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Post by The New Student Dean on Sept 26, 2009 19:55:33 GMT -8
Kaufman's Death: Nine Months Later Finally, the spartan room was empty. The Student Dean sat in his chair, while the remaining chairs were still stacked against the walls or still opened up and ready to be sat upon. "Kaufman." The man was a difficult person, even to his end. Horribly stubborn. Yet... why do assholes like him make those left behind feel...
...
Shaking his head, his left hand slipped over the papers to where Lauro had placed his coffee before heading out for the day. Perhaps he'd have better luck talking to that Miss Cunningham. As the people had gone and left, Toyota Musashi, Mr. Adam, Mr. Dean or whatever the hell she wanted to call him finally began to relax into his normal slump. Not completely, of course---His large and awkward hair style made leaning back a bitch so he settled for leaning his neck forward and tilted to the left to lessen the air circulation into his body, and therein make himself sleepy, and his shoulders were less pronounced and down, but he kept on his serious face.
Thankfully, he was still behind the desk at this point, as all the controlled movement and lack thereof had finally caused his left foot to start jitter uncontrollably for a good few seconds, before it passed. Still, other then looking like a tired out white-collar worker, he still showed no real signs of weakness. Perhaps just...
...No. Retract that. This was "Kaufman" they were going to be talking about here.
Pulling out a few files along and keeping a few of the recovered artifacts on standby to be pulled out, he looked over the open files a few more times to make sure he got all the details right for the most part. Confirming that, he slowly stood up, walking over to sit on one of the set-up folded chairs, finally laying back and stretching himself to look at the ceiling, his face completely wiped of emotion as he stared blankly."...Are you ready to begin, then, Miss Park?" |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Sept 30, 2009 18:13:58 GMT -8
Nine months. Had it really been that long since Kaufman had died? The idea was rather difficult for the young Asian to wrap her mind around. The others left the room and Mitsuki, who had been listening in on the conversations that had taken place inside his office, kept silent. It's not that she didn't have anything to say, it's more that the things she wanted to ask were things the other students already knew, and if not, then things that the students were not interested about. Mitsuki and Kaufman only ran into each other a couple of times, but really, only once did he actually stick in her mind. Where harsh words were exchanged along with threats, Mitsuki had gained some sort of odd crush on the dean despite the age difference. A love/hate relationship - sort of.
Maybe that was why Mitsuki was having a rather difficult time accepting his death. Because she had a crush on him. The idea that she had a crush on the dean, she thought, she would admit it, however, she didn't think that was the reason why the dean was now dead. Six feet under. No longer a living organism. The dean was an asshole, Mitsuki thought, but it wasn't a bitter thought - it was a nostalgic one. All talk and no action - his idle threats were just that: Idle. And of all things, he dies by an earthquake? Really? An EARTHQUAKE?!
Idiot. What'd he do? Jump into a giant crack?
"...Are you ready to begin, then, Miss Park?"
"Yes," she automatically answered without even thinking about what he had said. She turned towards the dean, a bit surprised that he was now sitting in one of the metal chairs, leaning back casually, his eyes gazed up at the ceiling. He kind of reminded her of herself, with that familiar blank stare and face devoid of expression. She took a seat across from him, only she turned the chair so that the back would be facing him, giving Mitsuki some sort of ledge to lean her stomach against.
"I would like the details of Coughdrop's Mr. Kaufman's location, and how it is he died."
Location, as in, where he was buried - assuming he had a proper funeral.
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Post by The New Student Dean on Oct 1, 2009 9:45:40 GMT -8
How We Die ...That was a pretty relaxing ceiling to stare at.
Slowly righting himself to sit up, he'd look across from himself over at Miss Park, watching her hunched over, leaning towards him over the chair. Blinking for a---"Yes. I would like the details of Coughdrop's Mr. Kaufman's location, and how it is he died." ...Blinking...
He could have sworn she'd said... No, he shook it from his head, his hair flailing lightly about his face. Bringing his hands over to his necktie to adjust it, he subtly cleared his throat in a quick staccato before resting his hands on his knees, sitting upright to look at her. His eyes met with hers without the intent of really looking at her, as he began to think back several hundred files ago.
..."I'll begin with how he died," was the quiet response, little hesitance when actually speaking. His eyes began to focus and his brows settled down."It was---wait a second."His brows furrowed."Dammit. Not nine months... about February 25th to March 11th... the file wasn't too clear..." he'd mutter to himself---though loud enough for her to hear.
(OOC: I looked at the old dates just now. Apparently, Public High School #259's fall was more around... February 25th, when the fallout with everyone began, but RP-wise, the only real thread that made any mention of it was on March 11th, so... yeah.)
"Seven months."
"As per the reports... he fell due to the ceiling having collapsed on him. Torn apart callouses on his hands indicates that he was trying to hold up the roof. There were about three other students who were found laying about him---Two had died, but one had managed to survive. It is assumed that he was trying to save what students he could."His pace of talking had slowed... Huh. Other then that, though, he spoke very clearly."Due to... complications... his body has been taken by the German Enforcer Corporation and is being subjected to study there, as prior to a previous agreement and several legality issues with binding contracts."...The Dean began to grimace, not expecting a favorable response. |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Oct 1, 2009 15:50:11 GMT -8
"I'll begin with how he died. It was---wait a second. Dammit. Not nine months... about February 25th to March 11th... the file wasn't too clear... Seven months."
She frowned. Seven and nine months was...a pretty big difference. At least 60 days, 1,440 hours, or 86,400 hours. She was not frustrated though - she trusted in the Dean's capability to pull things out of his memory. He was the Dean, after all, and so there was a bit of a standard Mitsuki was expecting of him, as most other students did as well. Still, he continued to talk - all of this was important, since Mitsuki wasn't sure whether or not to believe if Coughdrop had actually died. She was skeptical, only because in her mindset, Coughdrop wasn't capable of dying so easily. But the Dean's next words...
"As per the reports... he fell due to the ceiling having collapsed on him. Torn apart callouses on his hands indicates that he was trying to hold up the roof. There were about three other students who were found laying about him---Two had died, but one had managed to survive. It is assumed that he was trying to save what students he could."
Towards the end, she noted that he started to slow down in speech. Regardless, she held some respect for this Dean for being able to recall such detail under such short notice... Then again, this was one of those flash-bulb memories, wasn't it? Something significant that enables the user to easily pull a memory out of one's thoughts. Mitsuki nodded slowly. Coughdrop saving students? Well, at least he did something right and heroic. She could not help but feel a little remorse, even if he was someone she barely knew.
"Due to... complications... his body has been taken by the German Enforcer Corporation and is being subjected to study there, as prior to a previous agreement and several legality issues with binding contracts."
Her eyes darted to the Student Dean, not even concealing the small bit of anger that crossed the young Asian's face. She remained quiet, allowing the thick tension of silence to fill the air. Mitsuki was obviously displeased with what was going on, and the fact that many of the students would be working alongside the German Enforcer Corporation left a nasty taste in her mouth. She straightened up in her seat, her glare against the Dean wiping away in an instant. She should not jump to conclusions - it wasn't as if it were the Dean's fault - it could be, but there was no proof.
"So not even in death can one find peace," Mitsuki spoke aloud. Kaufman's body is being studied. Studied. Instead of being six feet under, where he should be, was his body being peeled open and tested for whatever Qi that the previous Dean might have had? The strength that may have been beneath the muscles? She clenched her jaw. It seemed inhumane to do such acts, but she had to remind herself - the whole Correctional Facility was similar, was it not?
"For what reason do they have to study him?" Mitsuki asked. She thought that the Enforcer corporation no longer tested humans because of the whole bit that had gone wrong. She wanted to know what was going on with Kaufman's body, and what binding contracts the idiot of an old man had gotten himself into.
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Post by The New Student Dean on Oct 9, 2009 1:19:13 GMT -8
White, Black, Gray, All, None, One? "So not even in death can one find peace," she replied containing whatever feeling of distaste that she had for the Dean at that exact moment. For whatever the man silently braced himself for thankfully did not come to fruition, but given the change to her facial expression, the way that Miss Park was adjusting herself in her seat as she looked at him..."For what reason do they have to study him?" He sat up to match with her, putting his hands on his knees, his eyes going blank for a moment as he began working on remembering things. The look of blankness quickly disappeared, though."...At this point... I am going to get a bit long-winded. Please bear with me," the Dean would begin slowly, easing his head forward into a slow nod, before raising it back up, still remembering a few of the last bits of details."..."Hesitation. The Dean's lips parted for a moment before closing, as he looked at Miss Park, staring at her, as his fingers slowly gripped about his knees a bit more slowly. In his mind, he shook his head. He knew it was a futile gesture of politeness to a question he already knew the answer she'd give him. However, for whatever sense of thought:"At this point, I am about to reveal higher levels of classified information in regards to Kaufman, his colorful past, as well as his inferenced connections to our corporations."He'd nod one more time to Mitsuki, before allowing himself to grimace."Not all is as pleasant. This is your last chance to back out, Miss Park."...From what?
However, if the girl didn't bother to ask, just went ahead and shot it towards him, the Dean would prepare himself for basically giving out the bastard's life story. |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Oct 10, 2009 18:59:34 GMT -8
"At this point, I am about to reveal higher levels of classified information in regards to Kaufman, his colorful past, as well as his inferenced connections to our corporations. Not all is as pleasant. This is your last chance to back out, Miss Park."
The fact that the Student Dean seemed so willing to give out classified information was a bit of a surprise, and she wasn't so sure how to react. So she didn't - instead, she remained silent, nodding her head every once in a while to let him know that she was listening. His last bit, however, made her think that perhaps there was some sort of underlying reason why Mitsuki was given a reason to back out. Something other than the fact that the information given would not be pleasant. Still, she would press forward; not only was she now entirely too curious, but because she thought that she would be able to handle the news. Mitsuki had gone through a lot of shit in her life for a teen...then again, what teen doesn't?
"Please continue," she spoke, her voice firm. She took heed to his warning, but there was no need to give it any more thought on her decision. She came in her wanting to know the answers to her questions, and she would leave his office with those questions answered.
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Post by The New Student Dean on Oct 14, 2009 1:06:14 GMT -8
"Kaufman": His Life "Please continue." The Dean looked at her before leaning in close to her (or however close as them being about three feet away from each other in their chairs would allow them), staring very simply and honestly into her eyes. What shined most brightly was the steel through the eyes of Miss Park. Really, Public High School #259 had some very frightening students in it."Very well."Quietly hugging his arms around his waist and then up to underneath his armpits, he looked down, frowning slightly as his brows furrowed. Toyota's mind went deep into thought, bringing himself back a few years---More personal memories."James McLachlan was born in 1984 in Dublin, Ireland. Strong, healthy baby... I was about six at the time. His father was a man who favored the drink and had the talents of a constant, robust (if not outright rude) energy. Mine was a quiet businessman who traveled from country to country."Toyota's gaze had shifted down at the ground, more pensive and thoughtful then sad."He was destined to be an asshole, the moment he came out of the womb."
"Didn't cry when the doctor slapped him the first four times, scared the wits out of his mother, but until the pain really registered, he was breathing just fine."...A small crooked smile had begun on the right side of the Dean's face as his fingers tapped uncomfortably at his sides..."He was four, I was ten... Challenged him to find a four-leaf clover..."
"Found it in four minutes and four seconds."Obviously, things weren't always on good terms between the two. And it was heavily implied that they were childhood friends to some degree---but that it was usually with mixed feelings, especially from how the Dean's face twitched slightly."...I will mention that while there was six years of difference between us, due to the closeness of our fathers and the frequency of my visits, I saw him enough to get to know him."
"...And for him to out do me in everything. But then, James was just a naturally gifted fellow in everything he did and had extraordinary luck."Teeth gritting in a forced smile as he looked off to the side..."He was about thirteen when he made his first gamble and won big. $500. Was into rugby, American football, soccer, basketball... This incredible ability to see people's movements and to be able to tell a large number of things from there from fourteen years of age to eighteen..."
"First case of "rape".---Acquitted. Insubstantial evidence. I still don't know to this day."
"First few cases of excessive violence."
"...Too talented. Let the talent and luck swell to his thick head."
"Things went from there."Skiving on details here and there, the Dean had finally resigned his arms from his sides at this point to pocket them, stretching his back out in an uncomfortable way. Fumbling for a pack of gum."It was around when he was eighteen years old that it was confirmed that he'd had long ago become part of the IRA."
"This was the time where, in order to evade legal issues and prison, he joined up with the Irish Enforcer Corporation, a prototype at the time... and got reassigned with me to a German Enforcer Corporation assignment.""...We had heard word of 'body-enhancing drugs' on a different level from steroids existing," he'd say in obvious reference to Brimstone Delta, "but with no actual leads on the matters. It was around when he was about twenty that James took up the name of "Kaufman", got a side degree in teaching, got quickly promoted to Student Dean of Public High School #260... and lost a major bet to Mr. Asiv."...The Dean was leaving out some things. Including what sort of contracts that "Kaufman" had arranged with the Irish Enforcer Corporation at the time, how those contracts got transferred over to the German Enforcer Corporation in order to continue fleeing from his past crimes so that he could still remain a free man. How he was addicted to the drink in his off time and addicted to gambling all the time, even doing Russian Roulette far more often with people far more then anyone ever should.
Hence the seven-chambered Nagant that "Kaufman" carried about.
Many things that the Dean struggled to explain, not knowing all the full details himself including: how "Kaufman" had been greatly changed with his time over in Public High School #260, but how he still continued to spread Brimstone-related & Canister drugs throughout the school system for further experiments, or how after the Correctional Facility that he had quit the Enforcers... Or how even after quitting, upon dying from his "accident" in the earthquake, how his precious body with its precious imitative Qi was being tested and analyzed constantly.
The Dean's mouth just sort of slowed to a stop. Staring blankly at Mitsuki, looking at another time---but only for a moment. His eyes filled with color again, as he tried to compose himself, putting his hands on his knees."I am sorry---This is more difficult than I expected. Please---Do you have any questions? Or would you like to visit where he last fell?"
"...Or would you like to visit what remains of his office back in the fallen Correctional Facility?"His organization skills in speaking had fallen dramatically in this discussion. It bothered him that this was bothering him so much... |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Oct 17, 2009 14:13:18 GMT -8
The new Student Dean first started off with some background history between himself and Kaufman, whose real name was James McLachlan. It was odd, thinking of Kaufman not as Kaufman, but as a James McLachlan, who was also a young child in one point in his life. Hearing his accomplishments at such a young age, she began to wonder if what James had was luck, or something else. She listened in silence, her breathing inaudible, her figure still as a rock, immovable by any winds - or in her case, words. It was interesting to know that James, at such a young age, got involved into so many things. He was around her age when he had been in the IRA - a year older, but around her age none the less. Younger than her older brother.
He mentioned that Kaufman had lost a bet to Asiv. What was it? It must have been at least semi-important for the new student dean to even mention the fact that there was a bet to begin with. And how is it that the Irish Enforcer Corporation managed to get Kaufman out of his sticky situation with the law? And 'prototype'? Were there others all over the world? And why was Kaufman switched to the German Enforcer Corporation? What kind of contract did Kaufman get himself into, for it to bind to him even after death?
She stared back at him impassively, realizing that he was having a difficult time composing himself, yet, she felt no pity.
"I am sorry---This is more difficult than I expected. Please---Do you have any questions? Or would you like to visit where he last fell? ...Or would you like to visit what remains of his office back in the fallen Correctional Facility?"
She stared at the student dean without replying to his questions. It was surprising to her to see how much the dean changed in such little amount of time. When she first entered through the door, he seemed to be a man that held so much power, so much confidence and was a solid-all around guy. But the man she saw in front of her was no such thing. He had his weaknesses, looked almost completely vulnerable at times. Brushing that thought aside...
"What bet did Kauf-.. James lose to Asiv?" she asked, before continuing, "...I would like to visit his office."
She would ask her questions one at a time. She assumed that they would then make their way to the fallen Correctional Facility, where she would then ask her remaining questions, hoping that the dean had answers.
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Post by The New Student Dean on Oct 23, 2009 21:39:50 GMT -8
...The Dumbass... "What bet did Kauf-.. James lose to Asiv?" "...I would like to visit his office." The Dean took notice of the way the girl held herself. Funny---Wasn't he supposed to be the adult here? Regardless, her cool, cold, to-the-point attitude helped reorganize himself. Slowly his body became more still. His legs were slowly taken back to their original position, his hands were rested on the knees, his back straightened up, his hair not touching anything now with the weird things on it."What James lost to Asiv..."Funny."He lost some of his pride and about $1,234,567,890 dollars to Mr. Asiv in a game of Russian Roulette. Bullet wound to the shoulder, since neither wanted to particularly put a gun to their own head. Being only able to pay abuot 31% of the debt due to his loss at the time, he was then given a full-time job at Public High School #259 because of his abilities."Pause."The part that irritated me at the time was that he was the one to challenge Mr. Asiv---when he first told me---" No. The Dean stopped himself from falling to the depths of casualness again. Standing up, he abruptly took off the glove while going around Mitsuki to be in front of her chair to use his right hand to offer it to Mitsuki to stand up. His bare hand.
...?"I'll explain the more as we drive. Come." |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Nov 5, 2009 15:08:36 GMT -8
The thing about Mr. Adam's hair style is that it made him look surprisingly young, which made it difficult for many students to speak with him using a tone of gravity. Mitsuki, whose brain takes and stores the information, does not yet register such detail because it is, at the time, not important. His physic and how he held himself, however, was. So when he pulled off his glove and offered his hand to her, she could not help but be a little skeptical. Was it simply out of respect? To show that he was not a rude man? But, none of that. She gracefully took his hand and pulled herself up, and would follow him out the door, thinking what an idiot Kaufman had been for losing such a bet. The numbers itself were quite fascinating; surely, there was some sort of hidden meaning behind it? Or maybe Kaufman/Asiv liked such...trivial digits...
What irritated her more was that Kaufman was the one who initiated the bet, and lost. And that made her wonder: If she and Kaufman were to engage in battle, what would the outcome be?
"...how many people have been in James' office after the body was...recovered?"
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Post by The New Student Dean on Nov 5, 2009 15:46:01 GMT -8
"...Simply Put, To Doubt Means You Have Not Gone Insane." Mitsuki Park took up the Dean's hand---and with that, the Dean transferred a small amount of energy through to her with the physical contact from his body to her.
Gently, he pulled her up and Miss Park pulling herself up, taking a step back as he did so, he lead them to the door, opening it for her with a subtle bow."...how many people have been in James' office after the body was...recovered?" *Approximately seven people, Miss Park,* his voice suddenly echoing in her head, his lips not moving as he would walk through the hallway towards his car, though keeping in pace with her. Nothing changing from him externally.
Talking to her in her head as if this was completely normal for him. There would be no changes to his physical features, keeping the very stoic look on his face as kids passed him by, his eyes seemingly focused on something.*The current leader of the independent faction German Enforcer Corporation since the "Great Divide" of the corporation, "Das 'Feuer' Mann," along with about four of his comrades... A representative of the Japanese Enforcer Corporation (or what remains of it), and Freddo along with myself.*...*If you feel uncomfortable, you can block me out of your head, but I would rather you not do so: There is the risk of a few rival Corporations that would want to listen in on our conversation.*...Since when was the Student Dean capable of psychic talk...?
Or perhaps... was it just in Miss Park's own mind that this was happening? |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Nov 10, 2009 10:11:21 GMT -8
He was speaking to her, that much she knew, but from which direction she could not understand. If she could not see him, then she would think she was placed in a room with speakers all around her. She turned to face Mr. Adam, realizing that his lips did not move - and that he was, somehow, able to communicate with her telepathically. Of course, this brought her to think that him taking off his gloves had something to do with it. A simple assumption because it seemed abnormal for him and out of his way - the taking off the gloves, I mean. And she began to wonder... Could he read her thoughts as well? And if so, just how much of it could he read? She remained silent as his voice continued to echo in her mind, feeling a tinge of discomfort rise from the back of her head.
If he could read her mind, then did that not mean that Mr. Adam could possibly...virtually know everything about her? He would find that, if he could read everything about her, then there was always a million thoughts being processed and tossed away, and would narrow in on one when she spoke or focused on one - or few - tasks.
She didn't care to test the theory - if rival groups would want to listen in onto their conversation, wouldn't they believe it odd to find a one-sided conversation? Mitsuki talking, Mr. Adam not replying... And he said that she could block him, yet how, she didn't quite yet understand.
She thought to herself, clearly - which surprisingly took a bit of focus.
As you were saying... Kaufman was the first to challenge Asiv--...?
While she waited for his answer, she realized that it would be futile for Mitsuki to search for anything in Kaufman's office. Just what, exactly, she would be looking for was beyond her. It seemed almost futile, but she felt compelled to visit his office; wanted detail, possibly take mental notes of where everything was placed. Maybe she was thinking to technically and strategically?
If Mr. Adam couldn't read her mind, then there would be a long silence between the two, to which she would assume he would then tell her - telepathically or verbally - that he couldn't.
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Post by The New Student Dean on Nov 10, 2009 12:18:28 GMT -8
The Importance Of Proper Communication There was something the Dean would never get used to.
...He listened through her ears as they strained to find his physical voice. Watching himself through her own eyes as he watched through her looking to see if his lips would move, if his face would remain stoic---the unnerving thought did crack an uneasy grimace from the right side of his lip, the side that wasn't necessarily facing her.
As you were saying... Kaufman was the first to challenge Asiv--...?*Yes.* he'd reply going to the passenger's side of his silver Toyota Tundra (his truck) and gracefully extending his hand out to pull at the door's handle. Taking a step backward to open the door with a simultaneous bow, he collected his feet below himself before making a sweeping motion with his free hand for her to enter. He'd close the door after her if/when she stepped in and got herself properly seated.*That is to say, if you are referring to Mr. Asiv as a person, he has been challenged by many. If you are referring to amongst my colleagues... yes, James was the first.*Walking around the front of his car, he'd open up his own car before stepping on the foot-step up to the truck (being the slightly short Asian that he was) and using that foot as a means to step his other foot naturally up and into the truck.To Freddo: *We're going to the ruins.*The truck was very nice, very clean...To Mr. Adam: *Alright. You two be careful---not all the ground is stable. I'll inform the faculty of your take of absence.*There was no loose papers or anything and the look of the vehicle indicated a very good care taken around it.To Freddo: *Arigato.*In fact, it still even had some residue of some modest, new car smell.To Mr. Adam: *Yeah, yeah... Arecaatoe to you too.**Miss Park, would you kindly keep looking forward?*Telepathy talk. A matter of milliseconds. Having gotten himself ready, he started up the truck, the engine revving while his hands lightly took to the steering wheel. Looking backwards, he would pull out the truck in a smooth, slow manner as there were no cars behind them---
That is, as a student was basically racing at him, hoping to pass through the small gap to the side, aimed right for their truck's front.OOC: Pardon. I just sort of auto-assumed you stepped into the truck, I realized. If it bothers you, I can edit/change it, since that's my bad. >___>; |
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Nov 10, 2009 18:26:46 GMT -8
She stepped into the truck, and, as the door closed behind her, buckled her seat belt and watched the Dean step into the Drivers side. Her eyes followed his movements before sweeping the truck, noting how clean it was - though, that wasn't much of a surprise. Mitsuki was used to being in clean cars, that she'd actually find it more baffling to be in a car with a whole lot of junk in it. The smell of the car was a bit familiar - it was also a smell she was not exactly fond of, the reason why Mitsuki preferred used cars to new ones. Either way, she followed his instructions and stared forward. It was understandable - she was simply going to take the assumption that it looked unnatural for her to keep looking at him when there was, to third party members, virtually no conversation.
But as she averted her eyes to stare at the front, something was about to go horribly wrong. As soon as her brain was able to register the student rushing in...
Faster!
And then spoke:
"Truck."
A whisper.
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