Playing with Fire (Rewritten)

Chapter 6: School

Karin's leg hurt.

Not the regular body aches here and there, but legitimate pain surged through the lower half of her limb. Whether it was from yesterday's training or something, Karin woke up with a nagging sting that came in waves. Dying down every once and while before coming back when she'd least expected it.

And it just had to be acting up at the start of lecture.

" Hey, you dropped this."

She turned to her left. For a second she'd forgotten that Toshiro was beside her, attending the same school and taking the same classes. Out of the sea of students, his appearance stood out like a sore thumb. Given the look of awe and intrigue from her classmates, it was clear that Toshiro was already subject to much talk.

" Thanks..." She took back her pen. It probably fell when she wasn't paying attention. Her mind had been at a loss today and the pain wasn't helping.

He nodded and adjusted the seat next to hers. Karin was sure there was a student who usually sat here; however, it seemed that Toshiro's intimidating presence had sent student running. 'Poor kid.'

She brought her attention back to the professor's board. Even with all these distractions around her, she should still put in the effort to stay focus. In other words, it was an excuse to ignore the current source of her stress.

And just as she'd predicted earlier, Toshiro's name spread far and wide like rapid fire. By the time that class ended, there was no way to avoid the stares and chatters that followed their every move.

" Was it really necessary to follow me to lunch?" Karin asked, appearing disgruntled.

" Of course, how else can I keep surveillance on you?"

Karin shrugged, " I don't know, maybe using that spiritual sensing what ever to keep track of me?" She said, but he simply shook his head.

" While I appreciate the suggestion, this way is the most effective method. It's better that I'm by your side to communicate.You never know when another attack can happen." Toshiro stated, watching as Karin sigh in defeat.

She knew that he had a point but it was annoying to be the center of attention like this. Especially when she knew there were people among the crowd that defiantly recognize her face. 'It's like yesterday all over again.' Then again, it's not like their opinions matter. The only one she would actually care about were her friends.

'Speak of the devil, Sana's calling me.' Karin pulled out her phone and picked it up. " Hello?"

" Hellooo~" A chirpy voice sang, " I'm waiting at the student center. Also I've been hearing weird things. People are saying that there's a gang member on campus or something! He has white hair so you better watch out, Karin!"

" Ah..." Karin sighed. It seems like word travelled fast, even if it was wrong. She replied, " Okay okay, just give me like 5 minutes. I'll be there." 

Karin quickly ended her call as Toshiro peaked over to ask, " Everything all right?"

" Yeah, it's all good..." She couldn't possibly tell it wasn't. " Uh...Since you're following me anyways, wanna meet my friend?"

"...Sure?" He nodded, following her to a crowded area brimming with students going in and out. When they'd arrived, it wasn't without the unnerving stares from students around them. As Karin directed Toshiro to a seat, they were met with a wide eyed girl. Whom he could only presume was Karin's friend.

" What...?" Sana pointed to the obvious outlier of the group. There was Sana, herself, and then him - Toshiro.

" He's..." Karin hesitated, glancing at an unfazed Toshiro who didn't seem interested in coming up with an excuse, " He's a childhood friend that moved awhile ago. I just found out that he was back. "