Unsolicited School

The Internal Plexus of the School

Day 24 – 37 days left

Mullet

Mullet looked at his wristwatch while listening to the current class. It's 11:20, 40 minutes before the lunch break. Nothing strange happened during his classroom until now. What he remembered before was he just left his home, sat together with Robbie on the bus, and followed the current lesson.

Just after he looked at his watch. The intercom above the chalkboard beep for a moment before someone's speaking through the intercom.

"Attention, the whole class. This is Tommy-sensei speaking," Tommy-sensei spoke with balanced intonation, "For today's information, all of the lessons will be stopped after the lunch break. All students proceed to your respective club. Enjoy the second half-time today. Thank you for listening."

And with that, Tommy-sensei's voice cut off by a beep.

Well, I guess I can take a break in the clubroom for a bit longer.

A few minutes later, the teacher ends his current lesson. And thus, there are no more lessons after the lunch break. The students get off from their desks, and they do their own business, such as chit-chatting, having lunch together inside, going out together like usual students. Meanwhile, Mullet walks to Kano's desk with his bento in his hand.

"Shall we?" Kano asked shortly, informed him and Shouko having lunch together.

"Sure, let's go,"

"Oh yeah," Shouko cuts their short conversation, "Don't forget that we'll go to Toto after this."

"Look, can I just stay here and get some sleep?"

"No you're not," Shouko shook her head.

The trio rendezvous with Robbie and Nino from class 2-1, before Mary came out from class 2-3. After they're all assembled, the g**g walked to the roof to enjoy their savory lunchtime, where it doesn't take too long for them to gather up and walked together to the roof.

"Alright, let's see what you're guys eatin' today," Nino spoke in excitement.

The g**g opened their lunchbox, where some beautiful bento sorted neatly in each other's lunchbox.

"Whoa! Those really look delicious!" Nino smiled and clenched her hands.

"Yeah, It's cool! Especially Mullet's," Mary spoke while her eyes focused on Mullet's bento.

"Thanks."

"By the way, why do you bring a flask, Robbie?" Nino asked in wonder as his flask was placed on the coffee table.

"I actually have a leftover of a coffee powder last night. So I guess it's better to bring here," Robbie replied, "Anyway, it's Americano. Go ahead, try it."

"Oh, cool," Kano smiled.

"Ara, Americano? Is that a kind of coffee that is prepared by diluting espresso with hot water, right?" Shouko guessed.

"You're right. How did you know?"

"I read the novel that we brought back in the Kurteen's "My message for you." That's where I know it." Shouko replied.

"Oh, that book,"

"Yeah," Shouko nodded, "By the way, don't forget to bring your camera after this, okay? We'll be going out when Sonoda-sensei's arrives in the clubroom,"

"Sure,"

"Where to?" Mary asked.

"Toto, we're going to take some panoramics there," Shouko replied.

"Guys," Mullet cuts their conversation despite he felt bad for doing so, "You didn't tell me before that we're going to Toto today,"

"Oh, sorry dude. I forgot to tell you," Robbie scratched his head.

"Yeah, tell it to the phone next time," Mullet sighed, "Anyway, let's eat,"

Mullet, Robbie, and Shouko walked to the photography club room soon after they finished eating together with the g**g. Thanks to Shouko, who has the room key, they were the first ones to come inside.

Shouko slides open the door and let Robbie and Mullet walked in first, the apple scent from the air freshener still remains inside the room. Added with the cold air from inside, that relieves the atmosphere inside, which it's perfect for them to take a nap before they're going out.

"I'm so tired," Shouko sighed and flexed her arms up, "Guys, I'm going to take a quick nap. Wake me up when Piko-senpai and Yuna-senpai arrive, okay?"

"You wanna take a nap?" Mullet asked.

"I guess the caffeine in Robbie's coffee didn't kick into me. But please wake me up, okay?" Shouko replied while she lies on the sofa, and took off her shoes.

The duo proceeds to the computer to transfer their data and look for the reviews on their current pictures they uploaded before. Robbie takes the commando for the computer. He plugged his SD card first into the computer and copied his selected photos into the "Photos" folder. Then followed by Mullet's SD card with the same method. It took roughly 4 minutes for them to transfer their files.

After they were done transferring, Robbie closed the explorer window and opened the Pictogram to look at the comments. As usual, the reviews from random netizens are mostly positive. Only a few critiques came from ordinary netizens. After they were done looking, Robbie closed the Pictogram app and let the computer stayed on.

"Dude, that was one good shot," Robbie smiled.

"Yeah, I know right,"

Mullet moved his eyes from the computer to Shouko, who is currently sleeping. Her sleeping pose attracts his attention.

"Robbie,"

Mullet tilted his head towards Shouko – telling Robbie to look at him. She's sleeping on her back, and her sleeping pose charmed their eyes as her large breasts form a charming mountain that every boy wanted to see.

"Dude, she's hot,"

"Yeah, I know," Robbie replied, "But the true beauty does not lie in how large the mammaries, but how loyal the girl, her personality, her hair, and her face."

"Why don't you include the other physical appearance?"

"That's the crucial point, ya know. The face represents her innocence, and I included the hair because that's my standard when I'm choosing a girl," Robbie rejoindered, "You know I already have a girlfriend, right?"

Mullet nodded.

"Then you should've known that I'm experienced or at least know a little in romance," Robbie sighed, but his eyes still seeing sleeping Shouko, "I want to ask you, do you have a girlfriend before?"

Robbie's question is one punch to Mullet as the fact that he hasn't got any girlfriend before. But whether he likes it or not, Mullet had to speak the truth.

"No, I don't," Mullet pouted.

"Dude," Robbie snickered cutely, "Go ahead, find a girlfriend. It's gonna be fun if you know how to. Your appearance, intelligence, and personality are enough for girls to be attracted to you. Don't you know that the girls and the boys are wanted to hang out with us?"

"Yeah,"

"Good," Robbie smiled, "But let me tell you an advice. Maybe it's not the best, but at least it's good. When you're finding a girl, don't only look for her appearance. But look for her personality and her loyalty. If she accepts you for who you are, stayed together with you no matter how huge your pain, that's the perfect one for you."

"Yeah, thanks" Mullet's pout still remains even he accepts Robbie's advice.

Dagnabbit, you hurt my feelings, Robbie.

"But I don't want you to be like me this time, or maybe forever."

"What?" Mullet's expression changed quickly.

"I recently neglect Ichika. I was too busy, and even I haven't PM'ed her for a month. I also lost some friends that I know before. My relationship with a few of my friends was disintegrated because of my negligence. I'm afraid to meet them back. In the end, they were strangers to me, and I don't really have any friends at all."

"I'm sorry about your loss, Robbie," Mullet gazed to him, "I also feel the same. Despite my appearance, I'm always having trouble with new people around me. I'm afraid to jump into their conversation unless their topic is interesting, and they put me into it, but only for a deep conversation. That's why I'm always being awkward with people, and I always stay home or going out alone."

"Haha," Robbie snickered, "I guess we're loners like Shouko, then."

The duo glared at the sleeping beauty Shouko for a moment. Suddenly, Piko-senpai slides the door and jumped into the clubroom – making them turned their back to him.

"Sorry for waiting, dudes. Sonoda-sensei is on the school lobby now. Let's go."

Piko-senpai left the clubroom and moved downstairs like a bullet. Mullet asked Robbie to leave him first. But he refuses and stays in the doorway while Mullet's waking up Shouko, who already fast asleep.

"Shouko, wake up."

Mullet pats her left shoulder, but nothing happened. He tried to pat her cheek this time. Mullet actually doesn't want to wake her up and let her sleep for a bit longer, but he also won't let a teacher waiting in the lobby or leaving that black-haired girl behind.

Shouko finally woke up from her short-timed slumber and glared upright. She regains her sight for a moment before she realizes Mullet waked him up. She blushed and quickly sat straight like she was just caught asleep from a boss.

"Sorry about that!"

"It's okay. Let's go. Sonoda-sensei is waiting for us."

The trio walked down to the lobby after the club room has been locked, where that 29-year-old woman and the club members are waiting for them. Some of their bags were packed up like they're ready for camping in the woods of Toto (or somewhere). Including Sonoda-sensei, who wears a maroon hunter jacket.

"You're all here. Good," Sonoda-sensei smiled. "There is nothing that you forgot, right?"

"No more, Sensei," Piko-senpai replied.

"Good," Sonoda-sensei took the car keys from her pocket, "At least this school has a multipurpose van."

The club members get into the van, where Sonoda-sensei drives the van. She starts the van in one try, and the engine roared smoothly, signaling the car is ready to be drive.

"I believe in you can drive this thing, Robbie-kun," said Sonoda-sensei to Robbie, who sits next to her.

"Sure thing," Robbie nodded.

After 20 minutes of doing 90 on the 4-lane road, they finally reached Toto, where the same beautiful and lush view of the forest met with their eyes. They parked at the parking lot near the Toto forest park. Where their eyes are directly presented by the beautiful rivers of the district.

"I wish I live here. This place's so green and soothing," Yuna-senpai smiled with her hands on her hips.

"For your information, kids. A friend of mine lives here," Said Sonoda-sensei, "Anyway, let's go take some pictures for money- I mean, let's reach for the stars, shall we?"

"Yes, Sensei," everyone replied simultaneously with an unamused face.

"I'll set up a place for you all for shooting," Sonoda-sensei shares the duties before green-flagging the photo shooting, "Yuna, Shouko, and Eiji will take the pictures in the forest park. Robbie and Piko-kun at the waterfall. And I and Mullet will take the pics at the riverside. Deal?"

"Deal!" the words spoken by the club members one by one.

"We will come back here at 2:30. So don't be late. And be careful when taking those pics, okay? And have fun, kids!"

"Yo, Mullet dude. Better don't make Sonoda-sensei's shirt wet, alright?" Piko-senpai's perverted brain tried to hypnotize Mullet. But only to be failed.

"Shut up, pervert."

"What did you sayy?" Sonoda-sensei triggered.

The photo g**g split up to their designated spot. Mullet follows Sonoda-sensei to the river and take some photos together. He had to take off his shoes and walk to the river to take photographs in the middle of the stream. He and Sonoda-sensei take some time for recess before they continue to other places.

After they are done taking pictures with their cameras, Mullet and the teacher sit together next to the riverside with their legs stretched straight forward – making them look like couples.

"Mullet, may I be honest with you?" Sonoda-sensei asked.

"Sure?"

"You and Robbie are the type of person that I wanted in my life,"

"Huh?"

"Athletic, tall, nice haircut, and an introvert. That's my type," Sonoda-sensei stared at him.

"No offense, sensei. But you already married, have a child, and your husband is still alive. Am I right?"

"Yes," Sonoda-sensei nodded, "But she's not athletic and tall as you."

"Umm…"

"Is it rude to ask your height?"

"No, it's okay," Mullet shook his head slowly, "I'm 180."

"I wish my husband was that tall." Sonoda-sensei frowned cutely.

"Meh, it's okay. At least your husband is loyal and always with you no matter what happens." Mullet cheered her up.

"Yeah,"

Suddenly, Sonoda-sensei's stomach growled loudly at the wrong time, which made her panic and covered her stomach with her hands.

"Please forget about that! I haven't eaten anything since lunchtime."

"Well, I can buy you some foods if you want."

"Please, buy me some donuts, okay." Sonoda-sensei took out her money, "Use my money, and keep the change for you."

"Thanks. I'll go,"

Mullet leaves Sonoda-sensei alone to proceed to the convenience store nearby. He recalled his mind about the district, where there is a convenience store a few meters in front of their van's location. Without thinking too long, he traces back his steps to the van and makes his way to the convenience store.

As he expected, Mullet found the convenience store that he remembers. It not too far from Jimi's bunker (only about 30 meters away). He stepped inside, bought some donuts, and purchase it at the cashier. But suddenly, his bladder refused him to walk back to Sonoda-sensei. He obeyed his nature call and rushed to the toilet.

Just after Mullet put back his pants, the lamp inside the toilet goes off abruptly – blinding Mullet as there's no light source inside. He used his phone to turn on the flashlight. He flashed it around the walls, where he found an object out of place. It's a kind of black sphere that resembles a black pearl. Mullet flashed it with his light and looked closer.

"What is this thing?"

BANG!

The sphere suddenly exploded in front of his eyes, making his sight totally white and creates a deaf effect on his ears, which it's more like a flashbang being thrown in front of him. Mullet knocked down instantly, and he covered his eyes while his ears are ringing violently.

"AWW! UGH! ARGH! IT HURTS! WHAT THE WHAT IS THAT?!"

After Mullet regained his sight and his hearing. He stands up and takes back his phone. Stranger still, the phone lights were off, and the lamp came back on. But he was still didn't realize something off.

He walked out of the toilet to ask about the strange prank set in the toilet.

"Excuse me, did someone put a prank in the toilet-"

"Huh?"

He looked at the counter. No one's standing there and his donuts just placed on the counter strangely. He looked around inside of the convenience store. But no one's inside.

Where did the dude go?

Mullet brought the donuts outside the store. Creepier still, there's no one in the district, and the atmosphere is strangely silent. Not even a single soul can be found there. Where did everybody go?

He walked around the store for a few laps before he decided to stop. Again, his efforts were not bringing them back whatsoever. He walked down to the under the bridge. Strangely, the homeless tents were not there. The under the bridge is strangely clean, not a single garbage or dust there.

Mullet proceeded under the bridge, where he stopped on the rusty door at the wall under the bridge. It's Jimi's bunker. But the iron door has no rust at all. There's no lock on the door and a sign hanged in front of it, where the word "LEAVE" spammed the whole paper, followed by some morbid voices sounded quietly. Regardless of his fears at that moment, Mullet put down his donut and walked into the bunker.

Mullet took a few steps forward, and as he expected, the door closed and locked from the outside (as he tried to open it. But failed). Strangely, the bunker it's not like what he saw before. It's a very long tunnel illuminated by dimmed and flickering lights, and it leads him to nowhere, which Mullet could calculate the length is about more than 300 meters long.

He starts walking along the tunnel for a few minutes, and he kept silent while walking. Suddenly, a scary ghostlike with its voice starts approaching him slowly from behind. Mullet picks up his pace by jogging through. The aura slowly but surely gaining speed, and Mullet starts sprinting as fast as he can. The ghost now really fast when Mullet's distance between the door in front of him is only 20 meters left. Luckily, He managed to reach the door and escaped from the morbid aura behind him, who was now trapped in the tunnel.

Strange enough, the next place Mullet went was the school hallway, but the hallway is very long, old, and broken like being abandoned for a long time. The wall paint was peeled off and cracked, and so with the ceiling and the floor. The window and the door of the class were blocked by the wooden board. Only leaving the window on the right to be opened, where the moonlight illuminates the hallway. Where am I?

Mullet starts walking among the broken, yet infinite hallway. He kept going there for roughly 30 minutes. But he can't reach the door in front of him although he's never running out of stamina. It feels like whether he walks on a treadmill or someone puts him back in the middle – preventing him from reaching the end. But after then, Mullet finally approached the doorway. Another sign hanged on the door and says:

Please sneak quickly into the room

Do not awaken the soul!

The exit is right behind you

Use it while you can

Mullet recalled the word "Do not awaken the soul!" as he saw that word was printed on a poster of the Music club's promo that has been used for years. Unfortunately, he turned back to see the exit. Where a dark and creepy silhouette of a girl with her red eyes glowing appeared behind him a few meters away. Added with the screaming voice. She consumed Mullet's sight with her darkness, making him blind instantly for a moment.

"OH SHOOT!"

The ghost girl suddenly vanished, and his sight was back to normal like nothing happened. Mullet get up and regret his action about looking back when he's currently in a horror situation. He knows that the rule of a horror story is not to look back no matter what it was. Just face forward and turn your body 90 degrees while moving.

He entered the room. Where the room is a classroom, the student council's room, library, school lab, and school lobby were merged crudely into a huge room like a mutant. He browsed that whimsical looking room. Where he just saw things that are not necessary. What is this place?

Mullet proceeds to the next door that is coarsely inserted between the library and the lab, where it leads him to a short hallway to the principal's office. Suddenly, he recalled the message from his eyes days ago, where it says he and Robbie are not allowed to get in there. But they had to get into it in order to destroy the pact that was shelved inside.

He thought for a moment until he eventually found the solution. They could get access to the principal's office by getting into another dimension (like now), where it acts as a bridge to the room.

But just after he got the answer, the creepy ghost girl appeared through the door, where another unsettling scream and her darkness forces Mullet to run again.

"Oh my god!"

Mullet starts running again through the mixed room, then he kept running again through the first hallway. But this time, the hallway is short instead of being infinite. The ghost starts gaining speed as he sprints to the exit.

Mullet reached the long tunnel from Jimi's bunker, the lamps were off, and he had to use his phone light to light his way. He managed to reach the door before the ghost gets him. But the door itself leads him to the toilet of the convenience store. He's trapped in there. He prayed for help by whispering, "Please God, stop this," as the ghost tried to knock the door open.

Suddenly, the knocking is gone, and the horrible atmosphere vanished. And it was replaced by muffled music from the convenience store. Assuring the situation is safe, Mullet opened the toilet door, where everything is back to normal.

"Excuse me, sir. Would you like to take back your donuts?" said the cashier.

Mullet took the donuts and rushed back to the van, where he saw Sonoda-sensei, and the club members are already getting into the van to get back to the school. Robbie can be seen getting into the driver seat – swapped her role as the driver to the school.

"Wait up!"

Mullet get into the van, closed the door, Robbie hits the gas, and they are speeding away from the Toto district. While they're on the way back to the school, Mullet tried to tell him about what he just see before. But it canceled it as there are five people in the van (excluding Robbie and Mullet). For now, he needs to keep silent if he won't let the secret be leaked.

"Robbie,"

"Yeah?" Robbie replied.

"Nothing,"

"Well, okay,"

Sorry, I lied. I cannot tell you now

To be continued…