Class C: Civil War

Dragon's meal

"Hey Ayanokouji-kun. Want to join us for lunch? Ibuki could join us as well." As soon as her name was mentioned Ibuki immediately stood from her desk and collected her things. Without a single look towards us she walked towards the door and subsequently left the room. Despite the snow queen departing, the cool breeze still remained. I shouldn't be drawing conclusions too soon, but it seems Ibuki is in fact human.

"Wow, cold. Is everything good with you two? Or was it my fault for asking?" Tokitou showed a bit of concern, apparently not taking her dismissal too personally. It was good that he understood Ibuki's actions fundamentally. She'd likely have the same response to anyone asking, especially if it meant I was coming along for the ride. I noticed Manabe tracking her with her eyes out of my peripheries. A contented smile lingering on her face as soon as she witnessed Ibuki's escaping figure.

"Nothing to worry about. I appreciate the offer, let me just collect my books." Ever since that day in her room she's been giving me the cold shoulder. Not that she wasn't doing that before... Now it just feels more merciless. For the life of me I couldn't think of any reason as to why. I couldn't think of an action I had taken that would cause Ibuki to be this obstinate. I'll just give her some time, she'll come around eventually. Although she is exceptionally stubborn...

"Cool. Okabe-kun and Takumi will be joining us. I assume that's fine?" Admittedly I wasn't ecstatic about sharing the same table with Oda, given his proclivities for being a nuisance. But I was at least somewhat interested in getting to know Okabe and Tokitou better. Seeing as my first choice for company was already indisposed, I would just have to settle with this.

Each sentence that escaped Tokitou's mouth indicated a peculiar speech pattern. At times he would use slang and contractions that fit someone like Oda more. But then as if he were rewinding a tape by hand, he'd retroactively attempt to talk more politely. From his frequent use of Oda's given name and lack of honorifics, I assumed they knew each other for a lengthy amount of time. Raising from my seat, I silently send a prayer Tokitou's way.

Not that they were trying particularly hard to hide their connection. I wondered if there were many more in the school that had acquaintances following from their previous school.

"Of course, no problem." Quickly filling my bag with the books used in our last class we set off for the cafeteria.

"Ibuki, huh?" He asked whilst giving a sinister grin. "I was gonna ask if you guys ended up doin' anything. But I think it's pretty clear that nothin' happened, eh?" Oda jabbed at me. No, like he physically punched me in the arm whilst saying that. On the same spot multiple times. It wasn't like it hurt, but it was still bothersome. Was he trying to get along? I had heard of prospects like this, roughhousing between friends. It was one of the many aspects of camaraderie between men. They could argue, fight, settle the misgiving and develop even stronger bonds after it. I wasn't terribly thrilled about the prospect of having a stronger bond with Oda, in fact I think I'd pick just about anyone else other than my next-door neighbour in class for that privilege. (Even the titanic wall that was Yamada Albert.) That being said I couldn't very well give up the opportunity presented to myself.

"I was just looking after her, Oda." Punctuating the sentence with a quick jab back at his own arm. The smug glow of satisfaction was immediately replaced with a growing irritation.

"Haha. Should've known, ball-boy got no game, huh?" He said slightly increasing the force as he jabbed in the same spot once again.

"Game? I'm not sure what you mean. Are you qualified enough to tell me about the rules or how it's played?" I asked whilst matching his force and aiming for his arm once again.