Special Property (BxB)

Chapter 43. Saving the Wolf

According to official records, student on student violence was exceptionally low at St. Catherine's. Many attributed this to the unfortunate climate of secrecy that pervaded the school. Many theorize that the numbers would probably be much higher if it weren't for the underreporting of such violence by the students, or interference of staff in filing such reports.

—Secrecy and Fear Pervades Local High School, anonymous blog post.

Day 7

Kato woke up at 6 o'clock when the alarm starting blaring away. Thankfully Tachibana was quick on it and hit the button. Kato laid there for a bit while listening to Tachibana make noise getting up and ready. He thought for a bit, wondering when he might be able to spend some more time with Takahashi. He figured he wouldn't get hardly a look during breakfast from Takahashi, probably wouldn't speak during English class, hopefully they wouldn't fight during break, then wouldn't speak during World Literature, hardly even see each other during lunch if Takahashi even bothered to go, no talking in Japanese class—

As Kato thought about each time that he wouldn't get to see Takahashi, he got a little sadder. His heart lightened up a little, though, as he thought about walking out to the Sport's Complex later, hoping that maybe they will get to at least do that together. Still, it would only be, at most, 15 minutes. He had forgot to check what he was scheduled to do on Tuesdays, but he was almost certain they wouldn't be in the same class.

The more he thought about Takahashi, the more he questioned why he thought about Takahashi. It seemed strange that he would think about someone who is so difficult to get along with. But, when he thought of Murata, it just wasn't the same. Sure, it would be fun to hang out with Murata and do stuff, but there was some elusive reason that Kato couldn't fathom as to the difference between the two.

He looked at the clock and realized 15 minutes had passed. He decided to throw all his thoughts to the side and start his day.

-----

As predicted, Takahashi simply met Kato's eyes only once during breakfast. Kato felt a small sense of rejection and this, too, was unfathomable.

"Murata-san," Kato suddenly spoke up. "Where were you yesterday? You weren't here."

"Oh. Nakamura-san invited me for a meal in his room. It was pleasant. He's a real good cook."

"Cook? How?" Kato was surprised.

"He has a slow-cooker. He made a pork curry."

He looked over at Takahashi then back.

Murata started laughing.

"What?" Kato asked.

"I'm sure your hubby will cook for you soon too."

"Pfft."

-----

Sister Mary had the class split up into six smaller groups today. Each row was a group, so that put Kato with Takahashi. He was a little concerned because that put Murata in Handa's group. She gave each group some speaking exercises. Kato hated spoken English even more than written English. It was hard to think in English, as Sister Mary put it.

Each group of students pulled their desks into separate circles. Sister Mary had them start out with introductions. Kato could at least do this. He was surprised at how well Takahashi spoke. Then again, Kato thought, he can sing English songs. He wondered if he could help Takahashi with other lessons in exchange for lessons in English. A tutor would be very helpful.

After introductions, Sister Mary read aloud, in English of course, a passage from a book. She had her students in each group relate to each other what they thought of the passage, in English of course. This was super difficult for Kato. He understood most of what she read but how to put his own words into English was daunting. Even Takahashi had a little trouble though he clearly was the best one in their group.