LeftXRight

LeftXRight - part 3

Lore laid on his back on the cool operating table, shivering. Above him, a pair of needles grew closer and closer to his eyes. He let it happen, let the needles prick his cornea, injecting color into them. His eyes stung for only a moment. The almost daily operation used whenever he was to appear in public was part of the routine, just something he did. It always left him feeling mildly disoriented but the wave usually washed out of his system within ten minutes. He leapt off the table, shook his head to clear the dizziness, and walked carefully to the door with an escort following close behind. Rin was waiting for him outside with her hair dyed the standard black color the Japanese sported using the same method used on his eyes.

She smiled at him, a warm gentle smile that shined brighter than the early morning sun. He smiled back shyly, quickly escaping into the car to hide the blush creeping over his cheeks. Rin followed without a care in the world.

Approximately half a mile before they reached the schools entrance, Rin and Lore got out of the car, walking the remaining distance. They headed into the locker bay, changed shoes, and headed to their separate classrooms. Neither had uttered a single word to each other.

Morning classes flew by, posing no challenge to Lore's above-average intelligence. He waited patiently for the mid-day break so he could get lunch. Breakfast was a luxury that had not been granted to him that morning.

The lunch signal chimed, announcing that the wait was over. A chorus of friendly chatter stirred amongst the few students that occupied the classroom. Lore joined them after buying some bread at the school's cafeteria on the first floor. He was laughing heartily at something his buddy had said when another nudged him in the ribs.

Lore stopped laughing and peered over at his friend. "What is it?" Lore asked.

The boy jerked his head toward the classroom entrance. "Hey. Isn't that your sister that Azusa is flirting with, Roru?"

When at school, Lore was known as Roru Okada (Roru being the Japanese pronunciation of Lore), twin brother of Rin Okada. None of his fellow classmates were aware that he was a cell born and not created from an artificially produced egg. It always left a bitter taste in his mouth to be called Rin's brother, so he was already slightly peeved when he turned his attention to the door and found fellow classmate, and playboy, Azusa Uotani openly flirting with Rin. He could feel the anger boiling in his chest.

Just then, Rin made eye contact with Lore and he instantly cooled at the sight of her genuine smile. "Lore!" she chirped as she pushed past a bewildered Azusa. Lore couldn't help feeling personally triumphant at her abrupt dismissal. She ran over to him, smiling broadly.

"Hey, Rin. Whatcha doing here?" He asked casually.

She pointed past him out the window. "It's really nice out today so I thought we could eat lunch together on the roof." Grabbing his hand, she started dragging him towards the door. He followed her obediently. Behind him, the jealous remarks from his peers sang jokingly in the air. But he wasn't paying attention to what they said with his eyes fixed on Rin's petite hand wrapped around his own.

Soon they had burst through the doors heading to the roof. Rin let go of Lore's hand and ran forward, laughing as she twirled her body in circles under the gentle embrace of the sun's warm gaze. He watched her, mesmerized by the sight. It wasn't until he heard Rin call out to him did he move.

She was sitting with her legs swung to the side of her modestly, patting the ground beside her. He accepted her invitation and sat. Feeling oddly nervous, he couldn't help wondering why she had been so intent on eating on the roof together. His mind started to wander, causing his heart to speed up slightly and his cheeks to flare up. Rin noticed and reached into her pigtails, pulling out a small chip from each.

"Here," she said as she handed him one. The other chip was placed on the underside of her bracelet.

"What-" Lore started.

Rin held up her wrist, cutting him off short. "I snuck into the tech lab a while back and made these. They'll scramble the signal to headquarters, sending them a constant heart rate and body temperature." She drew her knees up to her chest and buried her face in them. Looking up at him shyly, she said, "So if there's anything you want to tell me, now is your chance...."

Lore watched her for a minute then stared down at his chip, giving the thought time to process. After a moment's hesitation, he placed the chip on the side of his bracelet closest to his skin. Then he looked at Rin intently.

"What was that Azusa guy talking to you about?"  

Rin stared at him blankly, trying to determine whether or not he was serious, which she decided he was. She said, "Are you sure that's what you want to tell me?"

Lore blinked several times before replying, "What else would I want to talk about?"

Rin smacked her head incredulously. "You really are clueless, Lore."

"How so?"

Rin breathed in deeply. She stared at him intensely, carefully enunciating each syllable. "These chips send off a constant heart rate and a constantbody temperature. So if there is anything embarrassing or revealing you want to tell me, maybe something about any hidden feelings you may have, do it now."

Lore cocked an eyebrow. "What are talking about?"

"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Rin screamed at him. She stood up, hovering over him, the flames of frustration visible to the human eye. "I'm trying to tell you it's okay to confess to me. How do you not understand that!?"

Instantly, Lore flushed a deep crimson. When Rin realized what she had just blurted out, her body turned a similar shade of red. She plopped herself down next to Lore. They sat there quietly, counting the minutes as they passed. Lore peered over at Rin. Just when Lore had gained the courage to finally speak, he noticed two silhouettes standing in front of the roof's entrance. He grabbed Rin and dragged her behind the shed.

He was watching the two students when Rin reached for his face, pulling him to her. She kissed him innocently, like an embrace, and they stayed like that until the students left. When she released him, the two stood breathing heavily just watching the other, waiting. Then Rin spoke.

"Let's run away."