Choose Me {KH Vanitas Story}

Chapter 7: Confrontation

The remaining week of school went by smoothly. I memorized my class locations by the second day, yet I found Vanitas still walking me to every single class. Maybe he wanted to make sure I knew where they were so by the end of the week I would "leave him alone." Whatever his issue was, he did a good job at hiding it. I thought I was making some progress through all his spikes as the week went on. We even had conversation during our transitions from class to class as he took out his headphones to chat with me.

However, one thing that remained on my mind was these looks I received from a tall blonde girl. We only had one other class together in which Vanitas was involved as well, but if we passed one another in the halls I could see a scowl on her face. I could have simply been feeling self conscious as that glare could have been directed to anyone in the crowded hallways, however this nagging feeling stuck to the back of my mind that it was for me. I didn't know her nor have I spoken with her, yet I could feel my hair stand on end around her presence.

The bell rung to signal the end of science and as usual everyone began to filter out. I kept up my normal routine and lingered in the back a while, waiting for the opportunity to slip out myself. I was shocked to see that Seifer had rushed out of class to catch up with Vanitas, shoving people out of the way as Vanitas was one of the first to leave almost unnoticed. He placed a hand on Vanitas's shoulder and the two vanished beyond the classroom and into the hallway. I lifted a confused eyebrow but shook my head to clear any thoughts about it.

'Its none of my business.' I told myself as I shrugged off the encounter and instead prepared myself for the lunch room.

I entered into the crowded and loud eating area as everyone's chatter echoed in my ears. I winced at the sound, making a face as I walked towards the groups table I was compelled to sit at all week. I tried multiple ways to get out of it but to no avail as they found a way to get me to sit with them every single time. By the end of the week I just gave up, automatically walking over to their table.

"There she is!" Axel exclaimed with a grin. I slipped into the empty seat beside him.

"Don't get too comfortable, you have a mission." Namine warned me. I could tell she wasn't serious as a small smile showed on her lips.

"Vanitas has sat with us every day this week until today." Xion explained. She pointed a finger at my direction. "Today he didn't, so you need to go get him."

I was taken back. "Why me?!"

"Because you got him to sit here on Monday." Riku pointed out. I saw him smirk to combat my distressed face.

"That was one time!" I argued.

Sora leaned forward and slammed his hands on the table. "Yes, one more time than the rest of us. Now go get my brother!"

I groaned yet followed their demands anyway. I was looking for excuses to keep distance between us and this was the best I could do for now. I slung my bag over my shoulder and sought Vanitas outside, throwing open the doors that led to him.

"Ah!"

I screamed when I felt a sudden pair of hands grab me. I was taken by surprise as I was swung around and slammed into the wall, the back of my head hitting brick. I winced and gasped for air, immediately lifting my eyes to see who I was dealing with.

"Listen, Mariko." It was the blonde girl from before, her emerald eyes gleaming with malice as she leaned forward so our faces were only inches apart. "There's something you need to know for next week."

My muscles tightened with fear. I wanted to reach up and rub the pain from my head, but this girl had my arms pinned against the wall rendering me useless. Terror struck my core as her strength kept me from provoking, and my own fear kept me from arguing. My body quivered from her towering over me as her superiority complex took over.