Salut D'Amour

Measure 5: The Blue-Haired Robot

TSUKIMORI'S POV

***

"What's taking them so long?" I snap impatiently and Yunoki smiles at me.

"It's barely a minute past 9, Tsukimori-kun." He replies calmly but I scoff.

"9 am is 9am, Yunoki-senpai." I mutter. Right on cue, Shimizu appears with his huge cello.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, Kanazawa-senpai, Yunoki-senpai, Tsukimori-senpai." He gives each of us a sleepy bow and yawns. I give a slight bow and so does Yunoki.

"You seem tired Shimizu-kun.' Yunoki points out but Shimizu slowly shakes his head.

"On the contrary Yunoki-senpai, I've been sleeping all day eversince yesterday." He rubs his eyes and Yunoki just smiles some more. I look at the huge watch and sigh.

What is taking that person so long?

***********

TSUCHIURA'S POV

***

"Gomen nasai Kanazawa-senpai. I had to finish some few chores." I bow to Kanazawa who grunts and raises a brow.

"Big brother responsibilities huh? I've got no problem with you being late. But somebody else has." He waves his hand and I sigh. Someone, huh? I look around and see Yunoki talking with Hihara at the vending machine while Shimizu is sleeping by the bench beside Fuyuumi. Then that someone must be...

"Sorry." I yawned as I pass by the blue-haired robot who looks at me indignantly.

"Is that all you can say?" He replies icily and I try to keep my calm.

"Well, sorry for being late." I give each word special emphasis. "Happy?" I ask indifferently and sit down.

"Annoyed." He points out and I feel a nerve pop. "The fact that you were the one who is late and that you have the nerve to try and insult me first is a very disappointing act indeed. I never knew such an arrogant person had lived on earth."

This guy.... I clench my fist and try to relax myself. Keep calm Ryoutaro, you can't punch this prideful robot okay? I give a cough and cross my arms.

"Me, arrogant? Really... I am beginning to wonder what you consider yourself as." I retort and I feel him stiffen.

"Trying to depreciate my value, now? Not a very smart move."

"On the contraire, I'm just stating the obvious. Can't accept the truth?"

"Who asked for your observations?"

A strong desire to throw knives at him was a mutual atmosphere as we both sat beside each other.

"Wow...Are we interrupting - something?"

I look up and see Hihara holding a bag full of food. Beside him is an equally confused Yunoki. I sigh and stand up.

"None at all. I was just about to stand up." I say and Tsukimori grunts.

"GOMEN NASAI MINNA-SAN!"

Everyone looks up and see that familiar red-hair run towards us.

"Hino!" I call out as she pants upon reaching us.

"Sorry...I...I...Overslept." She explains and Hihara laughs.