A Not So Mundane Encounter
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Nov 9, 2014 7:23:31 GMT -6
"Even still, they probably won't study. Though, with this type of test, I don't suppose there are many ways to study." He knew such thing to be true. The student body, as a near whole, wouldn't see this as a real test. Though, he guessed saying beforehand would help those who would study.
"Ah, with all due respect, I think that's why Les Miserables is viewed how you see it. It's not meant to be a Utopian novel, it's suppose to be historical fiction. When one goes into something, and expects more than what they get, it's a natural response to feel disappointed. Still, I guess it does have...some odd feeling with it. In all honesty, I get the same feeling from it as The Iliad by Odysseus."
And then, hearing her next words, he sighed. "Yeah, I suppose that might have played a large part in it. Though, I must say, learning about history through poems must've taken quite the amount of time. Anyways, like you just said, I tend to favor freestyle, though other types are quite well too."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 9, 2014 22:42:18 GMT -6
"That's a fine point right there, but I'd like to reward the people who try to, so maybe we should base passing grades on the grade results we get. Plus, some people might not know about how to do these kinds of things because they were too absent to learn it when assigned to clean up duty. However, I'm sure that even with a warning, the illegally absent students would still be in for trouble, while the legally absent ones (for medical reasons) might relish in a chance to reconnect with students they could not during their absence." As for the students not seeing the test as a real one, if the student council also warned of the consequences, then the school most definitely would take it seriously. Haruka had faith int hat.
"All in all, Les Miserables is still beautifully written even if it isn't my particular cup of tea." Here's a wink to that pun, Mr. Gourlay. "And you feel that way from the Iliad? How interesting, but I suppose it's not your favorite brand of literature either. And I hate to say it, but the Illiad is written by Homer (though more likely a bunch of authors). I enjoyed it thoroughly because of its geographical accuracy. It details the locations, topography, even types of soil that correspond to their counterparts in real life." Honestly, the brunette winced as she corrected Gourlay. She knew so many people hated being corrected on those things, but knowing the authors was important for the Entrance Exams regarding literature. Hopefully she was doing him a favor.
The class rep for 1-B couldn't blame him for being grossed out by Emily's fascination and blatant acceptance of death. It was a breath of fresh air from poetry beforehand but she could understand how it could be...unsettling, to say the least. "A long time? Nonsense. It details a lot of the social climate and important movements and colors the literate world at that time quite nicely. Most of the things written poetry, prose and even essays alike were created to make a statement against American society at the stage it was in; as you can see, such a statement was greatly affected by the innovations and political decisions made. Some writers are hard to read though, so this can create lengthy research all in all. Anyway, you favor freestyle? Interesting. I love to read poetry and many other things, but i seldom write. Although if I do, it's mostly nonfiction or cute little limericks, but I'm not very good at the latter so i dare not make any public."
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Nov 10, 2014 15:37:36 GMT -6
Having already stuffed his book into his jacket, he agrees. "That is a rather bright idea. It, in any case, will open up some opportunities. And, I suppose we can curve the test grades around the highest scorer, unless they have some ridiculously high score compared to others."
And then, at her next comment, he merely blinked. He'd read the cover wrong, then. The book was The Iliad and Odysseus by Homer. Ah, what a dope he'd been! If he'd made such a mistake on any test, he'd not wish to even think about it! So, speaking to her in gratitude, he said, "Ah, I didn't even realize. I apologize for my mistake, and thank you for fixing it." And it was only then that he cracked a smile to that pun.
"Ah, I guess I didn't phrase it correctly. I meant the ability of perception on such a level must've taken a long time to achieve. I, myself, am not one to really read into those things. I simply read poetry for poetry, and I'll welcome anything that comes with it. Anyways, your writings couldn't be that bad. After all, with a little tweaking, all literature can be fixed!" He was only just able to refrain from saying 'except Twilight.'
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 10, 2014 19:32:02 GMT -6
"Thank you very much, Gourlay-san. I'll be counting on you so I'll look forward to working together with you on this project." Purple eyes blazing with confidence, Haruka beamed gratefully at her fellow class rep, showing more emotion than she did than usual. Then she began scratching her chin in thought. Her amethyst irises flashed as the first year girl watched Gourlay stuff the book in his pocket. "In return, I must thank you somehow... That book, the one you put away, is it something someone else has written or is it just a journal of sorts? if it's something someone else has written, I could get you a less worn-out copy or if it's something you write in, I'll get you a new book to write stuff in it when you finish the pages of the one you have." This was not an empty promise. Being richer than most people, offering a new book was an effortless deed.
When she noticed Gourlay blinking and apologizing, Haruka gave him a reassuring nod. "It's alright, Gourlay-san. Homer's an ancient author and though his works are famous, they aren't popular in Japan. Besides, only God knows what the word Illiad actually means and who, with a sane mind, would name a sequel to such a weird title so close to the main character's name? These literary choices by old authors are simply aggravating." She feigned her exaggerated irritation but really it was alright. Japanese authors have more decency than those old Greeks rolling in their graves anyway, or so she thought. At the very least, he cracked a smile to Haruka's joke, which prompted her to try think of better ones.
"I suppose it's rather difficult... Primary sources tend to always be the hardest to decipher..." She sighed. "And you read poetry for poetry? That's interesting but I don't quite understand what you mean. And thank you for your vote of confidence. I guess that if I ever write something, I'll be counting on you again! That is, if I'm not already taking advantage of your optimism. It's always so up-lifting. Thanks for being who you are, Gourlay-san." Smiling warmly, she chuckled at her slight half-joke.
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Nov 15, 2014 23:23:17 GMT -6
Gourlay's small smile slackened just a small amount at the mention of his notebook. Sure, he'd taken it out to evoke conversation (Which it had.), but he'd not been ready for an inquiry out of the blue. Still, he corrected his mishap quickly and answered with, "Ah, it's just a journal. 'Tis this and nothing more." Smiling internally at his reference to one of Poe's more popular poems, he wondered if she'd get it. "I just write down tidbits of ideas here and there. You know, a sort of writer's journal, if you will." And that was also the truth, for, the book held more than just poetry. It also housed a great deal of ideas for short stories, many of which he'd started but now lied dormant in another, larger, book at his home.
He smirked at her comment about Homer's odd tendencies. After all, he did hate The Iliad. Still, he did suppose the title sounded like a sort of flower, however irrelevant it was. "Then again, you might be able to understand his annoyance. Coming up with a name for something can be challenging, for sure." And this much was true for himself. Gourlay was complete rubbish at creating any sort of name, and it required much thought for him.
At her final inquiry, though, his eyebrows furrowed slightly in contemplation. He'd said he'd 'Read poetry for poetry', and it was true. Still, he wasn't one that could put his thoughts into words easily. Still, he tried. "I guess...the easiest way to put it would be to say...I don't really read poetry to find out about the writers themselves, nor do I do it to learn more about the life they were leading. I just read it because...it's poetry! I enjoy the concept of it so, by extension, I like concrete version of it. I don't read it because I want to know more about the writer, I just...do." Then, blinking, he donned an awkward smile and put a hand behind his head. "Ah, please forgive me, I've rambled again. And, don't worry, you can consult me if you need help with writing! I can't say how helpful I'll be, but it' setter than nothing!" Her joke, even after all this, had flown right over him. He'd always been rather oblivious to surroundings, after all.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 16, 2014 15:37:51 GMT -6
Blinking, she raised a brow in response to the slackening of Gourlay's smile no matter how small it was. Was he caught off-guard? Maybe, but Haruka didn't question it further, even if he did use the journal to stir up conversation prior to her mentioning it without any warning. But it wasn't all that important, so she shrugged and replied, "Well, then, if our little campaign becomes a success, don't get caught off guard by a special delivery to your doorstep, even if your journal isn't stuffed to the brim by then." And then he referenced the Raven, but not completely. She chose the most similar line in the poem and said the line after that. "Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, and each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor." Then the bespectacled brunette smiled, imagining the pages inside his book being filled with many different great ideas, some being brought to fruition and others that would never see the light of day. Nonetheless, it was good that there were many kinds of people interested in poetry and prose at this school.
"You might be right about that." It was true that names were exceptionally hard to come up with. Haruka herself had the greatest of troubles having to title the essays she wrote in school. What was the point of giving her essays names if they were part of an assignment or test or quiz? Wouldn't just be called the essay portion of that particular assessment?
Of course, it was rather troublesome on her part to ask what reading poetry for poetry was. Perhaps, it wasn't the best way or the most poetic way to word such a concept, but any writer would have trouble explaining it. At the very least, Gourlay Atsumori was one of the few, brave souls who decided to go where angels dared not tread, even if he did pontificate a slight bit, not that Haruka minded. "Ah, I think I get it now... It is very hard to explain so thanks for trying. I suppose what you mean by that, is that poetry is nothing but poetry. It's not just something left behind to reveal the secrets of the past, when poetry itself has insights about its own essence and in turn, the present." The freshwoman simply gave Gourlay an encouraging smile, trying to convey that her fellow class rep shouldn't be ashamed of speaking his thoughts, even if he couldn't portray them with complete fluidity. What mattered was that the freshman tried, and he should be proud of doing so, even if his words weren't perfect. "Don't worry about how helpful you'd be, Gourlay-san. A little bit can go a long way," she warmly reassured him, not really caring if he got the joke or not since it wasn't that good to begin with.
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Nov 16, 2014 20:27:28 GMT -6
Gourlay saw her questioning eyebrow, though he didn't explain his slight fumble to her. It didn't really matter, after all. He'd gotten over it quickly enough. Still, he felt jittery from the unexpected mentioning of his notebook, no matter how childish of a notion it was. All the same, he was somehow able to keep a quicker out of his voice when he spoke. "Don't worry, I'll try to keep my cool. Though, I can't make any promises if he drops off a bomb shaped box." The fact that she recited the poem he'd referenced startled him slightly, though it impressed him as well. Not once in his lifetime did he think he'd ever recited a poem, aside from his own. His brain, as it seemed, was much too cluttered for that. Even as she finished, he was sad to say he couldn't continue it, though he could end it somewhat creatively. "Then so gently you came rapping, rapping gently at my door. So, then, in unknowing, I cried out, nevermore!"
He didn't really have anything to further contribute to this side of this conversation, so he let it drop to the best of his ability. After all, what good would a conversation be if all it did was rant about the rights and wrongs of an ancient man, born to an ancienter land. This is why I'd never be a good college professor, he thought to himself.
He did admit, his words were overly zealous. Though, such things were in his nature, and he couldn't really help them. "I won't ask you to act like you understand, I don't even think I understand either. Anyway, thanks for trying, at least." And then, at her other words he smiled. "I do thank you for that suggestion. I'll try to think like that now."
Then, he started to look around. The classroom was still barren, though he supposed the outer class reps might still be here, as they often had things to do after school. Even more, the teachers were definitely still here, so any asset needed to follow through with their previous plan was here. "Do you think we should go ahead and begin constructing plans for that test. I don't really have any plans for today, should it take longer than expected."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 17, 2014 0:38:30 GMT -6
Easily, that quick little detail slipped out of her grasp, making her wonder what he was thinking at that moment or what he hoped to accomplish. However, that little episode was quickly shoved into oblivion and Haruka could only think that the most respectful way to move out of that exchange of subtle body language by focusing on his other words It was time to move on, though it seemed Gourlay had his own little sense of humor. Bombs, really? "I can't make any promises for that, though I'm pretty sure a journal looks nothing like a bomb package -- unless if you want me to try to pretty it up enough to look like one." A mischievous grin spread fully across the young girl's face, only widening when she realized she had caught the boy off guard with her reciting that line. Although she couldn't really remember more than specific lines that stood out to her: the ones they had recited being one of the few lines she was familiar with because of the first one's rhyming and the second one's fame. Either way, Gourlay ended the recital with the icing on the cake and she felt herself clapping lightly in praise of him remembering another line.
Well, that conversation about the Illiad and the Odyssey led pretty much to a full on dead end. These were high school students in their first year though, in mainland Japan. Chances were that they had no interest in these ancient pieces of Western civilization, that undoubtedly had nothing to do do with them in their entirety. It was by a sheer miracle that these two students knew about them.
As time went on, the conversation just became more and more confusing, especially about poetry. Perhaps, one simply had to let things be and it all was well. "Maybe we'll understand these kinds of things as we get older. There is quite a lot we are yet to learn." And he smile became more genuine and lighter in response to his. "I'm glad you're giving it a try. The world is full of intricate details, and each and every one of them counts, I suppose."
Oh, how the time went by. The classroom was quiet and empty, with no interruptions so far but this. However, the class reps and anyone who belonged in a club was here. The teachers and the rest of the staff stayed even longer than the students, but time managed to tick by slowly once she decided to think hard and well about it. "Yeah, that would be good. Do you think we should put it on paper first or go see a teacher with what we have already?" she replied, slightly stunned by how long they had been entranced in their appreciation for prose and poetry alike.
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Nov 17, 2014 14:16:05 GMT -6
Gourlay was amused that the conversation had gotten this far. He knew he had a horrible sense of humor, and he was surprised that Fuukami had been able to...humor him for this long. "No thanks, I'd like to live out my natural lifespan, thank you very much. And, you don't have to worry about actually getting me that if this all works out, I'd don't think a journal would be all that...taxing on my budget." It was then that he saw her smile. And it was a smile that grew wider and wider it grew. Until suddenly it scared him, scared him, he knew. His stomach tumbled and tossed at the thing. For, no pleasant emotion, did it bring.
Wondering why his brain was so odd in that moment, he smiled at her. "Perhaps, but understanding and wisdom isn't the only thing age brings. Though, I suppose it's all the same, anyway. Even if I'm looking forward to the day I can understand how I feel about poetry."
Gourlay had to think on it for a moment. Writing the things down would be more effective, but it'd certainly take some time. On the other hand, going now could render them unprepared and only make fools out of them. "I think writing it down would be our best course of action."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 18, 2014 19:50:21 GMT -6
Haruka wasn't the type of girl to judge a person by how funny they could be. While being witty usually indicated a person's intellect and cunning, sometimes people simply didn't have an aptitude for it. Considering how her humor was...unconventional at best, she herself was surprised she could keep up with their banter so long even though they both expected it to dissolve into awkwardness. A prime example was presented before the readers on a silver platter. "Live out your natural lifespan? I'm afraid I can't promise that either," she jested with a playful twinkle in her amethyst eyes. "And I'm just offering a new journal because getting my fellow classmates to be more responsible is a big deal for me, because it's better they learn now rather than in an unfamiliar university, but I can understand how clandestine that offer seems." And then the mood dissolved into awkwardness, not because of their lack of social skills, but there was some sort of tension in the air. She couldn't taste it or see it but she could feel it with her entire being. There definitely wasn't something to indicate this change in mood, but it was as if the atmosphere had shifted.
Oddly enough, Gourlay managed a smile. It was only fair the brunette would force one too out of courtesy, to mask her confusion. "You may be right about that too, but we're not that old so we couldn't possibly know. And it might be possible we'll never fully understand poetry either. But if we try, maybe we'd become better poets, though I'm not really a poet to begin with."
Regarding the petition, she thought to herself that it would be imperative they go to the student body government for permission first. They were the ones who represented the students, after all. It felt a little intimidating though since Sakagami was rather kind but also a bit difficult to approach. Perhaps, the students in Haruka's own class felt the same way about her. "Right then. Let's get started, shall we?" The first year got a pen and some looseleaf paper out of her bookbag to use when writing down the petition and mission statement.
For now, she put down all they got so far. It wasn't bad at all, but maybe they'd want to check if they had covered everything. "Do you think we have enough or do we need to supplement it?'
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Dec 1, 2014 15:44:31 GMT -6
Gourlay let a mock fear light in his eyes for a moment, after which he let a soft chuckle escape his lips. "Ah, it was worth a shot, I suppose. Can't really blame me for trying, can you?" And then, he smiled a smile that more than a smile. From him to Fuukami Haruka. "And, it really is the thought that counts. And that, I truly appreciate." He sighed then, as he had so many times before. He felt the oppressive sort of blanket in the air. The wintry chill he gathered when nothing happened. Still he did his best to bear it for the sake of good relations.
He followed her words with the deepest thought, the sincerest querying of what could be said next. After a few moments, he was finally able to settle on something that would end the tangent as he'd wanted it to. "Only time will tell."
Thinking of the student council made Gourlay somewhat envious. Out of the many positions on its board, he'd been unable to make any of them. Sure, they were mighty stressful, something he didn't need in the slightest. It was, though, that he still wanted some sort of affiliation with it, something stronger than class representative gave him. Ah well, there was next year, after all. "Ah, I guess we could supplement it with the categories of questions we wish to ask, what we want to require. Other than that, I see nothing else."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 2, 2014 18:14:36 GMT -6
Once she saw the artificial fear and a genuine chuckle, Haruka found herself laughing lightly alongside him, her peals of laughter ringing and tinkling gaily like silver bells at Christmastime. "It was a good try, but not good enough. Better retire early," she kidded, carrying on the absurdity for just a little longer. Suddenly, she was distracted by a smile of genuinity, one that made her trust him and feel that everything was alright because she could actually have a truly enjoyable human connection with someone else that wasn't her family. "Well, thank you too, Gourlay-san. I admire your lack of conceit and reluctance to accept such material gifts." Then the warmth vanished, forcing Haruka to metaphorically paw for it as a cold, dry wind blew into this now empty world.
How else could she emulate this feeling yet again? Perhaps, today was not the time, but she was sure she would meet Gourlay again many times to come, and they would see, they really would. And then they would be satisfied. In acceptance of the fact, she nodded earnestly.
The school council was highly admired and coveted by anyone and everyone. While the first year was ambitious, she would settle for running for any positions until her sophomore year because the current team in charge rode adeptly on the flux and flow of change, well-oiled, professional, and efficient as could be. Though Haruka would certainly put off the dream of becoming the student council president until she was a third year, even, because she knew she was not ready or capable and she needed more backup. Equally, she was no Sakagami, but she shook her head and returned to the matter at hand. "I'll get right on it," she said, making good of the promise as soon as she could, listing categories and specific details that needed to be included and if the girl drew upon any mental blanks, she promptly encouraged her fellow class rep to try and fill them in as best as he could.
Right now, this work garnered all of her attention and she worked on it as fastidiously and competently as possible.
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Dec 5, 2014 14:12:39 GMT -6
"Yes, I do suppose I should. My only worry is outliving my money before the package arrives." In the short time that he'd come to know her, Gourlay could honestly say he thought Fuukami was a kind person. No, more than that. He knew she was a joyous person at heart, one that could dish out that same joy if she so wished. Or at least, that's what he though. Still, no matter how jolly she was, that same awkwardness drifted in on a lost wind. The only think that could be done was to bear it, until, finally, it passed.
Still, that envy harbored inside Atsumori. He would've admitted he was ambitious, too ambitious. It didn't even seem to match up, his personality and his envy, but he couldn't deny its existence. He couldn't seem to stop hoping that it would be swifter with him on the team, faster flowing, like water. For some reason, he thought of Bruce Lee saying "Be like water, my friend." Yeah, he read too many books, that was it.
He only promptly nodded to her as she said what she did, mostly in part to Mr. Lee. Still, if she had any questions, he'd answer them eagerly, or at least, as eagerly as possible. It was then though, that he subconsciously noticed her focus and devotion, and how committed she was to such a simple thing. It was honorable, very much so. He admired her slightly for it.
This is would be a good friendship, he could already tell.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 9, 2014 17:51:43 GMT -6
"Don't worry! With me around, that won't be a problem at all!" Of course, she would still make good on the original promise. After all, being able to meet up to those promises was something Haruka prided herself upon. Everything else she was joking about, though he probably knew that from the get-go. It wasn't like she was the daughter of a gang leader, though she did belong to a conglomerate; it was sort of funny how she already thought of herself working for the Fuukami Group even though she'd much rather spend her time studying or spelunking for fossils. However, recently, she developed an interest in finding rare stones after finding out the story behind her mother's engagement ring.
The awkwardness eased with time, especially after they bore casual smiles. Once it completely died down, she gave a slight shrug, deciding to just not care anymore about the silence. No cares for the matter could possibly be given anymore, not even for a pinch of owl dung because even though this was a rough start of a friendship, it would still be a friendship no matter what happened. Although friendship was kind of weird; Haruka almost never dreamed of having real friends even though she knew she needed to. Really, it just never came to mind.
With his silent encouragement, the brunette found herself focusing on more important duties such as completing the petition and showing him it once it was complete. Her dark amethyst eyes flickered back and forth between Gourlay and the paper as she tried to come up with something to say even though at this stage, words probably weren't even all that important.
Exhaling, she said in a pathetic (to herself) monotone, "It's done."
Yes, this friendship most definitely was awkward.
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Post by Gourlay Atsumori on Dec 9, 2014 18:59:12 GMT -6
After she said that, Gourlay kinda let the tangent of conversation drop with a chuckle, nod, and smile. He was sincerely thankful for what she'd offered to do, even if he hadn't shown it quite well. Besides, he hadn't found someone to jest with in quite a while. And besides, it was never anyone who'd jested back in the same tone of voice anyway. That was fine, considering he'd be surprised if they had.
The day was drawing to a close, Gourlay could feel it, as with many other things. He didn't really like it, but the day had it own agenda, that of which didn't submit itself to change. Ever. This only became truer when a glance at the clock said something around 4:00 o'clock, a time he'd not imagined it to be when he left.
There were pressing matters at hand, but more pressing was his father's capacity for joking. It increased every minute and Gourlay could practically feel it suffocating him. Besides, there would be nothing that could stop the two from following up on this later, perhaps even every day if it was necessary. Although, if Haruka wished it, he supposed he could stay for a little longer to see what else could be done.
When she finally finished the document, a fine three minutes after his thoughts, he decided the time was right to speak. "Ah, I see. Thank you for that. Unfortunately, I think I'll have to take my leave in a few moments. Some...er...circumstances have just been remembered and, though they are not immediately pressing, it makes the situation more optimal if I were to return home sooner. Though, I you don't wish to work on this after today, I guess we could try to finish it, though the job would be hasty and riddled with mistakes, or at least, such is how I see it."
This friendship would possibly be strained at times, but Gourlay wasn't really sure. He wasn't inept at reading a mood, anyway. Besides, who was he to read into the future. He would, he supposed, leave the class representative of that one class, the one with the delinquents, to that.
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