Stepping In

Attending school was relatively routine then, getting up, having breakfast, packing the school bag, getting dressed appropriately - in the neat jacket, skirt, blouse, leggings and socks, before setting forth with enough time to get there on time was nothing new for most second years, there were a few exceptions though.

Getting to school was fine, slowly getting accustomed to the distance, while the streets were very quiet when Subaru set off, the station saw a few more people about, but nothing like the busier times, even the odd other student or two sometimes appeared on the same platform, but the trains had an abundance of seats within so Subaru could sit undisturbed for a short spell again.

Getting off the train saw a few more people about, at the bigger station - with a crossroads of lines always made it a little busier, but never enough people to consider it 'crowded', well not when Subaru planned his time was there, perhaps a touch sometimes on the return trip, but he stayed clear of the peak hour return times, so it hadn't been too bad, yet.

Having others watch you, was still unnerving, let alone a little embarrassing, the with the earlier time it meant that less people were about, and that was better, as far as Subaru was concerned, but there did seem to be a few who glanced his way, making him nervous that something obvious was giving 'him' away. Wondering if any of these strangers who seemed too keep looking at him, suspiciously or not was rattling and stressful, quite draining in fact, it felt almost worse than pushing along the streets toward the educational institute.

The most nerve-wracking thing nowadays; was the ankle length long dress - as it was long, but still loose about his legs, especially when it fluttered about in the light winds.

Climbing the slight incline was manageable, and the distance was fairly short too, Subaru could manage, plus the seat in class was a reward - perfect for getting off his feat. Greeted by a few other early students, often with kind smiles, Subaru simply waved and kept slowly walking, passing by or passed by the becoming slightly familiar others.

His lack of movement indoors too hadn't been un-noticed either, as several classmates now knew Subaru by name, and his demeanour too; always prompt, a near constant feature of the room, mostly silent, but still polite when rarely interacted with, most now gave a little greeting as they entered, while Subaru gave a short wave back, but that was it.

"Have you seen the Princess yet?"

"Yes - Isn't she truly gorgeous..."

A couple of younger girls chatted in the shoe-locker room, as Subaru slipped unnoticed in and out, keen to get to the settled classroom and a quiet seat.

Apparently rumour was about that there was a 'Princess' who came to school - a very pretty girl, with long hair, delicate and proper, sweet and polite - it was all the latest whisperings that had been about lately - though Subaru hadn't really taken a real interest in it, since most of his time he dwelled quietly in the classroom, only going out when absolutely necessary, and no more, so he'd only overheard the occasional gossip, so didn't know who they were about at all.

Reaching the class, up the still unforgiving staircase, Subaru usually arrived in the room first, nearly every day so far, but still carefully flopped onto the allocated seat and simply sat, taking a good while to recover was part of the routine as well. Perhaps he'd be able to feel less exhausted with the continuation of the journey for a whole year, but then yet another flight of stairs waited for the next year.

However; today's morning was a little different - as a small classmate surprised Subaru as he came in.

"Oh... morning... Araki..."

The tiny brown pony-tailed girl bobbed, oddly standing near to Subaru's desk instead of her own.

"Morning Sekiya-sama..."

Subaru paused.

-sama...?

Both stopped still, slightly nervous of the other.

Inori Araki; another quiet student, tiniest in the room, timid and uncommunicative, keeping very much to herself, not one to show a hint of emotion, she didn't seem to 'hang-out' with anyone else either, and like Subaru - kept to her desk most of the day.

She currently fiddled with a small bundle of what appeared to be post-it notes, shuffling while keeping her colourless eyes locked on Subaru.

Aware they stood awkwardly, Subaru was just about to continue to his desk, when the little shy one skittled up towards him, however since her grey eyes remained on his body rather than her path, she caught the in-between desk leg, stumbled and plopped onto the floor at his feet.

"Ah - are you alright... -?!"

Araki rolled over, still un-emotive, but her current position on the floor revealed much more than expected.

Lime green panties...

Araki raised her hands, with the papers up to Subaru, apparently unaware.

"Please forgive me - these are for you Sekiya-sama."

"Uh... you are... I can see..."

Subaru stumbled, trying to get her to do something about her exposure.

She just remained still, before following his sight and glancing down with her colourless eyes at her flipped up clothes, then back to Subaru's blushing face, before giving a ever-so-slight reaction.

"I do not mind..."

She had a small twinkle in her eye, something Subaru was familiar with from home.

My sister gets that particular look... oh crap - is she another weirdo...?

She stayed still, leaving the embarrassed Subaru with one option - to take the papers from her, so she would finally do something about it.

With the notes delivered, her small hands only then went to her flipped skirt, but instead of pulling down to conceal, she tugged it higher.

"Please step upon me lady Sekiya..."

Inori showed all of her petit thighs, small green panties, curved hips and even the base of her trim waist - still looking flatly up to Subaru above.

"Wherever you desire..."

What...!?!

Subaru recoiled slightly, hearing the unexpected words from the little teen that showcased her fairly tightly fitting underwear without concern.

I can see little curves - and a bump too..? Oh no - I'm staring at something I really shouldn't...

Subaru looked away, and retreated a small step too, aware that a well behaving fellow female wouldn't be so mystified by the secret area.

"Yes forgive me... I am unworthy of your soles..."

She finally covered up, still void of any emotion, but sounded quite disappointed, curled over and got back to her feet, before bowing her head low.

"I apologise Princess."

What for now... wait... Princess...? Me...?

"Excuse me... Princess?"

"Yes, you are the finest lady amongst us... truly deserving of that title."

She raised her head slightly, looking up with one dull eye.

Subaru was left completely stunned - by it all really.

"Oh and please fill out the requests at your leisure - and return them to me. I'll give them back to the others."

Wait... the what now...?!

Subaru finally glanced to the notes, realising that they all had different writings on each:

Please allow me to know your shampoo you use. - Nodoka.

I only ask to know your favourite colour - so I may wear it too. - Junko.

I would die for a candid photo - please! - Love Bear.

I beg you to step on me - whenever you wish - Araki.

He read the first few, but needed to stop.

"What are these...?"

Subaru waved the thirty or so in his hand through the air.

"Simple request's from your admirers."

Inori responded nonchalantly.

And with those words, she turned and skittered to her desk, on the other side of the room, sat and opened up a little book - like everything was totally normal.

...the hell is going on around here...?

Another couple of classmates entered, a pair of boys Subaru was unfamiliar with, but both nodded and smiled his direction, before returning to their amusing discussion.

Subaru then likewise hurried to his seat, and stuffed all the notes deep into the desk.

How can this be...? I have... fan's... and I am this very 'Princess' everyone's been chatting about too...?

Subaru sat in bewilderment for quite a while then, until the busty blue arrived and snapped him from his dwelling thoughts - one of the few who actually talked with the newcomer.

"Hey Su-ba-ru...”

Akane had already taken it upon herself to use Subaru's name, instead of his families, so a return had been hesitantly given.

"Morning A-Akane."

"Yeah, you remember my name..."

She spalled out on the desk directly before Subaru, also a usual thing she did, becoming close with a board smile.

"Yes of course."

"Most people forget me..."

How could they possibly do that... you're quite impressionable...

"How come?"

This question left her with a little thought time, which could sometimes take a little while.

"Good morning Subaru-chan, Akane..."

The taller and darker haired second half of the duo arrived, coming alongside her long time friend's seat.

"Yes, Morning Ritsu."

The same courtesy was given to the brighter blue.

"I think it's a difficult name..."

The other finally answered, but still seemed to wonder.

"Uh huh... Are you uh, aware of the nickname... I've been given?"

"Oh don't worry about it; I'm sure they mean it in a positive way."

The brighter one replied with a reassuring grin, before the other asked.

"Did you want me to call you 'Your Highness'?"

Apparently everyone else knew.

"No, no, please no."

"Don't give it a second thought..."

Ritsu said, always doing her best to be positive and helpful.

I have a couple of dozen notes that may make that difficult...

Wary of glances and watches then, and through the day, it turned into a annoyingly long and stressful day, but everything quietly went on as it did, despite Subaru's nerves and worries about being in an unseen spotlight, the day just went with the flow of itself, again.

Perhaps it's just a fad, because I'm new and a little mysterious, maybe...? Hopefully it'll pass...

Subaru had already gotten back home, somewhere nice and safe, and really looked forward to taking some more much needed rest, both physically and mentally.

Kicking free his shoes, he wobbled into the dining area, but froze beside the comfy couch in its heart.

"Welcome home my sweet little... sister..."