More than Meets the Eye

“Hi, I’m Minami Ritsuka and this is my friend Hoshizora Kanae, we’re student council officers and Saeko-sensei sent us to watch over you all on her behalf.” Ritsu introduced, as they stood at the hall in front of the men’s restroom. This immediately called the boys’ attention, there were three of them and they were all wearing face masks while cleaning which makes it harder for the two girls to recognize their faces. However, Ritsu was able to distinguish Keiji immediately being the tallest one from the group. Though it’s not only his height that makes him stand out; his deep hazel eyes, dark messy hair, lean built, these are just some of his features that are capable of attracting girls even if half of his face remains covered.

“You can call me Ritsu, nice to meet you.” She extends her arm offering a handshake but Keiji only stares at it. Then he shifted his gaze to Kanae who was standing slightly behind Ritsu.

Kanae recoiled further behind Ritsu, finding it hard to maintain eye contact as she feels intimidated by the way Keiji looks at her, she lowers her gaze.

On the other hand, Ritsu feels extremely disappointed. Keiji doesn't seem to be interested with her at all. She is used to getting other guys’ attention and they were always the ones who initiated talking to her. It was a shame but unfortunately, Keiji doesn’t appear to be like ‘other guys’.

Not wanting to get embarrassed any further, Ritsu was about to pull her hand back but one of Keiji’s friends moved forward, took her hand, and spoke, “That’s a nice name, Ritsu-chan.” He smiled at her, “Nice to meet you too, I’m Ryuu.” Such caught Ritsu off guard.

Keiji’s response was indeed disappointing, but that guy named Ryuu seems nice enough to save her from such embarrassment. Not to mention he looks kind of cute too judging from what little part of his face is visible (with his dark, slightly curly brown hair and chocolate eyes). She felt her cheeks warm up as a faint blush appeared on her face.

Ritsu smiled back at Ryuu. Her date for today got canceled, then she got excited about meeting Keiji only to get ignored, but her day doesn’t appear to be as bad as she thought after all.

The third guy in the group with a blonde undercut clears his throat, “And I’m Takano Hiroshi, but Hiro will do.” Then he nudged Keiji who was standing beside him, “Dude, introduce yourself.” He said.

He glares at Hiro and hesitates for a moment before he finally speaks, “Keiji.” He plainly said.

It was the first time Kanae heard his voice, it was deep, it sounded nice. It was merely one word but there is something about his tone that tells more than what he said. Kanae can hear apathy and coldness as he utters his name.

She slowly steps forward to show herself, “I’m Kanae. Nice meeting you all as well.” Then she politely bowed.

“Alright, now that we know each other already, do you guys want to split up? Just so you know you also have to clean the restroom on the upper floor.” Ritsu remarked.

“The restroom on the upper floor is smaller so maybe it’ll be better if one of you will move there. It’ll be faster that way and we can all go home as soon as possible.” Kanae suggested in almost a whisper but they were able to hear her clearly as they all suddenly went silent the moment she spoke.

Ritsu and the guys quickly agreed because first: although she has a reserved personality, they knew Kanae for being smart and given her established reputation, anything that she says tend to sound convincing. Second: they all want to go home and the idea of consuming their time cleaning the restroom or looking after the guys as they scrub the floor and the cubicles for an extended period made them feel sick. Third: Ritsu had grown interested in Ryuu and she thinks this will be a great chance to get to know him better if he will be the one to go to the second floor and Ritsu will watch over him.

“I’ll be moving on the upper floor then,” Keiji declared immediately that Ritsu’s infatuation with him that became a disappointment a while ago is slowly turning into annoyance now that her plan just got ruined in a flash.

Ryuu and Hiro already agreed that Ritsu couldn’t argue anymore. Kanae on the other hand remains silent.

“Okay. Kanae, can you watch over him? I’ll take care of these two.” Ritsu stated.

“Sure,” Kanae replied because seriously, it is not like she got any choice to begin with. They say 'two is better than one' but in their situation, she thinks watching over one guy is better than two.

Kanae can hear the clicking of their shoes as they climb up the stairs, pass by the empty halls, and classrooms. She can feel the tension in the air, she doesn’t know how to fill the silence but Keiji doesn’t seem to be someone who likes to engage himself in a conversation that maybe he wouldn’t mind if she continues being silent.

When they reached the men’s restroom at the end of the corridor, he saw Keiji took something out from his pocket; a stick of cigarette followed by a lighter. He turns his back and lowers his mask as he starts smoking.

Kanae steps backward, moving farther away from him.

Keiji looked at her with those intimidating eyes of his, “Scared? Not like I’m going to harm you of somethin’.” He assured coolly.

Right. It is not like Keiji has reasons to hurt her or do something unwanted to her within the school premises. He is not that brave to create such trouble to that great extent, and maybe he is not that as bad too — Kanae thought.

She shook her head, “I’m allergic to smoke.” She defended.

Keiji scrutinizes her for a moment. 'She looks frail, maybe she’s telling the truth.' He thought.

“Also… smoking is prohibited within the school.” She continued.

Keiji thinks for a little while, then he unlit the cigarette and dropped it on the trash can. Kanae questions if he did it after finding out that she is allergic to smoke or Keiji is only afraid to get caught. Though it was probably the latter, the first one is too presumptuous — as if someone like Keiji would care any less to a girl like her.

“Gonna tell the school about it?” He asked.

“I should,” Kanae replied and Keiji just shrugs his shoulders as he puts his mask back and proceeds on cleaning.

“But…" she looked away, "I think I won’t.” Kanae continued.

Keiji stopped for a moment, then looked back at her, “Don’t wanna get stuck in this filthy restroom with me again ain’t you?”

Kanae chuckled. She admits that she finds Keiji sharp for someone who skips his classes for figuring out she was not planning to tell the school about his violation to save both of their asses from trouble. And Keiji has to admit, Kanae can be unexpectedly cunning too as someone who gives off a shy, innocent, goody-two-shoes vibes who earned the trust of the majority of the students and teachers in their school.

Looks like there is more to each other than what their eyes see.