Description: Once again Kentou comes to Seijyun looking for the Class President. This time, for a favor. The boy finds himself enrolling in a local school and he has a small matter to overcome. A.. Uniform? What school IS Kentou going to anyway? What IS it that hides behind Yurika's eyes?
Things are finally starting to calm down again with the recent events at Seijyun over with! And on top of that Summer is about, which means that activity about the campus grounds are about to hit an all-time low.
Which is perfectly fine for a young woman by the name of Yurika Kirishima. It means a lot less paperwork for her and finally more time to relax.. At least for a little while. The one thing about the girl is that she's a bit of a workaholic, but for the time being she's perfectly fine with occupying a bench out in the middle of the park and reading a brand new romance novel, 'Behind the Curtain'.
.. Ahem.
As one could guess, it's a gorgeous day out, plenty of families and teenagers are about having a grand time doing their thing. However Yurika can't help but draw attention to herself because of her somewhat extravegant attire: A baby-blue and white dress and bonnet, both with enough frills to put even the tallest birthday cake to shame. With it of course her favorite white gloves, and white, instead of pink, maryjanes.
While things are slowing down for the studious school president, Kentou's life is beginning to ramp up!
Summer-time may be a respite from the clutches of academia for the vast majority of the student body, but for Kentou.. It's the beginning. You see, the boy has just recently enrolled into the prestigious, internationally minded Pacific High School. His entry scores were... To be polite.. Way the heck beneath their standards. In order for Hotaru to get the boy in the expensive high school, he has to take a serious summer program to get his general education up to spec in order to be able to attend real school in the Fall.
After agonizing over this issue at length, the youth has more or less resigned himself to that decision. He knows, in his heart, that its something that should be done. Even if it is time taken away from more extremely important training!
This has led him to a minor issue that's growing in severity as the first day of summer school approaches. He has everything he needs; books, pencils, peripherals, even a backpack that looks like a giant stuffed rooster. Everything except one tiny thing.
A uniform.
Apparently Pacific High requires a uniform like any school in Japan, except as an international school the standards are more vague. If there is any major gap in Kentou's understanding, that would be fashion. The boy wears the same outfit literally every day like some kind of long-haired Charlie Brown. His training uniform is traditional, after all, and he trains every single day! Unfortunately, 'honor-bound' is not one of the listed excuses for not wearing a uniform at Pacific. Go figure. Now that the deadline looms upon him, there was only one who he could entrust with such a lofty, apparel-based decision. Who's fashion sense is impeccable! As.. As far as Kentou is concerned!
The only issue? She's been indisposed for the past week. He's heard about the pageant at Seijyun and knew Yurika would be indisposed for the duration of it. Biding his time, the boy waited until the show was over before engaging his plan to sneak into campus and into her room once more! Or.. he would if he.. had a plan.
Cognizant of their last meeting, Kentou knows he must come up with a new scheme every time to meet her covertly within the girl's school's borders. That takes careful strategy and planning, as the youth is seated on a park bench facing the school itself. His legs pulled up across one another with his hands affixed to his ankles in careful balance. Rocking himself back and forth energetically as ideas visibly come and go across his face as his mousy eyes burn with determination.
At least they were until Kentou happened to notice Yurika just sitting right over there dressed up like Little Bo Peep. o.o
...Well. That was easy!
Consider this blessing counted! Kentou bounds to his slipper-clad feet in a single hop, "Yurika-Sempai!" The cheerful youth announces as he races briskly across the well-kept grass. Waving his hand overhead. ^.^
Yurika wishes she could remember those feelings of excitement when attending school.. Not that she hates it or anything, but there just isn't much that goes on in her life that she ever really feels excited about; even the pageant was just a means to an end, though she's pleased that most seemed to have had a good time.
She'd been curious to know what Kentou had been up to, each week that passes she knows is another week of improvement and of course she had always been all for the idea of him attending school. Though felt it was out of her place to really push such a subject on to him. When she hears her name called, the tone is all too familiar and her dark eyes raise from her book to young fighter. As he might expect, he's greeted with nothing less than a bright smile and a slight tip of her head, "Oh, well now aren't you lucky.." she says, of course not forgetting her challenge to him. The corner of a page bent, she closes the book with one hand and then sets it on her lap, there's a genuine sparkle of joy in those dark eyes of hers- She always, always looks forward to meeting the young martial artist again, secretly overjoyed he still sports the slippers.. But it seems it probably won't be much longer before they stop fitting him. "Kentou, what brings you here today? It's too nice a day to waste visiting me, don't you think?" she asks playfully.
The slippers have been a great addition! While Kentou's rugged feet were capable of weathering the city streets and even the outdoors, there's been enough broken glass and Winter snow in his life to know he's wished for foot gear. While its.. nontraditional for him to wear such things while training, for Yurika he's made his own exception to the family rule. Its a bit of a stretch to say that Kentou is 'excited' about school. Rather.. He's... apprehensive, to be specific. Kentou's gone through his whole life with little use for conventional socializing. Peers and friends were.. never really a priority for him and his family kept to itself. Now that he's being thrust into the middle of social central, he finds himself at a loss for how best to interface. Getting a clue on a good uniform would be a step in the right direction, he reasons.
%It could be that Kentou has gotten a fraction bigger in the time Yurika has known him. He is a growing boy, after all! His limbs certainly look more toned and defined since she first met him, all the training he's had has certainly looked like it's paid off. He may have gotten just a smidgen taller as well.. But he's still pretty short for his age. A late bloomer, to be sure. But bloom he will, and very soon.
With a mischievous chuckle, the boy hops the last few steps before coming to a halt before Yurika's seated position. Bowing deeply with a satisfied grin, he adds, "Yup yup! I get off easy this time!" He nearly makes a playful comment about how she so rarely gets to see any sun it seems.. But finds such a mention far too untoward. Straightening up his cunning grin converts into a playful smile as he folds his hands behind the small of his back, "Awwww, visiting you is never a waste!" Protesting immediately.
Kentou.. doesn't really have many friends. Point of fact, you can count them all on one hand if you don't count his instructors and Master. Yurika is, more or less, what would serve as a best friend for him. As improbable as that friendship is, considering their diametric views on things such as hobbies. But, a friendship that endures none the less.
"But! Ah. I.. Kinda need to ask you a favor.." Holding up a hand in a prayer-gesture while half-bowing with a wane smile, "..See.. I'm starting summer school in a couple days and.. well I.. Um.." Other hand coming around to meet the first in order to properly twiddle his thumbs nervously, "I.. n.. need a uniform.. And I was w..wondering if.. you. ah..?" His request bashful and stammering. Kentou isn't accustomed to asking other people for anything. He usually just tries to do things himself with stubborn tenacity. Relying upon the expertise of others is a recently acquired skill that he still has trouble with, from time to time.
The musician takes a moment to look Kentou over, though that is brought to a stop as she raises a hand to giggle in amusement. Unaware of any thoughts to the whiteness of her skin, amused that Kentou was clearly not looking forward to haveing to come up with another plan. Though, on the other hand that could be because the situation was of a slightly more urgent nature than the usual friendly visit.
As usual, Kentou is chock full of gestures and expressions, and she has to fight back a snicker as the poor thing is already stumbling upon his words. She can somewhat understand what it is he's trying to ask for, but some rather important details are missing. Regardless, with a more gentle smile she replies, "I would love to, Kentou. If you're finally going to attend school I would do anything to make certain you're properly prepared."
Admittedly, there may be something eerie in the way she says that.
Yurika pets the empty space beside her on the bench, and then would slightly turn to face the boy better. "So, did your master finally make you do this? And what exactly is it you need me to do?"
The youth is clearly delighted at such a helpful reply! As Yurika states how enthused she is at helping him with his upcoming school-time antics, Kentou's nerves calm visibly and his smile gains extra degrees of grace. The youth is ever oblivious to details like 'words in-between the lines'. Kentou has always been the most literal of sorts, never thinking of ulterior motives people may have for doing things. Ever taking people at face value unless they do something so blatant that it arouses suspicion.
Of course, once the boy holds that level of scrutiny upon someone.. They rarely ever shake it completely. Black and White is the boy's world. And right now? Yurika is dressed all in white with plenty of pretty frills attached.
The boy accepts the space beside her on the bench. Folding his hands properly onto his lap as he looks up to her with a bright grin, "Make? Naaaah.." Eyes drifting away as the grin transforms to a wistful version, "..Hotaru-Sensei suggested it but.. I knew she was right. I.. I guess I really should. I .. Guess its important or.. something.. I dunno." Still indecisive about how useful such an education will be to someone who's already well on his way towards being everything he's always wanted to be, a professional fighter. But.. even many of the NeoLeague fighters are in the local schools. Maybe it will give him the edge he needs that he's been looking for? "But! Um! Well.. I.. I know you like fashion and I think you have a pretty good idea about what guys wear for uniforms at International schools like Pacific ..Right? So.. Umm.." Tapping his fingertips together, "I thought that.. well.. I'd ask your opinion for what kind of Uniform I should wear there? Maybe you know a place I can look or..?"
Yurika does wonder what it's like to see the world through the eyes of Kentou. There's no doubt that her brother would think nothing of the youth, nothing would come of the way he views things. But she sees something completely different. Something in Kentou that tells her that his path and way of thinking will make him very strong one day. But is it his strength that's so important to her? She's fairly sure it isn't.
"Of course you won't really understand until you experience it yourself, Kentou. While there are many things you can learn only through experience, there are also things in life that you don't realize you're seeing or don't realize the importance of understanding. Education and school atmosphere will help you open your eyes to and understand those very things.. It exists even in fighting, believe it or not, so don't fall under the impression that you're falling behind in training."
"So be sure not to give it a half-hearted chance.. Hmmn.." Yurika glances off to the side a moment herself, and a slight, upward curl of her lips can be seen. "I see, so it's Pacific? I'm afraid you aren't going to enjoy what they wear very much, but at least it isn't as strict as Justice.. Hmn, and I'm pleased to hear you didn't decide upon Taiyo." her voice lowers a bit, as she whispers, "The truth is, I'm not very fond of that school." and back to her normal voice, though Yurika raises her hand to set atop one of Kentou's, perhaps trying to dissuade him from his habit. "Kentou, you really needn't be so nervous around me, it isn't a sin to ask for my help you know. That aside, there are a few places I know where you could get a uniform fit in little time."
Contrary to what one may think, Kentou doesn't think he'll be all that strong one day. He's seen the price others pay for the kind of strength monstrous fighters possess, and the boy wants no part of that. To be mighty is not why Kentou fights, unlike so many others. The fact that such strength is unimportant to Yurika is perhaps why the unlikely pair does make for such fast friends.
Yurika's words echo on Hotaru's own sentiment. The boy nods slowly in quiet acceptance, eyes focused upon the immaculately cut grass in front of the bench. Going to school and a formal education will only help his martial pursuits, no hinder them as the youth fears. While studying language and math doesn't.. seem to be helpful to his fighting, Hotaru and Yurika both have more than earned his trust. Trust enough to just give it a try and experience things first hand, they have yet to let him down in their judgement. "I see.. I'll try to be.. you know.. I'll try to really give it a try. I won't mess around or anything.." Though the thoughts of skipping classes and just 'saying he went' is aways a temptation, the boy would never be so disingenuous. When Kentou promises to do something, he does it.
Otherwise, as Yurika appraises his choice of school, Kentou turns his gaze back upwards to her. Wide eyes alert for little tid-bits of information from the informed girl. He's heard.. rumors of Pacific High. He's never met anyone from there, but he's been told that they're a bunch of snobbish jerks. Superior attitude and all that. Spoiled rich kids. Something that Kentou is most assuredly not.
The fact that Kentou almost certainly would've gone to Gedo without Hotaru's financial aid goes unremarked. But, Pacific is the better school academically. Even if culturally.. Gedo may have been a better fit for the street-wrought youth. But, perhaps, sometimes the best path is not the most obvious one. If learning is his goal, Pacific was the better choice. Even if it may end up being the harder one.
Still, as Yurika offers the low opinion of Taiyo and the critical one of Justice, the boy nods slowly with wide eyes, "Oooh.." Suddenly happy that those weren't considered! Well.. Taiyo was a possibility but, it seems, the boy's prime choices were at the far ends of the spectrum! Justice is.. Well.. Kentou wouldn't go there. Taiyo was a pleasant choice initially, but it seems its a good thing he didn't end up with that option. Blinking eyes glance downward at the hand covering his own, stilling his figiting motions. The lightest of flusters crosses the bridge of his nose as he looks back up to her, completely attentive, "Oh.. W..Well." His hands twitch slightly under her hand, reflexively trying to figit more within her grip before he stills himself, "I try not to burden my friends so much! I mean.. O.Oh? Where? And.. Wait.." Thoughts circling back to an earlier point she made as he leans a little closer, "What do you mean 'I won't like what they wear there'?"
Yurika didn't even try to consider Gedo being an option for Kentou. There'd simply just be no way she'd allow that; and while she isn't exactly a Gedo expert, her meeting with Tenma had soured her thoughts on the place even lower than she had in the past. Its only saving grace would be, of course, her close friend's brother.
That aside, though, Kentou is granted a patient smile, her grip never tightens as he instinctivly continues to fidget, then gradually draws away once it settles. She doesn't really expect him to understand the experiences he hasn't experienced yet; really, that's just impossible. Instead she eagerly awaits what his opinion will be in a couple weeks time. "I can understand that. I know I may seem like I'm 'too busy' sometimes, but really I'm never busy enough.. Besides, I enjoy being of assistance to you."
As for being friends.. Well, perhaps it's better to let him call their relationship as such, even if she doesn't feel the same. Or at least tricked herself into believing she doesn't. She smiles a bit brighter, though, as her hand lightly pinches the collar of his top, "I meant exactly what I said. A uniform at Pacific consists of a blazer or vest, dress shirt, and.. A tie. And you have to wear footwear even fancier than slippers, and socks!"
The Kenpo Student's expression becomes more aghast with every descriptive word. A Blazer. A Vest? A Dress Shirt?!
A TIE?!?
By the time Yurika is done, the boy's head is fully recoils, sagging jaw agape. He has to wear a tie? EVERY DAY? To SCHOOL?
Is.. Is it too late to rethink this?? He's going to look like such a moron! Oh Gaaawwd!
The youth's hands lift from his lap to clamp on his cheeks, forcing his jaw to audibly clomp shut. He thought Americans and Europeans were free-wheeling with their clothes! Not even MORE strict than the Japanese jacket and slacks!
Though, the boy realizes that its way too late to back out of this now. With a defeated hang of his head, Kentou lets out a long sigh as his braid flops over his shoulder from the movement, "...A...alright. I..I guess if that's what they wear there.." Sheepish eyes slowly rolling back up to her, "...And.. Where erm.. can I buy those?.. er.. Do you know?" Promptly reminding himself that he needs to be courteous as he offers an apologetic smile for his unenthused question. Glad that he does have a friend who is knowledgeable of such things! He certainly would've been quite the fish out of water without her warning ahead of time!
And, of course, the musician giggles again, letting her hand slip free of Kentou's invisible tie when he recoils. The poor thing, he hasn't set as single foot in a classroom and he's already overwhelmed! But even she can't hide her expression of being quite impressed as he doesn't declare a change of mind; hand to her chest she blinks a few times to the young fighters question.
And her heart nearly melts to the sheepish gaze he's given. "Well, it depends on how much budget you have to spend with. I don't know off-hand if Pacific covers it or not.. But if you don't have much, we may have to get something second-hand."
Again, something she wouldn't really accept. "It's summer so it really isn't likely you'd have to wear a blazer.. And I think you'd look really handsome in a uniform." Yurika then adds while her position relaxes. "I'll do my best to help you feel comfortable in it, by the way, all right?"
No, as much as Kentou has a bad feeling about this whole matter, he isn't about to back down. Kentou never backs down in the face of adversity, no matter what form challenges take! He also gave his word. Most importantly of all, Kentou knows its almost certainly the right thing to do.
As Yurika puzzles out where he could theoretically acquire such garments, and the pricing involved, the boy looks up to her attentively with wide glimmering eyes. Nodding every so often as he follows every word she issues carefully. His budget is.. Well, not his own. Kentou could scarcely afford a truly tip-top uniform in the manner the class president first described. There's always Hotaru, but he doesn't want to rely on her for everything! She's paying for this education as is. As the musician suggests second-hand, the boy eagerly nods with a somewhat apologetic grin, "Hai hai.. That's probably going to work best.." As long as he doesn't get a suit so old he looks like his Dad on prom night back in the '70's. ._.;
The youth accepts the complement with blossoming color in his cheeks, eyes turning downwards as he shifts in his seat, "Aww.. W..Well thank you.. I'm sure it'll look twice as good if you trim it up for me!" Knowing she's quite the capable seamstress. That is the reason why he came to her in the first place, after all. Nobody knows more about fashion than Yurika! Why, just look at that pageant she ran mere days ago. ^.^
Yurika's ideals in fashion most certainly aren't as traditional as one might expect; though on the other hand she certainly isn't the one to come to about proper clubbing attire. Seriously. Don't.
Yurika listens to Kentou carefully in turn, and she raises a gloved hand thoughtfully to her mouth. Second hand.. That simply just isn't allowable in her mind, she could easily arrange for something nicer; not -too- nice or then Kentou may get suspicious! After a moment of thought, she reaches into her handbag and takes out a pen and a slip of paper, writing something or other on it while of course giving a pleasent smile in return, "Well of course it will. So here's what I will have you do, this is the address of a store that should be suitable and should have something in your size." Since she knows his measurements quite well and plans to call ahead of time and pull a few strings. "If you'd like we could meet togeather to pick up something tomorrow afternoon."
The sewing club at Seijyun was certainly the most cost-efficient solution, but there wouldn't nearly be enough time at the senior students level for a complete outfit. "Or you could get it on your own if it'd be easier for you."
The only clubbing Kentou knows about is the one with blunt instruments and angry gangsters.
As the frilled one suddenly begins jotting down a note, the boy leans over just a bit to glance at the elegant script as it flows. Curious but not quite looming over close enough to make out what's written until she hands it over.
Ah-HA! He knew he could count on her! The fact that she had a shop right off the top of her head that would be perfect for him validates his whole quest to seek her out! The youth smiles brilliantly with growing excitement, somehow managing to actually make himself feel vaguely excited about wearing a nice tie even, accepting the slip of paper with a bow of his head, "I knew I could count on you! Thank you Yurika-Sempai!" Clutching the slip of paper to his chest as he bounces in place on his seat. Unaware of just how much she's helping him behind the scenes, but even that which is presented on stage is enough to make him most thankful!
"Sure! That'd be great!" Tomorrow? Perfect! He starts his summer courses in just a few days, he was worried that he wouldn't be able to get the set of clothing on time. "Naw! Nah, I'll.. probably need you to show me how to wear a tie anyway.. Eh-heh.." The corner of his smile twitching as a droplet of sweat rolls down his cheek.
Such energy! Kentou's enthusiasm is quite contagious, though it's difficult to really tell how she's expressing her own excitement at that moment. But she really is quite pleased that such a small thing makes him so happy, that much is sure with that pleasent, ghost-like smile of hers.
"Very well, it wouldn't be any trouble for me at all, of course. And that's true," Yurika giggles a bit, "Getting a tie on can be more difficult than throwing a punch, but you have good hands.. I think you'd get the hang of it in little time. So let us meet at Southtown Village mall at five thirty in the afternoon. At the main entrance." Funny thing is. Of all things, she's eager to see how the braids of his would look with the ensamble. "Oh and there's no need to thank me, it should be me thanking you.."
Yurika lets her hand slide forward, in an attempt to cup the left side of his face, just under the chin, her dark eyes focused on his own. "I've never gotten to do anything like this with my younger brother. I'm quite excited."
The youth approaches everything in life the same way. Full-bore, pedal to the metal! Kentou is not a young man of half-effort or modest attempt. He approaches life one challenge at a time and hits it with all the force he can muster. From solving math to wrecking faces! Of course, that same short-sighted tunnel vision has its fair share of problems too. Hotaru has long struggled to guide the boy into a wider perspective of life and a calmer disposition. She's even succeeded in some areas. That said, old habits die hard.
As Yurika's complements seem to know no bounds, the youth 'awww's in a somewhat demure fashion. Wiping his cheeks with his knuckles in an attempt to sooth the fluster from his skin - embarrassed. "Geez! A..Alright, five thirty in the afternoon at the Southtown Village mall. Got it!" Nodding once again as those braids bobble beyond his shoulders.
Only for his face to pause as she touches his warm cheek. For an instant, his mousy eyes glimmer a bit wider as he stares into those dark orbs fixated upon his own. The gentle contact commands his attention fully for an infinite moment as he listens to her words.
Her younger brother.. The monster Kurow. Recalled words 'Remind me of my brother..' For an instant, he imagines the emotions behind her eyes. Wondering against just what it is she sees in him.. Maybe, maybe she doesn't really see 'him'. She sees.. what she wished she had.. long ago?
The unsettling moment passes. Realizing Yurika may have seen his pensive expression he hastily reforges a bright smile. Cheeks still flustered as his own hand lifts to clasp the back of hers. Gently guiding her hand back down to her lap, "I.. I'm looking forward to it!" He adds, slipping to his feet briskly but not hurried, "Iiii.. should get going though. They gave me this book to read before classes and.." Making a screwed-up face, rubbing the back of his neck, "..I'm kinda behind already.. Ha." Mumbling, "Classeshaven'tevenstartedandI'malreadybehindgeez.."
Clearing his throat as he hops from foot to foot, preparing for his usual run back downtown, "Thank you again, Yurika-Sempai! I.. Don't know what I'd do without you sometimes!"
'May have' is about as wrong as Kentou can get there, and Yurika silently tch's to herself as her gaze suddenly averts to the side. She.. Probably shouldn't have said that. In fact, it's perhaps a better idea to never bring that up again; though she's certain that isn't what helps remind him that he has work to do! Her hand back to her lap and of course returning the bright expression with a calmer one of her own, the musician gives a nod of her head, "That certainly sounds like you.. Work hard then, Kentou."
The same hand raises to give a small wave in return. "Please, think nothing of it. I'll see you soon, and do take care." He's so adorable. Perhaps it may be a good idea to take a closer look into Pacific herself.. Though if many students are like Alexis, it shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, she understands the Pacific Resistance tend to be a bit rowdy. Hmn.. Yes, it wouldn't hurt likely to at least peek into the atmosphere and see it with her own eyes. But for now, it's relax time, and she was at a good part in her book!
Log created on 22:23:52 07/28/2008 by Kentou, and last modified on 02:20:56 07/30/2008.