章節 5: Logic Five
"Hide's POV"
I'm curious as to why my best friend can be really tedious sometimes. Let me tell you three things.
One, I'm in the bath. Two, I'm covered in soap. Three I'm completely naked with my best friend.
Just like we always used to when we were kids. This is normal. Perfectly normal.
Arum insisted we take a bath together. He said we should bring back the things we used to do together. I don't exactly know what's gotten into him, but I didn't really care. Other than bringing back what we used to do he also told that we should explore new things to do together as well, to 'spark things up a little' he specified. I don't really understand him sometimes.
I just sat down peacefully on a stool as Arum runs his fingers through my hair with shampoo while massaging my scalp. Our slim bodies were completely covered with bubbles.
"This is your idea?" I asked.
"I just missed being a kid with you. We should do this more often!" He grins. He's massaging me too well and it felt good. Maybe this isn't so bad after all, being like this really does remind me of our childhood.
"This feels nice," I closed my eyes as I moaned a breath of air.
"You never did change," I told. But he suddenly frowned and stopped moving his hands over my head.
"What's wrong?" I asked
"Hide..." He paused. "Do you think we'll ever be separated?" He continued.
"Beats me. Maybe when we get to college and finally get jobs or something," I replied nonchalantly.
"Well, you're technically right. As always," Arum sighed disappointedly. He probably didn't like my answer. I take a deep breath to release tension. Pep talks aren't really my thing.
"We've always been together for most of our lives. I got so used to it that I can hardly imagine what it's like without you being there for me all the time." I pause but I didn't stop there.
"And look. If anything, you're the closest person I've ever met. Even if you and I get separated, I don't think it's going to break what we have together. Plus we're adults now," I said sincerely.
"Aww, you really are my best friend!" Arum tugs me towards him and enclosed his arms around me. The both of us had slippery soapy bodies so our skins slid off our bare skins too easily that he accidentally ended up rearing too close.
"Arum, we're still naked, I'm not comfortable like this," I told.
"Sorry," He chuckles. "I got too caught in the moment." He continues. His eyes then turned towards somewhere it shouldn't be.
"You sure grew a lot down there. Do you shave regularly?" Arum asked.
"Let's not go there," I replied as I slide his arms off my shoulder.
After all the rinsing and washing along with the rest of our daily morning routines, we prepared to leave for school. We carried our bags and at the same time, Arum was trying to put his shoes on. I had to ask something that came to mind.
"Did you call your dad last night?" I immediately told.
"Hmm? Oh yeah, I actually did. I promised him after all. He's still really hard to talk to sometimes," Arum told in dismay.
"What makes you think so?"
"Ugh, he says he had some good news. But I can't believe he joked about him and my mom being back together again. Un-fucking-believable!" Arum attempts to kick the wall in spite but ends up failing miserably.
"Shit!" He cussed in pain. I probably shouldn't have asked.
"Are you mad?"
"Nah, I don't want to be mad. I definitely forgot about it when you and I were video gaming hard last night," Arum replied. We actually played too much Super Smash Bros last night. Arum normally picks buff looking characters but he actually mains Sonic. I just kept using Mario but got fond of using Inkling myself recently. Remind me not to get too into video games just because I have a gamer best friend.
After wearing his shoes, Arum reaches out for the doorknob. He gets quite a shock when he opens it upon seeing someone outside our front door.
"Raihen?!"
"Morning!" He greeted.
"Let's go to school together!"
"How long have you been here?" Arum asked.
"Oh, I just got here! Heheh!" He grins.
"It's probably going to be like this every morning now isn't it?" I said sighing.
"Yeap!" He enters the house and tackled us both with a strong hug.
"Let's go!" Raihen enthusiastically cheered. Arum and I almost suffocated in his strong grip between his bulging biceps. Although I still can't get over what happened yesterday and over the fact that I actually punched someone.
With Raihen in the mix, our lives were never the same again. I mean it could be worse.
Sooner than not we were in class. Just the usual room filled with students while professor Robert is briefing us over our last topic.
"Now class, I assume we now all know about the theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow. The hierarchy of needs of course," The professor incited.
"Maslow used the terms physiological, safety, belonging and love, social needs or esteem, and self-actualization to describe the pattern through which human motivations generally move. This means that in order for motivation to occur at the next level, each level must be satisfied within the individual themselves."
"That individual is you! All of us! We are all individuals living in one society," The professor adds. After a brief pause, he scans the room to see a class filled with bored expressions on their faces, barely paying attention to the class discussion.
"Mikhail!" He suddenly called. I immediately responded and stood from my seat. Marui who was very expectant gets a little upset for not being the one who gets called.
All eyes were cast upon me which made me feel slightly disoriented. Just imagine being that person who hardly interacts with anyone else. It makes people curious about how you'll react when you're simply called upon by the teacher to see if anything interesting happens. It's not very alarming.
"In your opinion, what gives meaning to our lives?" Mister Robert asked. The whole class turned blank, most are glad they weren't called. It's as if it was the hardest question in the entire world. Like really, can we just not?
"Humans lead short and boring insignificant lives and have developed a sense of desire and longing. So they involve themselves in hobbies or anything else that can keep them entertained and motivated. They always try to pretend to be part of something big even if they actually aren't," I told straightforwardly. There was only silence and the teacher is quite surprised himself. The others? They aren't quite sure.
"Damn," I heard Marui muttered. Our teacher coughs to gather attention and regain composure for his slightly delayed reaction.
"Thank you mister Mikhail, I believe that is quite accurate. Please take your seat," He ordered and I did as told. Our professor resumes by drawing a diagram on the whiteboard with a blue marker.
"Let's talk about the psychoanalytic theory, I believe we failed to tackle this last time. Does anyone have an idea of who proposed this theory and what it's all about?"
Raihen raises his hands.
"Ah yes! The new lad! Proceed!" The professor gestures. Marui once again who loves participating became quite disappointed but was intrigued with what will be the outcome of someone who transferred yesterday.
"The theory is originated by Sigmund Freud! It became a therapeutic method for treating mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the patient's mind and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind, using techniques such as dream interpretation and free association... Or at least that's what I remember by textbook context," Raihen chuckles.
"I'm very impressed. Very well done mister Kaminaga," Professor Robert complimented.
"Why thank you, sir!" Raihen politely expressed his gratitude. The others became quite fascinated as well.
"You aren't as smart as you look," Arum told jokingly.
"Pfft, I'm just lucky I guess," Raihen shrugged innocently.
"Oh, my gee! You're hot, and you're smart?" Jesskah squealed.
"We all know who's the real hot one here," Garren said oozing with confidence as he looked at a small mirror he keeps.
"Ew," Jesskah said in disgust.
"Too much to handle?" Garren winks twice with his left eye.
"Eww! Ew! Stop!"
"How come you never say nice things about me?" Garren complained.
"Raihen, I hereby accept your challenge," Marui muttered while adjusting his glasses thinking it's dramatic. This is probably because he watches too much anime.
"Whoa there. I'm not here to be a threat," Raihen denied.
"Nah, you're cool," Marui smiles reassuringly.
"What about me?" Allen butts into the conversation.
"We don't want you, Allen. Go kiss a sea urchin or something," Jesskah said sarcastically.
"One time, when I was seven. I tried making pancakes and turned it into a unicorn sculpture and named it Allen's unicorn," Allen shared. But everyone just stared at him silently.
"I ate it afterward," He added. Everyone made no comments.
"True story." He still continued. All turned their backs to ignore him and just went back to listening to the discussion. Everyone in this class is weird.
Few hours flew by with time more quickly than I realized. We were heading towards the school cafeteria building, Arum, Raihen and I included. It's finally lunch break.
As we were walking throughout the busy hallways, we saw hordes of students that seem to be crowding around something. But it was more of a someone. It was Michelle. Kneeling in front of her was some ordinary guy. She's at it again.
"Go on. Clean my shoes. Lick it if you have to. Do you have any idea how much these things cost?" Michelle threatens. The guy seemed to have done something.
"Yes, ma'am!" The boy immediately obeyed to her orders as he polishes her shoes with a clean white rag.
"Be sure to get everything done, especially the sides," Michelle demanded.
"Y-Yes ma'am!" The boy startled.
"Shouldn't someone help him?" Arum asked.
"Poor guy," Raihen commented.
"This doesn't concern us, it isn't life-threatening," I told. We aren't heroes, we shouldn't do something we aren't obligated to. Unless we really can help, I don't want to get into another issue with Michelle.
Not wanting to get into any kind of trouble, we cleared out of sight as soon as possible. We went to the school cafeteria to pick up some food and fell in line. There were many students as usual because this is where you'll always most likely be during the lunch break unless you're someone who stays locked up in one of the bathroom stalls in the men's comfort room suffering from diarrhea. I mean, who am I to judge?
The cafeteria for some reason is dangerously too orange. The counters are orange, the staff wears orange aprons and hats. The tables are orange. The chairs are orange. The walls are orange. Even the chandeliers are shaped like oranges. The one who administered and decorated this place must have a bad taste in design, or is probably just a sucker for the color orange. Then again, I'm not one to judge.
"Everything's so orange," Raihen mutters. He still seems to be getting used to the place but at least even someone like him agrees.
After getting our food, the three of us carry our trays to the second floor because it's way less cramped and it has more seats up there. The three of us got the same lunch set. Small pieces of chicken nuggets, a cup of fruits that include mangoes, pineapples, blueberries and strawberries, mashed potatoes, green peas, and egg rolls.
Upon reaching the second-floor Jesskah spots us nearby and gestured to come over their table. Arum willingly took the offer, Raihen and I obliged and followed as well. The pervert may as well get along with our classmates. I'm not exactly happy. I'm not a people person. Arum and Raihen are naturally sociable.
Sitting on the table aside from Jesskah was Marui, Garren, and Allen. There's also Kayden who is upside down doing a handstand, together with his cousin Reol, another classmate of ours, sitting on the floor holding a magazine in front of Kayden.
"What are you two doing?" Raihen asked.
"Trying to look at models upside down," Kayden said. He then tumbles and normally stood with his two feet.
"We like doing random things when we're bored," Reol implied.
"Well that's interesting," Raihen complimented.
"Come and join us!" Jesskah invites.
"Thanks!" Arum appreciated. They scoot over and gave us room, Arum sits beside Jesskah and I sat beside him, while Raihen seats across me in between Garren and Allen.
"Let's all take a groufie!" Jesskah suddenly pulls out a monopod with her phone on it. She immediately sets a timer.
"Say Kick!" Everyone immediately posed. Me being bad at these kinds of things couldn't react so well. The photo snapped instantly. Then everyone huddled together to see the photo while I kept a safe distance to take a look at it as well. May as well see how stupid I look.
Jesskah did a cutesie peace sign with a somewhat pouty face, Raihen and Garren placed their arms across each other's shoulders and did a rock star hand pose with big smiles. Allen gave an awkward yet innocent smile, Kayden and Reol made goofy faces and Arum smiles with a check hand pose below his chin, while I'm that gloomy looking guy who looks stupid at the back of the picture. Somebody kill me now, please.
"Awesome! I'm posting this on Kickstagram!" Jesskah told happily satisfied.
"Hey look, someone else is in it," Allen informed pointing towards two very familiar faces in the background just behind our table. We immediately turned around to see two girls. Michelle's lackeys.
"What are you guys looking at?" One of them said.
"Strange, aren't you lackeys always with that Michelle von choo choo vah somethin'?" Jesskah told nonchalantly.
"Choo choo? As in the choo choo train or something?" The second girl laughs hysterically.
"FYI, we also have names. I'm Thessa, and this is Paige, who are you calling lackeys?" Thessa replied sarcastically. I see they're still sharp as ever.
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you after ruining my make up that one time when I accidentally bumped into Michelle," Jesskah scoffs. Each one of our classmates has at least an experience or two with Michelle.
"Chick fight!" Garren cheered.
"Shush!" She immediately told him off.
"Look hun', we're sorry. If you're going to bitch about it, why don't you go call your momma and tell her I said hi?" Thessa told sharply. Jesskah gasps.
"Take that back or I'll cut your tongue off and I'll show you respect!" Jesskah unexpectedly looks through her bag and pulls out scissors which she pointed at her.
"Try me," Thessa threatened to taunt her. But as soon as Jesskah was about to attack, Arum, Garren, Raihen tried to stop her because she was serious.
"Whoa there Jesskah!" Arum halted.
"Calm your tits girl!" Garren also does the same.
"Sis, let's not," Paige taps Thessa's shoulder.
"Look, we don't want any trouble, we aren't with Michelle anymore," Paige told sincerely.
"You expect us to believe you?" Jesskah told.
"Believe us or not, we are so through with her. It's friendship over. We don't care about her," Thessa replied rolling her eyes.
"We are through with putting up with her antics and letting us do all her dirty work. After all we've done for her, she's just going to throw us away like that?"
"Yah. So uncool. Also, we were just following her orders," Thessa added and summed.
"Hide..." Paige called out.
"What?" I asked.
"Please be careful. Stay away from Michelle, she means serious business with you," Paige replied.
"Let's go, Paige," Thessa gestures. Paige immediately follows.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"To Michelle," Paige replied bitterly.
"You guys aren't serious," Arum said. "Are you?"
"I don't understand. You were lying weren't you?" Jesskah raises an eyebrow. My thoughts as well exactly.
"She's still our friend," Thessa replied. Without no other words, they both left. It made me question a lot of things.
She used them and betrayed them, yet they still consider her a friend. I don't think people forgive that easily. It's very contradictory.
"This makes me confused," I muttered.
"Leave them be," Arum told me. Raihen just whistles in amusement.
"Let's all just eat, there's no point in thinking about it," Reol said. He had a point. Everyone agreed and resumed their meals as if nothing happened.
"God, I can't stand them. Especially that bitchy princess Michelle," Jesskah stabs a fork aggressively into her cassava cake and took a bite of it.
"Wanna hear a story?" Allen suggested.
"So we can hear more about your ex-girlfriends? No thanks," Jesskah declines.
"No. One time, I went ice skating with my family. My great uncle John wanted to come skating with us too! We said sure why not! But sadly we realized he couldn't," Allen proceeded.
"How come?" Reol asked.
"We forgot he didn't have legs," Allen replied.
"Oh," Reol and the others didn't know how to feel about it.
"Well, that's just sad. Hey, do you guys want to see me do cartwheels?" Kayden enthusiastically asked.
"You're always an idiot, not while we're here Kayden," Reol flicks a finger to his cousin's ear. Kayden tries to play innocent and flinched in slight pain.
"So Raihen, tell me, are you still a virgin?" Jesskah asked.
"Hold up hot stuff, aren't you going a bit too fast?" Garren stopped her tracks.
"You aren't trying to hit on me are you?" Raihen raises an eyebrow grinning.
"What? No! Oh shut up Garren, I'm just curious!" Jesskah protested.
"Why don't we figure out?" Raihen winks. Jesskah almost squealed.
"Holy shit, I think my ovaries exploded," Jesskah fans herself with one hand rapidly in embarrassment.
"We all know you've tasted a lot of dick Jesskah," Garren said jokingly.
"Oh hell no! Don't you dare!" Jesskah threatens. "I've only ever had sex with my boyfriend. Just once!" She adds.
"Wow, you make us virgins feel bad for being virgins," Arum told.
"I agree," Marui nodded in the same page.
"Don't be, I already broke up with him, it was the 'worse' sex ever! We did kissing, foreplay and all that. But we never had actual sex. And I'm still a virgin, he was terrible."
"So you had the worse sex in your life and you broke up with him?" Raihen asked.
"That's definitely worth noting," Reol said.
"I heard. Didn't you two kiss each other?" Jesskah asked pointing to Reol and Kayden.
"Hell yeah, it was awesome," Kayden replied confidently.
"No regrets," Reol said giving a high five to Kayden.
"Seriously? That's disgusting," Garren gave a stare.
"We were bored and just kind of did, it ain't disgusting as long as you like it, this is a free country right?" Kayden replied.
"You're both cousins," Marui muttered.
"Don't tell my girlfriend," Kayden whispered.
"On my last birthday, pizzas were officially banned from our house," Allen told.
"Not another one," Reol rolled his eyes.
"My mom thought the delivery boy was a robber so she poured a bucket of raw chicken mixed with wine and marinara sauce then tried to burn him," He explained. Everyone just gave him the usual stare.
"She isn't cannibalistic I swear," Allen promises raising his right hand and placed his left hand on his chest making an 'x' sign.
"No wonder your exes left you," Reol told.
"So the party's tomorrow night, it's by the lakeside right?" Kayden asked Garren.
"What party?" Raihen asked.
"I'm hosting a party tomorrow at my place. Oh right, you're still new here so you don't know yet, you can come if you like," Garren replied.
"Thanks!" Raihen smiled gladly.
"Hide, why don't you say something?" Jesskah tried to convince.
"What do I say?" I asked. As much as I want to, I can't really relate to any single one of them.
"I don't know? Anything! Share us something!"
"I don't really belong here," I told.
"Hide, don't say that," Arum frowns.
"Of course you are! We're all friends here right?" Jesskah implied.
"Jesskah I hate to break it to you but I don't think Hide wants to be our friend," Garren crosses his arms disappointedly. They all stared at me. If I was another person right now, I'd probably be pissed right now since it's that look again that people give to me when they look down on me. But I'm not.
"That's not what I meant," I replied.
"Oh really? Prove it," Garren threatened.
"You don't have to talk like that," Arum said.
"Really?" Garren sarcastically replied. Arum almost stands up but I tug him by the uniform signaling him to stop. I know he can be too overprotective sometimes.
"No need to be so aggressive, he's just shy," Raihen gestures to stop.
"Yeah," Arum backed up. I sighed in dismay and took a deep breath.
"Look. I'm not saying I don't want to be friends with you all. You won't like me. And I am not really comfortable being with most of you yet. I want to take my time before I step out of my comfort zone, please understand," I replied sincerely.
"I'm so sorry Hide, I didn't know," Jesskah immediately apologized.
"If you say so," Garren shrugged. Everyone just resumed eating and talking. Arum gave me a concerned look, but I also gave him a look assuring that I'm okay and nothing is wrong in return. I can only try to think logically and be honest about my thoughts in these situations.
"So tell us, what is it like in Norville?" Allen straight up asked me curiously. It took me time to process because someone actually tried to speak to me directly. I didn't really mind because it was Allen.
"Oh, life in Norville was really simple. It's like you almost know everyone in the neighborhood, so news can spread around quite easily," I replied.
"Where are you from Raihen?" Jesskah asked.
"I'm also from Norville," He replied.
"Wait, really?" Arum was alarmed.
"I'm actually from Ashvale. It's quite similar to Norville. Except there's nature all around you, perfect for people who want to go camping. It's very peaceful and traditional there," Allen shared.
"Norville huh? The rest of us just live here in the main capital, although I used to live in the city next door in Kennobe before moving here with my family," Marui concurred.
"You don't look like you're from Norville Raihen," Kayden curiously wondered.
"That's because my parents are originally from Kennobe as well," Raihen verified.
"How come you never told us?" Arum asked.
"You never asked," Raihen grinned. But if he's from Norville then that means...
"Is that how you know my name?" I asked straight to the point.
"We were kids, don't you remember? We played Hide and seek once," Raihen replied.
"No, I don't,"
"Wait, I never knew you either," Arum inferred.
"You both literally forgot about me didn't you? But I guess that's alright, I already knew you would," Raihen scratches the back of his head.
If I actually knew him, I probably could've recognized him up to some point. I always had clear and vivid memories of my childhood days so it kind of disturbs me. It makes me wonder why I can't remember, but maybe I really was just a kid.
There are actually so many things going on in my mind right now that I do not understand and cannot comprehend. But there is also a possibility that I could just be imagining it.
Something doesn't add up.
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