Harem of Side Characters [Rewrite]

Kiyone Ayanokouji - Day Out

"Hmm..."

I scan the machine in front of me.

At first glance, it's obvious that it's a dispenser. Colorful buttons and pictures cover the machine, for the specific purpose of drawing attention. On the right side, a sleek card reader can be seen next to the buttons, a contactless payment system. The card reader likely communicates with a central database, deducting the purchase amount from the linked account. No need for physical currency, a tap of the card and the machine obliges.

Tapping the ID card, I shift my attention to the numerous rows of buttons, each with a corresponding image representing it. By pressing said button, an item is selected through a series of complex code embedded in the system. Seeing the item I want to purchase, I make my selection. Internally, a series of conveyor belts and motors come into play, precisely maneuvering to deliver the chosen product. With a thud, it arrives in the bottom compartment. Reaching my hand inside, I extract the item, finally completing the transaction.

Hmm...

"So this is what it's like to buy a drink from a vending machine..." I mutter, staring at the milk tea in my hand.

"Uh... you alright there? You're gonna burn a hole through the vending machine with how hard you've been staring at it." Turning around, I see a girl standing behind me.

"...Oh, I'm sorry. Was I taking too long?" I apologized.

"Nah, I'm not here for a drink. Don't worry about it." She waves it off.

Wait, this is my opportunity to try and communicate with a high schooler. I really shouldn't mess this up. Stay calm, be casual but not rude...

"How is it suspended as a pendulum?" I say.

"...What?" The girl takes a step back. She seems confused, I suppose my first attempt was a failure. But I won't give up yet! I take a step forward.

"What is fracturing?" I try another phrase.

"Uh..." She takes another step backwards. I take another step forwards.

"What is... up?"

The girl looks around for a moment, before spotting another girl approaching.

"Miki! Thank goodness! This girl was just staring at the vending machines over there. I think she's speaking in tongues, it's really freaking me out!" She calls over her friend. Looks like I've been given another opportunity. I turn towards the newcomer.

"What is trembling?" I say.

"..." The new girl just stares at me for a few seconds before turning to her friend. "...You act as if you haven't seen weirder."

"...Well, I guess that's true..."

"Besides, I think she's trying to speak in slang."

"...Oh...OH!" As if a lightbulb just lit up above her head, the girl perks up. "I get it now! You were trying to say 'How's it hanging' at first!" Ah... so that was the correct phrase. "You really scared me for a sec." The girl states.

"I assure you that was not my intention." I clarify. "I was just trying to apply my newly learned phrases in casual conversation in an effort to form new connections with the people of this school."

"You were really just trying to say 'What's up'?" The first girl asks.

"Yes."

"Why not just say that then?"

"...Did I not?" I tilt my head.

"Well... you got there eventually, it just took a while. I hope you don't make it a habit of starting conversations with 'What is up, Canis lupus familiaris?' though." The girl sighs. "Well, I guess I should probably introduce myself. I'm Ryoko Nishikawa! And the girl next to me is Miki Yamamura! Nice to meet'cha!" She offers her hand.