Chapter Text
I
On a well-tempered day during the middle of spring, two young men were settled in-between the bookshelves of Y. academy's library. They had been here for a few hours now, tasked with sorting the books. Their conversations weren't much to speak of. It was but simple idle talk to fill the space in-between checking off a book from the checklist. It wasn't until one of them had brought up a plan of revolution did they start to appear more animated. A plan to turn Yumenosaki A. on its head
The next of the two to speak was Aoba Tsumugi, a kind-natured boy with an overall unassuming appearance. He was just below average height with dark, wavy hair which was cut to frame dull, gold eyes. Despite this, his gentle earnestness lent him a unique charm, but also made him an easy target to use or abuse. Not that he would ever think to resent this. His parents weren't much to speak of, and this perhaps lent to his queer understanding of his relationships with others.
"Well then, we already have the first three eccentrics confirmed per your and Hasumi's request. Now you just need to find two more! Isn't that great news Eichi-kun?"
The man mentioned as Eichi made the pair complete. A heir to the successful Tenshouin family and the reason the two had come to spend time sorting books together on this day. He was exceptionally handsome and average height, yet frail and rather bony. He had striking blue eyes and blonde hair that shone with the sun itself. Most of his allure came from his angelic demeanor. Though, if one peered close enough, perhaps they could see through the cracks, into the turmoil storming within.
Though the two hadn't known each other long, in fact they had only met a couple hours prior, they spoke with familiarity.
"Yes, it's very great news Tsumugi."
The eccentrics were part of a plan Eichi and his childhood acquaintance, aforementioned Hasumi Keito, had hatched not so long ago. They were to be idols of extraordinary talent, ringleaders who would instill some of their spirit into every student. So far, Eichi and Hasumi had given these roles to three suitable candidates. The idols Hibiki Wataru, Sakuma Rei and Shinkai Kanata as the respective Gods Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo were at the forefront of this nasty business. Only earlier this day had Eichi expressed his desires to include two more students to Tsumugi. And so this was now the current topic of their discussion.
As Eichi removes a book from the shelf he seems to hesitate slightly before speaking. "Are there any students you'd recommend?"
"Me? Uhm, I've heard rumours of a new student from Reimei Academy but- Oh! Eichi-san, look at this." Tsumugi had picked up a magazine haphazardly left on the side of a windowsill and had opened on the page he was now holding out in front of him to Eichi through the gap. "What do you think? Him as your fourth eccentric I mean."
"Itsuki Shu? Ah, the leader of Valkyrie. Yes, he would fit perfectly. Well done Tsumugi. I knew I could trust you with this." A sincere smile appears on Eichi's face. Tsumugi chuckles sheepishly in response.
"It wasn't much. It was just lucky that someone left this magazine here."
"Don't put yourself down. With this we're even closer to our goals. Thank you Tsumugi."
"Well then you're welcome, Eichi-kun."
"So now only one remains. I think it would be best for that place to go to a first year." Eichi places the book back and walks around the bookshelf, meeting the other tête-à-tête. "Hasumi and I have already discussed using the first years Akehoshi-kun or Hidaka-san but well..." What he says next is something he knows will remain irreversible. "Tsumugi, may I leave this choice up to you as well?"
"Of course Eichi-kun! I'll do my best!"
II
Eichi stepped outside the into the mild spring sun, letting out a sigh as he bent down to pick up just one of the many cans littered across the stairs.
'With Tsumugi working beside me it's almost over, he's quickly proved himself to be a worthwhile pawn. I didn't expect to make such progress so soon after coming back...'
Up until recently Eichi had been hospitalised which meant he had been absent from Yumenosaki A. for a short while. Yumenosaki A. had been a school with a long-standing reputation for turning out as much talent as possible. However what started as a few ill-natured students had multiplied into a majority, and its reputation had been gradually diminishing ever since. Upon return, Eichi had noticed that the attitudes of the students seemed worse than ever.
He crushes the can in his hands and hurries down the steps, purposefully avoiding walking past a group of students huddled to the left side of the stairs.
'One more...just one more! Until these deviants will be cleansed. Keito, can you believe it? Our dreams are finally about to culminate! We're almost there. Even if will be at the expense of others. Ah, perhaps I'm pushing Tsumugi too far as well. I've only known him a few hours yet he's utterly attached to me. I guess I can't blame him...so surely it's fine to treat him this way?'
Tearing himself from his thoughts, he finds himself having arrived in front of the fountain near the entrance of the school. A flash of blue hair catches his eye from a second floor window and he gasps as his heart skips a beat. "Hibiki-kun", he mutters dreamily into the air.
The man named as Hibiki Wataru was hitherto mentioned. However what was not mentioned was Eichi's utter adoration for the boy. Ever since his youth bound to a hospital bed, he had been enamoured by the freedom the once magician displayed. He would even go so far as to claim this boy saved his life. Not that Wataru had ever personally interacted with him though. Regardless, Eichi felt he owed him a sufficient amount of gratitude.
The sight of his idol had taken the strength from his legs, and he drops himself on the edge of the fountain. His mind had suddenly been thrown into array.
'Only one more and soon you'll be mine. Will you detest me? Will you accept me? Am I even capable of this? No it isn't a matter of if, I have to be capable. Yes, because this is necessary, it may not be right but I know I have no other choice. And it's all so close to my grasp. So why? Why must this trifle bother me?' He thinks solemnly. However, a voice interrupts him from his thoughts. "Excuse me, may I have that?" Eichi peers up towards the source of the sudden voice. In front of him is a figure enshrouded in light. He shields his eyes until they adjust to the afternoon sun and he can properly gaze at the boy standing in front of him. He's immediately frozen under kind eyes. "Sorry?" He murmurs, beside himself. His gaze had floated right as he had noticed two brown dots placed with the utmost precision underneath the other's eye. Eichi can't help but feel he's seen that specific pattern before. "The can you are holding." The boy explains which brings Eichi out of his stupor. "I'm collecting them, see?." The stranger cheerfully holds up a black bag shaking it as he does so. Eichi blinks at the cacophony of cans tumbling against each other before his brain helpfully translates the others words. "Ah, litter picking." He drops the can into the other's bag. "That's very thoughtful of you."
"I'm just doing what should be expected of us all." Eichi can't prevent the scowl that marrs his face.
"Is something on your mind my lost lamb?" The sunlit figure sits himself next to Eichi. He gently attempts to place a hand over Eichi's.
In a moment of surprise, Eichi jolts his hand away. "No, it's nothing." He says clearing his throat. The other simply hums but keeps a trained eye on Eichi. "You don't think I could bother you for a drink could I? The sun is stronger than I expected for this time of year, and I'm rather parched from being out here so long."
"A drink? Apologies, I don't have anything on me to give you."
The boy throws his head back and laughs and Eichi is struck by the sound. He finds himself momentarily mesmerised by the sun rays dancing across the others face. "No, from behind you." The boy says through stifled chuckles. "From...the fountain? I'm not sure that's advisable."
"Oh? But I'm sure I've seen a student in here. Is the water not safe? Someone should warn them if so."
"Ah...well, if it's a fountain, then the water would be filtered."
"Perfect!"
"Even so I don't have a bottle or anything to-'
"Your hands will suffice." Eichi wonders briefly if he had misheard. But one glance into sincere eyes assures him he had not. "And yours won't?"
"I want a drink from you."
"I don't understand."
"I want a drink from you." He repeats his request as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Regardless of its absurdity, Eichi somehow felt compelled to comply. Under the other's expectant gaze he cups his hands together and places them down into the temperate water, allowing the water to sink into his hands before bringing them back up, adjusting them as to minimise any fallout. As Eichi carefully brings his tightly cupped hands up and away from the fountain, extending them out as an offering, the other closes his eyes and leans down towards the water in Eichi's hands, tucking a falling strand of hair behind his ear as he does so. He brings his other hand up to gently place it over Eichi's to stabilise himself before he finally takes a sip.
III
Eichi was unable to speak. Anything he would have liked to say would have died on his lips. Instead, all that could leave his mouth were short, pained gasps. The boy was unrelenting. He almost couldn't believe the sight in front of him and every time he reminded himself it wasn't some deceptive daydream influenced by his poor health, he had to momentarily steady himself against a sharp tug to his heart. What made matters worse was the occasional sensation of lips brushing Not even the warm heat from the other's palm could keep him grounded. The pressure against his heart was beginning to become too much for Eichi to bear. All it would require was a swift motion of his hands, or a quick 'Isn't that enough?' - yet he felt unable (or even unwilling) to disrupt the unusual world the other had placed the both of them in.
Because of this Eichi quickly felt himself start to loose the ability to reason. As often is when one is failing to make sense of the situation in front of them, their thoughts are unable to remain coherent or clear. Instead it is common for this lack of awareness to cause the inner psyche to jump around.
'What's with this guy. Who is he? What kind of behaviour is this...and to a stranger no less! This guy...there's something about him. And those moles, I know I've seen them somewhere bef- Ah, his lips touched me again. Every time it makes my heart squeeze. Could he not be more careful? It's already awkward enough for me, I don't need him killing me too...ah again...how soft. Why does it hurt so much?.'
'Oh he's stopped. Why is he looking at me like that? He looks so worried...what's he looking at?' Eichi followed the other's line of gaze and arrived at his left wrist. 'My watch? Then...that noise is coming from me. Ah, that isn't good.' Eichi wrenched his hands from the others grip and made to get up. He didn't prepare for the wave of vertigo that hit him which turned his vision black, causing him to stumble forwards. At the feel of another's touch, he attempted to push them off but fails. He peers upwards struggling to see past the sun hitting his already dizzy eyes. All he could make out was the motion of a mouth moving frantically.
'He's saying something. I can't hear it. My head won't stop pounding and my heart...it hurts. What...ugh why does he look so worried. Seriously, what's with this guy? It's none of his business. Don't look at me like that...please don't look at me.'
Eichi attempts to take a step forward but finds himself unable.
'What's with this? My heart won't stop pounding. Why won't it stop pounding? This has only ever happened with Hibiki-kun, is this guy even an idol? Wait, what a stupid question...of course he is...ah, I feel faint.'
IV
Harsh, pure white assaulted Eichi's senses all at once, forcing him to crack open bleary eyes. "Hello again." Eichi's breath catches as his eyes came to focus once again on those indiscriminate eyes bathed in light. He immediately felt his heart resume it's thrumming, but this time no pain seemed to accompany it. "Please, I mean you no harm my lost lamb."
It made Eichi wary. "You called me that before. What does that mean?"
"Whatever it means to you."
"...I see." Something about those words put Eichi at ease which seems to please the entity in front of him. "You are calmer now, that is good."
"Is there any reason I shouldn't be?" The other hums. "No its good that you are. You need not be afraid."
"Based on my surroundings and your behaviour, it seems I'm dreaming anyway. So I have no reason to be if anything you do or say will be influenced by me." Indeed now Eichi had gained enough awareness for this realisation, he notices how unfocused the man appeared in front of him. Only his eyes defined his face as his moles couldn't seem to decide which cheek to reside on. Even the colour of his hair would shift between shade after shade of greens and blues. "My, how perceptive."
"And so, 'who are you?' Is a question I would ask if I thought I had any chance of gaining an answer."
The others chuckle echoes throughout the plane creating a resounding melody. Eichi desperately tries to hide the awe threatening to show on his face. "And astute. Yes, I can't offer you anything about me, but I know all about you Eichi. "
"Oh? Really now?"
Instead of replying, the other is distracted by a faint sound coming from below. "Your friend is calling."
"I have no friends."
"Indeed. You're correct when you say that. You have rallied four sacrifices and are looking for one more. Their lives will come to ruin but this is of no consequence to you. You will throw away your only chance at a normal school life, and your childhood acquaintance will gradually come to resent you. Maybe you'll gain the affection from the boy with the blue hair but would you even deserve it? However know this, Eichi. If you place me as your last, I won't resent you.
"What are you a prophet? I don't need your opinion."
"I have no opinion. But Eichi, believe me, a time is coming where all will worship on these grounds. These students worship what they do not know, you worship what you know for salvation is in idol hood. A time is coming when all will find this salvation. God is idol hood and his worshippers must worship in the truth."
"I said I don't need your opinion." Though the expression on Eichi's face was one of muted anger, he could not ignore the shiver that ran through him. "It is not my opinion." The figure stares downward once again. "Hark, your friend is still calling." The voice from below rang louder than before.
"Who are you?" Eichi was beginning to become panicked. In the back of his mind he still understood this encounter had to be a result of his deoxygenated brain. Yet, when faced with something perceived so nonsensical one can begin to doubt their own judgements. "Not heeding your own words?"
"I could have been wrong."
"I apologise if I have frightened you. That wasn't my intention."
"I'm not frightened. Just tell me who you are."
"I'm afraid you already know the answer to that question."
V
Eichi's eyes shoot open to a familiar sterile ceiling just beyond familiar green eyes that seem to switch between being close and being far away. Dull light from the afternoon sun reflects off the blue walls and every push back into the bed shines it inoffensively into his eyes. He at once recognises this place as the as the infirmary. A small room with only a handful of beds each accompanied with surrounding curtains. His have been pulled back to allow the person shaking his shoulders inside. For once he is pleased to notice the absence of an IV plastered to his arm.
At last, the voice above him reaches his ears.
"Eichi! Are you alright?"
Eichi nods absently. "Keito?" His voice comes out as a croak between breaths. Keito breathes out a sigh of relief and helps Eichi to sit up. "You weren't breathing properly.", he explains. Eichi nods again still sucking in involuntary gasps though they were now less harsh than before. He groans as he finds himself unable to hold his disorientated head up. "Don't move, I'm going to get you some water." Keito removes his hands from Eichi's shoulders and makes his way to the open curtain. He throws a glance back before hurrying out, leaving Eichi alone with his thoughts.
'What was that? Salvation? What sick joke is that? Why would my brain even conjure that up? Idol hood is my salvation? Is it? Yes, it must be. However, is this what salvation is for everyone? Can salvation come from something so heinous? I know it will come to that. It's something I have accepted. Keito has too...'
Eichi places a hand over his face unable to make sense of what had just occurred.
'If you place me there? What was he even talking about. No. What was I even talking about? It has to be a first year, and I have already tasked Tsumugi with finding someone. It's out of the question. Though, six eccentrics might not be so bad. It's another life to be put to waste but surely it will be worth it. No! I don't even know what kind of idol he is, let alone a talented one. Not to mention I didn't even get his name. There's a slim chance of meeting him again. Even if I did, everything is almost in fruition. There'd be no point. But that word. Salvation...I wonder, could he save them? What on earth is happening to me...'
"Here." Eichi is jolted from his thoughts as a glass is pushed into his hands. "Ah." He numbly stares at it. "Thank you." He carefully takes the glass into his shaking hands. Whilst raising it to his lips, he watches as Keito rights the chair he must have rushed out of and sits back down in it placing a leg over the other. After only a few sips of water, Eichi speaks again. "Did I pass out?" The boy beside him adjusts the glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose. "Yes. I was told some student ended up carrying you here. Fortunately when your paramedics arrived, your heart had calmed so they concluded it as a just a false alarm." Eichi sucks in a breath, 'I wonder if...no it must have been him. He looked so worried...I hope he didn't try mouth-to-mouth.'
"Honestly Eichi, don't scare me like that. You were lucky that student was there."
"Right..." At Eichi's assent Keito slumps in his chair. "I'm sorry Keito."
"It's okay", he sighs, "You can't control every aspect of your health. I just wish you'd be more careful."
Eichi pulls his eyes away from Keito, those words creating an uncomfortable pit in his stomach. Keito knew the state of Eichi's health better than anyone. He felt bad for worrying him all the time. "Here, I have something else for you." Eichi turns his head and groans as he sees Keito dangling his watch. "Don't look so discouraged." Keito scolds. "It would've saved your life today if it had been anything serious. Give me your hand." Eichi complys, albiet begrudingly. As Keito readjusts the watch around Eichi's wrist, Eichi attempts to lighten the stifling mood. "I have good news at least. Tsumugi has chosen Shu Itsuki as the fourth eccentric."
"So you've brought him into this have you? Poor kid." Keito looks thoughtful. "But Valkyrie huh? It's not a bad choice."
"Right? And now we just need to find one more. I've left that to Tsumugi as well."
"I see." Keito's unenthusiastic response leaves Eichi a little irritated. "Hey, shouldn't you be more ecstatic? This school is almost saved."
"Fixed not saved." Keito corrects. "Where did you even get that idea from?" He mutters. "Yes, I am glad. I just...have a lot on my plate right now."
"Oh. Is everything okay?"
"It's just student council work."
"Like what?"
"Eichi, I don't want to trouble you so soon. You haven't even left the infirmary yet. You need to recover."
Eichi groans. "It was a false alarm remember. You aren't troubling me."
"Yes, but you also have a lot going on. I don't want you pushing yourself too hard."
"Ugh, why do you worry so much? Just tell me what's wrong. Please?"
Keito assesses Eichi's condition before he decides to begin. "Fine. There's a new student who's been rumoured to be holding these", Keito pauses attempting to find the right word, "'confessionals' in one of the out of use offices here. However, he hasn't authorised them with the student council."
"So?" Eichi interrupts. "Oh dear, I didn't realise a dictatorship was forming at Sakuma-senpai's fingertips."
"Oh, Eichi shush. It's hardly that, Rei won't do anything about it, but its against school rules if this student doesn't get permission. I would go talk to him but", Keito sighs tiredly, "I don't want to endanger my position. After the live house fiasco I don't think it would be wise to push my luck. I think Rei knows something isn't right. If I give him an excuse to axe me I'm worried he'd take it. "
"I could talk to him for you."
"Eichi you just passed out. You need to rest."
"False alarm remember? I'm fine Keito. Besides, don't you think it could be good practice? It isn't long until I'll be on the student council."
"Don't be presumptuous. We don't know for sure if this plan will work."
"Keito, it will. Please, let me do this for you?" Eichi pushes himself up, swinging his legs off the bed. Keito moves to support him, but after seeing Eichi can keep himself steady he places a hand over his glasses. "Fine. Just please don't cause a scene. Think about your health - and my reputation.' Eichi tries not to roll his eyes. "Shall I write down the location for you?"
"No need. I'll remember it."
"It's in the North building, office 2B." Eichi repeated this to himself a few times before making a start towards the door.
"Oh and Eichi? Make sure to stress it's against school policy. I've heard people mention this student has been saying a Christian prayer word at his sessions. Don't let this turn into a discrimination issue."
"Oh, such a thoughtful Buddhist. I'm glad we can all live in peace~"
"Get out already!"
VI
Eichi closes the infirmary door behind him, stifling a chuckle. He makes his way out of the building and begins towards the specified location. The sky is an auburn shade when Eichi steps outside. It doesn't take him long to make it to the fountain he had passed out at earlier. He's thankful the student from earlier is nowhere to be seen this time. Just as he is about to turn towards the North building, he hears a shout from he rooftop. Startled, he looks up to the source of the noise and catches a glimpse of blue. Not unlike earlier, it would seem Eichi had caught Wataru in the middle of practice; though this time the actor was opting to practice in the open now that the school day was almost over.
As he watches the performance, he feels the familiar symptoms he had come to associate with Wataru, but none of it compares to the intensity the student at the fountain had caused. Eichi isn't sure what to make of that implication and so he shoves his uncertainty to the back of his mind for the time being.
After a few more seconds, he unwillingly tears his gaze from his idol and sets off to fulfill Keito's task.
VII
From outside the old office Eichi could hear the muffled murmurs of two people from inside. He was originally going to knock but noticing the door was already ajar he decided not to. The door handle appeared stiff and was stuck pointing upwards, blocking it from entering the slot made for it in the doorway. Eichi quietly places his hand on the broken handle and slowly pushes the door open. Opposed to what Eichi expected, it did not creak. He peered inside from the crack he created and quickly understood why the office was out of use. There was no light source other than a few candles of varying size placed sporadically around the room. The overhead lights must have been not working and from the back of the room one flashed dimly. In the faint flicker of the candle light, Eichi noticed that the curtains looked worn and outdated. A thick layer of dust had also settled upon them. Plants sat untended and withered upon the desk and Eichi wondered if he pulled the curtains back if it would reveal more forgotten life. There was an unusual funk that permeated throughout the room despite the candles that had been lit. Eichi moved his eyes to the centre of the room where two tattered couches were placed around a low coffee table. On them sat the two Eichi could hear from outside. As they were sat on across from each other, only one of the student's faces could be made out from the doorway. The other with their back turned remained a dark silhouette. Though as soon as Eichi had noticed them, they both stood up. Their conversation apparently having come to an end. Eichi's surveillance of the room had caused him to miss the most of the pair's talk, and so he only caught the end of it.
"...haya-kun, thank you!"
"May God bless you. Amen." The student who had given his thanks was waving behind him when he made for the door and so almost bumped into Eichi. Noticing who it was in front of him, he cautiously stepped around Eichi before quickly marching away down the hall. Eichi watched the unusual behaviour before turning his attention back to his task. Now that the door was more ajar, Eichi took a step forward. Upon entering the room, Eichi focused onto the remaining student who still had his back turned. He appeared to be clearing the table of it's various idols and candles. From this new angle, Eichi noticed two moles on the others left cheek and held back a gasp. Unabashedly, he stared. Earlier that day he didn't properly take the chance to observe the man. And the second time he met him, it was an abstract manifestation of his muddled mind. Whilst he was only offered the side, it was enough to showcase the others beauty. Despite mint hair, his eyelashes were jet back and fanned prettily over his rounded cheeks. Speaking of his hair, it framed his face perfectly and the gentleness of the shade pleasantly complimented the softness of his gaze Eichi recalled from earlier. And his moles, Eichi had never seen someone with moles so symmetrical and yet...even earlier that day he felt they should have rang a bell.
Finally the student takes notice of the other presence in the room. He barely spares a glance at Eichi before speaking, quickening the pace he packed his bag with.
"Oh! I'm sorry, did you need this room? I was just on my way out" Eichi couldn't help but be taken aback at his voice. Of course, he had already heard the man speak and though the mans voice was one of the loveliest voices he had ever heard it didn't necessarily require shock. But perhaps Eichi had been expecting the same echo he had recently heard accompany the boy. It took a while more for Eichi to overcome this irrational shock and give his response. 'No. I came to see you.'
The other stops what he was doing and pulls a scrap piece of paper out of his pocket, assessing the scribbles upon it. "Hm? That's strange I don't believe I had anymore appointments today..." He glances behind him to the figure and immediately his eyes light up. "Oh! It's you from the fountain!" Eichi smiles. "Hello again."
"I'm so glad you're okay!"
"Yes. I heard you brought me to the infirmary. Thank you, and I apologise for any worry I caused."
"Please don't apologise. Its anyone's duty to worry in a situation like that." He pans his gaze down to "Your watch certainly came to the rescue.'
Eichi raises his wrist staring at his watch with an undiscernible look in his eyes. He hums vacantly. "It detects my heart rate. Either it beeps when it detects no movement or like you saw earlier..." He clears his throat realising what he would be admitting to. "...When it detects too much."
"Oh. I see. Well, what a blessing that must be!" Eichi laughs harshly before he can help himself cursing himself when he sees the other flinch. "Uhm...in any case, it looks like God has guided another lost lamb my way. I recall you looked troubled earlier. Please, take a seat." He motions towards the seat across from where he stands. He gives Eichi a comforting smile. "Tell me what's on your mind." Eichi placates a smile of his own and approaches the center of the room. He ignores the invitation to sit. Instead, he stands across from the other, crossing his arms. "Ah, please don't misunderstand. I'm not here for your service, though it is what I would like to discuss." The joy on the boys face is replaced with confusion as he tilts his head. "Is something wrong?"
"Perhaps. Do you have permission to conduct this club?"
"Permission? From who?"
Eichi chuckles and like before the other recoils. "I understand you are new to Yumenosaki, so maybe it was different at your old school. Here all clubs need permission from the student council if they want to enact activities. So I'll ask again. Do you have their permission?"
"Ah...no I do not...but this isn't a club! Its more like charity so I don't think there should be any issue."
"Regardless our school regulates the necessity for permission to conduct these...types of things."
"I...see, I did not realise that was the case. I apologise for any trouble caused."
"It's quite alright."
"It's just...I've noticed how down everyone seems here...I was just hoping to save as many souls as I could before-"
"The school council is already helping." The harshness from his tone surprised even Eichi. He clears his throat a little embarrassed and smiles. "There's no need to worry. I'm not here to cause you problems. If you want to continue doing this, I know someone on the council, I'll make sure you get permission." Whilst the other didn't say anything, the petulance displayed on his face made it clear he disagreed with the procedure. Regardless of this attitude change, he didn't put up much of a fight. "Since those are the rules, I'll abide. It would be very helpful if you can get me permission." Despite the other giving in, Eichi realised the awful impression he had made unto the other. He recounted Keito's warning from earlier and sighed. If this student ended up complaining to the actual student president, it would cause issues for both Keito and himself. He supposed a little damage control wouldn't hurt. "I understand I'm being tricky. Why don't you meet me tomorrow? On behalf of the student council. And if that isn't enough of a reason how about for bringing me to the infirmary?
"I don't think that's necessary. I'm not doing any of this for a reward."
"There's no need to be humble. I insist. I'd really like to thank you and besides, I only recently came back to school myself so I understand your position more intimately than anyone else here. I'd be glad to extend my friendship to you."
The other shuffled uncomfortably. Eichi felt a little bad for cornering him like this. "If it isn't too much trouble." He finally says. "Of course it isn't." Eichi affirms quicker than he would have liked. "Then, I hope to see you at 1 'o' clock tomorrow in the library...uhm?"
"Kazehaya Tatsumi."
"Tenshouin Eichi. I look forward to tomorrow, Kazehaya-kun."
VIII
As soon as Eichi had left the decrepit office he wasted no time in fishing his phone out from his trouser pocket. The quiet anger on the other's face had made an impression on him and he felt this student was far from average. His desire to extend a hand to a school he'd known for no less than a month was of intrique to Eichi, and he desperately needed to learn more about this new transfer. He opened the keypad on his phone and quickly dialed a number he appeared to know well. "Hello? Yes, I'd like you to conduct some research into the patient Kazehaya Tatsumi."
End of Act 1