'Ah I hate maths so much.' A brown haired guy with a buzz cut and glasses thought to himself as he walked through hallways.
After a while he reached the classroom and slid the door open with a sigh. He stepped inside without looking up and walked to his seat. Before he sat down looked over to the left of his desk.
"Kiyota! You came today" He said with an excited expression.
"Yeah, shocker, right?" Kiyota said as he slung his bag off his shoulder and dropped into the chair.
"You usually only show up when there's a match or a quiz." the guy replied as he was adjusting his glasses.
"Yeah well, I had... reasons to come today." Kiyota said as he glanced at the empty table infront of him for a second.
"Reasons huh?" His friend said, raising an eyebrow.
The teacher walked into the classroom, and soon the chatter died down and everybody went back to their seats.
"Good morning, everyone. We have a new student joining us today. Come in and introduce yourself," the teacher said as he looked towards the door.
Rika stepped in with a calm demeanour but clearly scanning the room fast. Her eyes locked on Kiyota for a few seconds before she turned to face the class.
"I'm Rika Ayase. I just transferred here from the 17th ward. I'm looking forward to spending my year with everyone." She said with a polite nod.
"She's pretty cute." the buzzcut guy whispered to Kiyota
"Yeah." Kiyota said.
"Hey... isn't that your jacket?" he said.
"Shut up, Reo." Kiyota said to his friend.
"Damn, and here I thought you were just finally taking school seriously." Reo grinned as he was clearly enjoying himself.
"Maybe I am." Kiyota said while slouching slightly in his chair.
"Or maybe you're just trying to impress the new girl." Reo said .
"You're reading too much into it, man." Kiyota muttered, but didn't sound very convincing.
"Sure, sure. Totally normal to lend your jacket to a girl on day one. How did you even pull it off? It's her first day here." Reo asked curiously and barely holding back a laugh.
Rika walked over to the empty table infront of Kiyota and sat down without saying anything, but gave Kiyota a small sideways glance and a small smile.
"She definitely just smiled at you." Reo whispered, leaning over.
"You're seeing things." Kiyota replied, trying not to grin.
"Bro, I've got 20/20 vision. That was a smile."
Kiyota scratched the back of his neck. "Well… maybe she's just being polite."
The teacher started writing equations on the board.
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Plain white lights overhead a large table illuminated the dull room. Seats were take around the table and papers were being placed or passed around the table. Organised chatter throught the table, everyone was wearing either CCG issued investigator uniform or suits.
"Alright, settle down." A middle aged man with short grey hair said as he stood at the end of the table. His voice was calm but firm. A senior investigator.
"We've confirmed that the Aqua building incident was the work of a ghoul and more then likely a binge eater. The pattern matches previous cases in different wards. What's more, we think another dangerous ghoul might be involved. Jason."
A low murmur went through the table at the mention of the name.
"You're saying the binge eater crossed into Jason's territory?" a younger investigator.
"That's the current theory that we have." the grey-haired man replied. "We're not ruling out a partnership either." He said as pictures of 'Jason' were displayed on the huge screen behind him.
A woman in a black suit leant forward and narrowing her eyes at the image. "Sir, if Jason's involved, we need to assume extreme brutality. We'll need more than just rookies on this."
"That's correct. I intend to send in Kureo Mado and Koutarou Amon." The senior investigator said.
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"So where is that vending machine you told me about?" Rika said as she picked up her bag and turned to face Kiyota.
"HAH! I knew it." Reo said as he looked between the two with a tinge of jealousy.
Kiyota shot Reo a look and stood up, slinging his bag over one shoulder. "Are you coming, or do you wanna keep being annoying?"
"Nah, I don't want to third wheel. Have your little snack date, I'll be at the courts practicing a little." Reo smirked.
"It's not a date. Atleast I don't think so." Kiyota mutteredn to himself while walking toward the door with Rika beside him.
Rika leaned in slightly, just enough so only Kiyota could hear. "I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry?" Kiyota asked, a little confused, as he opened the door for Rika and some of the students behind.
"I'm taking up your precious training time." She said quietly as he stepped through the doorway.
"Trust me, Coach and the team think I'm some sort of shut-in, he'd be glad I'm doing anything productive."
"Oh? So I'm a productive influence?" Rika teased.
"Well, you're not unproductive. I don't really get along with that many people. Reo has been my only friend since elementary." Kiyota said with a shrug and a small smile
"Glad I'm helping your image then, Mr Captain." Rika chuckled as she said.
"You know, I kind of expected you to be louder. Jock energy and all that." Rika said, glancing at him.
"Yeah, well... I still think you watch too many shows." He replied, scratching his head.
"You know, I kinda like you."
"W-what?" Kiyota asked with an astonished expression as he looked over at her.
"The quiet, low-maintenance tour guide who shares jackets and knows snack spots."
Kiyota looked away, trying to hide his reddened face, scratching the back of his neck again. "You're messing with me."
"I'm mostly serious, you know." Rika said with a small smiles, bumping his arm lightly.
"Well… good." Kiyota muttered, almost too quietly to hear. 'Cause I kinda like you too.' He thought to himself.
Kiyota cleared his throat and looked ahead. "So, uh, about those vending machines… follow me."