Cote: Retelling

Chapter 6: Exploring the School

            My morning started early, around 6:40. Even if I have practice today, I should still go for a quick jog. I quickly change into a sports jersey and head down. The morning air is a bit chilly and the sun is just peaking up from beyond the horizon. Once again, another picturesque scenery. And once again, it's gone to shame from having me be the only one to see it.

I start a light jog around the premises, letting the slight sounds of wind and leaves wash over me. There's no one else around at this time and nothing really to do other than run. No secret motivation or plan, nor is there anyone around. Just running. Somehow, I feel a bit of my tension leaving me. Perhaps, for me, someone who's lived without hardly ever talking to people, just the classroom is enough to put me on edge. This is somewhat pleasant... Is it strictly my solitary nature, or is it some influence of mother nature? I wonder...

Then, a bit in front of me, I see another person running. A girl with long brown hair, just a few steps ahead of me. I can't tell for sure who it is just from her back, but I should still say hello. Her pace is a little slower than mine, so I'll eventually catch up. I don't feel like purposefully restraining my pace to stay behind her. Also, if I did that and she turned around, things would be awkward. Catching up, I say to her from the side, "Good morning."

"Good morning." I see her face. The one who responds is Matsushita Chiaki, one of the more composed members of the class. With well-kept long brown hair, delicate gestures, and an almost coquettish voice, she had a well-raised, high-class air about her, but that was contrasted somewhat by the 'typical-high-school-girl' mannerisms she displayed in class. She groups with Sato Maya and Shinohara Satsuki for lunch, who were my current baselines for 'typical-high-school-girl' behaviour. On that note, my current standard for 'typical-high-school-guy' behaviour was Miyake Akito, though he is slightly lacking in the socializing department. Hondo Ryotaro, a somewhat gloomy-looking guy with flat grey hair, is my other male standard.

"Matsushita, right? You're up early."

"Ayanokouji-kun, right? Same to you too. It's not even seven yet."

"You were here even before me, though. Did you get enough sleep?"

"Not really...Somehow, the bed was a bit uncomfortable, and it woke me up."

"Maybe it's just the new environment getting to you. You'll get used to it soon enough." That was something new children in the white room often heard. Well, unlike the scientists, I meant it when I said it.

"I suppose so." Alright, this seems like a good time to split. The conversation's come to a conclusion, and I've slowed myself long enough. Let's not overstay my welcome.

"Yeah. Anyway, see you later, Matsushita. I'll be going on ahead."

"Wait. Ayanokouji-kun, why don't we jog together for a bit?" She asks with a small smile. How very cute. Well, if she asks herself, I won't refuse.

"Sure." I once again match my pace with hers and we jog side-by-side.

"So, Ayanokouji-kun. I heard you were amazing during a soccer game yesterday."

"Who did you hear that from?"

"First from Sato-chan, then from Mii-chan and Mori-chan and finally Kushida-san who heard from Karuizawa-san."

"Is that so? The Girl's information network is really impressive."

"Sure is. Anyway, I didn't know you were good at soccer, Ayanokouji-kun. You should've said so during your introduction."

"I'm not exactly good at soccer, I'm just physically decent overall. I don't have any actual skill in the sport. When it comes to that, Hirata and the others are better than me."