Chapter 1: Reunion 4
Chapter 1: Reunion 4
The moment the break time started, two female students came up to me.
"Riku-chan! What's going on? Explain it properly!"
"Kuromine-kun!? W-What was that about...?"
It was Haruno and Hoshimiya. The two of them, their faces flushed red, approached me with a surprise attack. I feel like I want wave a white flag and surrender. The reasons for their flushed faces seem to be different.
In Haruno's case, it seems to be anger, while in Hoshimiya's case, it seems like she's just embarrassed.
"Sorry, Ayana-chan. Can I borrow Riku-chan first?"
"Ah, but I also..."
"I'll borrow him."
Without waiting for Hoshimiya's response, Haruno grabbed my right arm and made me stand up from the chair.
"Let's go, Riku-chan!"
"Uh, yeah..."
Unable to oppose Haruno's intimidating manner, I obediently let myself be led away.
◇◇◇
We were taken to the top floor of the special building. It seemed like an appropriate place for a private conversation, as there was no one around. Normally, I would be happy to be alone with Haruno, but this time, I couldn't stop sweating. After all, it was the first time I had seen Haruno so angry.
I couldn't understand why she was angry.
In fact, I should to be the one who should be angry, but I couldn't say anything in the face of Haruno's rough attitude.
"Riku-chan, what's going on? Last night, you were with Ayana-chan, right? And you even cry while confessing... It doesn't make any sense!"
"Well, actually..."
"When did it start?"
"...What do you mean?"
"When did you start dating Ayana-chan?"
"...We're not dating."
"But you just said in front of everyone that you're dating! Riku-chan, you're a liar!"
Haruno shouted at me in earnest, and my body shrank in fear. A warm sensation welled up in my eyes.
"You confessed to me after dating Ayana-chan?"
"Well, that is..."
"Riku-chan!"
"...After confessing to you."
I had intended to deny it, but I ended up admitting that I was dating Hoshimiya after Haruno rejected me. Even though we weren't actually dating.
"So, you can date any girl, huh? Riku-chan. I didn't know you such 'that' guy."
It was a sarcastic remark that anyone could understand. Without thinking, I denied it.
"N-No! I'm devoted to you!"
"Your words and actions don't match! And of all people, it had to be Ayana-chan..."
"Of all people...?" What does she mean?
More than that, what concerns me is how Haruno's irritation keeps growing.
"...You think I care?"
"What do you mean?"
"The...the original issue... You and I are just childhood friends... You rejected me, so... It doesn't matter with you who I date..."
I said it in a timid voice, making it barely audible, but I finally said it. However, Haruno immediately retorted.
"It does matter!?? We're childhood friends!"
"We're just childhood friends, so it doesn't matter to you who I date... isn't that right?"
"It's not just that! Riku-chan, we've been together since we were little... We know everything about each other...! Ugh... Yeah, right!"
"...What do you mean?"
"Liar! I can't forgive you for lying! You're worst, you even lie to your childhood friend!"
As if she had finally understood the reason for her own frustration, Haruno accuses me of lying.
"Riku-chan, you've never lied to me before! You always watched over me, never even talked to other girls... You were always by my side!"
"Yeah, that's right..."
Haruno's anguished scream echoes through the hallway, in vain.
I could only hang my head.
"..."
Neither of us said anything. In the silence, I could only feel Haruno's gaze.
"Riku-chan, Ayana-chan is no good."
"Why?"
"I can't tell you the reason. But Ayana-chan is no good."
"I don't understand what you're saying..."
"Please, Riku-chan."
In contrast to earlier, Haruno's voice was calm.
After a brief moment of silence, it seemed like we both regained some composure. And that's exactly why this is my way of resistance.
"It doesn't matter to you...".
"Well, fine! Remember, I warned you!"
"Haruno..."
"Don't talk to me!"
Complete rejection. I instinctively opened my mouth to speak.
"M-My relationship with Hoshimiya... There's nothing between us! That's the truth!"
"..."
Haruno turned her back on me and walked away with rough footsteps, releasing her anger.
"Ah... damn it... I feel like crying..."
I said it didn't matter to Haruno, but it hurt me. I, myself, got hurt.
And in the end, fearing rejection, I spoke the truth.
Why is it like this? Just imagining the bond with Haruno being severed, fills me with indescribable fear and anxiety.
◇◇◇
I don't remember how I spent the time until after school.
Before I knew it, I was staring blankly at my desk.
The evening sun streaming in through the window dyed my desk orange.
"Ah."
I suddenly noticed my reflection in the window. I had the face of a child on the verge of tears.
"I guess I should just go home...?"
My body lacked strength. My heart felt empty. I was devoid of energy.
I realized that there was a clear rift between Haruno and me, and I lost all motivation. I walked aimlessly like I was on autopilot towards the exit. And then...
"Finally, Kuromine-kun. What were you doing all this time?"
"...Hoshimiya."
It seemed like Hoshimiya had leaned against the wall, waiting for me.
As I put my phone away in my bag, Hoshimiya approached me.
"Did something happen?"
"...Not really."
"Hmm."
Hoshimiya responded with disinterest. Well, it doesn't really matter.
The next moment, for some reason, Hoshimiya lightly pinched both of my cheeks and gently kneaded them. It didn't hurt. In fact, it felt nice.
"...Hoshimiya?"
"I'll let it slide for what happened this morning."
"You were still mad? But I did that because, you know you didn't get treated like a, 'that'"
"It's not about that. Today was really tough! I was asked all sorts of things by different people...!"
Perhaps recalling that moment, Hoshimiya let out a dry laugh with a weary expression.
"Was it alright for you, Kuromine-kun? Everyone's misunderstanding."
"It's fine. Well, I'm with the most popular/beautiful gal in school, so I don't feel bad about it."
"You're saying weird things again... I'm not popular, though."
Regardless of whether she's the most popular in school, Hoshimiya is genuinely popular. With that appearance, it should be abnormal to not be popular.
"So, why were you waiting for me?"
"Huh? There's no particular reason."
"What's with that?"
"Well... maybe because I wanted to go home with you?"
Uh-oh, my heart skipped a beat. I thought Haruno, the girl I had decided on in my heart... but she rejected me. And today, a clear rift formed between us.
Sure, it's true that Hoshimiya and I are supposed to be dating, but maybe it's not that big of a deal. We don't have to go home together.
"Are you misunderstanding something? Whether we're dating or not, it doesn't matter... I just want to go home with you."
"..."
"Is it no?"
Hoshimiya asked anxiously.
Feeling a tightness in my chest, I couldn't find the words to respond, so I shook my head to convey that it's "Not really." Then Hoshimiya let out an innocent laugh, saying, "Nishishi."
"Right! Actually my part-time job today is kinda late so, can you hang out with me for a bit?"
◇◇◇
The place I was taken to was a small square near the station, with crepe stalls set up. Tables and chairs were also provided in the square. It seemed popular among middle and high school students on the way home, particularly with the girls.
There were also other couples, Of course.
...What is this feeling? I suddenly have an urge to punch a lamppost.
"Kuromine-kun? You have a strange expression on your face. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just momentarily wished for the annihilation of humanity."
"That's definitely not fine! You need counseling right away!"
We approached the food truck and placed our orders. Soon enough, we were handed our crepes.
Hoshimiya had chosen chocolate banana cream, while I had caramel cream.
And Hoshimiya treat me. I was grateful.
We sat at an empty table and started eating in silence. There wasn't much conversation.
Well, it was more accurate to say that Hoshimiya didn't say anything. She was so focus in her crepe.
Hoshimiya finished eating her crepe with a smile, truly enjoying it.
Seeing a girl who eat so deliciously, is something nice see.
◇◇◇
After finishing our crepes, we headed towards the station. It was to see Hoshimiya off as she commuted by train.
"Well then, see you, Hoshimiya. Thanks for treating me."
"Yeah, umm..."
As we arrived in front of the ticket gate, Hoshimiya had a somewhat unsatisfied expression.
It seemed like she hadn't achieved something she had aimed for... feeling dissatisfied.
I was a little curious, but I decided to go home. I turned my back to Hoshimiya and started walking towards my house.
...Going home, huh.
Starting today, I would be alone. Spending time by myself in that spacious house.
I no longer had Hoshimiya. I would be alone from now on.
I had relied on Hoshimiya's presence to live.
So, from now on, who should I rely on to keep living?
"...Kuromine-kun!"
Someone called out my name.
Hoshimiya's loud voice pierced through the bustling noise of the station and reached my ears.
I instinctively stopped and turned around.
Hoshimiya rushed towards me and took a deep breath before saying something shocking.
"Um, so... starting today, would you... stay at my house?"
...Huh?
It was a modest way of saying it, but I was still taken aback by sudden proposal.
"What's this all of a sudden? Is it kind of extension as couple?"
"N-No..."
"Are you worried about me? I mean, I did try to commit suicide."
"That's not it either, I guess. I am worried, but..."
"Then what is it?"
I asked her a bit forcefully, given her hesitant demeanor.
"I-I think... I have a stalker..."
"Huh?"
"Lately, I feel like someone has been following me... My underwear disappeared from the balcony, and I had a feeling someone was following me after work..."
"A stalker, huh?"
"I know, you probably thought that someone like me wouldn't have a stalker! I thought the same, but it's a little scary..."
"Well, I wasn't expecting a stalker, but..."
It's actually quite believable. Hoshimiya's appearance is outstanding, after all.
"It could just be my imagination, though. The missing underwear could have been blown away by the wind... And maybe I was just mistaken about being followed..."
"Even if it's a misunderstanding, if it gives you a bad feeling, it's better to be cautious."
Before something bad happen, we should think and plan it, regret is always in the end after all. And you shouldn't underestimate one's instinct.
"I did consult with the police, but they said they can't take action without evidence."
"...Figures."
The police are busy too. They might do some patrols, but without evidence, they won't be able to take action.
"It would be reassuring if a boy like you, could be with me..."
Apologetically, Hoshimiya's voice grew softer and softer.
Even if I were to reject her, she would probably quietly back down with a "Yeah, you're right..."
There's no need to think about this any further.
"It's fine."
"Really?"
"Starting today, I'll be your bodyguard. I can't refuse the request of someone who saved my life, after all."
"T-thank you... But you know, even though I asked, if there really is a stalker... it could be dangerous, you know?"
"If that's the case, isn't it even more dangerous for you to be alone?"
"Well, that's true, but..."
"It's fine. Despite appearances, I'm strong."
"Wait, really?"
"Yeah. I've never told anyone, but back in middle school, I participated in a karate tournament and won with overwhelming strength. I wish I had that kind of accomplishment to brag about."
"That's just wishful thinking! Um, are you really okay?"
"Leave it to me. I'll protect you even if it costs me my life."
"I don't expect you to go that far... But, still, thank you."
Chapter 1 Part 4 End
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