His Equal

Seasons Change

Summer ended a long time ago, and it was currently Autumn. Asuka and I have come to a first name basis somehow, I didn't really notice it until earlier this week. It was just something I didn't think much about, until someone else mentioned it to me. One of my classmates questioned me about it, and I didn't even realize when we started calling each other by our first names.

I don't think Asuka noticed it either, since she doesn't seem particularly smug. She acts like herself, her rather poetic tendencies becoming something I look forward to. I wouldn't say I act completely real around her, but it feels like we're becoming more than just acquaintances, it's like we're becoming friends.

But that sounds ridiculous, I've never needed any friends before. I don't understand how I could actually enjoy a person's company, when they don't rival my own intelligence. Anyone below me, were just pawns to use. But she isn't like the others, she can read a person, she thinks about the world, and she has a kind heart, even unlike most of our classmates.

It's odd, and I can't even use her, cause she can somehow turn it back on me without even trying. How does one compete with someone like that? She's nothing like Akabane, which I'm pleased about. She appears to have more of a soul than most of the school, which is just fascinating.

"Gakushu! Hey, wait up!"

I turned around, to see Asuka speed walking towards me with a giant grin on her face. I didn't feel the need to glare at her, it was relaxing to see a smile on her face. She never held back when she was in a good mood, or even bad mood. I prefer it when she is in a good mood, that way I don't have to deal with her sudden outbursts.

"You ready for that article to be published finally? The newspaper club just gave me back the photos they didn't use, which means the article should be coming out soon! Then we will get to see our model student in the freshman year!"

"Yes, I suppose that it's a noteworthy occasion."

"You mean, probably an exciting thing! Or, in your case, the perfect chance to get good opinions about yourself from the student body."

"Truly, you can read through everyone with ease, can't you?"

She smirked, brushing her hair to the side. 

"Reading people is a special skill, only those who can handle the responsibility can do it. Seems like you can't do it yet, Mr. Asano!"

I scoffed, rolling my eyes at her teasing. She truly has no fear does she?

"Probably because I don't need that skill, when I can get everyone to do what I want either way."

"My, confident are we?"

"Have to be, if I want to stay in control."

"Touche."

I looked at her, and I felt the tension disappear from my body, chuckling at the routine that we have somehow managed to make without even thinking about it. 

"Hey, are you hosting that party for the entire school? I had some questions about it, since I am apart of the photography club."

"What questions?"

"I was just wondering what types of shots you wanted me to take. Do you want me to catch the other students having the time of their lives, or is this mean to be strictly professional?"

I felt slight surprise hearing her question, for more than one reason. Usually, she wouldn't ask me questions when it came to social events. She would just do a little bit of everything, then I'd take the photos I'd want. Then she also wanted to know what type of photos she should be taking? That one is just odd on it's own.

"Well, the whole party is really just for the yearbook. They needed some event so that they could have the students shown to be having a good time. So, just get the shots of everyone having fun, no professionalism required. Why did you even ask? Usually you'd just do what you desired."

Asuka seemed taken aback by my question, but she soon grinned for some reason. She shook her head, giggling to herself.

"I'm not even sure myself. Guess I just felt like making it a easier job on myself, since I won't be able to stick around for long."

I furrowed my eyebrows hearing that from her, since she usually stays after school just to work on her homework. It's a bit odd hearing that she wouldn't be able to stay long after school, since I've spent most of my time with her after school. 

"Really? I thought after you did your job, you'd at least stay for the party."

"Yeah, my family isn't too happy with me at the moment. So, they only let me stay after school for homework or club activities. Otherwise, it's straight home until school the next day."

That sounds odd, why would her family not be happy with her? She's a good student, and she doesn't really speak out that much. She just goes with whatever she feels is right, and sticks to it. I can't imagine anyone getting angry with her, but irritated I could see happening.

"What happened for them to even be remotely angry with you?"

She lost her grin, looking towards the windows. Odd, usually she would answer even with that grin of hers on her face.

"How about we just say I got a bit carried away. It's too complicated to even explain properly, and I'm not sure I could even explain it the right way honestly."

She's avoiding answering, so it must have been something fairly big and bad. Wonder what she could have done to get her into so much trouble? I stared at her, noticing that she had bags under her eyes, that she tried to hide with concealer, which I could still see through. 

Has she always worn concealer to hide the bags under her eyes? From what I can recall, I don't think so. I usually don't see her wearing makeup, ever. So, why would she wear makeup, when she hates the very idea of using it? Just what are you trying to hide, Asuka?