Disclaimer: I do not own Kamichama Karin or chu-.

Warnings: AU, OOC-ness, usual stuff, possible errors everywhere.

A/N: Because I'm a very, very lazy person. So now we have another chapter, where not much happens (really), but hey, it's all fun. It's time to continue to move on forward, yes?

Cursed Cross, fallenxfate, CarolzofBellz, KamichamaKarinLover25, Kountry101, Ickiakki, and ThReE gIrLs WiTh PoCkY: Many thanks for the reviews, because you're all amazing :P Now we can move onto my long, semi-useless chapter.

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Collision

Chapter 03

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At first, all Karin's mind registered was that someone was shaking her. She groaned and tried to bury herself deeper into the warmth of her bed; but whoever it was decided to be fairly persistent, and began to tug at her blanket in the process. Then a voice, as fuzzy as it was, managed to penetrate into her consciousness.

"—… time to go…—"

"No… don' wanna…" Karin slurred back, with as much coherency she could manage with a pillow in her face. It was warm and comfortable right there; who thought they could pull her away from it?

Still, the tugging continued, until eventually they managed to pull part of the blanket out of her grasp. The girl managed a half-whimper, half-protest at the lack of consideration, as her dorm mate tried to get her awake (Himeka had never known a girl to be so stubborn in the morning).

"Karin-chan, if you don't wake up now, there won't be any time for breakfast," she tried, as the brunette merely continued to float in between being awake, and being asleep.

Another incoherent slur escaped Karin, before Himeka managed to fight half the blanket away from her. As soon as she realised that she had been fighting a losing battle, the brunette sat up and tried to blink away the tired from her eyes. All she could do was stare blearily at the dark-haired girl who stood before her.

It was slightly amusing – really – as her vision only allowed her to focus on the blurry lump, and she couldn't help but smile a little; only to remember that they had stolen her blanket and woken her up (from the nice little world of 'no worries'). A part of her wanted to tell the other girl off for being so rude, but managed to stop herself before the words left her mouth.

Not that it would have made much sense, as she could not even form a real sentence in her current state. (It had been an odd trait of Karin's, her absolutely amazing ability to sleep constantly for over ten hours; it took a lot out of a person to try and get her to wake up during that time.)

Himeka smiled, as she poked her new friend, "Karin-chan, it's time to wake up, otherwise we'll miss breakfast."

"Huh…?" Karin blinked, as her mind slowly began to process what had just been said. As it happened at the speed that made a snail's pace pale in comparison, Himeka pulled the other girl out of her bed and began to – cheerfully – push her towards the bathroom they shared.

"You have ten minutes—" she trilled, as she closed the door behind the brunette, and turned away to prepare for the new day.

For a moment, all Karin could do was sway on her feet, as she realised that the cold made her shiver, and it would be best to do as Himeka had said. She stumbled to where the shower was located.

By the time she had left the bathroom – relatively awake – Karin was taken by surprise when her dorm mate shoved her bag in her hands, only to promptly drop it on her foot. Himeka smiled as the brunette hopped around in pain, as she waited until the other girl had recovered, and they left for the cafeteria.

As Karin sullenly tugged at the black skirt (as if afraid that, if even a wrinkle was present, she would be branded a fool for the rest of her school life here), Himeka began to talk, to try and keep her new friend relaxed.

"You'll fit right in, once you get used to how lessons go around here," she began, "Remember that girl I introduced to you yesterday, Miyon-chan? She's more than happy to lend a hand if we're not around."

The brunette shot her new friend a look mixed between the half-awake state and disbelief, "And if I can't find anyone I know already to help me…?" Her voice rose a pitch at the end of the question, but Himeka waved the fear away quickly.

"Karin-chan, you'll be fine, trust me. And everyone here is willing to help a student in need."

Perhaps, then, Himeka had failed to notice the number of girls who had been glaring since dinner last night. Karin couldn't stop the shiver that ran through her spine at what she could see in their eyes, and couldn't work out why they seemed to hate her so much already.

Just because she had been dragged to the same table where Kazune, Michiru and Jin had been… (And she had been introduced to Yi Mi Yong, better known as Miyon, and Sakurai Yuuki, who had been happy to talk to her.)

A part of Karin had just wanted to stand up and yell something at them (she had no idea what, and probably would have made a fool of herself) just to reassure them that she had not asked to be there, and it had been a complete coincidence.

Or maybe the girls just honed in on new students and tore them apart for the first few months to teach them their place. Not that Karin would take any sort of treatment lying down; her uncle had taught her the basics of martial arts, after all. And a certain blond knew she was more than capable of defending herself, if need be.

As the pair entered the crowded cafeteria, the brunette could only gape at (what seemed to be) an endless stream of black. She knew that it shouldn't have been so freaky (the only word she could use) but she felt justified at the fact that this was the first boarding school she had ever attended. Just seeing so many students in one place scared her a good part of the time.

Himeka nudged her gently in the ribs, and she allowed herself to be pushed into the line as another nameless student. While others competed with each other for their specific breakfast source, Karin allowed herself to get a better look at the groups, and tried to place them into stereotypes.

There were those who felt 'privileged' from the rest, more than likely to have entered the school due to money, rather than their scholarly talent. The highest 'social status' one could receive, and they looked the part; make-up, the latest technology, far too many hair accessories (in which Himeka had reassured her that they were confiscated at the beginning of school hours)…

Karin shook her head. Maybe it would have been better if she hadn't tried to categorise them all. But it was fun, at the same time, and the line they were in was slow enough for her to drift off and not have anyone notice the difference.

Next to come to her attention were the classic 'geek' stereotypes; where their uniforms seemed just a little out of place, hair that could have a person raising eyebrows at their fashion sense and their speech patterns which lost normal people from line two. It seemed that most chose not to wear the large, dorky glasses, though, so Karin was spared from having to stop herself from laughing (yes, she knew it was mean, but she couldn't help it).

She was jerked out of her thoughts, as Himeka nudged her again, and realised that she had somehow managed to obtain breakfast during her 'analysis'. Karin followed behind her friend, as they weaved past other students and crowded tables, until Himeka managed to locate where her cousin was.

"You're late," Kazune stated, despite the fact everyone already knew. He didn't even turn to acknowledge Karin's presence, and she fumed at his complete lack of manners.

Which, of course, led to the group of 'hawt' boys that everyone fangirl-ed over. They were judged by looks first, before personality (although it was clear that they could have been the world's worst person in history and girls would still love them) and practically had an army of fans due to their popularity.

Kazune was definitely the jerk-type, in which his looks and disagreeable attitude seemed to win the 'hearts of the students'; Karin couldn't see why, though, but decided not to think about it, as she wanted stay away from him as much as possible.

Jin had both looks and personality, one loved by many, in which he loved back; yes, the brunette knew she was a bit of a fangirl about him, but she chose to treat him as another classmate, rather than the idol.

Michiru, too, seemed to possess both good looks and a genial personality that made him likeable; she didn't know much about him, still, but already felt she could trust him in such a big, bad school.

And that was the problem at its core; she had entered a zone no fangirl had ever done, on her first day, no less, and had already become part of the fairly close-knit group. It was almost blasphemous, in their eyes.

"So, why were you two so late?" Jin asked casually, as he poked at the food on his tray, as if to see if anything was alive.

"Ah, that was my fault," Karin mumbled, and her face instantly began to burn as the idol's attention fell on her. A part of her wanted to retract the statement instantly, but it was too late for that, "Himeka-chan tried to get us here on time, but I…"

Michiru chuckled, as he reached over the table, to poke at Kazune's breakfast (despite the other's protest), "That's alright then. I mean, Jin-kun has a tendency to sleep in until noon, if he's given the chance…"

"This isn't about my sleeping habits," the dark-haired teen cut in coolly, as he gave Karin a winning smile (she felt certain that her heartbeat quickened at the attention), "Well, at least I know you slept well then."

"Not at the table, please," Kazune groaned, looking sickened, "You flirting with everything that moves around here makes me want to puke."

Jin turned his attention to the blond, as the smile was replaced by a smirk, "Why don't you then, Kujyou? I'm sure more people would remember your name if you did something like that once in a while."

"You want to start another fight, Kuga—?"

Michiru calmly grabbed at the back of Jin's shirt as the idol tried to stand up, and pulled him back down, "Now, chaps, let's not start a new day with Hanazono-san by fighting uproariously, where everyone can see and hear us. Do you want people to know what sort of insults and secrets you two throw at each other?"

As the auburn-haired teen smiled serenely, Kazune spluttered as his face seemed to turn into an odd shade of red (Karin was amused), while Jin pouted and crossed his arms indignantly.

"Honestly, I'm more surprised that they haven't heard any yet."

"Well, that's because last year, you and Kazune-kun fought continuously in the dorms; it was rare for you two to fight elsewhere. And then I had to get involved with your personal battles, didn't I?" Michiru explained, as he began to poke at Jin's food, "Without me, everyone would be gossiping about how, when you were six, you actually—…"

Jin coughed – which sounded more like a forced hacking in the back of the throat – as he covered his friend's mouth with his hand. "I think we get the point, Nishikiori."

A muffled jumble of words was his reply.

While Michiru pulled back (after having stolen something from Jin's tray), Karin could only watch, a little perplexed; their relaxed attitude – despite the constant fights between Jin and Kazune – almost took her by surprise. In Jin's case, especially.

True, the idol had a public image he had to uphold, and kept to the limits, but it was still strange – almost exhilarating – to see him as an actual person, rather than another poster pin-up.

If Karin hadn't admired him before, she definitely did now. And ten times more than any other male figure she had known in her life; which, considering, there weren't many in the end.

Still, he was amazing. That was something she could say with confidence that she was in the right.

Himeka hummed next to her, as they finished breakfast, and Karin turned her attention away from the sulking blond, the idol and the boy who seemed to steal food from other trays like a daily ritual.

"Himeka-chan…"

"Hm?"

"Where's Miyon-chan and Yuuki-kun?" She hadn't seen either of the two since entering the cafeteria; Miyon stood out quite a bit, so she would have known otherwise. Himeka brushed a couple of stray hairs back, as she replied happily to Karin's question.

"Oh, that's because today Sakurai-kun has violin practice in the morning, and sometimes Miyon-chan accompanies him. Otherwise, she just spends time reading over play scripts for the drama department."

The brunette inclined her head, while the trio in the background seemed to get into another argument, "Eh? Does Miyon-chan skip breakfast or something?"

"Oh, no," Himeka laughed good-naturedly, "She just eats incredibly early, when no one else is awake. You know, during the hours when we're not supposed to be out?"

Karin stared at her, and what had just been said, "Are you serious? But, isn't that like breaking the rul…" The rest of her question was lost, as her dorm mate shook her head calmly.

"It's alright, though, since she's never caught. And I think it's fine, because that's the only meal she likes to spend time alone. I'm hoping you'll keep it a secret then, Karin-chan?"

Their eyes met, and Karin struggled to work out which way was the right way. True, she had only met them for a couple of hours (and knew a few a little more than a day now) and she had no right to tell on them if they broke the rules, but at the same time…

Don't be stupid! Miyon-chan is such a nice person and really lively. Why would I want to get her in trouble? She hasn't done anything wrong.

With a smile and a wink, Karin nodded her head, "I promise."

Himeka clapped her hands, obviously incredibly happy at the acceptance, and looked ready to hug the brunette, until Kazune rapped his knuckles against the back of her head.

"What are you two talking about?"

"Kazune-chan really wants to know?" the girl shot back happily, and he rolled his eyes.

"No, not really. But we should be heading for class now, you know."

"Of course," Himeka agreed, as she stood up, "Karin-chan, do you know where to go?" They had gone over her timetable the day before, along with a map of the school and the easiest routes to reach specific classes.

Karin nodded, suddenly nervous. Once again, the insecurity – the fear that she would screw up and not even be able to find the right classroom – plagued her mind; gnawing at her like a metaphorical rat (that Shi-chan had eaten).

Someone tapped her lightly on the shoulder, and she blinked as she met golden eyes. "K-Kuga-san?"

"Now, you don't need to be so formal, Karin; just 'Jin' will do," he seemed amused as he invaded her personal space, "We never really got much time to talk about your actual timetable; so I was wondering, if you're alright with it, I get to see which classes I'll be sharing with you?"

Kazune snorted loudly, as Karin tried to find the sheet of paper with her lessons on it; "I swear, Kuga, you really make me sick sometimes. I'm going now."

Neither replied – although Michiru did smile and wave the blond goodbye – while Jin scanned her subjects quickly, while other students around them filtered out for class. A moment later and the idol glanced back up to meet her eyes, smile in place. Karin tried to force her heart to stop beating so quickly – and failed miserably, as he was too close – and focus on what he said.

"Well, it looks like I'll be seeing you in Maths, English and Music then. It's a pity, though; we couldn't share more time together during class hours." He sighed, as he passed the paper back.

Calm down, calm down, calm down calm down! He probably says this to all the girls he meets! Karin told herself harshly, before she allowed herself to get carried away. But it was too late, as the giddy, happy feeling rushed through her entire system, and she wanted to do nothing more than to melt into a (metaphorical) puddle (of bliss).

"You have Science first, though, so I guess you'll be with Sakurai and Nishikiori," Jin nodded over the auburn-haired teen, who turned at the sound of his name. "They'll take care of you, I'm sure."

"Leave it to me," Michiru clapped the idol on the back, with a smile of reassurance. Karin watched on, unable to work out what she was supposed to do, only to realise that the students around them passed by without even glancing at them, too busy hurrying to class.

Jin nodded at the auburn-haired teen and shot Karin a parting smile as he left, one hand raised, before he blended into the lingering crowd. Himeka turned away from a couple of classmates she had been conversing with, in time to talk to the brunette.

"I have to get to History now, so I'll see you later, Karin-chan. And don't forget that everyone's ready to help if you ever need to ask."

"Aa… yeah." She watched as her friend left with the other group, as Michiru clattered about with the abandoned trays. She tugged once more at her school skirt, as the silence settled in around them.

"Well, Hanazono-san," Karin turned at the only person she knew in the room at that very moment, "shall we get going?"

"Yeah, alright," she followed the taller teen as they left the cafeteria area, "Hey…"

"Hm?"

"Shouldn't there be attendance or something? Or do we just go to whatever classes we have?" The thought had just hit her, and boggled the mind.

Michiru pushed past a couple of male students (who glared at him briefly, before turning back to whatever conversation they were engaged in) and she struggled to keep up with him, "Yeah, we usually do, but there are exceptions. Mostly when the teachers are caught in meetings that run for too long. I don't know how it all works in the end, but since we're a boarding school and all, it's easy to weed out who's skipping, or sick, or actually attending class.

"We're known as the most prestigious and efficient school for a reason, of course."

Karin gripped nervously at the handle of her school bag, as she tried to laugh off the ever-growing fear that seemed to blossom from her chest. "Oh, yeah. I mean, the bad students who screw up all the time would have to be sent back and, uh…"

As they reached a stairway that seemed relatively empty, Michiru stopped and turned back to face her, "It's always hard to start as the new person, especially when the year's already started," he began softly, "but don't let the expectations of others affect who you are and how you act."

"Nishikiori-kun…" Karin could only stare, as he smiled and held out a hand to her and continued.

"The lessons aren't really hard at all, once you get used to it. I'm just an average student myself, after all. And if you ever need help catching up, we're ready to lend a hand. So cheer up, Hanazono-san; being nervous and worried doesn't suit you at all."

As he finished his little speech, the brunette could only frown, "We just met, though."

"Well, I've been told I'm a good judge on people, and I like you, Hanazono-san."

The absolute bluntness of his statement made part of Karin squeal in overdrive, while the other burned in embarrassment. And he was still offering her his hand, and she knew she couldn't refuse.

As soon as she took his hand (in the general gesture of acceptance), Karin gave a yelp of surprise as he pulled her into a run. "Wait, whaaa— Nishikiori-kun?"

Michiru laughed, "We don't want to be late for class, after all, Hanazono-san!"

She was unable to reply, or tell him off for dragging her like this, as she attempted to keep herself from tripping: they fled down corridors and flights of stairs, to their first class.