Unexpected

Chapter 2 || Hello, my name is Nanami Momozono ||

"This is who I am, nobody said you had to like it"

The week passed quickly and for once I attended study hall, though it was more of chaotic gossip that wrecked your ears. I turned the volume higher as I spun the pencil in hand and erased a bit and re-drew the line. My fingernails slightly scraped the paper, but I didn't care. At least my black nail polish hasn't scraped onto the paper, yet. I smiled at the thought as I proceeded with the rough sketch that's been invading my mind all day. Then a hand on my shoulder, jumping I turned and pulled my earbuds out. A girl with long caramel hair looked at me. Her brows knitted together as those dark chocolate-glazed eyes stared over me with concern. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." She spoke, there was a kindness to her tone as her eyes held this guilt. I smiled at her, "No worries, I was pretty zoned out, only natural to be startled." She lit up, chuckling at my statement. "That is true." She grinned as I leaned back in my chair, "My name is Thorn Lucien-er. Sorry Lucien is my last and Thorn my first. Forgot Japanese customs have ya said it backward." I rambled making the girl laugh, "Don't worry about it, not a lot of us do that here. My name is Nanami Momozono!" She chirped making me laugh and tilt my head, "Really? And nice to meet ya Nanmi-shit Nan-na-mi." I pronounced slowly as she smiled, anxiety creeping up, "You are alright," she said softly making my worry ease. "Do you still have trouble pronouncing Japanese?" I paled, chuckling. "Yeah, my accent kinda makes it harder because I'm used to shortening my language or using slang in proper terms." She hummed and nodded, "Well I'm fluent in English, if you can't pronounce anything just say it regularly and I'll understand." She offered making my eyes light up. "Really? Thank you!" I exclaimed happily making her grin broadened and I motioned her to sit if she'd like to.

The girl took the empty chair as a light conversation rang out, I learned she was an only child living with a friend. That her favorite color was this dark blue hazed with purple, how she dislikes science but enjoys math, and found the novel we're studying in English one of the most interesting assignments she's ever been given. She talked about her disgust of mushrooms, which I couldn't help but agree with, and that she found my sketch beautiful even though it wasn't finished. I found her interesting and sweet, she was calmer than the other girls here but still upbeat. I liked that she stood out among the crowd on her own terms. She wasn't afraid to ignore the childish gossip or bite back when an unfair comment was spewed. I found myself enjoying her sweet nature and wondered how she would see me if she knew of my tattoos and gothic preference. I've learned the hard way in Japan people judge your body and not your soul. That tattoos were a sign of the mafia here and that gothic looks weren't common. I learned that being here it's better to be a group than an individual, which I disagree with. I guess this was why I found her presence so refreshing. She upheld her own beauty but didn't seem to realize it. Her sweet charm, empathetic nature, and calming tone would leave anyone with a relaxed sensation. Then she asked me about myself, stating how she had rambled about her life but I had said nothing. She admitted her curiosity and only said if I felt comfortable enough to share and I did. I told her of my life in America, and how strange the customs here are. About my favorite color being a deep cherry red, in which she laughed. I spoke of the art I did in the auditorium along with my love for literature and distaste for mathematics. How much I loved music and the smell of rain and mentioned my tattoos. She seemed curious and I asked about the mafia rumor which she confirmed. 'I highly doubt a sweetheart like you is a mafia member.' She claimed confidently and I couldn't help but feel relieved for not being judged for what I love and things important to me. Being yourself brings people who are like you closer, like a moth drawn to a flame. But if you fake it, you'll bring fake people. The bell came quicker than we liked, but I learned her chair was a few seats behind mine. We grinned at each other and went back to class.

"What's with the screaming?" I questioned walking beside Nanami, she gave a sigh. "Kurama." Heh? I cocked a brow and she chuckled; "He's a popstar, so all the girls go crazy around him. I'll admit when I first came back to school, it was to see him." I paused and gave her a smile, "But he's an ass?" I asked making her chuckle, "Somewhat, he's cocky and flirty." Ah, but wouldn't that be lonely? Being surrounded by people but no one knowing who he truly is? I know Raiden feels that way sometimes, especially when he's doing big projects for his viewers. We stopped staring at the doorway of our class, wait! It's that guy? I cocked a brow, well that explains the attitude. Steel clashed into icy blue and I tilted my head. He eyed me over and Nanami caught my attention; "Let's go through the other door." I nodded walking along with her as we slipped in, the blonde who sat behind me, Isobe? I think. Began to spew some bullshit; "If it isn't poor broke Nanami!" He taunted making my brow twitch as he got closer but respected her space. She seemed to give a light glare, protruding her bottom lip as her brows folded. She's upset, can I help her? "Has daddy come back yet?" That's it, "Shut the fuck up." His mouth hung as he looked at me, I held a cold glare crossing my arms. "So the mute girl can speak?" I chuckled and shifted forward, glaring up at him as he backed up. "So the brat can't say anything nice?" I taunted back, he seemed taken aback as I held my glare. "If ya got nothing nice to say then don't say it or did your parents never teach you that?" I went to the same length he did, his orbs widened as he stuttered a response and I tapped my foot waiting for an answer. "That's what I thought, you owe Nanami an apology. Next time don't bully someone, or pesture them for that matter. Your comments are rude and uncalled for, clean up yer act." All he could do was apologize to the wide-eyed girl, I heard the girls gossiping outside but didn't care. I walked to Nanami; "Hey ya good?" I questioned making her nod softly, "Yeah, thank you, Thorn." She gave a warm smile and I grinned. "Of course, what are friends for?" We chuckled and began to get set up for class.