Depressing Day Away

Inei walks to school, a dark day with stormy clouds covering the blue sky. Inei silently walks past the entrance of the school, calmly walking to the classroom. Inei walks in and takes his seat, opening a textbook and reading it. Minutes pass, Inei then suddenly stopping in his tracks, staring at his book.

It is too quiet.

Inei then quickly looks up, noticing that there are very few students in the classroom. Inei notices the time for class to start is very short, Inei gritting his teeth.

Damn these girls! They are always late and I have to pick up the slack for them!

Inei whips out his phone when suddenly a soft voice stops him completely.

"Inei? You're here?"

Inei looks up, seeing Yasu standing in front of his desk, a book in her hand tucked against her body, a purse sitting on her opposite shoulder stretching down to her hip. Inei looks at her strangely, then Yasu continues.

"Today is the trip for excellence. Did you forget about it? Out of the five girls I am the only one that succeeded."

Inei puts his hand on the back of his neck, rubbing it nervously.

I did forget about it because of how much I have been with the girls. It is no surprise Yasu made it though, she is the smartest girl of the five.

Yasu then slowly sits on Inei's desk facing towards him. Inei examines here quickly, seeing a teal long-sleeve t-shirt and jeans, a teal beanie with two fluffy balls sit respectively on top of her hat. Yasu then leans forward a little.

"What are you staring at, Inei? Ever seen a girl in casual clothing?"

Inei blushes then rubs his neck softly again. Yasu smiles softly, a small giggle coming from her. The teacher then enters the room.

"Okay everyone! Everyone here is a part of the excellence trip for your success on your grades. The rest of the students will be arriving after we leave; so let's leave promptly! Everyone pair up for the ride there and for the time we are there!"

Inei and Yasu look at each other, Yasu shyly looking down, playing with a strand of her hair.

"We can be partners, Inei, unless you do not want to."

Inei nods her heard to her, standing up and taking her hand, then shows the teacher.

"Okay you two! Get to the bus!"

Inei then begins walking, Yasu following beside him nervously, now holding her purse in her arms. They then walk out and towards the bus. When they get inside, Inei waits for Yasu, letting her take her seat and Inei sitting next to her. Their legs brush against each other in the tight seat, Yasu nervously closing herself off and aiming herself away from Inei and bringing her knees to her chest, lying her head in between them. Inei notices and begins typing on his phone, handing it to her.

"Are you okay?"

Yasu looks away a little afterwards.

"This feels wrong."

Inei tilts his head, then Yasu continues.

"My friends would be so sad if they knew we were together by ourselves going somewhere like this. I can't do this to them. It feels so wrong to get what I want and then suffer for it."

Inei frowns a bit, then types on his phone, handing it to her again.

"You deserve to be happy too."

Yasu shakes her head, burying her face in her knees.

"I do but not like this, not when the happiness of my friends is in jeopardy. Even if I really wanted to spend time with just you..."

Inei sits still, the noise of other students as the bus begins to take off covers the silence. Inei then opens his bag, pulling out his headphones, then puts them on Yasu's head, Yasu looking up and feeling them with her hands, looking at Inei. Yasu looks to Inei, Inei holding his phone up with a music app open, shaking the phone side to side with his wrist. Yasu stares at the phone for a moment then smiles softly.

"Anything mellow would be nice."

Inei nods, turning on some low-fi music, Yasu sitting in her chair relaxed and comfortable. Inei looks at her for a moment, then relaxes in his chair. Time goes on, Inei hears the teacher speak.

"Alright students! We have arrived, come up and get a wrist band with your partner. Each partner pair will have a wrist band with the same color marking on it to identify who is to be with who. If you are away from your partner other than to use the facilities it will be an automatic ban on using anything in the building."

Inei nods, looking over to Yasu who is happily listening to her music with her eyes closed. Inei puts his hand on her shoulder, softly shaking her. Yasu slowly opens her eyes and looks up and around. She takes off the headphones, looking at Inei with a confused look.

"Oh? Are we here Inei?"

Inei nods, then Yasu smiles, handing the headphones back to Inei who places them in his bag.

"Thank you for letting me borrow your headphones. It helped me feel more at peace on the way."

Inei nods to her again, then takes her hand, Yasu blushing brightly with shock on her face. Inei pulls her along to the professor, the professor putting on wrist bands with blue teardrops on their wristbands. Inei and Yasu both look at the symbol, Yasu furrowing her eyebrows a little bit.

"This is an, interesting symbol to be chosen."

Inei notices her change in attitude, pulling her along with him off of the bus in hope of cheering her up. She follows behind him as they enter the building, Inei looks around, seeing video games, billiards, bowling, laser tag, and a risen area to wear a harness to walk on broken paths. Inei looks at Yasu who still seems a bit awkward and uncomfortable. Inei then points to the bowling lane, Yasu blushing brighter.

"I-if that's what you want to do, Inei."

Inei then walks over to the counter, the receptionist asking for their shoe sizes. Inei looks around for a moment, then Yasu speaks up softly.

"An eight for me, and a twelve for him."

Inei looks at her in shock, then the receptionist brings the shoes, Inei grabbing both pair and walking to their ally. When they arrive, they put their shoes on in silence, then Inei types on his phone, handing it to Yasu.

"How did you know my shoe size?"

Yasu blushes faintly then crosses her arms.

"Easy answer; Azami needed to know your shoe size for your shoes she made and I did research to find the average shoe size of a male your height, giving that result."

Inei sits with shock, then smiles and shakes his head, typing on his phone and handing it to Yasu.

"You never fail to amaze me with your intelligence, Yasu."

Yasu blushes heavily tossing Inei's phone to him and standing quickly and walking off as she speaks, her speech leaving her mouth as fast as her walk.

"I'll go get my ball be right back!"

Inei watches Yasu run off, getting up slowly and going another direction, finding and grabbing a ball for himself. As he picks it up, he looks up to see the professor standing in front of him with their hands behind their back.

"Inei, where is your partner?"

Inei doesn't react, then very slowly tries to step away. Inei then begins to walk, the professor following him. Inei returns to Yasu and then professor takes out a stamp, stamping the top of Inei's and Yasu's hand with an "X" on it.

"That's your first warning. Do not split away from your partner."

The professor takes off to another section of the building, Yasu sitting with a sad look on her face.

"I'm sorry Inei, that is my fault."

Inei shakes his head, typing on his phone and showing it to her.

"No it's okay, they're just being really strict about it. Let's just play."

Yasu nods her head, then sets up the game. Inei goes first, his first roll hitting three pins. Inei then stands and waits for his ball, the silence eating away at him like vultures on a corpse. His ball returns to him through the shoot, Inei picking it up and going to bowl again. When he rolls it, his ball knocks over five more pens, making him score eight. Inei then returns to his seat where Yasu stands and passes him, grabbing her ball. Yasu walks up and rolls her ball, a back spin turning her ball inward and landing a strike. She turns and looks at Inei with a soft smile, then blushes as he looks at her in shock. Yasu then takes her seat, Inei standing slowly and getting his ball. When he bowls this time, he hits four pins the first time, then five the second time. Yasu takes his place and again rolls the exact same stroke, getting a strike. Inei looks at her as she sits, Inei showing her his phone.

"You are an incredible bowler, aren't you?"

Yasu giggles nervously, then responds uneasy.

"Is that okay? I know it's not the coolest skill..."

Inei shakes his head and types, then shows his phone again.

"I think it is amazing! I wish I could bowl like that!"

Yasu smiles then gets up, taking his hand and going to the balls.

"Okay, pick up your ball."

Inei then picks up his ball, Yasu then grabbing hers, showing him her finger placement on the ball. Inei tries to copy her, the placement feeling odd on his long fingers. She demonstrates how to twist the ball to give it to spin, Inei follows suit, the ball falling off his fingers and hitting the ground, Yasu giggling a little from it. Inei picks up the ball, and tries again, not dropping the ball a second time. Then Yasu puts her ball down and walks up with him, she slowly caresses Inei's hand with hers, her fingers gently gliding against his under the ball. Inei blushes softly then hears Yasu speak to him.

"Okay good your placement is correct. So now, you should be able to spin it and get the strike."

Inei closes his eyes, inhaling deeply then slowly letting the breath flow through his lips. He opens his eyes and walks forward, moving the ball, making the same motion as Yasu, the ball reaching the edge of the floor before spinning back and exploding the pins, one pin left standing as it wobbles side to side and then sits flat on it's base. Inei turns and looks at Yasu, who stands with a big grin on her face, giving Inei a double thumbs up with her arms straight out in front of her. Inei smiles softly back at her and then bowls his second spin, landing a spare. Inei walks back slowly, Yasu putting her hands together with her arms straight down in front of herself, her fingers locked together.

"That was so good for your first time! Usually people gutter ball for a long time after trying to learn how to spin the ball. You have luck from being a college athlete."

Inei shrugs and Yasu slightly pushes past him, proceeding to bowl. They continue to bowl and end the game, Inei having a score of one hundred eighty points and Yasu having a two hundred forty-four point game. They both look at the score board in shock, then Yasu looks down and to the side, a sad look on her face.

"I am sorry, I went a little overkill with the win."

Inei looks at her, catching her attention as he shakes his head. He types on the phone and then hands it to her.

"It's okay, you won fair and square. I will treat you to ice cream."

Yasu blushes softly, covering her face with her hands.

"Inei you do not have to do that for me, really it is just a game."

Inei types again and shows it to her, then begins to walk leaving the phone with him.

"It's okay I promise, follow me before we get a second strike."

Yasu then puts his phone in her purse as she speed walks to catch up to Inei. They reach the service bar and Inei points for Yasu to order her favorite ice cream flavor. She then orders cookies and cream, the server bringing it out quickly. Inei hands the server his card and then the server hands it back, Yasu enjoying her ice cream. Inei then takes Yasu and sets up a billiards table, putting all the balls in the triangle. Suddenly, his wrist is in someone's hand, something pressing against his hand.

"I told you to stay with your partner Inei! That's warning two!"

Inei turns seeing the professor, Inei looking and not able to find Yasu. A couple of minutes pass and Yasu walks up with napkins, wiping her hands clean. The professor then takes her hand, stamping it and warning her too. He walks off and Yasu and Inei look at each other, Yasu frustratingly ranting for a moment.

"I seriously cannot even grab napkins without you? What is his deal? His actions are way too strict and it is ridiculous. It would be one thing if I was at laser tag and you were here, but I walked to that bar and back. We're adults for crying out loud, what will he do, put us in time out?"

Inei stands patiently, letting Yasu prepare to play the game. She grabs her pool cue and looks at Inei whom is staring at her. Yasu then sighs and looks down.

"I'm sorry I got mad. It is just ridiculous the way they are treating us, they ask us to do their bidding but they are just awful and mean about it."

Inei nods, grabbing his cue as well, also removing the triangle to set up the pool balls. Yasu lines up her cue, striking the white ball, landing a stripe and solid ball in the pockets on the first shot. Inei goes to take his shot, Inei glaring up to see Yasu staring at him, a sad look on her face. He then refocuses on the ball, hitting it with the cue, landing a stripe ball in the whole. Inei's next shot is a miss, leading to Yasu's turn. Yasu then takes a moment on every shot, sinking a solid shot on every turn. Inei watches in amazement, as Yasu sinks the eight ball not having let Inei get another chance to shoot. Yasu looks at Inei then sighs, putting the pool cue on the table then begins to walk away, sniffling. Inei then throws down his cue following behind her. Yasu sits on a bench close to the entrance, getting in the fetal position and covering her face with her knees, crying now. Inei sits beside her looking at her while she cries. Suddenly Yasu leans to the side, resting on Inei's shoulder speaking through her tears.

"Is this okay?"

Inei nods, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"It feels wrong, being here without the rest."

Inei tilts his head to Yasu's words as she continues.

"When I looked at the scoreboard at bowling, I wasn't sad because I went overboard. I was sad because the rest of us were not on there. I hate that we could play billiards because we should be playing laser tag with our friends. I mean, I am happy to be here with you, just us, but I feel like I am cheating my friends because they are not with you when they like you as much as I do."

Inei sits with shock, still listening to her as she releases her emotions.

"I don't want to have an advantage over them by hanging out with you by myself, it feels so wrong and I hate myself for it."

Inei then lets go of her, typing on his phone. Yasu lifts her head up enough for her eyes to be revealed, mascara running down her cheeks. Inei hands her his phone and she reads his message.

"You are not getting an advantage. Shockingly enough; you're the only one who has not had a planned date with me. All the other girls have all gone out with me and they asked me to. If anyone got cheated it was you for feeling this way for them while you believe this isn't right. You deserve this more than anyone, it's okay we are here together, we both earned being here to begin with. If you still worry about getting an advantage, you did not even know I was coming so it's okay Yasu, really."

Yasu sits, sniffling every now and then reading his phone, then looks at Inei, a sparkle in her eyes.

"Really? Like you have spent time with them individually?"

Inei nods, Yasu looking down, taking a deep breath then exhaling, wiping away at her eyes.

"I don't feel bad now. I just do not want them to think I am cheating to get you."

Inei shakes his head.

I have not really thought about it being that they want me at all, I have just been thinking of it has fun times out.

Yasu stands and begins walking off.

"I need a napkin for my eyes."

Inei quickly grabs her hand, Yasu looking back at him with confusion. Inei shows her the stamp on his other hand, then stands up, Yasu nodding.

"Right, we can't separate. Let's stick together."

Yasu locks her fingers with Inei, walking to the server counter and getting napkins. After that Inei and Yasu play a few games such as air hockey, which is also won by Yasu, then do the sky bridge activity, both of them smiling at the enjoyment. Time passes and they sit together on the same bench as before, hands locked together. Yasu glances over at Inei, blushing, then slowly lays her head down on Inei's shoulder.

"This is a lot for me. I usually just read and do not go out."

Yasu then reaches into her purse and pulls out a book.

"I honestly expected to come and read this. I didn't expect to do all I have done. I never really get chosen to be partners for anything."

Inei looks at her then begins typing on his phone with one hand, showing her the text.

"Why don't we read the book on the way back home on the bus? It would be enjoyable since we're fatigued."

Yasu nods to the question, showing Inei the book.

"It's a horror/action book. It's actually the first one you suggested for the club fair."

Inei examines it, nodding.

I have read all of these books straight through, but I won't tell Yasu that. I'll enjoy reading it again anyway.

Yasu then checks the time on her phone, showing Inei.

"We are supposed to meet at the bus now anyway, let's go that way."

Inei nods and they stand up together, hands interlocking with their fingers. When they reach the bus, they show their hands to the professor who smarts off as they get on the bus.

"You both are partners not marrying each other, just take your seats."

Inei and Yasu roll their eyes and take their seats, Yasu sitting next to the window and Inei in the isle. Yasu then takes out her book, opening it and holding it to where Inei can see, her body pushing against Inei's. Inei blushes softly, reading the pages alongside her, trying to take his mind off of them against each other. As time passes, Inei notices Yasu's body pushing harder into his, her chest slowly beginning to push into his arm. Inei blushes brighter, then suddenly Yasu's head lies on his shoulder. Inei glances at Yasu who has fallen asleep on him, the book slightly dropped down a little bit.

Poor girl, all that crying and playing has probably worn her out. It's probably best to let her sleep.

Inei slowly takes the book from her hand, putting it in her purse and pulls out his headphones, placing them on his head and listening to songs. Time goes by and Yasu suddenly squirms, snuggling closer to Inei and wrapping his arm up in here, pulling his arm into her chest. Inei blushes majorly, trying not to look at what is happening. Inei slightly begins to panic, the angle of his height to Yasu makes it a bit easy to see down her shirt.

It's just Yasu, she would never mean this. She's just sleeping, there's nothing more to it. Do not take advantage of her! Let her sleep in peace and do not look!

Inei gently leans his head back, his head resting on the top of the seat and slowly falls asleep, ignoring what is happening beside him.

Inei is woken from a tap on his shoulder, his head shooting up, the professor staring at him with anger.

"Very appropriate. Get out so I can go home. Both of you!"

Inei looks at him with confusion, then looks at Yasu who has her head in his lap lying on his hand, curled up into the seat. Inei slowly wiggles free and picks up Yasu who tries snuggling into him as he bridal carries her off the bus, and the bus takes off. Inei then begins walking, carrying Yasu all the way to her house. He rings the doorbell and waits patiently for someone to answer. The door whips open, Inei in shock with what he sees. Yui stands in a towel wrapped around her body and her hair tied up in another towel. She yelps with embarrassment, hiding behind the door.

"Inei what the hell!"

She looks to see Yasu, turning her attention to her.

"What happened to Yasu?! What did you do to her?!"

Inei slightly pushes past Yui, lying Yasu on the coach then begins searching around the house. Yui stands in her towel with confusion and embarrassment plastered on her face. Inei finally finds a blanket and lies it on top of Yasu, Inei stretching and heading to the door. Yui calls out to Inei.

"Inei!"

Inei turns his head to see Yui standing there, her towel slightly loose now.

"I'll see you tomorrow for my date."

Inei shakes his head and walks out, closing the door behind him. He sluggishly walks home, landing face first in his bed when he does. He thinks to himself as he lies motionless.

I feel so bad for Yasu. She truly wants the best for all of them and does not want to upset the others. She is so thoughtful, even with Chura she was thoughtful. To me, Yasu makes sense.

Suddenly there is a knock on his door, Inei leaning up to see a letter, getting up and picking it up. He opens and reads the words written on the letter.

"Club meeting Sunday at noon. Meet at the following address; do not be late."

Inei states at it, opening his door and looking out and seeing an empty hallway. Inei shrugs, tossing it on the floor and returning to his place on his bed, falling asleep instantly. Minutes go by, then Inei is awoken by a voice.

"Having so much fun with your toys that you can't even change when you get home?"

Inei stares with wide eyes, Rina sitting in his chair.

"Don't even bother trying to get up, I've frozen you solid."

Inei tries to squirm, but no movement occurs. Rina stands and leans down looking Inei in the face with a smug look, doing air quotes as she speaks.

"You sure do love your "friends" huh? You're just leading them on, you haven't changed even if you don't talk. You're no better than before. You tell, who was it, Yui, what you are really doing or I will make sure she is frozen permanently, understand?"

Inei furrows his eyebrows, Rina sighing with disappointment.

"You still wont talk to me. I'll take it you understand. You better not disappoint her."

Rina slams a fist into Inei's back, knocking him unconscious for the rest of the night.