I decided not to decline Hayate’s offer to lead me around, and waited for her to finish packing her last things. Interrogating Fate would have to wait.
“So, where should we go first?” Hayate asked as she placed the bag on her back, and reached for her crutches.
“Uhm…” I paused for a moment. Why are you asking me? “Well, you mentioned the cafeteria, so let’s start there.”
The tour through the school was very interesting. Though we had a little bit of trouble moving up and down stairways with Hayate’s crutches, we managed to get through the entire school. Hayate showed me the cafeteria, the locations of various classrooms, and the different clubs.
“So, Nanoha-chan, have you thought about joining a club yet?” Hayate asked me.
“No, not really. I’ve been to busy with the transfer to think about such things.”
“I can imagine” Hayate said with a nod. “So what are your interests? A sports club maybe?”
“Ahh…” I sweatdropped. “No, I’m quite clumsy when it comes to sports, so I don’t think I’ll join a sports club any time soon.”
“Really? That’s not something I would say when I look at you. Hmm.” Hayate said as she cupped her chin and started looking at me up and down, as if analysing me.
It made me kinda nervous.
“Err… So Hayate, what kind of clubs are you member of?” I asked. Anything to get her to stop staring at me like that.
“Me?” As if someone had pushed a button, Hayate’s entire body changed. The analysing look disappeared and she straightened up, a glitter appearing in her eyes. “I’m part of the cooking club. We practice various methods of cooking, experiment and try to find new recipes, sometimes we help prepare the food for the cafeteria too. Interested in joining?”
I thought about it. I did enjoy cooking, but on the other hand it might be fun to explore other things for a change. Deciding to answer her honestly, I told her I’d think about it.
“Hayate-chan!” A new voice could be heard from behind us. I turned around to see a light blonde haired woman walk up to us. She was wearing a medical coat and looked a bit disturbed.
“Mou, I have been looking all over for you. Signum is already here to pick us up, what were you doing all this time?”
All this time? A quick check on my watch made my eyes widen in surprise. It was already 17:00! The tour through the school had taken up more time then I realized!
“I’m sorry Shamal, I was just showing Nanoha-chan around, she transferred here today you see.”
“Ara?” It was only now that Shamal seemed to take notice of me. “Oh my! I’m sorry, I didn’t know Hayate-chan was showing you around. My name is Shamal, I am the school medic. If you ever get hurt in the school, come and see me immediately.”
She smiled a kind smile, one that puts you at ease by just looking at it, it really suited her. I couldn’t help but smile back.
“I’m Takamachi Nanoha, pleased to meet you. I’m sorry for the trouble I caused…”
“Oh no, no. It’s no problem at all. Hayate-chan, I’ll go tell Signum to wait for a little while longer. How much have you shown Nanoha-chan yet?”
…Again already calling me Nanoha-chan? It seems to run in the family.
“Actually, we just finished the last few spots. And it is getting late, so we should get going if I want to be able to make dinner.” Hayate said as she checked her own watch.
“Then I’ll be leaving. Thanks for the tour Hayate, I really enjoyed it.” I thanked Hayate, and bowed to Shamal-sensei.
“You’re welcome, Nanoha-chan. And remember to come over to my place one of these days.” Hayate called after me.
I smiled and nodded before heading my own way. My first day at school and I already made a friend, how much better could this day get? I checked my watch. 17:08 on a nice summer evening, my room is very close, so I could go out into town before the stores close. Or I could just call it a day.
A: I’m going into town; I’m curious what shops are around here.
B: Hayate-chan told me there was a park close by, maybe I could take a little stroll to look around.
C: I’m tired, its been a long day. Let’s just head back to my room.