a bad person by any means. It was just difficult to wrap her head around the fact that they were merely cousins; instead, they seemed more like close siblings, or at least such was the impression Tomoyo gleaned from her short but dramatic encounter with the girl. Tomoyo could hardly imagine herself so ardently guarding her Takafumi’s well-being and social life. Her pondering and train of thought soon dissolved as they passed by a particularly scrumptious looking food vendor at the corner of the street. Tomoyo could only hope to ignore it, lest her appetite return in full force. And yet… it was impossible to do. Her resolve crumbled. She needed to ask. “By the way… are we almost there yet?”[/color] [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on May 8, 2012 11:38:46 GMT -6
This town was a fond place for the two of them it seemed. The bad memories were there, and they learned things, grown as individuals. The good seemed plentiful. Lots of happy memories with family. Perhaps someday he might confront his father, and at least offer the man a chance to explain himself. Now was not the time to dwell on it. Now was the time to make more happy memories. The Founder's Festival was tomorrow after all.
“It’s fine, it was just weird,”
A good note to end on.Tomoyo bore no malice towards his over-eager family member. Though a bright girl, Shou wasn't as wise as she thought she was. She was still childishly selfish. She would learn eventually. Perhaps she'd learn to lighten up a little and let go of some of her insecurities tomorrow, having made mentioning of a maid cafe. Perhaps he'd tease her for a change
“By the way… are we almost there yet?”
Her firmness had wavered. Hunger was getting the better of Tomoyo. With his own stomach complaining in tandem, Koji was starting to wish that he had chosen somewhere a little closer. He would certainly eat his fill. Finally, they had arrived. Koji spun around on his heels with a grin.
"We're here."
He gestured to a small building a few steps away. Staffed by a young woman, the sweet scent of sugar-laced batter flooded Koji's senses. It was a quaint establishment, a small store surviving as the town expanded. A reminded that Hikarizaka was changing. Without such dull thoughts to worry him, Koji was already eying up the sweets menu. He'd decided he would forego hot foods in exchange for the welcome presence of the sugary batter, laced with chocolate and fresh cream.
"I can't remember the last time I came to this sweets stall. Aside from the new paint on the sign, it hasn't changed at all." Koji vocalized, almost as giddy as his much younger self would have been. Placing his order with the cheerful young lady, the boy stepped to one side to let his friend make her own. He resigned himself to peering at the pictures of all the treats on sale. One small cake reminded him of the sakura trees.
A sudden brainwave. A tap of his fist into an open palm. It had slipped his mind due to the earlier excitement of the day. Rid of that awkward moment, and his memory jogged by the reminder in cake form, he was free to share it with Tomoyo. Fujibayashi Ryou would be hosting an unofficial fortune telling booth. Given how popular her fortunes were, Ryou was bound to get some customers, and Kyou herself was bound to be watching like a bloody-clawed bird of prey, out for the kill.
"Ah, That reminds me. One of my classmates offered to host a card reading booth in our class. If you're not busy tomorrow, maybe she could read your fortune." He suggested, Perhaps Ryou could delve into the mystic arts and pluck out the ultimate fate of the sakura trees in her unique manner. Maybe that would give Tomoyo some peace of mind, and help her fight harder for it.
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on May 15, 2012 14:08:20 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
“We’re here?”
Tomoyo followed the line of his arm to a modest, yet attractive and well-decorated family-style cafe. Within the cheerful pastel walls of the establishment, the sweet aroma of tea, coffee, and freshly baked goods permeated the girl’s senses, teasing her imagination.
Unlike her companion, she’d never visited the place once in her life. Deciding to follow Koji’s example, her eyes perused the list of sweets, many of which she’d never heard of before. Although Tomoyo had never been one for sickeningly sweet deserts, even she couldn’t refuse the temptations of an occasional treat. Everything sounded delicious, but the girl was at a loss for what to order. She raised her gaze from the menu to see Koji’s pleasant smile, looking energetic just being here.
“You have a sweet tooth? You’re like a kid,”
[/color] she said, shaking her head with a smile, though it soon turned into a troubled pout by the time the waitress arrived to take their orders. Still having been unable to decide, Tomoyo simply settled with taking the same order as her friend. He’d been here before, hadn’t he? Then, it was only logical to assume he knew what was good. Hopefully. The lady scrawled their requests on a small notepad and left, after which a gentle silence settled in at the table. Koji had resigned himself to reading the menu again. What, he was still thinking of ordering more? How hungry could one person be, and how much money was he thinking to spend? Tomoyo gave him a confused, skeptical glance before turning her attention away from him and toward the window. As much as she relished in the fact she could be away from school during their working break, she felt odd to be skipping out on her friends. Sure, she hadn’t made plans with them, but there was no doubt in her mind that they’d be looking for her. The light smack! of Koji’s fist meeting his palm in a sudden spark of genius drew Tomoyo’s attention back to him. “One of my classmates offered to host a card reading booth in our class,” he said, eyes bright at having been able to remember it. Tomoyo tilted her head and watched him with interest. “If you’re not busy tomorrow, maybe she could read your fortune.”Tomoyo grinned as she entertained the idea in her head. “That sounds fun,”[/color] she remarked. “Girly, too. I don’t believe in that stuff… but, I might as well try it out.”[/color] Maybe she should learn to do that, then she could read her friend’s fortunes! She looked down at the table. “You know, I’ve actually never had my fortune told,”[/color] Tomoyo admitted. “Not even in those childish little games kids play. My classmates were always either afraid of me or hated me,”[/color] she said with a small, regretful chuckle. “That doesn’t sound like me now, right?”[/color] [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on May 19, 2012 14:13:38 GMT -6
The rare times when Koji spoiled himself on only the choicest treats were something to be savored. His eyes lit up like a small child's when he was handed a tempting cardboard cone sleeve, snugly holding a lovingly-wrapped crepe. He sunk his teeth into it, dusting his lips with powdered sugar.
“That sounds fun,”
Koji chewed, contented with his snack, and pleased his suggestion struck a chord with Tomoyo. Fortunes with Ryou were quite fun.
“Girly, too. I don’t believe in that stuff… but, I might as well try it out.”
Girly? Ryou's soothsaying never struck the boy as being inclined towards females. Now that Tomoyo had mentioned it, he found himself mentally agreeing with her. Indeed many of the younger Fujibayashi's audience were girls. Gathered around the girl like they were worshipping a shrine goddess to deliver a blessing from the stars. He had been privy to his fellow senior's interesting method of card-reading. Maybe, if it were a girly thing to do, it would make more sense to the Student President than it would to him.
“You know, I’ve actually never had my fortune told,”
A surprising revelation, but a good one. This would be a new, exciting experience for his friend. Swallowing his bite of that sugary treat, Koji let himself smirk at a good suggestion. Things however, took a slight detour from his happy musing, heading down the off-ramp.
“Not even in those childish little games kids play. My classmates were always either afraid of me or hated me,”
"Oh..." Koji mumbled, feeling a sudden bad taste in his mouth. He masked it with more sugar, chewing quickly to let as much of the sweetness drown out the bitterness. He perfectly understood where she was coming from. He himself had been the subject of questioning in his junior year class. A couple of his classmates noticeably on edge when around him. Of course, he had given them reason to. That had mercifully blown over, and the idea that Otomo Kojiro could be some silent vigilante, wailing on thugs as he so pleased died with the death of that year.
“That doesn’t sound like me now, right?”
An uncomfortable question to add to his concerns. Tomoyo was incredibly strong. That infamous event in which she had soundly thrashed a group of biker thugs from another school. It had troublemakers tripping over themselves to flee her might. More recently, her mere presence and stern tone was enough to send another group of ne'er do wells into a full retreat. Koji had never had that effect on people, cornering bullies when they were alone, and at their weakest. With tense seconds ticking by, Koji felt he had to give an honest answer.
"I think people are still scared because you're strong. I don't think guys expect to see a girl beat up people like those goons from that other school," he responded, awkwardly stifling a groan, "and other girls probably don't think you behave like they feel a girl ought to."
His words, but Koji wondered if he himself felt that way. To be mired in so much etiquette from centuries gone by seemed like a step in the wrong direction for Japan. So many social rules to conform to. Girls had to be meek, reserved, and good wives. Boys had to be ready to be working men, to provide for a family. Koji doubted Tomoyo would be anything but a good wife for someone, but she was certainly not meek, and certainly not reserved.
"But..." Koji added, "I doubt they can ignore that you became Student President, even if some people tried to deface the campaign posters. You're not a brute Tomoyo. I think you know what you want."
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Sakagami Tomoyo
Retired Staff
Student Council President
In-Character Posts: 121
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Post by Sakagami Tomoyo on May 20, 2012 17:35:26 GMT -6
Sakagami Tomoyo ______________________________________________________
She hadn’t meant for him to take her words so seriously, and could only watch as Koji struggled to respond. She even considered dropping the subject. She thought to tell him it was nothing, that it was fine, that she didn’t need his sympathies because she’d already put it all behind her, but she didn’t have the chance. He’d already formulated his answer and couldn’t be stopped. Or, more accurately, once his words left his mouth, Tomoyo didn’t have the strength to stop him.
He was… surprisingly a blunt guy. People were scared of her? Because they thought she was strong, he said. Sure, she knew she was strong, but scary? No, there was no way she could accept such a label. She didn’t think she was scary at all…
Her warm, half-eaten crepe was a sad sight in her tense grip, with its insides spilling out over its torn skin.
Scary...
Tomoyo stared down at the frilly table, mulling over Koji’s words, chewing them slowly in her mouth. Surely those were his thoughts alone. And the girls who so eagerly accepted her, what about them? Tomoyo had been careful to only show her feminine side around her friends, and clearly she was doing a fair enough job at it. And as for the “goons”, she had plenty of reason to do what she did, right?
... Why did Koji still remember the incident, anyway? She didn’t need any of this. Tomoyo’s free hand clenched into a loose fist. This wasn’t the first time she heard it, so... why was she feeling so bad? She'd already gotten enough harassment from Sunohara about it. Perhaps that was the reason? She thought that sort of talk was long done, but unlike those times, she couldn’t bring herself to feel resentful toward Koji's words.
“But… I doubt they can ignore that you became Student Council President,” Koji said. Tomoyo looked up at him and questioned what point he was now trying to make. Was he attempting to appease her?
“You don’t need to say that…”
[/color] she said, her eyes lowered back on her crepe so as to hide her hurt expression. It was dumb. She was being dumb, getting upset about something so simple and benevolent, and so, with a sharp breath, she resolved to show a strong face for Koji. She looked up at him with a more natural look, her chin lifted and her eyes chastening, all in an effort to dispel her previous negative feelings. “You really should be more careful with your words,”[/color] she said. “Girls are delicate. That hurt, you know."[/color] she admitted uncomfortably. What an understatement. "I know some of what you said might true, but I honestly can't accept your notions... if I did, I'd be too troubled.”[/color] With a brighter expression, the junior added on, “But, I’m trying to help you here. Weren’t you interested in some girl?"[/color] She vaguely remembered Koji trailing creepily after Okazaki. How long ago was it? It was a miracle she even remembered, given how busy she'd been. Then again, who could forget something so strange? "... I can’t remember who it was, but, in any case, you’ll need to learn how to be softer, or else you might end up making her cry.”[/color] [/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Otomo Kojiro on May 27, 2012 16:40:45 GMT -6
“You really should be more careful with your words,”
Another hunk of tasty batter married with sweetness went down Koji's gullet. He was being honest, almost to a fault. In his attempt at providing an adequate answer for his acquaintance, Hikarizaka's venerable white knight had rushed the gun a little, and delivered a statement blunt enough to be razor-sharp.
“Girls are delicate. That hurt, you know."
His face ran blank. His knightly lance had run Tomoyo through, leaving a delicate emotional wound.
"I know some of what you said might true, but I honestly can't accept your notions... if I did, I'd be too troubled.”
Koji nodded sheepishly. There was no way she could accept what he'd said. Nor should she. Opinions around school were like wildfire in a parched woodland. Sakagami Tomoyo wasn't acting like a girl ought not to. There were plenty of girls in his kickboxing class. They certainly didn't behave in an unladylike manner. Whatever fell into the purview of "unladylike". It was a headscratcher for the young man who was tired to his bones of social nonsense and etiquette. For all the raucous behavior, cliques and general excitement that took place in this private school, the one thing they stoically clung to were social norms.
How ironic...
“But, I’m trying to help you here. Weren’t you interested in some girl?"
Another hard-hitting question. One close to his heart, and closer to his head. That was just it. Fujibayashi Kyou wasn't some girl. She was the girl. The one for whom had considerable affection.He still though often of the delicate-featured Fujibayashi Kyou, who was anything but delicate. Perhaps she ought to train the Japanese Military on the ancient, and mystic art of dictionary throwing.
"... I can’t remember who it was, but, in any case, you’ll need to learn how to be softer, or else you might end up making her cry.” A smile.
Nay, the pursing of lips. The widening of eyes. Koji's mouth opened to produce the first melodic notes of a chuckle. That chuckle became a delightful laugh, subsiding quickly. The statement in itself? Perfectly valid. The image it conjured up? Hilarious. Of course, it was wrong of Koji to make such a generalization when he himself had seen Fujibayashi's softer side.
"That'd be Fujibayashi Kyou of 3-E. She has a reputation for being... Not soft. Violent, crazy, and a demon crawling up from the fires of hell itself." Koji began, reciting the various colorful titles people branded Kyou with, "and that's what I like about her. She's loyal to her friends. I've never seen her back stab someone."
Koji appeared to be slipping into a blissful daydream-like state, going rather misty-eyed. He liked Kyou. He liked her a great deal. He wanted that chance to prove to her he could make her happy. As happy as he could make another human being. Even if his sappy sentiments were worth naught but a giggle. He turned his head to Tomoyo.
"Have you ever felt so strongly about someone that you almost go crazy from it?"
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