cHImAirA DanCE 1/5

“The exam emphasizes fairness, but this exam is unfavorable to you after all,” the principal had said earlier that day while staring directly into Touji’s eyes to make her point. “You experienced a true spiritual disaster first-hand and you’re still battling against the after-effects that linger in your body. Your stars are extremely hard to read, because of the after-effects. There is a lot of confusion waiting for you in the future. I can't help you directly, but I can teach you a way to overcome it yourself.

That you can live the way you wish to live."

"Unfortunately, I don't have a special way I wish to live."

"Not right now, anyway. It's not smart to limit future possibilities yourself, you know."

"Future...possibilities?"

---

The Shibuya night was brightly lit, and the streetlights still illuminated the night sky like bonfires burning in the night, even far away from downtown. Touji silently stared into the misty night on the roof of the dorm, thinking of the coming final exam in the morning. The night air was cool and blew through his unbound hair; the bandana he habitually wore held in his left hand.
Behind him, the roof door opened and he reflexively brought up the bandana before he recognized his best friend.

“What’s up, punk?” Harutora said, looking about. “The atmosphere seems like you’re missing a cigarette.”

“Shut up,” Touji said with a smile and wave for Harutora to join him at the rail. “I don’t smoke or drink.”

“Can’t sleep?” Harutora asked, tossing a can of soda to Touji as he came to join him at the rail.

Touji caught the can easily and smiled to see it was his preferred brand of barley soda. "Nah. Thought I'd get some fresh air. What about you? Is Natsume's special training over?"

"Yeah, kind of," Harutora answered with a smirk as he opened his own soda. "Natsume fell asleep halfway through the level three banishing glyph flashcards and I beat a hasty retreat."

They stood in silence then, for a some minutes, before Harutora spoke again. "Hey Touji, anything new with you lately?"

"Not really." Touji wasn't quite sure what was being asked but knew his answer would cover most bases.

"No. Not that.."

"Are you talking about the after-effects?"

"Yeah."

"I said, 'Not really'. There hasn't been any change. I have become conscious of spiritual energy though."

Harutora paused long enough to take a sip of soda. "Does this mean you're able to control it now?"

Touji took his own pause and sip before answering. "Probably. I won't turn into what you're worried about. Your dad's treatment is working perfectly. I can't go overboard, though."

"I see." Harutora glanced over at his friend with a worried frown.

Touji tilted his head to make eye contact. "Because it's your job to go overboard," he said, voice completely serious.

"That's about the only thing I'm good at anyway," Harutora replied, his tone dejected.

"At least you're aware of it."

"Woah. You're totally looking down on me!" Harutora said, his tone offended until he broke into laughter which Touji joined in.