001 ★ [VIDEO]

[bicyclehelmet]

[The camera comes on to show a particularly perturbed person, who manages to look rather dishevelled while wearing an immaculate school uniform. He's stuttering a bit, but then seems to pull himself together, frowning and puffing up his chest.]

A-ah - yes! I am requesting a meeting with the twelve representatives who have transported me here! [My

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[ Video ]

[naochansensei]

[ The key words that catch Naoshi's attention here are "president" and "student council" and the like, combined with the rather... frantic?... tone of voice. He sort of lost the rest of it among all that (he wasn't paying the network much attention to begin with) but that was the important part and that looks a lot like a school uniform and teacher instincts are go. ]

Oi! You're a student? High school student?

[ Video ]

[bicyclehelmet]

Y-yes! [Hikami turns to the side a little, to properly display the Hanegasaki badge on his left arm.] I am in the second year of my education at Hanegasaki High School.

[naochansensei]

Che! This place, taking students from their schools...!

[ Bad enough that it kidnaps people to try and make them "worship", but that it grabs children among the adults as well! There's a little growling noise in his throat for a moment and he's clearly displeased, before the little man draws himself up as much as he can -- not that video captures that well. But, competent and reassuring adult figure, he's trying! ]

I'm Naoshi Haruki, a teacher from Seigetsu Academy, so please try to calm down-- [ what was it....? ] --ah, Hikami.

[bicyclehelmet]

[A teacher! Although he doesn't know the school, he immediately allows himself to slip into a more professional mode - and that in itself is a comfort. Besides, on the screen of his device, it's impossible to tell how tiny Haruki actually is...] I am still coming to terms with my sudden arrival here! I did not mean to appear anything but calm!!

[naochansensei]

That's alright, it's shocking to the best of us. [ As if he's really one to tell someone else to be calm; shoulda seen him flailing about when he arrived! It was ridiculous, really. ]

The bad news is we seem to be stuck here. The good news is you're not alone. I won't leave any student on their own out here. You're not hurt or anything, are you?

[bicyclehelmet]

I am in perfect health. Ah, and I have found that my cousin is here, as well! There is no need to worry about me. [...he sounds a bit like he's trying to comfort you...]

[naochansensei]

[ Well, nothing wrong with that, but in a place like Zodion, Naoshi is not easily comforted. In fact he looks more troubled by the mention of a cousin. ] Your cousin? Another student?

[bicyclehelmet]

No, my cousin is much older than I am! His name is Reiichi Himuro, and he is a high school teacher.

[naochansensei]

H-Himuro-sensei?! [ And all of a sudden, the little teacher's demeanor changes. After a dumbstruck moment in which that sinks in, the splutter comes automatically along with a vibrant red blush. ] Th-that guy....

[ Wait wait oh snap pull it together. Composure, he had it a minute ago. ] A-ah! Then you'll be in good hands!

[bicyclehelmet]

You know him?! [Unsurprising, but pleasant indeed! Hikami doesn't even seem to notice that blush...] He is my role model! While our situation isn't ideal, I am very happy he's here as well.

[naochansensei]

We-- met just the other day, actually! [ A mere two days ago, in fact, and oh good stars what an encounter. What an awkward, humiliating encounter. And though Naoshi certainly has no intention of passing on the details of it to anyone, much less Himuro's young cousin, the recalled embarrassment still flusters that Competent Adult Demeanor of his, though he's nevertheless not lying when he adds, ] I'm glad you have someone like h-him to look out for you here.

[bicyclehelmet]

[Finally he realizes that Naoshi seems to be, ah, coloring a bit.] Are you unwell?

[naochansensei]

E-eh? [ Oops. ] I'm fine, perfectly fine, thank you! Especially now that I know you'll be alright with him.

[bicyclehelmet]

Yes, I feel the same way. [A fond smile appears on his face.]