Chemical Engineering

Chapter Twenty: Reassurance

Kumiko, hearing the morning announcement, stretched her limbs and groaned. Hopping out of bed, she grabbed clothes from her wardrobe, dressing herself, groggy.

Putting her hair up, she put her medicine in her pocket and grabbed her cardkey. Opening the door, she quickly stepped outside...

And crashed into another lithe body.

"Ow! Ugh, sorry about that-" Looking up she saw the frail body of Akiko Matsumaru.

"Oh hey Kiki. I- hey are you okay?"

Akiko's eyes were red and puffy, probably from crying for the remainder of the night. "Huh? Yeah I'm alright."

Worried, she helped Akiko stand. "Are you sure? You look... upset."

"Hmm? Yes, yes I'm alright. Shall we go to the cafeteria?" Akiko said, emotionless.

"Oh uh... yeah sure. Let's walk together."

Kumiko linked her arm with Akiko's and the two traveled through the halls after that. Akiko kept her head down, most likely to hide her face. Otherwise though, her outside appearance was flawless. Her hair was brushed thoroughly, with the two braids over her shoulder and her outfit was without any distress or wrinkles.

Without many words spoken, the two made their way to the cafeteria. Opening the door, they were met with a quiet atmosphere.

Ryozo met Kumiko's eyes and gave her a nod as a way of greeting. Misaki was playing with her food, moving it on her plate with cutlery. Even Kenta, who always had something wicked to say, was silent and glaring at the wall.

"G, good morning everyone." Kumiko brought out a smile, hoping to infect the others with her positive nature.

"Morning friend!" Kaori, as always, returned her chipper attitude but the others remained the same.

Akiko dislodged her arm and sat between Maiko and Gin, her face a blank canvas.

"Um h, how is everyone?" Kumiko asked as she sat next to Aiyanna and Hiroko.

"Everyone's pretty down in the dumps actually. After what happened yesterday, we're all kinda just... mourning." Aiyanna spoke.

"Oh..." Kumiko trailed off, sad for both her current friends and departed ones.

The doors slammed open, revealing a heavily annoyed Kei with... Shockbolt clinging to her leg?

"Oh for the love of... GET OFF ME YOU CRETIN!" She shook her leg wildly, even hitting it against the wall to get the monstrosity off of her.

No luck though.

"I'm so lonely though!! C'mon pet me or something. I NEED LOVE TOO!"

"Oh my fucking... Can somebody help me?!"

Kaori frowned, getting up. "No touchy friend!" He managed to tear the kitsune off of Kei, earning a wail from the machine.

"Rude bitches!!"

"Thank the sky above for you Kaori. Now, what the hell do you want?" She directed her questioning glare at Shockbolt.

"Hmph ruin my fun, why dont you. I just wanted to tell you all the third floor issssss... OPENED! So go ahead and explore at your heart's desire!!"

Kaori yelped as he dropped Shockbolt. Everyone looked at the muscled baker as he shrieked. "Bad fox shocked me!"

"Are you ok, Kaori?" Jiro checked over his friend, smelling the alarming scent of burned flesh.