CHAPTER 7 - October Occasions (1)

[THE CAREER HE FOUND]

Chiba was overridden with guilt when an old man was injured because of their class's recklessness and arrogance. No wonder Korosensei's tentacle hurt like a hundred knives when it had slapped his cheek.

Looking at Hayami at that time, he could tell that she had felt the same.

As compensation, they have to lend a hand in the nursery, which was owned by the old man. They were also forbidden to review for the upcoming midterms this second semester.

They have indeed become stronger over the past months. The pressure to reach the deadline of earth's destruction while balancing their studies had caused them to be carried away. But that was no excuse to act like kings of the jungle. Since their victory in the buoyoushi athletic festival, they had forgotten their humble roots.

For the renovation of the nursery, Chiba has worked his all on its design. And, even though there was not a lot of time, he had made sure that every part of the structure and furniture was sturdy and safe to use. He had also put into account the practicality and functionality of the design. All with the help of Ukai, who was Karasuma's colleague and a licensed architect.

As a result, he found what he could do in the future with the skills that he polished in this class.

Although today was the final day before their midterm exams, he inspected the building before retreating under the shade of the tree when lunch period had arrived.

Leaning against the trunk, he exhausted a deep breath when a bottle popped out in front of his face. He looked up to see Hayami carrying two lunch bags in her other hand with a blank yet tired expression on her face.

He took the juice from her as he uttered a "Thank you" before twisting its cap and tilting it up for a swig.

"We are finished placing the shelves in the library," she said as she handed him his bento. Then she settled down the grass beside him.

"Okay. I'll check it later."

After opening her bento box, she said, "I'll come with you just in case there are repairs."

He broke into a small smile and hummed in reply.

Hayami was chewing on her food when her eyes blinked at his radiant face. "You look like you are having fun," she pointed out. "Is your lunch that good?"

"I found something that I want to do in the future."

She stopped. Their career path orientation was still months away and yet, he figured out already what he was going to choose.

"What is it?" she asked carefully, somewhat antsy at his answer.

He took a wistful look at the now two-floor nursery – its expansion designed by his own hands and constructed by the whole class, which has made it fulfilling as well as enticing to do it again.

"An architect. Like Ukai-san and my father." He, then, returned his gaze at her. "I want to help people build their homes and create a design that everyone will enjoy building. And –" He glanced down at his bento bashfully thinking:

'I want you to see them, my designs, and then tell me 'Good job' as you always have.'

Her face turned gentle. "I see." Seeing him become enthusiastic about something that he liked has strengthened her adoration of him. "The job suits you perfectly. You have my support."

"How about you?" he asked her.

She gulped, then, her eyes fell to the ground. "I haven't thought about it since I don't know what I want to do."

"You'll find it," he said as he gave her an assuring nod.

***

After finishing their lunch, they went to the library. Hayami patiently stood there as he, the one well-versed on this, did the final inspection. Marking the last tick on his checklist, he turned around to face her. "Done," he said.

"They are all fine?" she asked.

"Mm."

When she had started staring at him without moving an inch, it made him felt uneasy; it was like she was looking straight into his eyes even though she couldn't see it.

"Bow down."

Despite the quizzical look on his features, there was not a slight change in her demeanor. Unperturbed, she said further, "Lower your head."

Still clueless at her bizarre command, he bent forward hesitantly while trying to keep his eyes on her. Her arm lifted until her palm touched his mop of black hair.

"Good job," she said. Before she could pull back her hand, Chiba's reflexes had kicked in when he grabbed her arm.

As he tipped his head up, a tinge of red colored the tips of his ears. "What was that about?" he blurted out in bewilderment.

She smiled. "You were asking for it," she said. "I saw it on your face."

Straightening his back, he lowered their arms. "Patting my head?" He was sure he did not ask for that; it had not even crossed his mind.

"Oh. I just want to do that," she admitted nonchalantly.

Amused, he tilted his head to the side, completely forgetting his hand on her. "Why?" he asked. She was not one to show affection neither to ask for it. Now he was very curious about her reason.

"Because –" she held her chin down "– you remind me of a cat," she said upon raising her finger.

Stifling a chortle, he said, "A cat? Really?" That was totally... quaint. He has no idea why he was being compared to a feline mammal.

She nodded as if it was obvious enough; that it somehow made the most sense. And the look on her face right now made him want to cross the border.

With this, he tugged her arm closer to him. Then he leaned down and whispered in her ear in a velvety tone, "Do I seem like a cat to you?"

No words escaped her mouth as every part of her consciousness zeroed in on his face, his breath touching her nose. In between the strands of his bangs, she could make out a glimpse of his eyes. An urge to brush away that fringe to have a full view resonated within her.

"Are you going to kiss?"

They both jerked away from each other, turning their heads to a young boy hugging a stuffed bunny. His round purple eyes ogled at them innocently and curiously.

Chiba held the nape of his neck. "No..." he said meekly.

On one hand, Hayami rubbed her left elbow with her right hand as her face flashed on a look of embarrassment.

'Did we look like we were going to kiss?'