San Nin Gumi

- Chapter 1 -

I really hate this. It's not that I hate school; in fact, Meisei High School is probably one of the best schools I could be in around here. The teachers are great, and this is where everyone I know is. And it's not that I hate the work. I'm no genius or school lover, but I do the work and get it over with. That's not what bugs me. What bugs me is this lunch line! I really hate waiting ten minutes to get my food. From now on I think I'll start bringing my lunch. That's what I'll do.
"Okay," said the short lunch lady as she accepted my money.
I made an acknowledging murmur and took my food out to the tables. Mariko and Toshi where already at our spot.
"I guess you two got here early enough to avoid the rush?" I announced as I sat down beside Toshi. Mariko was sitting across from us. We always sit here. It's like our own small, private table.
"Aww, had to wait in line again?" teased Toshi. "You need to stop going to your locker first before coming here. That's my secret." He grinned at me.
I just rolled my eyes. "With covert moves like that, you're destined for greatness."
Toshi started talking about a new game he had gotten for his computer. It was just like any other day. Having these two around all the time is probably what keeps me from pulling my hair out. I can handle school and life and do well as long as I can come back to them.
Mariko was giggling at Toshi's explanation of how he got to sneak up and break a guard's back in his game but then turned to me.
"Ne, Kaori, did you finish that paragraph for English yet?"
"Oh, no!! I forgot all about it! Man, English is the worst. Why can't Americans speak a simpler language?" I started to stuff my food down quickly. "I'll have to--mmph--go down to the library and finish it really-- um--quick!"
As Mariko giggled and watched me stuff my face, I gathered up my things.
"The girl's got style when she shovels food into her face, doesn't she?" mused Toshi to Mariko, then he turned to me. "Well, we might as well go with you. Can't leave you alone for five minutes without you forgetting something. If we don't, you'll probably forget to breathe on the way!"
I gave a quick glare at Toshi and prepared to leave.
"Wasureppoi!"
Mariko, having rubbed it in a final time, just smiled and got up to go with us.