Chapter 5: I fell asleep

My name is Hinata, I am seventeen (almost eighteen) years old. My favorite things to do are playing sports and cooking, though recently I have taken an interest in writing. Right now it’s mostly just random paragraphs and poems here and there, but it feels good to just write whatever I want, whenever I want. But I would die before I let anyone read them! 

I Wouldn’t go so far as saying I hate my life. But I also wouldn’t say I love it. I think writing helps me deal with the occasional unwanted thoughts that pass through my head. I mean, think about it; with writing you can enter new worlds, new universes, and create different timelines. The possibilities are endless! I think that’s a lot of the appeal. 

Though school is a different issue. I used to have really good grades. Not to sound narcissistic or anything, but I was top of the class. That was until they started dropping halfway through this year. At first I tried to focus on my work. Not knowing the cause of my lack of concentration But no matter how hard I tried everything flew over my head, it gradually got worse and worse. Until eventually I gave up. I mean, it’s not like I’m going anywhere in life anyway. It all just seems so pointless now… Even though I stopped caring about my grades, there is still one person who keeps trying to get me into a tutor. The culprit is my twenty four year old sister. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like she’s a bad person. In fact; she’s the one who seems to care the most about me. (Especially when it comes to school.) She is still one of the kindest people I know. Like… I’m scared of how nice she is. That is, until you get on her bad side… And trust me, you don't want to do that.  She is probably one of my closest friends along with Hikari. 

If I had a list, it would consist of:

PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT:

-KIRSTY

-HIKARI

PEOPLE I DON'T CARE ABOUT:

• EVERYONE ELSE

My sister loves to read BL comics in her spare time. So much so that it's a little bit concerning. I recently got a new cat and up until two weeks ago, I lived alone. I loved most aspects of living alone. Even though it sounds pathetic, sometimes I longed for someone else to be there with me. Due to lack of money, I cannot pay full rent so the landlord had to bring in another tenant. Unfortunately, that tenant turned out to be my teacher! And on top of that, the dickhead teacher who I hate the most! Ever since then, my life has been turned upside down…

The warm breeze whips by as I walk through the main gates. The bustling of students walking through the gates as they gossip about this and that is really, really annoying. It makes me want to cut out each and every one of their tongues. But I know that it would not bide by school policy and even I'm not willing to go that far… Or am I? I smile wickedly at the gruesome thought of students screaming as they run through pools of their own blood. Well, trying to scream. I'd imagine that the furthest they would get is a gurgle as they choke on the crimson liquid that leaks through the sides of their mouths. Staining their chins a light red as the small droplets race to the ground. Wait… Can you even do that without a tongue? -- My thoughts are interrupted by a very clingy Hikari. Who is now latched to my back. Great, another thing weighing me down. “Heeyyy Hinata.” He says, close to my ear. “Hi, Hikari” I shrug him off and continue walking. 

I walk into our homeroom and find a couple of students leveraged on chairs and throwing paper planes across the classroom. “We’re playing catch with the planes, wanna join, Hinata?'' June points the plane towards me and gestures what I think is a toss in my direction, but she is so uncoordinated that it's hard to tell. “I'm good.'' I reply. Raising my voice slightly so that it can be heard over the chattering (Soon to be tongueless?) students. “Hikari?” She is now gesturing in what could be the general direction of Hikari? “Nah.” June turns and hurls the plane towards another classmate. But instead of gliding into his hands like it should, it plummets to the floor about half a meter away from him. The nose of the plane crumpling in disgust as it hits the tarnished carpet. Cayne’s blonde hair flies upwards as he jumps off his seat to retrieve it. “Oops, sorry –'' I hear June yell. I tune out the noise as I weave through the jungle of desks and backpacks until I reach the seat second to the back row next to the window. Hikari taking the seat behind me. This has always been my seat. And it will always be my seat, it's the only seat I feel comfortable in. I'm sure that it won't be taken though since the class has pretty much settled into their own groups, now following an unofficial seating plan anyway. 

Everyone jumps down from their makeshift podiums and an almost silence falls over the class as Mr Akira claps his slender hands. He sure has nice hands. I feel a wave of jealousy wash past me for a brief moment. It doesn't make sense how a teacher can be this young and attractive. I swear it's unnatural. Maybe he's from a different planet where ageing is prolonged? That's a funny thought. 

Once a veil of almost complete silence falls over the class, he begins writing on the board. Big, bold letters spelling out: SCHOOL CAMP. A mandatory event every class must take part in each year. I hear the majority of the class chatter with excitement. Interrupted by a few groans here and there, which I am also guilty of. The fact is. I hate school camp. I always have, and I always will. I do not understand the appeal of sleeping in a gross cabin filled by your classmates. I understand the day activities and the team building aspects of it. Though I still do not find the idea tempting. My thoughts are suddenly interrupted by Mr. Akira's euphonious voice. “We will be in groups of three. You’ll have time at the end of the lesson to decide your groups so please stay seated for the remainder of class while I explain the rules and activities you will be required to partake in throughout camp.” There is a shuffling while everyone plonks themselves back in their seats. He continues when the exited conversations have reduced to silent group forming between classmates (mostly though eye contact.). “You have two days to get your permission slips in as we leave next week.” He then begins to ramble on about school rules and values throughout the trip. I find my eyelids grow heavy and I slowly lower my head onto my arms as I listen to his harmonious voice play like a lullaby. 

I jolt up when I feel a warm hand place itself gently on my shoulder. My eyes are suddenly met with Mr. Akira’s. He is crouched down beside my desk so that we are eye level. I look around in a daze for a moment before realising that I must have fallen asleep because the classroom is empty and afternoon sun is now setting outside the window. “How long has it been?” I accidentally say, thinking aloud. Mr. Akira lets out a small laugh. “I’m afraid it's almost home time.” What? Hometime?! He must see my confused expression because he continues to explain; 

“You fell asleep in class and Hikari tried to wake you up afterwards but you wouldn't budge so I just said for him to go on ahead. I tried to wake you up as well but I had no luck, and since there were no other classes in here afterwards I decided to let you sleep. I’ve just been marking papers in here all day so I've been able to keep an eye on you.” Oh… So that's the reason. It seems I slept all day again. Wait… Marking papers…. In here all day… Does that mean that we technically spent the whole day together? (even if I was unconscious.) “Oh… I see… Wait… But what about my work?” 

“I asked Hikari to collect it and take notes for you. Since you're already falling behind. And if you're struggling with it, I can always help you out at home.” He smiles and stands up. Why did that feel so backhanded? “You should head out now so you can catch up with him on your way home.” He turns and shuffles through a pile of papers on his desk. How did he know that I walk home with Hikari… No, I'm not even going to bother asking. “Umm okay. I'll see you later?” I say, awkwardly gathering my things, I am at the halfway point between my desk and the door. “Oh, and Hinata, you might want to fix your hair before you go out.” He gestures to the spot where I was resting my head on my arms. I feel my face flush as I turn around and swiftly walk out of the classroom, flattening my hair as I leave. 

I'm trailing behind Hikari as he walks down the lane. Blossoms falling gracefully onto him. “That sucks, so when do you think I can come over?” He asks. “Hmm… I'm really not sure, I guess when Mr. Akira has settled into the apartment? But we really need to hangout when we can.'' I reply, finally catching up to Hikari and  matching his pace. “It feels weird hearing you say that.” He shivers slightly and honestly, so do I. “Maybe after camp?” He suggests.

“Yeah, that sounds good. I can't believe they didn't tell us about camp sooner though. I don't even know if I'll be able to get my slip in on time since Mai is away on a holiday with her boyfriend.” 

“Your sister is away?” He asks, tilting his head to one side. 

“Yeah, she left a couple of days ago. Why do you ask?” 

“Nothing. It's just… How are you going to get that slip signed?” 

“I'm really not sure…” I reply, looking at my feet. 

“Forgery is always an option?” Hikari nudges my arm and I can't help but to let out a giggle. 

“It’s not like I really want to go anyway.” 

“Aw, c’mon. You have to come for my sake! We can survive it together like we do every year.” 

“Okay, I'll try.” The conversation fizzles into a comfortable silence. 

Eventually we reach a fork in the road. “Isn't this your stop?” I ask. “Oh! You're right. But before I leave…” He bends down and pulls something out of his backpack. My school notebook and a few worksheets that have been tucked away. “Mrs. Juniper wasn't happy. I had to lie and tell her that you're sick.” his face turns dark. “Wow… I guess you really do have a death wish.” I say taking the work and shoving it in my bag. “Thanks though. I'm glad to know that you’d go above and beyond for the sake of our friendship.” I say, half joking when he falls into a dramatic bow, “anything for my dear friend.” I laugh and blow him a kiss that he pretends to catch as we part ways.