It was a tossup if 'Crafts' club was actively led at any point in making a specific craft, or was just an excuse for people who enjoyed making things to be able to get together and do that. Today happened to be one of the days where the activity was actively being 'guided' as it were by the club supervisor. In this case, everyone had been given a rather complex-looking balsa wood kit for a model, with lots of little pieces that one had to put together to try and create the achieved object.
Complex, at least, in that it had well over two hundred tiny pieces. Certainly something that would keep folks busy if they wanted to do it on their own and weren't just following along with the instructor on the projection screen as time went on.
Sitting to the side and back of the room was Eilam, leaning quietly against the wall with one shoulder as he sat there, working at his own pace with his model kit. Being an older, relative, Infinity student he was wearing the standard uniform, though he had the blazer off at the moment due to being hot. Something that was excusable, at least, due to medical reasons and his 'condition' leaving him easily tired out. Next to him he had his stave, though that was leaning against the wall. In front of him, he was focusing on using a utility hobby knife(see: X-acto/etc) to carefully dissect the various pieces from the sprues and boards. His intention, seemingly ignoring the progress of the instructor, was to take it all out and make sure it was perfectly clean of any nubs or shavings from the manufacturing process. In fact, the rather tired-looking fellow almost seemed more focused on that than actually assembling anything.
Crafts Club was an excellent place where Madoka could go to be artistic without having to worry too much on the skill level of her artwork, especially at such a prestigious school as Infinity. Like some of the other members she used it often to make personalized gifts for her friends and family, which she sometimes felt guilty about because like her other club, Gardening, she was only a part-time attendee rather than a core member.
Today she had shown up mostly out of a sense of pity and duty, and wasn't quite sure what she was going to do with her time. Most likely, she had thought, find one of the people who had helped her on her various projects and offer to help them herself. Instead she found a guided craft was the order of the day, feeling somewhat relieved at first since she could be involved in the activity without having to be particularly creative.
And that's when she was handed her model kit. She opened it up, looked inside, and her lightly tanned complexion suddenly pales. Her eyes widen the tiniest amount as she sees the pieces of delicate balsa wood, all cut into neat shapes. That's because it reminds her of a jigsaw puzzle at first, and Madoka Kaname has decided she does not like puzzles. But it's not a puzzle, and when the instructor begins showing them what to do she calms down. That said it doesn't take her very long to get behind the rest of the group on model building, she has a delicate, gentle touch that leads her unlikely to actually break the pieces, but she's also a worrier, and spends excessive amounts of time placing them, being inordinately careful. Her eyebrows raise and pinch in concentration as she carefully sets one small piece of balsa into place, only to let out a deep sigh when she's done.
The pink haired girl sits back in her chair, looking up to the instructor who by now is four pieces ahead of her in the assembly process, leaving her struggling to remember what she's supposed to do next. She takes a quick look at a few of the members around her to see how they're doing, only to blink in surprise when she sees that Eilam is going his own direction with the model making and not bothering with the instructor at all. She doesn't know much about the older, pink-haired boy other than what the Infinity rumor mill has told her; enough to know that he's somewhat sickly, is often tired, and transfered in a few months ago. All of these are things she's sympathetic to, and for a few moments she finds herself watching him go about his methodical process rather than paying attention to the instructor.
So now she's five steps behind. Far enough that she's going to need special help if she's ever going to complete the project.
Seated at the desk next to him she turns in her chair, leaning a little closer to him, "I didn't even think about cleaning up the edges. You really know what you're doing, don't you, Hisakawa-san?" Her tone is one of mild admiration and praise, lacking any hints of veiled teasing, spoken in a half-whisper so as not to interrupt any of the other club members. "I bet yours is going to look the best out of everyone's when it's done," soft pink eyes turn for a moment towards the instructor, then back to Eilam before giving him a small smile.
Eilam was almost so obsessed with his work that it might seem like he was reading, completely ignoring everything that was going on. Such a strange thing, likely, watching someone shave wood like they were trying to peel back layers of the wood a molecule at a time. All over a silly balsa wood model that was produced probably in the millions. Maybe he just really liked this kind of thing. Though if she actually looked close enough at his face, at his eyes, she might be able to see he actually did look fairly tired, like he was trying to keep himself awake.
The soft shffft sound as he scraped the blade along the wood, wiping the last bit of the nub left from the less-than-perfect sprue cut. Then someone speaks that wasn't speaking before. It was soft, certainly, but it was enough to jar him slightly that he looked up and towards her a moment, not quite sure what to say. "No, that is not my intention. I simply hate... a mess like that. If I am going to do something with it, where others can see it, why leave it messy when I can clean it up? Besides, I am obsessive enough that if I did not do it now, it would drive me crazy until I took it apart and... did it later."
Something caused him to wince, not quite realizing what it was until he looked down and realized that while he was talking, he had idly begun to try and feel out the next piece he was going to take out, only there was a sharp pain along the palm of his hand, and once looked at he realized he'd sat his palm down on the blade of the tool he had in his hand. "Ah, poked myself." he said, casually reaching into his blazer pocket next to him with his other hand after he set the tool aside to grab a napkin he had with him.
Though evidence of said 'poke' is hard to find on his hand itself after he wiped it. There was a little blood, on the blade, and his hand. At least until he wiped it off. Strange part, though, was there was no real sign of just where he'd poked himself. No redness or even a cut. "I should probably not bother with this while I am tired. ...then I would never do anything since I am always tired. I cannot recall your name?"
As she'd leaned closer, Madoka might begin to smell a fairly strawberryish scent about the fellow. Shampoo or perhaps even some kind of laundry soap about his clothes, though there was also a tropical fruit kind of smell. Cologne perhaps. It's one of those things one would likely have to ask about or just keep guessing, if they even cared.
Madoka tilts her head a little and considers, "Maybe it's not your intention, but I think your 'obsessiveness'," she uses a version of his own word in order to keep polite, "is going to make your model look extra neat and clean when it's all done." The implication that he might be so bothered by it if it was messy he'd take it apart and fix it at some later point draws another smile from her; it's the sort of small personality traits she likes finding in people. She considers it a good point, not a bad one.
She notices the wince, her expression suddenly worried, getting up when he notes what happened. Immediately her hand goes to her pocket and she pulls out a small first aid kit and she's up from her chair, leaning over the desk and looking to his hand as he wipes at it with the napkin. "I'm a Nurse' assistant at the hospital; let me see how bad it is, okay?" She starts to carefully reach for his hand, only to see that nothing is there after the napkin is pulled away.
Pink eyes blink, looking from his hand to the knife, where blood can obviously be seen, if only a tiny bit. There's a brief moment where she pauses in place, only to stand up straight and slide the small first aid kit back into her pocket. Her expression turns embarrassed as her eyes close, "Eheheh... it looks like you got lucky, this time." She's not stupid. She recognizes very well what it probably means- something to do with magic. But she's also polite enough not to pry, instead letting it go at that unless the boy presses the issue himself."
Asked for her name she gives him a quick proper interlocution bow, "I'm Madoka Kaname, and it's nice to meet you." Another short pause, less visibly embarrassed. "I think I've only heard your family name in passing," she notes, giving him the chance to introduce himself as well if he likes.
It's after these introductions that she responds to his mention of tiredness, nodding softly, "I'm sorry to hear you're tired so much. Is there... anything I could do to help? Though, I'm not very good with models," a quick self-conscious peek over to her own.
Has anyone ever seemed scared of Madoka? Briefly or otherwise? Because for a brief moment, if she saw it, there was subtle signs of it. Something very few people know is just how terrified Eilam is of doctors and the likes. Scientists. Those whose 'curiosity' and 'medical knowledge' make it very hard for him to simply lie to them and get away with it. He tensed up, at the mention of 'nurse' and 'hospital', though as she quickly gave up just as soon as she started, he relaxed a bit.
If not, a first time for everything!
Eilam was quick to try and play it off as nothing, "My, uh... hands don't get much circulation, part of my condition. Sometimes I fumble... and luckily cuts on my hands and fingers don't bleed much." Complete lie. /Complete/ lie. Why was he even trying to BS someone who knew such things were probably false? Well, at the least, chances were she couldn't just look at him and assume much about the symptoms or cause of his 'condition' might actually be a loss of good circulation! It's possible. ... >.> <.<
Even Eilam realized he was talking too much and just shut up, "There is nothing you could do, please, just... do not mention it. I do not enjoy the attention of ... medical types. I have had too many already in my life that I would be happy to avoid them further so long as I am around. I get by. Thank you though." He talked big but if she was observant she might realize she actually did freak him out a little briefly. Even if he knew it was kind of silly to be worried of her. So, to take his mind off it, he tried to return back to his model kit!
He picked up the blade and got out the next piece, beginning to shiv away flakes of wood. "Madoka Kaname. I do not think I have heard your name before. If I should have, well... I try to mind my own business when I can. Not snoop into others. I enjoy my privacy so I try to offer it in kind." That tone of that was less 'SO LEAVE ME ALONE' than the words might have come off as. He wasn't even trying to be gruff! His voice was painfully soft as he spoke, just quiet in general.
Madoka notices. It's not the first time she's seen that expression, so she recognizes it for what it is. It is, however, the first time she's ever seen it directed at her. Her soft pink eyes widen once more and she backs off, not just from trying to help him but physically as well, taking a step backwards to give him space.
Her head nods slightly along with the explanation; she's knows enough that that's unlikely since he was bleeding in the first place, and is observant enough to have seen there was no cut or poke mark when she looked for it- her eyesight is fairly good. The thing is, she's polite enough not to pry. She figures he cut himself but through some magical mechanism or another the cut healed, but she's not about to call him on it. Instead she may appear to be a poorly informed, ditz of a nurse's assistant as she nods, "Ohhh, okay."
More sympathy shows on her face as he asks her not to mention the injury to anyone else, "I've learned to keep secrets, I'll keep it to myself." A look of understanding shows as he mentions his specific dislike of doctor types, followed by more sympathy, "I see, I'm sorry. In that case, I'd like to apologize for being presumptuous. I won't bother you again with anything like that." She considers for a moment and decides to go on to add, "My job at the hospital is mostly to try and help people be comfortable and keep their minds off their injuries. So I talk with them and get them water and ice, things like that." Not that she doesn't also assist in really minor medical things, and she has picked up a small amount of knowledge purely by being around as doctors and nurses speak to each other and patients.
She's a little worried when he starts shaving his model pieces again because of what her distractions caused the first time. She makes sure to keep her voice quiet, keeping sudden volume changes to a minimum, "I transferred into Infinity last year in July after living overseas for a few years; I would have gone to Mitakihara Middle School, so I was able to get into Infinity easier." If he knows the story the school was famously destroyed in the explosion of a nearby lab, and students were allowed into the otherwise zealously prestigious Infinity University that was built upon the location.
"It was... really hard getting used to everything, here." For a long time she felt almost hopelessly behind the curriculum, slowly coming up to respectably average grades from a state of barely passing when she first started at Infinity. A soft smile, "I'm doing much better now; I hope you're having an easier time adjusting than I did." A bit of information about herself so he doesn't have to snoop to get it. Being a relative unknown to the boy doesn't seem to have bothered her.
There wasn't terribly many pieces left for Eilam to cut out. At least compared to those he was already finished with. Just a good fifty or so left. It was a large model set! Still, he didn't seem distracted like he was a moment ago. In fact, he was more so focusing on it as the conversation went on. "Thank you. I do not enjoy being touched by others medically if I can help it. I became sick when I was quite young and... as a result, throughout my life, I have come to resent certain things. I know you meant well."
It wasn't the most reassuring thing likely, hearing 'I know you meant well'. She didn't even do anything wrong! But, he tried to make do. "My own adjustment... I suppose. It is not bad here. As long as I pay and my grades are kept up I am largely left to my own accords. Though I still prefer Western and European foods." Half under his breath he said something along the lines of 'Though I can afford such a luxury'.
The return of his silence might make one think he was struggling to come up with something to say. If that was true or not doesn't quite present itself lingering for too long, though, as he stops and looks up towards the club instructor who was assembling parts of a support spine, then back towards Madoka. "What is it about this that prevents you from following along well enough?" It would seem he noticed she was having a slightly awkward time with the activity even if the instructor doing a follow-along was helping. "For someone who does volunteer work, I would think this craft relaxing compared to... carrying around supplies to jump at the chance."
His pace is actually rather astonishing to Madoka when the size of the model kit is considered. But then Infinity really was supposed to be the school for gifted and talented students. "You're welcome," she replies as he thanks her, nodding a little with that same sympathetic look as he mentions being sick at a young age. "I'm sorry things have been difficult for you," she replies in a general manner. That final statement actually draws a smile from her; his making do seems to have worked well in this case.
She stands with her hands held in front of herself, trying not to make a nuisance of herself to the other students as they listen to the instructor. Luckily she's pretty small, and can hopefully evade notice; though it's not like this is an actual class. "Oh, that's good," she replies in a slightly more cheerful voice, taking his comments about how he's adjusting as a good thing. On the subject of foods she smiles again and laughs quietly, "I missed the food here when I moved to America, but when I moved back I missed some of the food there as well. Luckily Papa," pause, "my father, is a really good cook, and he'll make them for me when I do."
When he quiets for a while she considers going back to her seat, because standing there without chatting is a little foolish. But then he does speak again and Madoka looks slightly nervous when it comes to talking about her failings, "Well... I guess it's mostly that I'm really slow, and I keep thinking I'm going to mess something up, especially since it's so delicate and they break so easily. I don't really know what I'm doing, and it's very complicated." When her volunteer work and first aid kit are mentioned together she blinks, only to give a small shake of her head, "Oh! I just got into the habit of carrying it around; I used to be clumsy and get hurt a lot when I was younger, and sometimes it comes in handy. It is nice being able to help people when they need it though."
With Madoka standing up, the instructor notices and finishes working with the couple of pieces they were working on before saying simply, "It would seem a few of you are getting restless. No worries, this is a detailed project. How about we all take a five minute break and pick up after?"
Eilam, for his part, looks towards the instructor, then down at his stuff, before looking towards Madokas again as if thinking. "I see. But if you worry too much, you will not get too much done. And before you know it... poof." he makes a little motion with his hand. "Times up." as if capitalizing off of the instructors remark about taking a break, the rest of the club members starting to file out. Eilam takes his blade, caps it with the safety cap, and slowly pushes himself to a stand while pocketing it. Though unlike the rest, he begins to collect his things, reassembling them back together into the package his kit came into. "I think I will finish the rest of this back at home, perhaps. Or another time when my mind is on it. Miss Kaname, did you have plans for your... break?"
Madoka wasn't really paying attention to the instructor at this point- who knows how far behind the project she had gotten. Unfortunately it seems she has caused a disturbance after all, and she lets out a nervous laugh while blushing slightly as a break is called because of her. As the other students start to exit the room to stretch their legs she hopes at least some of them were wanting a break.
Eilam poignantly points it the issue with her indecision on the model kit, nodding, "Ehehe, that is what happened. I got behind and couldn't remember what to do next." She steps closer to her desk and neatens things up a bit for the break, picking up the leftover bits of balsa wood that her pieces had been cut out of. Madoka looks back over to the pink-haired boy when he speaks up again, seeing his packed up kit and equipment before giving a small nod, "Oh, okay," followed by a gentle shake of her head. "Maybe getting a drink of water or a juice, but not really." She studies him for a short moment before deciding to ask, "Is there something you wanted?"
"I was thinking about cutting out of here early, as at this point I am ignoring the instruction as it is and going at my own pace, and getting myself something to eat. Despite it all I am feeling a bit hungry and given my lack of stamina, I would rather eat something now than later." As he spoke, Eilam could be seen picking up his kit after sealing it and looking around as if thinking about something, then putting it back down only to reach over and grab the stave, before once again picking it up.
"Unpaid secrets are rarely kept, and as you offered to keep my... clumsiness quiet, I thought I would offer you to eat with me as payment? Hush money if you will. ...hush food. There is a restaurant nearby that has salmon and rice that makes me drool thinking about it that I was going to head to. Your choice." And with that, he begins to make his way out of the room! He was going slow, though, and quite honestly she could easily catch up to him after getting her stuff if she cared to, or not. He wasn't really in a hurry anyways.
"Oh! Okay." Maybe he prefers to do crafts of this type alone compared to different ones? The instructor might also be more of a distraction than a help if he didn't need it, the usual hum of activity in the club reduced to one primary voice and students following instructions. Madoka also has some small idea about how people who are constantly fatigued have to cope with only having enough energy for a limited number of tasks, so going and getting food while he's already out and about is something that makes sense to her. Not that most teenagers need an excuse to go get something to eat.
She isn't sure at first what to think of the offering food specifically as 'hush money', but her friendly nature overrides any worries she might have. "I'd try to keep your secret anyway, Hisakawa-kun, but I wouldn't really mind getting something to eat either. Salmon and rice does sound pretty good!" She does start packing up her things in earnest as she talks, the poor model that will likely never be completed included. Afterwards she makes to catch up with Eilam, looking about the hallway before catching up to him.
That was pretty much it. Energy was a commodity to Eilam more precious than money or gold, it was something he couldn't buy, that he couldn't gain. He either had it when he woke up, or he didn't, and it kind of just waned along the day. Still, he nodded as she made her remark about keeping it anyways, but said nothing, instead just making his way to the nearest staff elevator, digging into his pocket to pull out a key card for such. Seems having an illness of his kind did allow for some perks.
Thus, once the door to the elevator was open, he held it for Madoka and proceeded to let it close again, sinking down to the ground floor. Unless prodded into a conversation or with questions, Eilam really didn't seem to talk much as he made his way down to the streets edge of the school, though at one point he did reach into his pocket and pull out a cell phone, typing something onto it before tucking it back in. Soon enough Madoka would be able to see a towncar waiting at the edge of the street! As they got closer, the driver got out and walked around to open the door. "I am headed to Touka. Would you like a ride as well, or would you prefer to go at your own pace? It is two blocks that way in a less crowded area. Easy to miss if you are not looking." The car itself was quite nice, hardly NEW, but maintained. The interior soft pleasing colors, a long seat in the back that he stepped into the car near and took a seat upon, facing two other seats with their back towards the front. He seemed to relax visibly once inside, setting his model kit down onto the floorboard nearby and leaning the stave into a place that he likely was used to doing such with. There was space left for Madoka, if she so choose.
Madoka isn't looking by the staff elevators at first, but manages to catch sight of Eilam as she looks. She hurries over so the elevator doesn't get angry at having it's doors open for a long time, stepping inside and offering a, "Thank you," in response to it being held for her. The trip down being silent doesn't bother her at first, but as it lingers she starts to get a little nervous. The fact that she doesn't really know much about him doesn't help, and eventually she says, "So you prefer Western food? Is there any particular style you like best, or a favorite dish?" It's a simple attempt to strike up some kind of conversation, and she'll either follow along with it if responded to or quiet back down if it's deflected.
When she sees the towncar she doesn't pay it much attention until Eilam starts walking towards it, allowing her to connect the dots. She looks torn as he offers her a ride, looking around a little and then down the direction he points. On the one hand it's a very nice gesture that he's making, and she can't fault him at all for wanting to conserve what energy he has. On the other getting into a car with a boy she doesn't know very well in front of the school is bound to cause some stir in the overactive Infinity rumormill that she really doesn't need.
She waffles visibly for a moment before giving a small shake of her head, "I think I'll walk since it's so close. If your car will be outside I'm sure I can find it. I appreciate the offer, though." She will, in fact walk there as she says, not trying to blow him off, checking for the restaurant's location on her phone just in case it's as easy to miss as was suggested.
At first he was mostly just quiet, almost as if he didn't hear the question. Though once outside of the elevator he finally spoke. "No. For most of my life, sugared food and savory, spiced meats were not a thing I was offered. What I had room for was much more gamey, wild-tasting. Strong natural tastes. I... admit I probably sound quite childish for saying it, but I enjoy spiced meats that have little gamey taste to them and sweets. There is no such thing as too sweet."
Her offer when the time came was accepted, he didn't seem put off though he did offer towards her the address of the place. And indeed, the walk wasn't terribly long. A couple of blocks away from the school towards a more business highrise-oriented area, a small alleyway between a couple of buildings. Not exactly dank and dark so much as not frequently traveled. It was actually quite well kept, though not terribly advertised. No trash cans or even standing water! The towncar was there, though, when she got there, and at the very end of the alley there was a small sign with a stylized peach blossom.
The inside of the place was fairly quaint, just a single large table with a lot of places around to sit. And nearby was an open-area kitchen with just a single old fellow milling about, likely the owner and chef. Eilam was already seated inside, though even with her having been the one who walked, he seemed all the more tired for it. Like someone who was trying to stay awake to watch a late TV program and should have just went to bed instead.
He wasn't offered sweets when he was younger? Now there's a (small) tragedy! Madoka smiles and gives a quick shake of her head, "I don't think it's childish, I love sweets." She laughs a little and shakes her head, "We don't keep any at home because Papa likes to make sure we eat healthy, so I usually have to buy pastries or candies for myself unless a friend offers me some."
The address proved to be a help as it let her be absolutely sure she'd find the right place. A short walk like this one is also no issue at all for her since she walks to and from school every day anyway, and after being inside for classes all day and then half of the club period it is kind of nice to stretch her legs and get some air. She just hopes the other club members aren't upset at her for leaving early on one of the few days she's actually shown up. At last it still counts for having attended, right?
Madoka looks around upon entering the small restaurant. She finds a seat next to Eilam and sits down, smiling a little and saying, "This place has a cozy atmosphere, I like it." She quiets for a moment when she notices how tired he seems, worn down seemingly from just the ride over. Would trying to make conversation tire him out more? She isn't sure. For a few moments she frets and worries that maybe she's really just making a nuisance of herself by having come along. Then again, he did give her the address and make it easy for her to find the place.
"Yes, it is nice." Eilam said in response, looking around as he did. "I have only been here a couple of times, but the atmosphere is relaxing." He started to say something else, though perhaps it finally dawned on him that despite it all, he really was feeling rather tired. He'd hoped to eat before such happened, but for whatever reason, it just kind of closed in on him. Just as the chef started to walk over with a glass of water, and another menu for Madoka, Eilam reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet.
"I apologize, but it would seem my condition is catching up with me faster than I thought, and I doubt I have enough time to even sit down and eat a meal without finding myself hard pressed to make it back to the car. Still... here, for the trouble on my part, and..." he started to dig out enough money to offer the owner, "For her, if she wishes anything, and you could keep the chance otherwise if not, for having such a nice place?"
The older man looked between the two, then nodded, looking towards Madoka as if curious what she was going to choose in the moment.
"Miss Kaname, it seems our... conversation will be cut short, but if you want to work on the model another time, or talk... well, I will be about Infinity here and there, yes?"
Madoka smiles to the conversation about the homey restaurant, only to tilt her head as he pulls out his wallet. Her expression changes to one of concern when he speaks again, giving a small nod, "It's okay, I understand. You shouldn't push yourself, I'm sure you know what's best." She seems mostly worried about him and his condition, not really getting upset or offended that he's leaving so soon. She's tempted to offer to help him get to his car, but with the faux pas she made earlier trying to help with his hand she decides against it.
"I'm sure we could talk some more sometime when you're feeling better, Hisakawa-kun." No mention of the model primarily because she doesn't plan on finishing it and doesn't want to lie by implying she will. Despite being worried about pestering him by offering to help him to the car she does at least get up and walk with him the short distance to the front of the restaurant. "Thank you for the meal," she offers with a short, polite bow. "Don't worry about before, I won't say a word about it, okay?" She gives him one of her kind smiles, hoping to put his mind at rest about that, at least.
She's also not about to snub his generosity, so she'll definitely be trying that salmon and rice!