Character Story – Jay Kidman #3

[kozvme]

 

Jay: The specific content for the training is marathon, work out and ball games such as football and catch...
Although the goal is to improve their techniques for actual battles, right now I'm shaping a plan that places a great deal of weight on interactions among the members...

Hmm, something like this?

(I've written this training report so many times, but I'm still worried about what should I include...
They're both the type to follow their instincts, so I have a hard time putting it into words.
I was told to give a particular account of the current situation of the team, especially the rookies', not only of the content of the training, but...
Billy is... yeah, he strikes me as someone who is always cheerful and loves to chat...
Sometimes the way he speaks and acts could be taken as flippant, but not to the point where he needs strict supervision.
As for Gray, well... he stands in complete contrast to Billy. He's quiet and timid.
I wouldn't say that's a bad thing, but I have quite a hard time figuring him out.
Lately I noticed he looks at me with pleading eyes when he wants to ask something. He looks away as soon as we make eyecontact, though... 
The other day, too, I felt his eyes on me during patrolー)



Jay: I believe you have something to say, right? Feel free to tell me anything.

Gray: Huh!? Uhm, well...
I was thinking how amazing it is that you're always so cool-minded... I wonder what should I do to be like that, too...
S- S- Sorry...! It must be presumptuous of me to say that I want to be like you, Jay-san. I'm so- sorry...

Jay: Calm down, Gray. It defeats the purpose if you deny what you said right after.
What to do to be cool-minded, you ask, huh...
Hmm, that's hard. Besides, being called cool-minded doesn't fit me.

Gray: Uuh, I'm sorry... Pleae don't mind what I said...

Jay: No, what you said made me happy, Gray. Hearing you want to become like me is a honor.
That's why I want to give you a proper answer, but it doesn't seem like I have it at hand... Please give me some time.

Gray: I- It's totally fine! Going as far for the likes of me... Thank you very much, Jay-san...

 

End of the flashback.

 

Jay: (I've been thinking about it since then, but I haven't come up with a good answer...
As I told Gray, I can't really say I'm cool-minded.
Even though I'm coaching the rookies, I still have difficulties or get stuck.
Even more... Especially when I'm talking with my ex-wife, surprisingly I can't relax.
She always lectures me on how I should act toward my son, so I break into a weird sweat.
Huff... I feel abashed just remembering itー)



Victor: Oh my, is that you, Jay?

Jay: Mh? Victor... What's up, it's unusual to see you here.

Victor: I was conducting a research in the lab, but I came out because I wanted a change of pace.

Jay: Something happened?

Victor: I am simply in a bit of a slump. It is nothing serious, so do not trouble yourself.

Jay: I see... By the way, Victor, have you already written the training report?

Victor: Oh, that? I have yet to. I only have time for my research at the moment.

Jay: Prioritizing your research over your work as a mentor... Same old, same old.

Victor: There is still time before the report deadline, am I correct? All is good then.

Jay: Hmm... Well, knowing you, you'll probably get it done in a flash.

Victor: ? What is your grounds for saying so?

Jay: Huh? Weeell, it's because researchers are smart... Wait, am I being prejudiced? If I offended you I apologize.

Victor: No, no need to do that. I simply did not understand your intention, your words were not enough.
Generally speaking, I comprehend that you perceive researchers like that.

Jay: I s- see...? Goodness, you're the same in this respect, too.

Victor: What?

Jay: Nothing... Anyway, perfect timing. Can I ask you a question?

Victor: A question... I do not mind. Thinking is brain-stimulating and it will be a good change of pace.

Jay: A win-win situation, huh. I know this is sudden, but you and I go way back, right?
As far as I can remember, I've never seen you get emotional or shaken up.
That's why, to me, you're the cool-minded... What do I have to do to be just like you?

Victor: ...?

Jay: M- My bad. Being told you're cool-minded by someone doesn't feel right, does it? 

Victor: On the contrary, I understand what you mean.
From an outsider's perspective I look cool-minded and I also think I am one.

Jay: Ooh... Can you answer the question, then?

Victor: That I cannot.

Jay: !?

Victor: I am cool-minded, however I have no experience in how to become one.
It is the same as arms and legs, you are born with them, so I cannot tell you how to acquire them. 

Jay: ... Asking you was a mistake...
But you're right. When I first met you, you were like 13 or something, but you already had sang-froid.
When I was a rookie, every day I was going on the jump, and every time I talked to you I felt pitiful.

Victor: Which reminds me, when you made mistakes you cried often.

Jay: T- Tell me you're lying!?

Victor: I remember that. However, well... it is still better than running away from your family because you were upset.

Jay: Gh-... S- Stop it. Don't rake over the ashes... 

Victor: Fufu. I hope you will find a way to become cool-minded.

Jay: Y- You're wrong! I'm not the one who wants...
And he's gone...

(Goodness gracious, that part of him hasn't changed at all. If I think about it, since then, he's always been teasing me like that.
But I knew it, I still have a long way to go...)

Huff... For now, I guess I'll tell Gray to do our best together.