Chapter 2, Roommate

I wake up to something heavy on my chest. I open my eyes and rub them groggily, I jump slightly, momentarily forgetting the events of yesterday. “You're up!” I exclaim, as I pick up the now freshly cleaned kitten. It meows and paws my hand. That's when I remember “Oh, sorry I don’t have any food for you today. But I'll get some after school.”

Oh right, school. A literal hell in which I have to face the person I despise most in this world. 

Oh well, I've got way more important stuff to deal with. Like how to tell my new roommate about the cat! 

R.I.P me… T_T

I hear my alarm beep. I'm already late for school!! I quickly change and grab my bag. I can just get something to eat afterwards. 

I'm sitting at my usual desk by the window. I was lucky to get here a few minutes before the teacher. I really don't want to deal with another lecture. I start to think what to do with the cat. when a pair of long arms wrap themselves around my shoulders. Here he is again. “Ugh, get off me!” I screech, rolling my eyes. He bends down and whispers in my ear. “Aww, don't be so mean, Hinata. I thought we were best friends.” That's true, and he knows it. “You know you're my best friend. So get off, you big oaf.” 

“Awww what's with the attitude. Has my little bean got into an argument with his non-existent girlfriend again? We can talk about it at lunch if you like…?” He teases. Before removing himself from my shoulders and slowly returning to his desk, while continuing to gesture suggestive things towards me. I roll my eyes, which is always what I do in order to combat the laughter that wants to escape my mouth. A rare but pleasant thing. But my smile fades as I sink further into thought. It bothers me how Hikari's breath on my skin didn't leave a tingling sensation, like Mr Akiras did yesterday. I hear the names slowly being called on the attendance. Great, the beginning of another painstakingly slow day.

Wait… That's not Mr Akira’s voice… That's a woman's voice. Is teach not here today? I slowly look up and see a slender woman with warm green eyes and ginger hair calling names from a sheet of paper. What's with this school and attractive teachers? Oh well that doesn't matter, either way this is great! I won't be darting out of class to try and avoid lectures. Or always looking down to ensure that we don't make eye contact. But… If it's so great then why do I feel a slight pang of disappointment? 

I’m sitting against the wall of the stairs that lead to the roof. It's nice up here at this time. The sun gleams down on us in soft rays, momentarily disappearing behind the gray clouds. I can hear Hikari munching his sandwiches next to me. “Did you forget your lunch again?” He asks, mouth still full of food. “Yeah, I was rushing today. I overslept again.” I hear him swallow. “You need to be more careful. You know, I’m scared that one of these days I'm just going to walk into your apartment to find a shriveled up corpse. Look at you! So skinny!” He says, passing me the other half of his sandwich. Which I would usually decline. But in all truth I am quite hungry. “Lucky I packed extra.” He says, while shaking his head. Hikari’s always looking after me so well. Ever since we were young. “Thank you.” I poke my tongue out which makes him smile. 

We finish eating our sandwiches, side by side in our usual spot. The smell of maple from the trees below surrounding us. 

“Oh! Isn't your new roommate moving in today?” I jump slightly at the sudden question and volume of his voice. “Yeah he is…” I had forgotten about that. But as I remember the cat, nerves begin to creep up on me. “Do you know anything about the guy?” He asks, typical Hikari, always concerned. As annoying as it can get, it's still nice knowing I have someone who cares. “No, the landlord said she couldn't share very much information for confidentiality. But it should be fine. Maybe I'll even make a new friend?” 

“Haha, ok. But just be careful. I hope he doesn't turn out to be some perv.”

“Or some strict, uptight know it all.” I reply. 

“Yeah, well… Even if you get along. He better not replace me.” He nudges my shoulder playfully. “You'll always be my number one.” I nudge him back. As Hikari strikes a mocking pose. “I know, I know."

"Text me tonight how it goes anyway.” He says in a more sincere tone.

“I will. We should get back to class now.” I stand up and offer my hand to him. If he's helping me out, I'll help him out too. At least, in any way I can. No matter how small the help is. He is my best friend after all. 

I'm walking out of the food store with a bag of cat biscuits. I think that'll be enough, it's lucky that the food store is only a ten minute walk from my house. The flowers are blooming at this time of the year, creating a soft and beautiful scent. The evening sunset gives me the confidence to introduce myself well to my new roommate and leave a good first impression. At least if he doesn't approve I could probably find some way to blackmail him. But I really hope it doesn't come to that. (Or that he doesn’t turn out to be some creep.) It's around dinner time, I'm a little late since I had to go to a club activity after school so they should be done or be moving in by now. I sure do hope there are no issues. 

When I reach my apartment building, I find a large moving truck on the side of the road right outside the tall, slightly menacing building. People in highvis jackets are moving large boxes. I guess they haven't finished yet. Does that mean that my new roommate will be coming tonight or later on in the week? I guess I'll find out. I awkwardly wave to the movers as I walk past. Entering the lift. There's someone in the lift who has already pushed the button that I needed to. So I stand there rather than reaching over to press it like I’d usually do. The man next to me is tall with dark wavy hair. He's dressed in blue jeans and a hoodie. I look up, he has blue eyes, almost a stormy gray. And sharp features, he must be early twenties, very handsome. That's all I get from a quick glance, I'm sure he doesn't live in this building since I’ve never bumped into him in the hallways or anything. And I do know my neighbors quite well, still he looks familiar. I look up at him once more.

“Teach?!” I hear myself shout. He just looks at me and smiles. I feel my cheeks flush again. Dammit! Why wasn't I able to stop myself? This is so embarrassing. I look to the floor, unable to make eye contact. “Ah, Hinata. I'm surprised to find you here. Are you visiting a relative or something?” How can he be so calm?! 

“Ummm…n-no, I live here.” I say as the elevator dings. Thank god we have arrived. 

Wait… why is he walking in the same direction as me?

“Oh, I see. What apartment are you in? We might end up being neighbors.” he's walking at the same pace as me. Even though I'm practically running. 

“Im in-” I'm cut off by the black and white blur that passes me in the hallway. I look at my apartment door. It was left open. Why was it left open?! I was rushing this morning but I'm sure I closed it. “Oh shit!” I tear off down the hallway, chasing after the kitten, not even leaving an explanation for Mr Akira. Wait… why do I even care? I don't owe that asshole anything. Especially not now since he ruined my evening. It was weird seeing him outside of school though, and in such casual attire. 

Don't focus on that Hinata! Think about the kitten, you idiot! I'm sure she can't get far.

I round a corner to find the shivering kitten curled up by the elevator, just as I found her yesterday. But as I crouch down, she jumps into my arms. I'm surprised she trusts me that much already. I guess there is nowhere else for her to go at the moment though. “I'm sorry for leaving you alone all day. But I brought back some food.” I whisper into her fur as I carry her back. Lets just hope I don't run into Mr Akira again…