Chapter 2: During A Conversation

                                    

                                          
会話の間 (kaiwa no aida)

                          
"Won't hesitate; won't run away - these are things I'm scared to say." - Gallows Bell by buzzG & nano

                          


                          
"Kojima-kun, watch out!"
                          
But it was too late. Sho flinches as he felt hot liquid spill out of the beaker. He stood up immediately, creating a domino effect with the other students on the same table.
                          
"Geez..." Yuuya takes his mask off and called out to Sh. He hands out a couple of cloths to wipe the mess out. The other students also started wiping. "What's up with you lately? You've been under the weather recently. Is there something wrong? It's already not helping that you broke some equipment yesterday. Please don't destroy anything else two days in a row. We'll be in great trouble if we lack funds for replacement." 
                          
"Yes, I'm sorry." Sho say while working his hands to reach whatever excess liquid his hand can extend to.
                          
"Yes. Now redo your mixture."
                          
Yuuya is merciless when it comes to ordering his members around. They have been letting the first years do some mixtures to observe the physical changes by adding different substances in each sample. So far, the casualties are low compared to expected but breaking two microscopes in one day was one which was never expected.
                          
"You sure are getting a lot from the president, Kojima-san." Another member whispers.
                          
"Are you eating properly? You seem to be very out of it." Another asks.
                          
"Glad to know that the student representative also has flaws." Another continues.
                          
Sho was done wiping out the mess and started on another mixture before the chattering cools down.
                          
"You there, pipe it down if you don't want me to add more samples into your plate." Yuuya called the chatter group then the laboratory fell silent again with only the apparatus' whirring sounds. "And you, Kojima-kun, remain in the lab after club hours."
                          
"Yes." Sho replies short.
                          
"Ohhh... Sounds like trouble."
                          
"He did break microscopes."
                          
Whispers and snickers echoes as Sho tries to concentrate on the amount of substance to pour into his new beaker. It's not that he's feeling under the weather but his concentration keeps on being distracted because his eyes always glances towards the other building across.
                          
Ever since he saw that painting together with that guy's lips form into a smile, he can't help but look around for him wherever he goes. Sho's also a first year but their classes are different, and obviously, their clubs too.
                          
He doesn't have anyone whom he can call a friend around him since he usually isolates himself than deal with people's annoying sides. People are so easy to please if you have status, money and brains. If they found out you're grades are better than their's, they'll ask you to teach them. If they found out you're rich, they'll hang around with you just to get treats, if they found out your family status, they'll stick with you until they get what they want.
                          
But those are just minor things people ask for. They can get worse.
                          
On the other hand, for some reason, this could be the first time in a while for Sho to befriend someone. What's more, it's someone who he hasn't talked with yet. Which is why he's been searching for a good opportunity, checking out the art room every now and then, even after five, when club activities are over. Although there seems to be no luck for two straight days for him.