CHAPTER 4: MY MATH TEACHER DOES DRUGS

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...The girl.

Recalling her felt fogged away, like grasping at mist. Or watching a butterfly fold itself, before vanishing into thin air. Like forgetting and remembering everything, everywhere, all at once...

Yet, never realizing what had been lost here.

Even as she stood right next to him, he couldn't notice her. He didn't even realize her presence until the silence was broken and he jolted awake.

"Hello," She murmured. Her voice was a bit delicate, like each breath was precious to her. But her face never seemed to focus on the lenses of his eyes.

Zero spoke first: "What's your name?" He asked, his scarlet eyes dilating...

She voiced something like: 'Mayonnaise'.

At least, that was what Steven heard.

"Mayo, right?" Steven asked.

During the beginning of class, back when Ms. Happi had been running down the list of names, towards the end, she had called out a girl's name. The name had sounded like a mixture of vinegar and mayonnaise, so he off-handily remarked: "Mayo".

"N-" Mayo spoke again, and this time, everything seemed to become clearer. "My name's not-"

Her hair, which was enthrallingly blue, had slight waves running through. Her eyes were golden and piercing and a faint birthmark dotted her cheek. This contrast in features made her unforgettable, yet just looking away seemed to shift her characteristics away once more. But, she hadn't changed... at all.

And then the realization hit him. She wasn't.

<Why is there no character profile, again?> Steven asked. <Who is she?>

['Service unavailable: Send complaints to xxx@qmail.com' X ] - Dieze.

Steven blinked. He noticed Zero just standing near him, not saying a word.

"Steven," He introduced himself, "And that's Zero."

She spoke her name again, but Steven didn't bother committing it to memory.

"It's nice to meet you, Mayo." He informed her while a panicked look spread on her face.

"That's not my-", she let out a light breath and then muttered, "Oh, it's not the first time."

Steven wasn't sure if that was directed at him. It felt more like a consolation, rather than being directed at them. Probably a pep talk.

"I-"

That was when the bell rang, interrupting her.

Oh. He had to go. He had to get his red-bean pancakes. Walking off with a couple bounds in his steps, he approached Ms. 'Charitable' and engaged in deep meaningful conversation with her.

'Red Bean Pancake [B+] Acquired.'

[Consuming...]

Specks on a napkin were left behind. [Press E to discard in the trash bin].

[Successfully discarded.]

'Let's see... Dieze, what's my next class?"

Dieze pulled up his schedule for him, circling the next class.

It was... math for two periods. Great.

Steven started walking again, before being stopped in his tracks by a sudden voice, "Hey."

He turned his head to see red eyes staring back at him.

Steven looked around confused. "You didn't go ahead with Mayo?"

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