CHAPTER 2 Act 5
"Just a sec!"
"..."
"..."
That woman (Lisa) let out a startling bawl, resulting in a brief silence.
"Why did you invite me to this meeting, Mr. President?" She asked.
Actually, I was confused as to why she was here in the first place, but I refrained from speaking since it didn't concern me.
"Oh, you have an eye on Mr. Seid, right?"
"How can you prove that?"
"What if you try to figure it out?"
"Hmm... Wait a minute, did Hana--"
"To be at point Ms. Hollows," the President interject, "I just want you to see what kind of person is that guy."
Even though he didn't use my name, of course, he was referring to me. I can sense their gazes right at my back, so I have no choice and make my way out of this room.
"Ah, and more importantly Ms. Hollows, your friend has dropped out."
"Hnh?"
The silence began to pervade this room after hearing that coming from the President. My body didn't move an inch since that surprised me.
"Why are you still standing there, Mr. Seid? Are you curious?" the President sneered on me.
I didn't answer him because this topic was no longer of concern to me, instead I continued on my way towards the exit.
But that woman (Lisa) yelled once again.
"W-Why?!" Her tone indicates that she is distressed and worried.
"You know the reason, right?"
"B-But how? I never knew about this."
"Since Mr. Seid was present, I won't go into detail. However, it's interesting to see that Mr. Seid is inquisitive about it."
He surely enjoys making fun of me.
"Um, my body is acting as it should; I'm not interfering with this matter, so please pardon me."
I answer as I make my way out since there's no reason for me to stay there.
After that, I don't immediately go to class. Instead, I waited a few more seconds longer since I was anticipating that woman (Lisa) to exit the room.
And with a thud, the front door opened unexpectedly.
"Looks like I was right."
"Hnf?" She was baffled by my sudden voice.
When I get a glimpse of her face, I saw her eyes were filled with rage and sadness.
Humans have a tendency to relieve their frustration when no one is watching, therefore they instantly flee and go to locations where no other people are present. So upon receiving the news, I knew she was about to leave the room.
"What's up with that face?" I asked.
"Don't look at me! And you're still here, huh?"
"There was no such law that said you couldn't stay here, though."
"Stay away from this issue."
She put her eyes away from me as she was escaping.
"Um, you're right. But, I'd like to ask you a few questions."
"You basically waited for me to ask a question? How crude. Let me guess, is it that your question earlier?"
"That was one thing."
"Well--"
"First thing, are you a representative or not?"
She then looked at me. But then I stared at her with my piercing eyes.
Apparently, I don't have much information in this woman. So the first thing I'd want her to say is that she is a leader. Even though she is actually the assisstant manager of the football club, she doesn't clearly recruiting me in, rather, it is clear that the invitation comes from her organization.
"What if I said no? Will you believe me?"
"Of course, you said it yourself. However, could you kindly explain why you know so much about this school? And why is the President revealing all of this to you and me?"
Earlier, the President did not hesitate to divulge all of the school's information to us. Of course, I was oberving her, but she seemed to be aware of it beforehand. Though, this does not indicate that she is one of the representatives.
"I'm not bound to respond to all of your questions."
"Ah, I see..."
I thought this woman would make use of me, but she isn't. Her expression is straight, and she didn't appear to be interested in talking to me. She may have been upset up until this point because of the news.
"Alright, I will take my leave. There's no reason for me to stay here," I told her, "but before I go, I'd just like to say one thing..."
"Hm?"
"From now on, stay away from me," I speak bluntly while having a sharp gaze, "You don't have to poke your nose whatever and wherever I am."
Although, despite everything I told to her, she looked at me and she remained calm and unfazed. It's not that I disliked her; she's simply obnoxious.
After all that, I left her alone in that spot, not turning my back on her. I'm not that nice person. If she keeps pestering me around, I will resort to force to get her to stop. Though, I am aware that she's a difficult person to deal with.
Now I will find my answer on my own.
It's unfortunate that she refused to work with me. But, asking people and getting a response from them is rarely that straightforward. In reality, information is not free; you must pay the price and verify the information you obtained from them. But, this appears to be exhausting so I doubt I'll want to delve too deeply into this mess. I don't want to be involved with this school any longer, so perhaps today is my final day.
"As I thought, you're having a problem."
Someone just speak to me.
I was still walking when I came upon the person seated on a bench. Since I didn't have time, I was going to skip the next class, and have a nice chat with this woman.
"Isn't it a strange coincidence?" as I put a glance on her.
"I was just waiting here not long ago." She said in an refined manner.
She's the person I met earlier, and she's rather aggravating. The fact that her name was Hana was an oversight on my part. Well, that's the way it is. And based on her demeanor, she looked to be here for a reason.
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"You're waiting for someone?"
"I guess so."
"What if that person doesn't show up?"
"I will leave, of course."
"Hoh, poor that guy..."
"But that guy still came, right Mr. Seid?"
As she has a habit of showing up in this manner, I figured she was waiting for me. But then again, this is annoying.
"How did you know, or rather, how did you forsee it?" I asked her in a light tone.
"Woman's instinct, I guess."
"That instinct is terrifying."
"Mr. Seid, you're a straight shooter. Actually, you're probably correct in that regard."
"It was not my intention to offend you."
"It's nothing personal so forget about it."
This was more of a joke, and another stage for her to perform. However, I'm getting to understand how she thinks.
"By the way, don't you need my contact information?"
"You know my answer, right?"
"Okay. That was unfortunate."
I despise it, the way she speaks as if she doesn't know anything while speaking in an ignorant tone.
"Are you looking for something?" She suddenly asked.
"Hey, stop pretending like you don't know anything. You know what I'm searching for, don't you? In any case, don't worry about it since I'm not interested in it. It is a waste of my time."
As I already mentioned, I'm not interested in obtaining more information about the school, therefore I don't want to hear it.
"Why are you making such decision? How unfortunate of me. I'd also want to share some intriguing stories with you."
I knew she was going to talk to me in private, so she waited her turn to act, and now it is her turn.
"This isn't free information, is it?"
"Of course, but why asking even you know it yourself?"
"Same to you. Why bother asking me what I'm looking for if you already know?"
"..."
The air brushes a cool yet heavy gust. The stillness engulfs this spot, and it appears that there was a massive chasm between us.
"Why don't you take a seat?" She says, offering me the seat next to her.
"Erm, I don't like how this is going."
"Hn? You don't like, what?"
As a matter of fact, I assumed she was unaware of me, a man, sitting beside her. But even if she is aware, she is likely to remain unconcerned.
"Nothing..." and I seated next to her.
Just like earlier, we were seated a few inches apart. It doesn't mean I don't like the thought being sat next to her. I don't care what she thinks of me. She gives me the seat, and I'd like to take it.
Now, how will she react to this?
"Are you sure you don't like this thing?" She muttered, without looking at me.
"How about you?"
"Can I tell you my honest opinion?"
"Go ahead."
"It was unpleasant to think that you accepted it," she said flatly, "and now I'm regretting offering you a seat beside me."
"Say, did I offer you that seat before?" I grumbled upon her reasoning.
"Hn, no?"
"Now it's amusing that you're the only one who thinks this way. Seating next to a stranger, huh?"
I simply want her to realize that her actions make it clear and suspicious in many ways.
In any case, people usually observe from a distance, but this woman's movements are out of the ordinary. What I mean is that she's not the average person who cowardly observes from afar, but she's brave and direct, which makes her stand out to me.
"But do boys love these stuffs, huh?"
Teasing me was nothing at all.
"I'd be lying if I said no; I'm a man, so there's nothing wrong with that, right?"
I openly speak what I was thinking.
"You're extremely honest."
"Well, I don't like pretending to be someone. That's why, stop your perfomance."
After that, I stared at her, but she doesn't look at me, at least not until....
"I guess my assumption was right, you're an interesting guy."
...she looked at me and closed the gap between us.
Looking at her closely, you can see her piercing eyes as cold as the night. And her silvered hair flutters as the wind gives a light breeze, which sways in the same direction. In someone perspective, no one can withstand her blisterly gaze, but if you find her looking at you; you might fall on her massive charm. That stare are enticing enough to set a lustrous trap that perhaps no one can escape.
She stares at me intensely, but I kept silent for a few seconds. However, I'm not one of those men who can be easily swayed by this.
This is not the moment to be awed by her eyes.
"Learn to look at the person you're speaking to," I said indifferently.
And she tilted her head, as if perplexed.
Humans have evolve their social skills more than other creatures, suggesting that we communicate through our language. Some people, however, are socially inept.
Other individuals don't normally look the other person in the eyes since they are timid or it makes them uncomfortable. As we all know, talking while looking someone in the eyes makes you more sincere and boosts your confidence.
"But you didn't even look at me, right?"
Conversation is, indeed, difficult, especially when dealing with strangers.
Actually, someone just told me that my eyes are intimidating, and since then, I've made it a habit not to look into someone else's eyes.
"Yes, but you're concerned about that?"
"Um, No... Never mind."
She lowered her eyes and looked away.
By the looks of it, she seemed embarrassed that she asked that, but I didn't say anything about it. So, in order to relieve the discomfort, I try to shift the subject.
"Er, You're not being followed?" I quickly turn my head away.
If you look at it, it's kinda strange for a woman, which is unknown, just suddenly showed up to this unnoticeable guy, which is me. Furthermore, there was no other person around as to what I observe.
"By whom?"
"I knew you're well aware that you're being pursued."
"Yes. But, you see, it's just a matter of time before I unveil myself to everyone."
"Hm? Can you reveal yourself right in front of me?"
"Mr. Seid, please don't ask that too much."
Even if I insisted, it looks like she would not expose herself to me.
It was pointless to keep this a secret, so I'll just ask her another question.
"Speaking of which, is it true that they have a little information about you? It seemed strange since you're also a first-year student here."
"They're just imagining things. Despite this, rumors about an unknown person were spreading here not long ago."
"I assume you don't want to talk about it."
She remained silent for a time, although there was nothing wrong with my assertion.
"By the way, why are you interested in me?" I followed up.
I knew there were stories floating around the school, and she was aware that I was a new student. But, since she was unknown to this school, why did she approach me? She didn't mind whether other people knew about her?
"Is that why you've come here?"
"No. I want to know personally."
"You want an answer?"
"You've heard it, haven't you?"
"Then, let's suppose I'd want to know more about you."
"Hm? That was a bit unexpected."
"What do you mean?"
"In the first place, I'm rather certain you know something about me. So, why do you want to learn more about me?"
As I previously stated, it worries me that she was so secretive while still knowing everything.
But, on the other hand, she remained mute.
"I'll ask you again later for that."
It seems that I hit the mark. She'll probably be wary of me now. This will be better since I want her to keep away from me.
I'm not interested in her past, so I don't go any farther. If she refuses to tell, I'll have to take a step back.
"Mr. Seid, beforehand, what would you provide me in exchange for my information?" She asked.
"I've already stated that I don't want to negotiate with you. You're really persistent."
"Is that so? Then why are you still here?"
"To get to know you as well."
To be specific, I'm observing yet knowing her behavior.
"But, since we're already here, I'd want to know what your preference is if I want your information."
"Then," she stopped, then said, "...don't drop out."
"Hm? What is it again?"
"Are you deaf?"
"No, but what is that request?"
"It's simple right?"
"Not exactly. Sure, you're a wiser than I thought."
"Thank you. Now, your decision?"
Because she's so enigmatic, there is a possibility that I won't be able to verify that information from her. In addition, she wants me to stay here in school, which is strange.
"Um, can I ask what your name is, or more precisely, what your true name is?"
If I recall properly, she did not identify herself to me, therefore I'd want to know her real name this time.
"Hm, Are you interested in me?"
"It is just a simple question."
"It is perhaps... But I don't want to answer that."
"Then what should I call you?"
"I'll leave that to you."
"Alright, but I'm not very good at naming people. Just like earlier, I called you Hana for some reason."
"No worries. But it seems you don't have any friends considering you can't do simple task like this."
"We're the same, aren't we?"
"No, not at all... I have a friend."
She had a friend?
My reaction is not visible from the outside, but I am confused of the way she speak. There's no way of knowing if she was telling me the truth.
"Um, I didn't want to offend, but that came as a surprise."
"No. I don't mind."
"However, because my experience at this school was brief, it's preferable to leave that matter alone."
Since her subterfuge isn't getting us anywhere, this is my response.
"What do you mean?"
"I had intended to leave school immediately soon."
"Er, can I ask, why you're making such a hasty move?"
"This wasn't a typical school, so why do students continue to apply here?"
From someone perspective, you don't want to apply here since the school was mysterious and odd. And of course, if you are a student, it's normal for you to quit right after you know the school's history. All students want a normal highschool life on their own. However, this school was obscure.
"Hmm, you're quite clever, aren't you? I'm not going to respond to it."
Now I get it, she's sharp.
Also, that was just a simple ploy to get her to provide information to me. But she's perceptive.
"You're listening carefully, huh?"
"What do you think of me?"
There is no other option except to leave this school, since this is normal thing to do.
"I'm delighted to speak with you, Miss, but I'm afraid I'll be leaving this school tomorrow." I said as I stood up.
"Fufu, is that what you decide, Hans Seid?"
"Now you're calling my name?"
"You are not the one who will decide whether or not to leave."
"What do you mean by that?"
"That is for sure."
"Hn?"
"As I already stated, you are not going to leave."
Her tone indicated that she was serious about her statement. She stays sitting on the bench, but her voice has the power to halt my steps.
"You want some information about the school?" She asks, admonishingly, "the oganization was formed to keep track of the students."
That was surprising of her. I'm not really sure what she's up to.
"Anyway, that's all for today Mr. Se--Hans," she stood up, "For the time being, I'll say goodbye and appreciate the time," then turn her back and left me instantly.
"Hah... What a shame. In the end you're leaving me behind?"
But after her disclosure, I walked and leave that place since I had been left alone.