Class Participation Points -closed-

[jinkyung]

The essential bane of his existence on a normal basis, JJ sauntered to the group circle in the non-traditional classroom of a non-traditional high school class. It was his Psychology class, and the professor had urged all throughout the semester that they try to expand outside of their normal comfort zone. Still, no one had really paid much attention to that request, and now that a good handful of students needed extra credit points, the prof's words came back to haunt them. But the teacher insisted that they would have to count as class participation groups because they would choose these extravagant ideas from a basket, after everyone wrote one of their unique ideas down on a slip of paper and they were all mixed together.

It was a good attempt on the professor's part, he had to admit. Honestly, it was kind of pathetic that the teacher couldn't trust these kids to go forth and take hold of their lives in extraordinary ways, the fact that everyone was stuck in their ruts of normalcy was increasingly boring and draining, but this was their way of experimenting with making people bust out of their comfort zone; by doing what other people wanted them to do. Of course, it wasn't like someone could put in, "Go to Paris" and another student would have to dig out the money to go forth and prosper in such a goal. No, no, it would have to be limited to Hammel and the small town around it. Nothing too extreme, but a little nudge of something different. And there was no escaping it, they had to get signatures that they would do it and from an adult in the area, someone in control of the area or situation, something like that, to co-sign on your behalf. This was some real serious class participation points. But what was he going to do?

JinJoo scooted his chair to the behind area of the circle everyone was joined in, with the professor and their basket in the middle, where they were mixing all the little sheets of paper everyone in the class had submitted. Looking around, he could see some people were indeed nervous, although he didn't understand why. Had they been stuck to total routine and regiment their entire life, and followed it all willingly? Obviously he had not, and that was one of the reasons why he was here after all, but come on people, it couldn't be that bad. Even he would try everything once. That being said, when the teacher asked around for a volunteer to pick first, and most people squirmed in their chairs or lost eye contact with their professors, Jin rolled his eyes and raised his hand, "I'll give it a whirl." With that, he un-straddled the chair, and walked up to the teacher and their beloved Basket of Truth. Might as well get it over with now, and the sooner he knew what he was going to do, the sooner he could devise a plan to go about and do it.

JJ stuck his hand in the basket and felt out a slightly awkwardly sized piece of paper and pulled it out. He unfolded it, and tried to read the awful penmanship. Aha, so that's what he'd have to do. With that, he nodded curtly, gave a smile to the rest of the class, and sat down, waiting to see what everyone else would draw.

Attachments:

[Rhett Goddard]

After the first turn, the teacher asked who wanted to go next, but no one rose their had, and so, he decided to continue in the order the students were seated in the class, which made Rhett had the fourth turn.

He stood up and walked towards the basket. Eyes closed... How bad can it be? He grabbed one, but tossed it instantly. He picked one from the bottom, and as he started to raise his hand,

you have kiss the first person that talks to you after reading this
An echo whispered softly into Rhett's ear.

What? no way. He tossed the paper back in the basket and eyed the teacher, but his movement had been imperceptible. And so he picked a little, carefully folded one close to him. He rose his hands and nodded at the teacher, who replied with a nod a called the next one. After being comfortable in his chair, Rhett quickly looked around to see if no-one was spying on him and proceeded to open his paper.

"Do we reaaaaally have to do what this paper says?" The student who had just gotten a paper from the basket said after reading right away.

How hard can it actually be? Rhett didn't care to listen to the teacher's response and continued to unfold his paper. His eyes widened as he read what it said:

You have kiss the first person that talks to you after reading this.

Merde...

[jinkyung]

Well then... his was boring, considering he had to make flap jacks for his most favorite professor, big whoop. Still, the look on Rhett's face was a mix between pissy and anxiety. What did that mean, and why was he being such a puss about it? Its not like they were going to make him disect a cat or something like that..although...maybe it could be. He was sure that they had some frozen, fermented cats in the chem or bio lab. Well that was just sickening. Have you ever seen a dead, formaldehyde cat? Not a pretty sight. At least Jin didn't have to do it.

So about these flapjacks..was someone hungry when they put this in the basket? Obviously it seemed so. It was amusing as it was pathetic, really. But he'd do it. For whom though? It was clear that his favorite teacher was not the Psych prof, as the class should be interesting, picking brains and such, figuratively and literally, but just droning on and on about something in a monotonous voice really didn't cover it for him. That was a half-ass attempt at teaching a class, and in turn, failing at it. He wished he had an exhilarating teacher, and probably would do better with a really hot one, male or female, he had no preference.. Then again he might be learning more about anatomy than psychology.

Could he leave now, since he received his paper? Might as well get started on those flap jacks, but for the ingredients, he would need to head down to the nearby grocery store which meant walking out in the bitter cold. Might as well grab a heavy winter coat or a North Face jacket/windbreaker. Those were always helpful for fighting off the bite of the cold. Crumpling up his bit of paper and sticking it in his back pocket, JJ went to push his chair back in to its corresponding table, and slowly and silently grabbed his bag and notebook, trying to make a break for it while the rest of the class awaited their fate. He didn't need to know when it was due, considering he would be bringing them in the next day...probably to his Psych teacher, just as a peace offering for his disinterest in the class. Maybe it would, you know, boost his grade just a bit. He could always plaster on one of his slick signature smiles which seemed all too rare and woo the hearts of many. We'll see..

[Ann Hudgins]

Ann actually enjoyed the class. This glimpse into the minds of others has helped her come to terms with her own short comings, like her inability to be very sociable--Lord knows that didn't stop people from talking to her, but she knew she needed to fix her little conversation hitch, if she ever wanted to get a job that dealt with other people. She was pretty good at keeping more than one person's emotions from influencing her own, so being in a classroom wasn't so much of an attack and struggle as it used to have been. As long as she wasn't the sole point of attention in the classroom, she could hold her own--at least as far as her experience has proven.

Today's lesson was...interesting to say the least, and Ann prayed she didn't get stuck with something...embarrassing. She watched as other people went up to the hat, and pulled what they were destined for out of the hat. Some groaned and drug their feet back to their seat, and others looked quite amused. Ann half hoped she had gotten what she had written herself, but the odds of that were heavily against her. She waited until everyone was finished (she was wearing gloves, but she still didn't like getting close enough to people to touch if it was avoidable) and went up to the hat to draw her own out. She felt eyes on her at several angles so she retreated quickly to her seat and only read it when she was sitting down.

Strike up a conversation with someone you don't know.. Ann rubbed her forehead. It seemed wishful thinking actually paid off this time, as she actually got her own suggestion. However, now she had to do it. She looked around the room, seeing each classmate as an intimidating stranger that would sooner growl at her and try to touch her than have a nice conversation with her. She ran her fingers through her hair a few times as her eyes kept darting from on person to the other. She could feel all the emotions in the room, which all blending into one mixed concoction of I don't want to be here and there is no way I am doing this to can't wait for this weekend and this is hilarious. They all conflicted but at the same time made sense, it was something Ann was familiar with, but not exactly able to explain to others.

She still hadn't picked who she was going to talk to, however, and knew she needed to do it now, less she forget (or talk herself out of it) later. She continued to fidget as she looked out across the classroom, trying to pick the person she'd converse with.

(outfit)

[Rhett Goddard]

That guy's trying to ditch class. Damn, I would totally say it out loud, but what if he says something to me? He is quite cute, though, but I don't want to kiss him. He took a better look at him as he walked towards the exit. Ok maybe I do, but I'm so not saying anything out loud until....

"Mr. Kyung, just what are you trying to do?" The teacher said out loud as he busted boy's exit. "Please wait for the last paper to be given and that would be all."[/color]

And so, less than three minutes later, the class finished with a remind that next class an oral report was to be made about what happened with the words on the paper. Loudly every student started to stand up and leave, but Rhett remained there for a second. Now if I bump into someone, they might say something to me. Let's avoid that for the moment. The classroom was halfway filled and more continued to exit. I can't stay here though, someone might find it weird and can come ask about it. Rhett stood up and walked towards the exit, avoiding eye contact.

However, as he was near the exit door he noticed he felt lighter than usual. Merde, my stuff... He had left his notebook and pens in his sit and so he turned around to get them.

[Ann Hudgins]

Someone tried to cut out early, but Ann hardly noticed, she was trying to pick out the most innocent looking one in the bunch to get this project over with. She didn't exactly find anyone likely, and no one seemed to notice her silent scrutiny, which was good, she didn't like meeting anyone's eye across the room, it made her feel even more awkward and out of place. She scratched at her legs faintly as she sat there, losing her spine bit by bit.

She'd do it later! Not with anyone in here. Later.

They were dismissed and Ann, like always, remained in her seat until the majority of the class filed out, so she didn't get too close to anyone. She stood up and as she slung her bag over her shoulder she moved towards the exit. However someone directly in front of her turned to head back--probably for something forgotten--but they were too close together for Ann to duck to the side and she bumped into him. "I'm sorry!" She blurted immediately as she steadied herself, she'd dropped her textbook that she had been holding in her hand so she stooped quickly to retrieve it.

"I tried to stop but..." She trailed off, flustered as she straightened back up and bit her lip. Did that count as striking up a conversation with a stranger?.....No. It didn't.

[Rhett Goddard]

Merde! Rhett quickly thought as the girl apologized after bumping into each other. I knew THIS was going to happen. I just knew it. Now to decide what to do. It wasn't like he should just kiss her and let that be the end of the challenge, but what was he to do? Take her on a date, have a glass of wine and kiss below the moon's glow at midnight? Actually wine didn't sound like a bad idea, but he wasn't sure American wine was as good as the ones who tasted all over Europe. At least she was kind of cute, not Rhett's style but the air of innocence around her was refreshing.

"No worries." He smiled at her and without waiting, he quickly continued. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

He didn't want to get in trouble, but still, a challenge was a challenge, so he didn't actually waited to listen to her reply and quickly attempted to kiss her on the lips. A quick friendly kiss should do it.

[Ann Hudgins]

"What's that got to do with--" Her mind flew to Alex and the date they had went on--yes she had enjoyed it greatly but if anything Zac had to say about it, that didn't make them 'boyfriend and girlfriend.' They had yet to talk about it, or some reason like that. However, it really wasn't this strangers business and she had already turned to leave when her peripherals screamed that he was incoming.

Like the first time someone had done this, she was just too surprised to even react so when he kissed her, she just kinda blanked for a moment, but on the next heart beat she shoved him away from her (after she planted her feet and dropped her weight a little so he'd go further away). "The fuck is wrong with you people?!" By 'you people' she meant the male population because that was the second time that had happen to her, which was two too many if Ann had anything to say about it. This guy was lucky, however, because the last person that did that got hit in the face, and kicked squarely in the stomach. She glared daggers at him in the mean time, though her attention was starting to sway elsewhere, and facts like they were in public started to seep through her shock and murderous rage.

[Rhett Goddard]

Feeling the push, Rhett quickly posed rightly to keep balance and took two steps back before decelerating into standing still. Reflexes, I love you. Fortunately, either a very small group students or actually none noticed the incident, as they all continued exiting at the normal rate.

"Relax, pal. You're cute." Rhett smiled as he slowly walked towards the girl with his hands raised in a 'I come in peace' way. "But you're not that cute."

When right in front of her, Rhett took the little piece of paper with his challenge written from his pocket and offered it to her.

she had to start a conversation with someone she didn't know
Another soft echo whispered in Rhett's ear.

Rhett laughed softly and quickly sprinted to his chair and retrieved what he had left there a couple of seconds ago.
"What's your name?" Rhett now offered his hand to her. "I'm sure if we exchange names it can officially be considered a conversation." He looked at her softly. "You can call me Allex."

[jinkyung]

Now they were in for a show; before skirting out of the classroom, he heard a profanity from a girl whose voice he did recognize. She was one of the quieter folk around the school, but at that moment, she seemed anything but. He took a double-take at the girl to try to see why she'd exclaim in such a way, and found that she nearly slapped the guy in the face. Jin sniggered at the thought of the young chap getting knocked in the head, but he somehow managed to escape the blow. A frown came to his face as he tried to explain himself and his actions. Evidentally, he pieced together that he must have done something entirely rash to make the girl, Ann's face turn into that rather rosy plume of red. Perhaps he'd gone in for a smooch and inevitably failed? Now that was a laugh he'd enjoy savoring.

The boy didn't stop there though. He continued to insult her appearnce after being rejected, a rather unbecoming behavior that Jin preferred to stay far from. If he were rejected, he might say something along the lines of 'I'm sorry', or 'I see', and then walk away. But no, the kid had to keep on talking, although according to JinJoo, the more blab he made, the deeper in shit he would become. After the insulting process was over, he tried to smooth it over and start a normal conversation with her. What was he thinking? Did he really think that it would be totally fine for him to do that? People of that level seemed to have no sense of manners. Hopefully, Jin wished, it was just for the sake of his immaturity and lack of experience.

Part of Jin, actually most of him, wanted to step in and relieve the girl of her now 'problem'. He would promise her he wouldn't try to do anything rash, if she didn't know that about his personality already. He'd only play the dark knight in shining armor, drop her off to safe grounds, and disappear into an abyss, Kyung-style. His body was pulling him towards the situation, although his mind was refusing, telling him not to get involved with these people, as they were quite simply a waste of time and energy. But honestly, the girl looked seriously uncomfortable, and still quite livid. Perhaps just this once...

And with that lee-way, JJ's feet carried him swiftly across the classroom to the couple. He interrupted what would have been a sloppy smooth-over and ignoring the guy, his body directed at Ann, and eyes trying to meet hers, as if sending her a non-verbal message, addressed her at once. "I couldn't help but notice you seem to be flustered. Would you mind helping me with something?" Hopefully she'd catch on and follow him in the direction his head was now gesturing over to - the door.

[Ann Hudgins]

Any attempts of flattery were really lost on Ann, as she held herself in the lowest regard, she never believed it when someone mentioned her looks in a positive light. It was just the way she was, however, at the way he had implied she wasn't 'that' cute, it confused her even more. Well if he didn't think so, then why in the hell did he spontaneously kiss her? In her world, that was one of the higher offenses someone could commit (which made him doubly lucky that she hadn't responded violently because oooh she wanted to).

She took half a step back, her hands started to lift unconsciously into a defensive stance as he approached her, much like a frightened animal. When all he did was hold out a piece of paper, she glanced down at it. Her mind was flying a mile a minute so she didn't even have to read it to piece it together; she had must have filled the qualifications on his slip of paper he drew from the hat. If Ann found out who the sadist was that wrote it down in the first place, they would taste a bit of revenge. He sprinted off, probably to continue with what he had been doing previous and Ann put a foot out to retreat, when his voice sounded behind her. She whirled to face him, a dangerous look was in her eye but all he asked was for her name. She opened her mouth and her lips moved to her name, but no sound came out. She closed her mouth and tried again. "Ann," it was short and clipped, because damn she was still in shock from it all. The empath still didn't like touching during training. When he offered out his hand she looked at it like one would a stink bug and then looked back up at him. He said she could call him Alex.

That was a kick in the face if there ever was a verbal one. She immediately thought over her wonderful date with a different Alex and her face once again turned red. She immediately felt guilty, and...horrible. It wasn't her fault, she knew that, but it still happened. She opened her mouth to excuse herself, because the torrent of feelings that was ravaging her system was about to break all of her barriers. She needed calm, and now.

The help she needed came in the form of a distraction; the arrival of another person. He seemed to have been watching the entire thing as she felt a wave of...the impulse to help if she could put it into words. Like some knight in armor or some cliche like that. Ann appreciated it because she, once again, was fighting the urge to hit the other guy for ruining everything. (A voice quietly told her she might just be overreacting, but that voice was immediately drowned by her anger and pride). "Yes. With something," she said with a nod, obviously still derailed from the entire experience. She looked back at the "Allex' with a look that clearly said 'if we ever meet again, it'll be too soon' before she retreated, for real this time, out the door.

[Rhett Goddard]

Rhett laughed in his mind at the boy who tried to, in a not so subtle, rescue Ann from him. Typical. How cute. It was indeed cute. Seeing someone care for someone else, specially when they seemed to be strangers, was a rather knightly act that Rhett appreciated watching and studying, of course.

They both left through the door and the only regrettable thing was her leaving his hand in the air, fortunately it could have been worse, so it was all ok. Plus he's been through worse anyway. And so he quietly left the classroom ignoring the people around him and with a smile on his face. It changed, though, when he remembered they had to write a report about the challenge. Ummm... Veni, vidi vinci. He smiled once again.

---
ooc: I'm guessing this ended here?