[AQ] Speak Your Mind [Kou/Koemi/X-Mod]

[Kou]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Big Miss Take
+ Description: A woman who goes by the name of Miss Take is the local convenience store owner--and lately, she has been hanging around the school and making a fuss that the students have been ruining her business. Looks like she’s taking things too far and asking to see the principal?! She must be really mad.
+ Tell the woman to calm the hell down: +3 Roost
+ Try to talk her out of it. You got this!: +2 Faberge, +1 Roost
+ Leave her alone. You didn’t sign up for this: +1 Guardians, +1 Roost
+ She’s taking it too far. No matter how you look at it, this seems like a sign of X-activity. Investigate!: (AP decided at claim)
+ Requirements: Optional tag for X-mod
+ Submitted by Mari

 Tic Toc

  Kou's eyes followed the clocks arrow around in circles, until he swore it tried to hypnotize him. He then looked back at the words 'Gone on break. Be back in ten minutes' that were written on a piece of folded paper, placed on top of the receptionists desk.

“Is it just me, or are these chairs getting comfier and comfier, every time we’re here?” Kou questioned his pigged tailed friend, sitting in the seat right beside him. The two had been sent, by their teacher, to the waiting room right outside of the principal's office. Reason being: the usual disturbance. Not that this was surprising, considering the duo's reputation for getting into trouble. They’d been building it up ever since the time they’d taken back the sweets stash from the second floors storage closet. This sort of thing was becoming a habit, (Blame Koemi, am I right?) and these visits always ended the same way… or so that was normally how things went down. Today seemed to be the exception.

From down the hall, the sound of approaching footsteps and mumbling could be heard. The voice got louder and louder, suggesting the individual was marching their way towards the office. By their displeased tone, Kou could tell a storm was coming.

[Koemi]

 “Hum...I think they are starting to mold into the shape of our butts…” Being sent to the principal’s office was becoming routine, nay it already WAS part of their day. The cushioned seats always greeted them there, and as customary Koemi and Kou always sat in the same old spot. It was more than possible that the chairs were becoming one with them. “Should we just write our names on them?” Koemi sighed, she didn’t liked to be there but at this point she just learned to accept that she would be a VIP in this room.

“Huumm?” Being attracted by the noise coming from the hall Koemi curiously peeked in that direction. At first Koemi feared it was an angry teacher ready to give them another scolding, but she didn’t recognize the lady at all. All she knew was…

“There is a very angry looking woman coming this way…” The small girl recoiled in her seat. The animosity coming from that woman made her feel uneasy. As if she would snap at Koemi from just looking at her.

[Kou]

“Jeez…” Yeah, he recognized that voice: Miss Take, The local convenience store owner. Being up to date with all the rumors and gossip, he knew that this particular woman had been making a fuss around the school, as of late.

“We’ll have to claim our territory on another day...” The oncoming action in the hall was his cue to leave, and he wasn’t missing the opportunity. The shop owner would certainly keep the principal busy, since she so badly wanted to speak to him. As long as Kou was gone and out of sight, he figured he could avoid another weekly lecture from the head of Seiyo-Academy. “I’m a very busy man, Koemi chan. Places to be, people to meet.” Etc. Etc. Since everyone was in class, he hoped he could sneak off to the arcade for a few hours. If he was lucky, maybe the owner wouldn’t send him back.

“I’ll see you again next week? Same time, same place?” Knowing Koemi, she’d surely follow right behind. As he walked in the opposite direction of the angered woman, he couldn’t shake away this odd feeling. A sense of some sort. Maybe it was because his parents owned a convenience store of their own, that he realized this sort of behavior was unacceptable. He silently judged the woman, since he dared not voice his honest opinion out loud. 

[Koemi]

Koemi felt compelled to look again, but her curiosity lost to her fear of being spotted by the woman this time. In fact she would much rather be anywhere else as long as it was not near her. Was it normal to get this vibe? “Kou-kun what shall we do? She is coming this way---Wait where are you going--?” Koemi looked to her side, just to see Kou getting up and ready to leave.

“Next week su---wait don’t go saying we will be in trouble next week too!” Evidently, he didn’t wanna stick around to see what was gonna happen. Even though they didn’t see the principal yet. Running away could only bring them into more trouble later! Although if she sticked around, she would probably end up in trouble all the same. “Kou-kun! D-Don’t leave me alone here!” If they were to face trouble it would be better together after all.

Koemi followed Kou, trying to get as close to him as she could. Something about her just felt wrong. In the end her curiosity won against her better judgment. Koemi turned her head to peek at the woman again, not being as discreet as she thought she was.

junko ୧( ॑ധ ॑)୨   Miuna

[Miuna]

Miss Take was never one to harass students. She'd owned her convenience store for quite a few decades now, watching children come and go as they graduated from Seiyo Academy. She was a quiet old woman, completing her jobs with a dedicated precision and spending the rest of the time minding her own business. It wasn't until recently that she'd begun to not only approach the school but request a meeting with the principal.

She claimed Seiyo students were making a mess of her store. She yelled that they were coming in and knocking things from shelves, loitering around outside, and scaring off some of her most valuable customers. She never had these problems before but now she couldn't stop complaining about them!

As Kou and Koemi began to leave, she called out to them with a sour look on her face. "You two!" She said, walking over to them with papers in her hands, "Where do you two think you're going? Where is this principal of yours, I've got a few words to say to him! Did you two see where he's ran off to?"

[Kou]

The door was only a few feet away, now. Kou could practically taste freedom. But of course, things were never so simple.

It was impossible to ignore the interrogation that was coming from behind them. "Oh, I love this game..." The words came out quiet, though Koemi could've heard. Time to begin the Q&A session. The first year put on a perfectly fake smile, and turned his attention towards the woman. In his mind, he was entering a cowboy showdown, but it being between two competing convenience store workers. Business, am I right? Normally elders adored him, but there were special cases.

"Who? Me?" Kou pointed to himself, as innocently as possible. "I'm looking for the little boys room, and..." He motioned to Koemi, who was glued to his side. "... I've never seen her before." All he had to do was say ‘class’, but no- he had to be a smartass. "Hm. Where oh where could our dear principal have gone off to? Well, since it's noon on a school day... they must be out for sushi. Yes, that must be it!" The index finger he had pointed upwards was now changed into a closed fist that he cupped inside his other hand. "Or on a trip! I heard Hawaii is lovely this time of year." He thought the woman should consider it. She wasn't acting herself, (or well, from what little kou knew of her...) and by the look of things, she could definitely use the vacation.

Come to think of it, her ranting and description of recent events was strange. Without proof he could only assume she was crossing a line. Only through investigating the situation further might he clear up the confusion. "I'm so sorry we couldn't be of any help. Maybe we could relay a message for you?"

[Koemi]

Koemi froze in place as she heard the unfamiliar voice calling from behind. In that empty hall there was no mistaking that the questions were being directed at the duo. The small girl didn’t know what to do. For one: she was not made to deal with angry people, especially unknown ones. Two: She was already fleeing from the principal’s office because she’d gotten in trouble. Now it seemed like she would get into more trouble! Double trouble!


“What game?” Koemi replied to Kou in the same low voice as him. She was unaware of his plans, but somehow Koemi had a bad feeling about what was to happen next.


Kou started to ‘handle’ the situation, while Koemi hid behind him like a little kid. Of course him claiming he didn’t know her gave her quite the reaction. “EH?!?!” Koemi jolted in place, little comical tears forming in her eyes. “W-what do you mean you forgot about meee!!?” Koemi clung to his sleeve, shaking it. “Kou-kun you meanie!” Her little fit did no good as Kou barely blinked, and continued talking.


Koemi’s gaze turned to Miss Take. It was indeed curious why a seemingly calm lady would insist on talking to the principal so much. Something was...fishy. But before Koemi could ponder any further, Miss Take’s piercing gaze sent a chill through her body. “Kou-kun, just please- let's go. She is making me nervous--” Koemi said a bit louder than she had wanted too. ”...Kou-kun do you think she heard me…?” Koemi whispered, trying to smile but managing only to do so awkwardly. Maybe she was being too unfair with the old lady. What if she was really in trouble? Kou’s offering to help the woman might appease her. Good idea Kou-kun! “Y-Yeah! You can leave it to us! Whatever is is!”

[Miuna]

Ms. Take's face scrunched up as Kou mentioned the word 'game,' her entire expression turning sour from the sound of it. She was at her wits end with these students and still they insisted on fooling around with her. She'd been working for years, what did these punks know about struggle? At least the girl seemed to be fairly meek, hiding behind the boy in between the two as she balled up her fists and stuck a finger out at Kou.

"Game? That's all this ever is to you, isn't it? My business is not a jungle gym for you rascals to hang out in! I'm sick and tired of you coming into my store and throwing my merchandise around. How would you like it if I came into your homes and threw your stuff around, hm?" She was angry beyond belief at things well out of the control of the two students, yet still she continued her rant, "I've been a loyal member of this community for years, offering student discounts and giving out free merchandise to the school. Is this how I'm supposed to be treated?!"

She spat her last words, placing her hands on her hips as she stood her ground. She didn't believe any of this 'Hawaii' nonsense, this boy was messing around with her. As she opened her mouth again, a dark aura seemed to surround her. There was definitely something else going on with the woman. "If you don't bring me to your principal then I'll call the police on you kids. Don't think I won't, I've worked too hard to have you children ruin my business like this!"

[Kou]

Though Kou often charmed his way out of trouble, the hostility here was unlike any he’d experienced before. Koemi even insisted on leaving, but his pride wouldn’t let him flee like a scared animal. “With your indoor voice? No way, little mouse. We totally got this.” But did they really?

“Look, lady- we were just trying to be nice.” Kou continued playing innocent, but the woman wasn’t having it. The more she yammered on with the blame, the more she had Kou’s blood boiling. “What can I say? Monkey see, monkey do...” He was stubborn, and refused to speak honestly. Sensing those emotions, Shin (his guardian) poked his head out of the first years shirt collar. There was scolding for use of dishonesty, (aside from the brief "hello, Koemi~!" in between) but it was all just background noise to Kou, who was now focused on the dark aura surrounding the woman.

“That’s totally normal-... right?” His eyes weren’t playing tricks on him… this was real. What should he do? “Go ahead. Besides, this one had it coming.” He pointed a thumb towards Koemi, “She’s been staying under the radar for far too long. But me? I’m a saint.” The blue strings that connected Shin and Kou turned red. The word "lies!" came from his panicked guardian, followed by: “Being honest and talking it out is the best way to resolve this problem!!” It was no surprise that Kou firmly disagreed, however he was caught off guard by a sudden forced character change.

“Are you accusing me of something?” Suddenly, this whole ordeal became very personal, “Because you’re not the only business in town with problems. My parents can’t even take the weekends off! Don’t expect thanks, and acknowledgement for doing good deeds, because shiny trophies aren’t given out to people like you and me--…!” Maybe this wasn’t the best idea, after all.

[Koemi]

Kou words felt no where near reassuring, especially after miss Take got more and more enraged. Whatever they did just seemed to trigger her more. She’d never seen anyone mad to the point a pitch black aura surrounded them--Wait what?!

She had heard of the expression becoming ‘red with anger’, but this ridiculous! Whatever was happening to miss Take waved all the red flags. This was the ultimate sign that they should start running, NOW. “THIS IS NOT NORMAL AT ALL!!” Koemi desperately shook Kou’s arm, trying to make him run with her. However he refused to move. “THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR JOKES KOU-KUN!!” In fact they would probably be safer with the police!

“Kou-kun we have to---” Her own words were overlapped by Shin’s, and before she knew it Kou’s was not acting his usual self. “K..Kou-kun?” It was the first time she had ever seen him speak like that, voicing his thoughts about his parents. Her eye’s widened, listening to every word. Trophies? Koemi thought back to the trophy case in his home, and how he’d refused to talk about it. Did Kou always feel this way? Koemi instinctively reached for her egg in her pocket.

Be brave, be a soldier. Coronella voice echoed in her mind. “STOOOPPP!” Koemi stepped between Kou and miss Take. “That’s not true!” This time Koemi was not stuttering, nor appearing nervous. “I have no idea how hard is to run a business but...I’m sure your parents, and miss Take, are always doing their best! Not for praise, but because they love what they do!” Kou parents were always kind to her and greeted Koemi with a smile when she went to buy groceries. They even looked after her grandmother all of these years. Miss Take cared so much about her shop, that Koemi could feel how hurtful it must be to see people disrespect it, and her, after years of dedication.

Despite that, she had to speak her mind... “Not all Seiyo students want to cause trouble! I know lots of people that would never trash your store, miss Take! Aren’t they your customers as well?! I’m sure they are grateful to you!” Koemi didn’t fully understand Kou’s feelings, or Miss Takes, but one thing she knew. “There is always someone who’s thankful for all the things you do!” Koemi looked at Kou briefly “Trophies don’t define your worth!“ Her eyes turned back to the shop owner, pleadingly. “I’m sure some students appreciate you, Miss!” Koemi took a deep breath. “If not then I will! I will work at your store for free to fix all the damage!!!” This was said in the heat of the moment. “I really, really want to help! I’ll take you to the principal if you want!”

[Miuna]

((Sorry for the late reply!!))

Ms. Take seemed just about ready to blow up at Kou's words, her face turning red as her lips narrowed into a thin line. It didn't matter what his parents did for a living, he was still inexperienced with life. She'd been there when the market rose and fell again, struggling to keep her business afloat in hard times of peril. She didn't see how this kid could even imagine what she was thinking. She'd held down the forts when earthquakes and typhoons blew through, taking care of her little store all on her own.

He was giving her an attitude without even knowing where she was coming from and then he had the nerve to place himself in the same category as her? As her face grew hot with anger she opened her mouth, only for the young girl to finally step in and stop their feuding. The small student had been quiet up until now but it seemed like she had some thoughts on the matter. Allowing for the newly character changed girl to speak for herself, Ms. Take felt herself relax at the other's words. Finally it seemed like someone was seeing things from her point of view.

"That store is my home," Ms. Take said once Koemi's speech was over, crossing her arms as she allowed her voice to quiet down, "I've watched over this school and the neighborhood for years, never allowing myself to lose faith in it. It's done a good job taking care of me, and to see disrespectful kids ruining it in any matter is no easy feat."

She sighed, holding her ground but allowing the weight of the world to finally pull down her shoulders. In the end she was still an old woman with more than enough years taking their toll on her. Her entire body seemed to sag with a weight the other two had yet to experience. "I don't need you working at my store, it's always been just me. What I need is a solution to these rotten children ruining my store."

[Kou]

(( np! This time of year is hectic, Happy Holidays Cherri~ ))

Kou's personal feelings wouldn't allow him to see eye to eye with the woman. The way she looked down on him only provoked further frustration. Despite being young and not having the years of experience she had, he held on to his opinion that she was in the wrong. Throwing tantrums in a public area like this was inappropriate, and these actions shouldn't get her what she wants. If things were that easy, Kou never would've had to become the cunning and manipulative liar he was today-...

"STOP"

And that's when Kou snapped out of his character change. Blinking repeatedly, the first year attempted to assess the situation again. Koemi was in between them now, pleading. What kind of mushy feeling nonsense had he been forced to sputter out, now? Upon making eye contact with his friend, and hearing her words, he couldn't help but look away out of shame. Yeah, he very much knew what he'd said. His guardian looked at him with concern, but eventually even he let his gaze fall downwards.

Kou still didn't agree with coddling the woman, but what she said next made him feel sympathy. Wanting to do everything alone was something he could relate to, in a strange, lone wolf kind of way.

"Then maybe you should reconsider her offer." The first year entered the conversation once more, but with a cooler head. "There comes a point... where you can't do everything alone." Either he was a very good actor, or part of him was speaking truth by his own free will.

"You have a solution right here." Kou placed a supportive hand on Koemi's shoulder. "She might look small, but then again... so are chihuahuas! And their bite is as mean as their bark." Was he doing a good job at selling her job application? "No student is going to cause trouble if they see a member of the disciplinary committee there. And even if they do, Koemi can clean up the mess AND report them for you.. for free! No more having to look for the principal, when the two of them meet every week." Community service might make for a better replacement to her year long detention sentence, anyways.

[Koemi]

Koemi was holding her breath. She could barely believe she had said all this. Was that the power of her guardian? To her relief, it seemed like her speech changed the mood a bit. Miss Take that looked like she was about to go up in flames a minute ago, had calmed down. Her voice was still a bit strict but much calmer right now. Koemi could finally tell the shop was a really important place for her. Taking care of it all those years, was such dedication. Koemi couldn’t relate to a feeling like this before. Since she was a kid she had always been jumping to one thing to another, never truly knowing how to commit to anything.

“You are amazing Miss Take! You must really love your store!” She truly felt that way. Miss Take maybe was feeling pressured by all those years alone...Maybe that made her feel so much despair when the kids caused trouble, and it all started to boil up. Still she was woman to be respected…And Kou deserved that too. He always helped out at his parents store, even on the weekends. Koemi never thought much about it before, like it was a something ordinary. However it must had been hard for him too. To work hard for his parents like Kou did and to work hard for something you love like Miss Take...She wanted feel that way too... Koemi almost felt jealous, however she was mostly impressed.

Koemi shoulders fell down as the elderly woman refused her offer. She was a bit disappointed, her intentions of helping were very honest after all. She wanted to help! Would she really be alright all alone? Surely all those years being by herself...must had been a bit lonely...

She hadn’t expected to feel a helping hand touching her shoulder in this moment. “Kou-kun?” His touch so gentle gave her hope. Was he supporting her decision? “W-wait why a chihuahua?!” She wasn’t very fond of the comparison, but this was no time to argue. His words moved her, and gave her strength to speak her mind. She never had a friend back her up before. The feeling of having someone to support you...was nice. Really, nice. “Kou is right though! I will be like a bodyguard! Or hum..A security camera! Plus Kou knows everything, about everyone! He can tell me the name’s of the students causing trouble!” She threw that in, on a whim. “If that’s still not good hum...At least know we will never cause problem for you! Kou-kun too! Right?” Koemi took a deep breath. There was nothing else left to say. “Do you...still want to see the principal Miss?”


(( Ty Cherri for modding the rp! Mizu and I can end it after your next post if you make Miss Take leave ))