Chapter VIII: Notes
The school day begins like any other, with the morning sun casting its golden rays upon the campus. Ryujin, unaware of the eyes that follow him, makes his way to class. Unbeknownst to him, Murasaki, the mysterious girl with a penchant for silent observation, is discreetly tailing him. She moves with the stealth of a shadow, her eyes fixed on Ryujin's every move.
As Ryujin reaches his classroom, Murasaki emerges from the shadows, revealing herself as the silent observer. She is also otherwise known as Saki for short. The bell rings, signaling the start of the day's lessons.
"Oh crap, gotta go to the classroom." (Saki)
Known for her quiet demeanor, Saki takes her seat and continues her silent admiration of Ryujin.
"He's so cute", Saki thinks as she watches him.
As he chats animatedly with Aoto and Samero, Saki marvels at his enthusiasm and the magnetic personality that seems to draw others to him.
"I wonder if I could have a chat with him soon.", she thinks as she doodles some anime girls on her notepad.
Throughout the day, Saki finds herself lost in thoughts about Ryujin. The mysterious allure of his personality and the strength he displays in his battles intrigue her. She wonders if fate will allow her to have a conversation with him someday, to delve into the enigma that is Ryujin.
"I wish I could chat with him. But I can't... I'm shy and nervous."
As the other classmates fill the room, their animated conversations and laughter drown out Saki's silent presence. Some even speculate that she might be mute due to her stoic silence. However, her silence is a facade for the myriad of thoughts and emotions swirling within her.
During a vacant class, as she quietly sketches anime characters, Hageshi, a perceptive classmate, notices her talent. Intrigued, he approaches her.
"Hey, is that Levi Ackerman? Man, you're pretty good at drawing! Mind if I join you?" Hageshi asks.
Saki, usually reserved, looks up and nods. Sensing an opportunity for friendship, Hageshi strikes up a conversation with her.
"I'm Hageshi. You have a name, right?" Hageshi inquires.
"Murasaki, but you can call me Saki," she replies.
"Cool! Do you want to be friends?" Hageshi asks.
Surprisingly, she nods, and from that moment, a subtle bond forms between them.
In the days that follow, Saki's fascination with Ryujin grows. She marvels at his prowess during battles, especially in the preliminary exams. The way he strategizes against opponents like Takeshi leaves an indelible mark on her memory.
"His prowess in fighting Takeshi with just a blow, or a splash to him, is like watching an Aquarius version of One Punch Man."
After a particularly challenging class, Hageshi and Saki stroll along the dike, a tranquil setting that often becomes the backdrop for their conversations.
"Hageshi, can you tell me about Ryujin," Saki requests.
"Ryujin? Ryujin Furukawa? Oh, he's a great guy. You'd like him if you chat with him. Very fun to be around," Hageshi responds.
Their conversation is cut short as Kitsune and Rikiyo rush by, leaving a whirlwind of speed and laughter in their wake.
"Let's go, or else we'll be late!" Kitsune calls out.
"Hurry up, slowpokes!" Rikiyo adds.
As they rush through the hallway, students spin in their wake due to their incredible speed. Saki and Hageshi exchange glances, amused by the whirlwind duo.
Returning to class, they settle into their seats just as the bell rings, announcing the beginning of Hajime's lecture. The class delves into the intricacies of constellation powers, with Hajime explaining the main and derivative powers associated with each constellation.
"There are 88 known constellations when one is looking up at the night sky. However, within our genetic history and abilities, our constellation powers only involve the main twelve constellations: Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn. You are born with its power in the respective month. But note, the origin of this power is not clear since many scientists gave their theory without any confirmed evidence. They are divided into derivatives and main.
The Main is the main power such as Aquarius, for example, its main is water or wind since their element is wind and the representation on symbol as water bearer. However, these are not the only ones. Derivatives in that constellation include ice, and mist. Depending on your sign, you are lucky enough to forge your abilities to surpass your limit. Our species are yes of human, but there is a specific name for us and that is Constella. A Constella is someone who possesses the powers of the constellations. Whereas, if their constellation aligns with the constellation in the sky, power might over-surge over them, but learn to limit your abilities. Did you get any of that?" Hajime explains.
At the back of the class, someone conspicuously misses the entire lecture - Miran, who is sound asleep. Annoyed by his inattentiveness, Hajime decides to intervene, grabbing a piece of chalk and throwing it with pinpoint accuracy, hitting Miran square in the head.
"Is it over?" Miran mumbles.
Hajime, unamused by Miran's antics, instructs him to leave the class until his antics are over.
"No sleeping in my class! Suzuki, if I will caught you one more time napping in my class, you will be sleeping outside at the hall or in Principal Kimura's office.!"
For the next ten minutes, the students are tasked with creating an ability name that suits their respective Constellation powers. Papers are passed around, filled with imaginative and creative names. Hajime meticulously reads and rates each answer, offering feedback and praise where due.
"Haruto Ogata – Line without a Hook? Hmm, catchy, 8/10"
"Miran Suzuki – Secret of the Mimic? Nah, Suzuki please change it, it sounds sus."
"Hageshi Hitokami – Sandstorm, nice! 9/10"
"Inoshiro Kasai – Lionheart, very good! 9/10"
"Samero Uozumi – The Meg, excellent! 9/10"
"Ryujin Furukawa – Tropical Storm! Excellent 9/10"
"Kitsune Kubo – Moon Fox, not bad! 8/10"
"Rikiyo Furumi – Dance Monkey, good, 8/10"
"Murasaki Aikawa – Bullseye, 9/10"
"Takeshi Yukimura – The Frostbite Angel, I love it, 9/10"
Meanwhile, Saki finds herself daydreaming about Ryujin. Her gaze lingers on him throughout the class, and as the bell signals the end of the session, she feels a nervous flutter in her chest.
"Oh, class is already over. But damn, he's cute. However, how could I approach him?"
After the class, Saki hesitates to approach Ryujin. Hageshi, noticing her internal struggle, encourages her to step out of her comfort zone.
"Don't worry, he won't bite. Just go and talk to him," Hageshi reassures.
Samero, overhearing the conversation, can't resist teasing Hageshi.
"What's going on here? Trying to play matchmaker, Hageshi?" Samero teases.
Hageshi blushes, apologizing for the unintended implication. As Ryujin packs his belongings, Saki gathers her courage and approaches him.
"Um, would you... would you send me notes on the lecture?" Saki asks.
Ryujin, with a friendly smile, agrees. He asks for her name and email address, and Saki, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness, provides the information. That night, she receives the notes on the lecture, and Ichiro, while passing by his room, can't help but notice.
"Hey, hey, hey! Texting your girlfriend, Ryujin-Onii-chan?" Ichiro teases.
Ryujin chuckles, dispelling any romantic notions.
"It's not what it looks like. She's just a friend," Ryujin explains.
Ichiro, skeptical but supportive, accepts the explanation. Meanwhile, Saki, alone in her room, stares at her phone screen, wondering about the possibilities that could unfold if she gets closer to Ryujin.
Days turn into weeks, and Saki's friendship with Hageshi deepens. They continue to share moments on the dike, discussing their experiences at school and the ever-enthralling world of constellation powers.
As the academic challenges persist, so does the unspoken connection between Saki and Ryujin. A subtle bond forms through shared notes and fleeting glances. The chapters of their story, intertwined with the mysteries of the constellations, are just beginning to unfold in the vast cosmic tapestry of their lives.