She (TakashiMorinozukaxOC)

Chapter 14: The Roof

"Good job, Jenni-chan," Honey said. During the cultural event at Ouran, the gym was crowded with sweating athletes, the stand lined with a few observers to the small tournament. Jenni's brow caught a bit of sweat; she took off her gloves and looked across the large mat to where their teammate was finishing up the round. So far, the dojo, and Jenni, had been doing well. She made it to the finals of the Judo matches the day before. That day, Wednesday, was for karate. 

Jenni looked at Honey as she sat on the bench, "Thanks," she said and sipped her water. 

With watchful eyes, she looked around at the crowded gym. Her hand went up to her neck, but found nothing there. Sighing, she remembered that she had to take off her necklaces for the tournament. 

But doing this tournament meant she was a step closer to receiving the neck level of black belt. Takashi's father was across the gym, standing tall like his son and happening to be looking in her direction when she found him. 

In his yukata, his longer hair in a tie down the back of his head, he looked so similar and yet so different than Takashi. Her head tilted, and she offered an anxious smile and wave in his direction.

He nodded once at her. 

Like Takashi, Akira was hard to read. Jenni found herself wondering what the gesture meant as the man turned and left the gym entirely, leaving her to look at Honey in question. 

"I think that meant you did a good job!" Honey smiled, but Jenni was still unconvinced. 

Soon, her last teammate won the final round. 

Winners were announced shortly-- Jenni was given a first place medal for her division-- and everyone was dismissed so the gym could be cleaned up. Up in the stands as she headed for the locker rooms, she saw a flash of grey eyes. Jenni smiled and waved at Takashi, who smirked and waved back. At least he was easier to read than his far more stoic father. 

Jenni peaced out to the locker room to shower and change. 

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Jenni's saddle shoes clacked on the tile of the locker room. After throwing her bag onto her shoulder, she struggled to get her school back onto her other shoulder. Her karate equipment was heavy, and frankly a little ripe. With a sigh, Jenni endured it and passed by Kiki-- who was in the karate club with her at Ouran. 

"Good job today, Jenni-senpai." 

"You too, Kiki." 

Kiki joined Jenni and they walked out of the locker room together, "Are you going to the Host Club since we don't have any more classes?" 

Jenni shook her head, "I'm actually giving a short presentation for Mr. Christie before I head home. He liked my book report on To Kill a Mockingbird that he wants me to give an American-perspective presentation on it. He invited both of his English Literature classes and the Literature clubs from the guest schools." 

"Wow," Kiki said, "Good luck, then!" 

Jenni waved off Kiki, "See ya!" 

Jenni turned and started up the stairs towards the hall which held her locker. She turned the corner on top of the stairs and adjusted the shoulder of her bag. From the wall, a figure appeared with red hair. 

"Hi," he said lowly and shyly. 

Jenni paused and looked up, "Oh, hi, um, Kasanoda-san, right?" 

"Ritsu is fine, but yeah." he said, "Do you need help with your bags?" 

"Well--" 

"Here," he took her school bag from her side. 

Jenni was a bit confused. He hadn't seemed this sociable the first time they had met. She thanked him and started to walk towards her locker again.