《Softly They Fall》 Chapter 1 - After Seven Years Spring, the time that nature blooms and the snow melts away. The birds chirp loudly inviting the toasty sunshine into the world once more. In Sapporo, we cherish this weather the most as unlike Tokyo, we have harsh and unforgiving Winters. I don¡¯t even remember the last time that I went to play in the snow because with that comes the responsibility of shoveling snow, cleaning up the snow on the bottom of your boots, snow snow snow I hate it. I do however like my normal life as a second-year high school student at Ichigano High School. I¡¯m apart of no clubs since they¡¯re bothersome to my daily ritual which is almost number one on my list of favorite things in the world. My daily routine after school is stopping at the convenience store for a snack, then heading home to play online chess. Chess is something I adore, you need strategy and out-of-the-box thinking to get ahead of your opponent which is what I pride myself on. I live at home with my Dad, who is a pharmacist, my Mom,who is a bank teller, and my cat Ikki. My life is very comfortable with no distractions except for¡ª ¡°Yuuutaaa you won¡¯t believe what just happened! I was in line at the vending machine and someone took the last juice! Really the nerve of some people I can¡¯t stand when people are so inconsiderate to even ask what I wanted since I was patiently standing behind them!¡± My best but loud-mouthed friend, Kasuno, awakens me from my daydreaming. ¡°It¡¯s lunch break now, you have to expect people will be rushing to the drink machine, it¡¯s your fault for not being faster¡± I tell Kasuno. ¡°That¡¯s not fair man! You don¡¯t even eat lunch so you sit here day dreaming during your break all care-free. How are you even a functioning soon-to-be contributing member of society?!¡± he exclaimsloudly. Kasuno Yatago has been my best friend ever since I moved here from Osaka. I moved to Sapporo seven years ago when I was nine years old. My parents never gave me a reason as to why we moved, something about a change of scenery. Well whatever, online chess is everywhere in the world so I¡¯ve been happy. I have few friends in the school but that doesn¡¯t bother me much as Kasuno has always been there for me here. I don¡¯t remember if I ever had friends in Osaka since my parents said to just focus on your new life in Sapporoand don¡¯t worry about our old home. For someone who lived there until they were 9 years old I can¡¯t seem to remember a lot of it like its all some surreal blur in my life. ¡°Hey hey Yuta look, its your princess Kurihara-sannnn! Isn¡¯t she lovely today I wonder what type of perfume she has let me get a little closer and tr¡ªow!''¡± ¡°Shut up before I punch the other eye idiot! She would call the teacher on you if you did that.¡± I correct him soundly with my fist of justice. Miya Kurihara, she has been in my classes ever since I attended this school. I¡¯ve never really exchanged many words with her besides thanking her for picking up my dropped eraser andclich¨¦ encounters like that. As Kasuno says, I¡¯ve liked her for the past seven years. I usually don¡¯t like many people, but I can¡¯t seem to ignore her radiancethat pulls me towards her.She is the captain of the Track club and her kindness towards everyone makes her adored school-wide. ¡°You should really ask her out on a date to the coffee shop, or oooh maybe on a study session get my drift? You never know man, girls like her act all kind on the surface but could really be cold towards guys like us.¡± ¡°Kurihara-san doesn¡¯t discriminate with things like that, that¡¯s why she¡¯s adored and put on a pedestal by everyone in the school. Y¡¯know maybe if you stopped acting like a peeking pervert to all the girls here you could find someone suitable¡±. I swear he really is a handful sometimes. I¡¯ve yet to find the right one for me but at least I know later in life it¡¯ll happen for me, not sure about him¡­ ¡°Tssssh ouch! Hmm you¡¯re right, maybe it¡¯s my time to shine then¡ªOww man stop punching me!¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. After seven years, maybe it was time to try my luck with Kurihara-san. This thought floated through my mind as I started my daily routine entering the convenience store after school on this Tuesday afternoon. ---- ---- ¡°Why do you always dart straight home like some heat-seeking missile everyday? You should be hanging out with your number-one person in the world old poor Kasuno-chan!¡± Kasuno says through a mouthful of food. ¡°Don¡¯t add -chan to your name like you¡¯re my pet or something, and I have more important priorities then trying to entertain someone who doesn¡¯t even understand chess. I actually pity you that the frontal lobe of your brain can¡¯t process game winning strategies¡±. The next day the normal everyday bickering continued between us two in the classroom during lunch break. I¡¯ve always wanted to eat lunch with Kurihara-san but I always end up getting stuck with Kasuno, how lucky I am. As the bickering continues someone walks up to us with a sadistic voice: ¡°The two plebeians back at it again I see, doesn¡¯t surprise me one bit. Especially you Yuta, on the outside you make everyone think you¡¯re perfectly normal and well-liked by the class. Something about you irks me, always has¡±. ¡°Ughh what do you want Taki? You¡¯re always hawking Yuta and I everyday, especially Yuta! He hasn¡¯t done anything to you so why don¡¯t you go back to the cave from which you came¡±. Kasuno shoots at the character. Takigaya Hitoshi, the self-proclaimed leader of our class, 2-2. He lost the student council election last week so he¡¯s been extra bothersomerecently. For some reason he has this assumption that I¡¯m the reason for his pain and suffering every day for the past year. Just the way he pushes up his glasses on his nose with his slicked hair to the side really pisses me off to no end. ¡°Do you have something to say to us oh great leader?I¡¯m honestly not in the mood for your verbal games this morning so please take your snake-eyes to someone else¡¯s desk it¡¯s really disturbing¡±. I say while continuing to eat my lunch. Taki furrows his brow in anger towards my remark. ¡°You know it¡¯s comical, one day you just showed up to this school and thought you were heads above everyone else. That¡¯s not the case as it would show with your one ¡°friend¡±¡±. He proudly looks down on us like he¡¯s achieved something. ¡°Didn¡¯t you lose the election? Oh wait don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re now the president¡¯s second-in-command bowing down to his every wish and¡ª¡°! BANG! Taki slams his palm on my desk and stares me in the eyes while talking in a low voice. ¡°Shut the hell up Yuta, one wrong move in this school and I will personally execute you. I see past your snake-like skin just wait you bastard it¡¯s not over yet¡±. Taki says with anger flowing out his eyes. Taki storms out the room while we go back to eating our lunch peacefully. Everyone looks at us for a brief moment including Kurihara-san. She looks me in the eyes and I quickly look away. How much of a coward am I anyway? Whissttleee Kasuno whistles under his breath after Taki left the room, that guy always brings trouble with him no wonder the school didn¡¯t want him to be student council president. ¡°Well he seems to be in a shitty mood today, not like any other day now that I think about it¡­¡±. ¡°Uhhh it really hurts my head trying to talk with that guy, he¡¯s nothing at all like the student council president now¡±. I lay my head down on the cool desk while rubbing my temples in frustration. It¡¯s times like this when I wish I was born with some superpower to teleport wherever I wanted, usually it would either be home or the convenience store. ¡°But you know what? I bet you looked reallyyy cool to Kurihara-san!¡± He adds in proudly. ¡°You call being verbally beat downby Taki looking cool? That¡¯s insane you idiot.¡± I glance back again in Kurihara-san¡¯s direction, she¡¯s talking to her group of friends in the corner of class. She¡¯s categorized as one of the popular people that usually has plans on the weekends, not that I would know I just heard these things. She is different than them though with her caring personality and soft features that you can¡¯t find anywhere else. ¡°Owww! Why the hell did you poke me in the eye?!¡± I rub my left eye in utter annoyance. ¡°You were looking too peaceful like you might doze off at any second man, I have to keep you alert and awake!¡± ¡°Just shut up and leave me alone right now, I¡¯m trying to get in my mid-day snooze in before Sensei comes back alright!¡± I swear he¡¯s never had any common sense since I¡¯ve know him, I guess opposites do attract¡­ I try to close my eyes and power in a world-record nap before the second half of the school day starts. Chapter 2 - The Date Is Set I awake to the light shining through my bedroom blinds as I roll out of bed onto the floor. ¡°Mmmm it¡¯s Friday huh?¡± I sleepily scratch my eyes and open my bedroom door to the hallway. My cat Ikki looks at me and hisses whilst darting away. This dumb cat has never liked me for as long as I can remember. He makes it seem like I terrorize him on the daily, not like I give him affection anyway. ¡°What did I ever do to piss you off so much ehh?¡± I talk to Ikki as I walk down the stairs to a kitchen that smells like my favorite meal of the day, breakfast. Breakfast is extremely important because without this holy feast I would not be able to go on with my daily life of being an amazing person that¡¯s adored by the whole school. Wait, that¡¯s not me at all is it? ¡°Ah Yuta come help set the table. We are having left-over miso soup and rice balls this morning. Your dad had to rush to work this morning and I don¡¯t have much time left. Where¡¯s Ikki he needs to eat his food already!¡± my Mom notices me as I drudge down the stairs. ¡°Ikki will eat eventually, actually no, he can¡¯t eat until he stops being an annoying creature who looks down on me like some peasant!¡± as I remember my cat¡¯s below-average cute face. ¡°You know he¡¯s just getting old let him live out the rest of his time in comfort okay? Oh that reminds me we need more eggs for tonight. After school can you go pick some up, you can even go with your little buddy Kasuno¡±. I click my tongue in annoyance at the thought of grocery shopping with Kasuno. The image of him pointing at every little thing like some five year old really makes me cringe. ¡°No I don¡¯t need him to hold my hand for some eggs, I¡¯ll grab them after school I got it okay?¡± Everyone in my life seems to think I¡¯m not able to do simple tasks just because I¡¯m a little lazy. ¡°How are you feeling lately? Not too stressed and overwhelmed with the new year yet?¡± she asks while warming up the soup on the stove. Why does she always ask me these things like I¡¯m some old lady in a nursery home? ¡°I¡¯m fineeeee okay? Do you really think something as little as Algebra will get the best of me? The amount of times you ask me this will actually make me stressed then I will have to drop out of school for parent-bullying which will then lead to my lifestyle as a shut-in for the rest of my life unable to support myself financially.¡± ¡°Okay okay I got it just make sure to eat your breakfast before you head out. What time is it any¡ª I have to go oh my god! See you this evening and don¡¯t forget about the eggs!¡± She rushes out the kitchen and through the door grabbing her rail pass dashing to the station. This is almost a daily thing for her, forgetting what time it is then acting all surprised when she¡¯s late. ¡°Sighhh¡± I sigh while thinking about the uneventful grueling school day ahead. The TV is still playing the morning news in the kitchen. Something about how authorities should raise school security, it¡¯s always something they¡¯re worrying about. I hear meowing behind me, and not a cute meow either. ¡°Oh look who it is, your meal awaits you your highness¡± I coldly point him to his bowl. Ikki looks up at me with a look saying, ¡°I won¡¯t miss you please don¡¯t come back Yuta my friend!¡±. I grab my bag and head out the door to school on this unusually humid Friday. The fact that it is indeed Friday may make the day more bearable. I dig in my bag to search for my water bottle¡ªThis tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Thud! A small bottle of pills fall out of my bag onto the concrete ground. ¡°Ahh this dumb medicine, thanks Dad way to make me seem like a drug dealer now.¡± I¡¯ve been battling with migraines for as long as I can remember, they come and go but since my dad is a pharmacist he insisted I lug these along to school each day. If I get detained by the police for possession ofdrugs at schoolI¡¯ll be all over the news and officially shunned by society, hmm doesn¡¯t sound too bad actually. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine Yuta just don¡¯t sell them to your friends!¡± I can still hear my Dad¡¯ssarcastic voice in the back of my head. Well whatever at least that would make up for my lack of allowance¡­ ---- ---- As the bell rings letting out the school day I pack up my bags and walk out the class. ¡°Where ya going Yuta, to sniff out Kurihara-san after school hours? Who would have thought you were such a closest pervert. I mean if you need a wing-man to talk to her I have you covered¡±. Kasuno puffs out his chest all pridefully like my loyal knight or something. ¡°Tch, you¡¯re out your mind. I¡¯m going to the store to pick up some eggs for tonight¡¯s meal. And no you can¡¯t come like some slimy nuisance.¡± I shoot back at him. ¡°Oww that¡¯s harsh! Whatever I have to go to archery club practice anyway, I take my leave now. Goodbye Hiragi-dono my friend.¡± He bows and walks away towards the archery field. When will he ever just act like a normal civil human being? I switch out my school slippers for my normal shoes by the lockers and head out to the store. I actually like walking, its peaceful with no crazy distractions. The sounds of other students talking in groups and bikes whizzing by really puts me at ease somehow. Everyone in the city seems to want to get wherever they are going as fast as possible. Maybe if people would relax and just enjoy a stroll every once in a while we could have world peace. I walk into Mito¡¯s, the neighborhood grocery, and head for the cold isle where the eggs are in the back. I¡¯m scanning for my target among the masses of food¨C ¡°Ehh 500£¤ for a pack of eggs?! These prices are insane, Mom better pay me back¡­¡± I depressingly say to myself. ¡°Umm excuse me, I have a coupon for eggs that¡¯s only good for today if you would like it.¡± I hear a calm voice from behind me. ¡°Ah thanks, since when did the price of th¡ª ehhh Kurihara-san??¡± I almost choke on my words in surprise. Miya Kurihara was standing right there smiling while offering me the coupon. ¡°Hiragi-kun right? When you and Yatago-kun argue with each other it¡¯s really amusing¡±. She chuckles lightly with her radiance beaming off in all directions, it¡¯s overwhelming. ¡°Ah uhh thanks I guess, that idiot doesn¡¯t know when to stop¡±. I feel my face turning red, what is this supposed to be some fated meeting in a manga with the MC and the heroine? Whatever I have been blessed with I accept it gratefully, as I pray to whoever is listening. ¡°Say Hiragi-kun, why does it seem like Hitoshi-kun is always trying to start a fight with you? Sorry if I¡¯m going too far over my head!¡± She smiles shyly while asking me. ¡°Oh Taki huh? I don¡¯t know what his problem is, ever since I entered my care-free high school life he has had it out for me. I really want to just punch him square in his glasses with the force of 60,000 megatons.¡± Kurihara-san looks at me with a confused look then starts laughing wholeheartedly. Does she like the idea of violence? Oh no Yuta what have you gotten yourself into? ¡°You hate Taki that much too?¡± I ask curiously. ¡°No, I just can¡¯t imagine you resorting to violence like that, you seem like a kind person.¡± Oh great my face is getting even more red, surely she has noticed by now?! This is it, it¡¯s now or never Yuta! ¡°O-oh that reminds me Kurihara-san have you been studying for that English exam coming up soon? I mean I have a little but you know how weekends are¡±. Oh great what an amazing icebreaker that was! ¡°Now that you mention it I haven¡¯t, I¡¯m really bad at English so I might fail it..¡± She actually looks kind of sad while talking about possibly failing. ¡°Well I¡¯m no English master but if you would like to study with Kasuno and I tomorrow at my place you¡¯re more than welcome!¡± ¡°Hmmm well I do need the extra practice. If it¡¯s not a bother to you and Yatago-kun I¡¯ll take you up on that offer¡±. She bows deeply to me in the middle of the store. I clench my fist in excitement and cheer internally awaiting tomorrow ¡°Kurihara-san please don¡¯t bow its not a big deal! Come by my house tomorrow around noon okay?¡± ¡°Okay noon is perfect, thank you again for helping me out!¡± Her smile making me turn red again. I give her my address and walk out the store, wait.. did I buy the eggs? Chapter 3 - No Funny Business It¡¯s Saturday, the day Kurihara-san comes to my house to study. Is this really happening or am I apart of some sick game or some prank show on national television? Whatever it is at least let me peacefully and successfully navigate through today. My phone buzzes next to me and I answer it, it¡¯s Kasuno. ¡°Hey you won¡¯t believe it, Kurihara-san is coming over to study with us today. Well no thanks to you I knew I could take the next step into man-hood.¡± I happily brag to him. ¡°Wahhh no way Yuta-chan! But I hate break it to you but something came up and I won¡¯t be making it to the love-sess¡ª I mean study session today¡±. ¡°Huhh?! What do you mean you can¡¯t make it? And stop adding -chan to my name!¡± ¡°I know I¡¯m reallyyyy sorry okay! I knew you could do it bro, you finally backed up all your white-knight speeches you always give me about Kurihara-san hahaha¡±. Kasuno jokingly laughs over the phone. I feel my temple popping out the side of my head in annoyance. ¡°I was always planning on backing it up idiot I just had to find the right time! Anyway it¡¯s not like some romantic candlelight dinner, she needs to pass the English exam so I¡¯m just helping her¡±. ¡°Well whatever, at least you get to be within distance to at least touch her ehh?¡± ¡°I¡¯m hanging up now never call me again¡±. I hangup and throw the phone aside on my bed. It¡¯s 10 a.m., only two more hours till she gets here and I¡¯ll be alone?! Keep it cool Yuta after today you can call yourself Yuta-sama if all goes well! ---- ---- ¡°Buzzz!¡± Someonerings the doorbell. I walk downstairs to the door knowing what will come next. I check my breath really quick¡­ this isn¡¯t a date Yuta! The door opens up to Kurihara-san dressed in her school uniform, even though its the weekend? ¡°Hi Hiragi-kun, sorry if I¡¯m too early I don¡¯t want to be a bother!¡± She says embarrassingly.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! I glance at the clock, 11:56 a.m., four minutes early is that extreme to her? ¡°No no not at all! Please come in, oh that¡¯s right, Kasuno can¡¯t make it today he said something came up is that okay?¡± Hopefully she doesn¡¯t think I conjured this master plan up to get us two alone. For once in my life Kasuno actually did me a favor even if he had plans or not. ¡°Ooh that¡¯s fine no problem at all!¡± She waves her hands in front of her wildly. ¡°I see you have the school¡¯s uniform on, any particular reason for that? I-I mean I wasn¡¯t staring or anything I¡¯m just curious!¡± I try to save myself from the previous comment. ¡°No there¡¯s no big reason for it, I just like to be in the school-like atmosphere when I¡¯m studying since it helps me focus. That sounds really odd doesn¡¯t it¡­¡±. She looks a little embarrassed. ¡°I think that¡¯s a totally valid reason don¡¯t worry it¡¯s not weird at all!¡± I reassure her. We walk upstairs into my room, I keep the door open when we go inside. I¡¯m a gentlemen I thought this was already established no funny business! ¡°Are you parents working right now Hiragi-kun?¡± She asks as she digs into her school bag. ¡°I think my dad is meeting with his friend from Tokyo at the local coffee shop and my mom is¡­ where is she??¡± Great I don¡¯t know where 50% of my parents are and I have the class-idol in my room, this is a prank show isn¡¯t it?! ¡°It¡¯s okay my parents aren¡¯t around during the day much either due to work on the weekends. I¡¯m surprised Yatago-kun doesn¡¯t need to study will he be okay?¡± ¡°He¡¯s always clueless to life in general around him. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he ended up graduating all care-free and going to work for a *black company and not noticing anything wrong¡±. Ishiver internally as I think of his future life. Kurihara-san chuckles again at my brutal remark, she seems to do that a lot. Yes, I¡¯mdefinitely on a game show! ¡°Anyway Kurihara-san, it really seems like the whole school thinks you¡¯re a great person does that ever tire you out?¡± ¡°Oh no I¡¯m not special at all! I¡¯m just lucky to have the good friends that I do, without them I would be a mess¡­¡± Kurihara seems to think highly of her friends, lucky her. Itseems like she doesn¡¯t realize just how amazing everyone thinks she is. Well whatever I¡¯m one of the masses anyway, which is something I¡¯m never proud to say. I like to believe individualism is one of my key pluses about me. It¡¯s like a hidden attribute if you would select me in a game or something. ¡°Well anyway shall we start studying? I don¡¯t want to get in your way of doing well on the exam. Honestly it would get too bothersome if Kasuno was here, he¡¯s always asking questions right in the middle of an explanation¡±. ¡°I can only get better from my last English exam so please don¡¯t worry about it!¡± She exclaims with a cute smile. My heart races a little as I quickly look down at my notebook. Okay this day can¡¯t get any better can it? I mentally take a deep breath to try and make this day with her worthwhile. We spend the rest of the afternoon studying with the occasional stab at Kasuno, well those are from me only. Chapter 4 - Head Tremors I hope Kurihara-san passed her exam without any trouble, or did I hinder her and make things worse? Great, now I¡¯ll again become a fleeting glint in her eyes as she passes by me in the hall ignoring my pleas for forgiveness! Wa-wait Kurihara-san isn¡¯t like that she¡¯s a forgiving and honest girl, right? hahaha¡­ These thoughts float through my mind during this excruciating Algebra lesson. Great it¡¯s Monday, the farthest day away from my freedom of the event-free weekends. Looks like only about four hours left until I¡¯m out of here. ¡°Pssst Yuuuta, how did your romantic get-away go on Saturday?¡± That could only be one person, here we go. ¡°I bet you cuddled allll night and it went something along the lines of: ¡°Hi-Hiragi-kun scoot closer it¡¯s cold in here.¡± Am I right?¡±. Kasuno begins whispering to me. ¡°No not at all shut up, stop talking to me during class time alright?¡± Kasuno leans in closer from the next desk while trying to be quiet, which isn¡¯t working very well. ¡°Come on you can tell me all the desirable things that happened while your hormones took you over to whe¡ª!¡± ¡°Hiragi-san, Yatago-san come to the teacher¡¯s room after class!¡± Shitttt, I slam my head down face-first onto my desk. Just what I want another unneeded distraction in my day. Sensei doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s in a good mood today either and I already feel a migraine coming on. ---- ---- After class ends Kasuno and I grab our bags and depressingly walk to the teacher¡¯s room. The hallway is bustling with students scurrying to their next class without being tardy. We get to the stairs by the teacher¡¯s roo¡ª I clutch my head in pain, amigraine is coming on. ¡°Huh, you okay Yuta? You like like you¡¯re in pain¡±. Kasuno asks as he looks at me weirdly. ¡°N-No give me second I¡¯m going to head to the bathroom real quick just wait for me outside¡±. I rush off to the nearest bathroom to take my medicine. Kasuno doesn¡¯t actually know I have this problem, well no one does besides my parents. It¡¯s not worth telling everyone so I can attract more unneeded sympathy. I open the boy¡¯s bathroom door and pick an empty stall, good seems to be empty since the next class periods have started. I dig in my bag to find the pill bottle. ¡°Ah here we go please make this pain go away¡ªhuh?¡± I shake the bottle and hear nothing inside it. ¡°Come onnn come on!¡± I open the cap and find nothing inside. ¡°Dammit!!¡± ¡°Clack!¡± I throw the empty bottle on the ground. How could there be none left surely I wouldn¡¯t bring it if it was empty. ¡°Shit shit shit uhh¡±. Thepain is reverberating throughout my head as I clutch it. My vision is getting a little hazy, I just need to calm down and make it to the teacher¡¯s room. I splash cold water on my face that makes things a little better. I grab my bag and the pill bottle and leave the bathroom to meet back up with Kasuno¡­Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°You all good man? You had me worried for a second there.¡± ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine let¡¯s hurry up and get this over with.¡± I say as we stand outside the teacher¡¯s room. ¡°Excuse us, we¡¯re coming in.¡± Kasuno says through the door. We slide open the door and await the verbal abuse. ¡°Ah boys please come in. Look I know you are good friends but that isn¡¯t an excuse to interrupt class time. Whatever this little debacle is about get it out now.¡± Sensei looks like he doesn¡¯t want to be here either. Sensei looks at us awaiting a response, I look at Kasuno annoyingly. ¡°Sensei it was nothing serious, just Kasuno being his normal interrupting self.¡± ¡°Hey man that¡¯s not true! If I¡¯m going to interrupt you its only because I need valuable information¡±. He proudly puffs out his chest. ¡°Huhh?! How is that information valu¨C¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough you two! Tch.. just stop interrupting class and we won¡¯t have a problem anymore okay? Now go to your next class I¡¯ll give you two an excuse note for being late¡±. He turns to his desk drawer to pull out the slips and gives it to us. We bow apologetically and leave the room. ¡°Well that was an complete waste of time¡±. I say annoyingly. I check my phone for the time and sigh to myself. ¡°Yeah I think he was planning on scolding us more but gave up once he realized it was us. Well I¡¯m heading off to history now cya later Hiragi-chan!¡± He waves with his sarcastic grin and disappears around the corner. I crumple my excuse note in anger with him. I have music class next on the second floor, I start taking the stairs to the next level when I see Taki coming in my direction. Oh great just who I wanted to see on this lovely Monday.. ¡°Ah what a lovely day it is today isn¡¯t it Hiragi? I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve had quite the weekend with the class idol.¡± He smiles at me like he has me found out, who does he think he is acting like some detective who has caught the murder suspect? My head is still throbbing with the pain only getting worse, I don¡¯t have time for his shit right now! ¡°Ehh I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about I spent my Saturday laying around at home playing chess. Why does it matter to you anyway? Look I have to go¡ª¡± ¡°It matters to me because as vice-president of the student council I need to make sure all of the students are acting appropriately, even off school grounds¡±. He quickly stops me and says his part. I¡¯ve had enough of him why does he insist on pestering me? My eyes start to twitch in frustration. This is not the time for thissss. We are in the back staircase of school so no one is around right now, maybe that¡¯s why he thinks he can pull thisstunt with me. ¡°Shut up, I don¡¯t have time for your belittling right now go serve the student council president like you should be doing right now and get out my way¡±. That seems to tick him off. ¡°Hahaha funny Hiragi at least I¡¯m not a shut-in after school hours. Do you really enjoy your gray life that much where you robotically come to school and leave? It must be tough not having much interaction with anyone besides your dim-witted partner Yatago¡±. I feel my face getting red with anger, my head is killing me, what is this feeling? This is different than the times Kasuno messes with me. ¡°Kasuno may not be the most intelligent person at this school but at least he¡¯s not a piece of shit. You¡¯re more of a henchman-type character who goes behind others¡¯ backs for your own sad gain¡±. He pushes me against the wall with anger written all over his face. I stare him right back into his eyes with equal anger. ¡°I already know Hiragi, you were with Kurihara this weekend! I hope you two had fun she really does seem like the easy type¡±. ¡°Take that..back¡±. The moment he says that my vision starts to blur and I feel my whole body pulsating. Taki starts to back off a little as he looks me in the eyes in bewilderment. ¡°Hi-Hiragi wha-what¡¯s wrong with you why do you look like that? Couldn¡¯t take the truth I see?¡± Taki completely lets go of me with a frightened look in his eyes. ---- ---- ¡°Hiragi-san please pay attention to the lesson! You already came in late you can¡¯t be dazing off too!¡± Sensei jolts me to reality with a disappointing look. ¡­Huh? I¡¯m in music class right now? I don¡¯t remember coming in at all. Chapter 5 - Just Another Nightmare I look around the class, dazed at where I am. The classroom¡¯s eyes are on me like I¡¯m some circus act. What the hell are they looking at so weirdly? ¡°Hiragi-san are you listening? Pay attention this will be on your exam!¡± Sensei scolds me from the front of the class. ¡°Ye-yes Sensei sorry¡­¡± Hey hey this must be a joke, is this a normal thing for people my age? To just teleport physically and mentally to a different point? I was just¡­. that¡¯s right I was just arguing with Taki by the stairs! If I didn¡¯t know any better this would be a scene right out of Steins;Gate. ¡°Psst Hiragi-kun are you okay? You walked in with a blank look on your face and just sat down, you didn¡¯t look like your self at all¡±. A soft voice is whispering my way. ¡°Oh Kurihara-san, it¡¯s actually kind of weird I don¡¯t really remember walking into class at all. Maybe I didn¡¯t eat enough for breakfast, you know fueling your body for success is what I pride myself on¡±. I try to think of some logical excuse formentally blacking out all of a sudden. We whisper to each other in the back of the class like we¡¯ve been friends for years. I can¡¯r help but feel a soft smile emerge from me after every exchange of words. Can we really become closer day-by-day like this? This seems too surreal to be real, almost too good to be true. ¡°That¡¯s the Hiragi-kun I know, welcome back. Oh! Thank you for helping me with my English exam I would have failed if it weren¡¯t for you. I need to find a way to thank you, maybe I could help you if you have any weak subjects¡±. It¡¯s still odd that she continues to acknowledge and talk to me. I¡¯m just your above-average at everything high school student with no redeeming qualities. Hmm maybe I¡¯m good at getting people who would normally avoid me to get to notice me, like a secret power! ¡°It was nothing I¡¯m glad I could help, wouldn¡¯t want my Kur¡ªAhem! Wouldn¡¯t want Kurihara-san to fail especially with me teaching!¡± Whewww close one Yuta¡­ I grin with pride as she gently smiles back at me. I¡¯m closer to my goal I can feel it, good job Yuta! ¡°Hiragi-san! Stop interrupting the class do you ever just th¡ª!¡± ¡°EEEEEKKKKK!¡± ¡°What in the world??¡± I hear a blood-curdling scream from down the hallway, everyone in class looks wide-eyed and uncertain of what they just heard. Sensei hurriedly slides open the classroom door and looks down the hall. We also get up and look to see what¡¯s happening in the hallway. Hear everyone worriedly talking to each other, even Kurihara-san is talking to her friends with a scared expression. ¡°Hey class get back inside!¡± Sensei urges us away from the door, this doesn¡¯t stop some onlookers. ¡°Woah look it¡¯s Kigashi-san by the staircase why does she look so scared?¡± Someone from the class asks this. All of a sudden I see other teachers rushing to the scene. Wait a second¡­ that¡¯s the stairs I was at talking to Taki before I mysteriously appeared in class! What is this feeling, my hands are getting really sweaty and uneasy. The teachers all go to the stairs and look down in horror, a female teacher puts her hands on her mouth and looks away. Kigashi-san, the source of the scream, is sitting against the wall crying while a male teacher comforts her. What in the hell is happening?! What¡¯s going on over there, I was just there surely nothing is that serious? ¡°What¡¯s going on??¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know I just heard screams a second ago!¡± ¡°Oh man do we get out of class now? hahaha¡± ¡°Shut up man its probably nothing serious!¡± Students from other classes peak out their doors and start chatting among themselves. Usually commotion doesn¡¯t get to me but I can feel my breathing getting heavy. Calm down, calm down, calm down Yuta. ¡°Go go go¡± Whispers inside my head are ordering me forward. Something is pulling me right now like some magnetic field. I dash off down the hallway as all wide-eyes are directed on me. ¡°H-Hey Hiragi-san what are you doing get back here!¡± I hear Sensei yelling at me from behind, I zone all the gasps and yelling out of my ears. My feet feel heavy but I¡¯m going as fast as I can. My body arrives at the scene of commotion. ¡°What are you doing get back to your class right this instant!¡± I don¡¯t notice the yelling from the teachers or Kigashi-san¡¯s sobbing, I stare down blood drained from my face as my breathing completely stops.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°W-Wh-What happened¡­.¡± These words escape from me. Down the stairs there was Takigaya Hitoshi, he was dead. He had multiple stab wounds all over his body withhis white school shirt drenched red from the blood. His glasses were broken on his face and I could see the whites of his eyesrolled back into his head. The scene was out of a horror movie where the victim is found, defenselessly killed. ¡°Huhh?.. Oi Taki get up¡­get up already this isn¡¯t some damn game!!¡± I feel tears streaming down my hot face as I was yelling down at the mangled corpse. What in the hell happened to him?! This isn¡¯t real, it can¡¯t be. Some host will come out and say congratulations you win I¡¯m sure of it! Please, please, pleaseeee! ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me¡ªAagh!!¡± My head furiously pounds as I grasp it in pain. ¡°Come on that¡¯s enough you shouldn¡¯t be here!¡± One of the teachers starts pulling me back away from the horror that I just witnessed. I don¡¯t even try to resist. There is a bunch of commotion going on I¡¯m sure of it, all I hear though are muffled sounds and vibrations. The last thing I see before the darkness hits are silhouettes of shadows walking towards me. ---- ---- My body feels like it¡¯s endlessly floating in darkness, this serene feeling could last forever. I see a person in the distance, slowly they¡¯re getting closer. ¡°Tap, tap, tap.¡± The sound of the shoes approach me. I can¡¯t move, swallowed by the darkness taking me deeper into the gorging abyss. ¡°How could you do this..I didn¡¯t think this was who you were, but it seems I was wrong¡±. This person talks down to me, a disappointing dark tone. Their face is getting closer while I¡¯m locked position, unable to move and terrified. ¡°Why did you do it¡­Hiragiiii-kun!¡± Kurihara-san¡¯s face fades out of the darkness staring right at me, looking at me with disgust. ¡°AHHHH!¡± I jump back into the real world, laying up in a bed trying to catch my breath. I feel a cold pad on my forehead¡­ It looks like the nurses office. ¡°Woah now it¡¯s okay, you¡¯re alright it was just a nightmare.¡± I look at the nurse confused as she tried to comfort me, what am I doing in the nur¡ª ¡°Taki! Wh-what happened to¡­ is Takigaya Hitoshi okay??¡± I almost jump out of bed with the realization of my memory. I¡¯m sure it was all a dream, that gruesome scene by the stairs, it has to be. I hate Taki with all of my soul but I would never want to see him dead. I¡¯m not that cynical like some maniac! ¡°Just lay back down, you were overwhelmed with stress¨C¡± ¡°Knock Knock¡± Someone is at the door, Kasuno walks in. He looks kind out of it, likes he¡¯s seen a ghost or some paranormal entity. Kasuno has never liked ghosts for as long as I can remember¡­ ¡°Hey Kasuno this nightmare I had, by the stairs I saw some gruesome scene..it was with Taki I think.¡± Everyone in the room is silent for what feels like eternity. What¡¯s with them acting all out of it, wasn¡¯t I the one that just woke up in the nurses office? Finally Kasuno breaks the silence while not wanting to make eye contact. ¡°Y-Yuta, that was no nightmare¡­ do you not remember what happened?¡± Huh? What is he rambling on about? Surely that wasn¡¯t real, it was a scene out of a horror movie. Especially at our highschool, no way. ¡°What do you mean it wasn¡¯t a nightmare, I must have passed out from not eating enough this morning or something right? That was all a bad dream Kasuno you can¡¯t really tell me it was true?..¡± I say trying to counter Kasuno. ¡°Can we get a moment alone please?¡± Kasuno asks the nurse, she lightly nods and walks out the room closing the door behind her. He then walks up to me and sits down on the stool next to the bed. Its quiet for the longest time. ¡°Look..that wasn¡¯t something you made up in your head, that really happened¡­¡± Kasuno seriously says to me. His voice shaking with fear is not something he would do to trick me. ¡°Yuta, that scene¡­that scene with Taki was where I left you when I went to class. What happened after I left?¡± He looks right at me waiting for my answer, I can¡¯t speak because I¡¯m frozen from shock. Its all coming back to me now, Taki laying at the bottom of the stairs in a pool of blood all mangled. I feel my eyes widening in fear, is this what true fear really is? ¡°I-It was all real then?¡­When you left Taki walked up to me and did his usual belittling. He was throwing around insults like always, then..then I don¡¯t know what happened after that. Next thing I know I¡¯m in class like normal.¡± I try the best I can to get the words out of my throat. ¡°Wait you saw Taki earlier?! Right before, you know¡­did you see anything around the time you were talking to each other?¡± Kasuno asks me. ¡°No it was just us around at that time I remember, ma-maybe someone was hiding out nearby¨CI don¡¯t know okay!¡± This can¡¯t be happening this was supposed to be my event-free high school life then something of this caliber happens?? I look down at my hands, they were shaking uncontrollably and starting to sweat. What in the hell happened back there? In that little time after I saw him, he was murdered in cold blood! ¡°The police came and reported no one suspicious, I might have done some eaves-dropping outside the teacher¡¯s room. Whatever happened Yuta, you didn¡¯t miss it by much.¡± Kasuno and I both drop our gaze to the ground, things were serious now. He¡¯s right, there couldn¡¯t have been more than a couple of minutes for me to get to class and someone to intercept Taki by th¡ª ¡±¡­The killer might still be in the school¡­Kasuno we have to get out of here now!¡± I try to jump out of bed, Kasuno stops me in my tracks. ¡°Calm down Yuta! There are cops crawling all over the school. Whoever did this is long gone by now and won¡¯t try anything else. The teachers are calling for all students to go home today and tomorrow, we all have police escorts. Come on man lets get home¡­ and don¡¯t tell anyone elsethat you were the last person to see Taki okay? That would just bring unneeded attention to us when they could be focusing on catching the one responsible. It¡¯s best to just forget about what you saw man¡­¡± Forget¡­how could I forget what I saw today? I¡¯ll never forget what I saw. We leave the nurses room and head to the mass of students leaving school by the shoe lockers. My head is throbbing, I need to get home. I wonder where Kurihara-san is, I hope she¡¯s okay. We all head home, a long, dreary walk back to our homes away from the scene that unfolded today. Chapter 6 - A New Obstacle The pitter-patter of the rain outside is a soothing, inviting sound. I¡¯m laying down staring at the ceiling trying to forget the horror that was yesterday. There¡¯s a murderer somewhere out there, I just missed them somewhere along the lines. I¡¯m sure this will turn out like a Sherlock Holmes book and the culprit will be apprehended with no other crimes and we¡¯ll get on our way right? This isn¡¯t how my high school life was supposed to go, I was supposed to just be averagely-friendly with everyone, tryaveragely-hard in school and live a golden life. ¡°Ughhhh! I¡¯m a wreck get yourself together idiot!¡± I smack my face to wake myself up, don¡¯t fall apart now Yuta you¡¯re a like able person who even got the class idol Kurihara-san to talk to you¡ªnot even talk to you she came over!! I pump my fist in the air like I¡¯ve won the Olympic gold medal in the decathlon, I feel my everyday self is slowly seeping back into me now. ¡°Brrrr Brrrr¡± My phone vibrates on my desk, was it always so annoying?? I sigh and pick up my phone and answer it.¡°Kasuno thank you for being so sweet and checking on me, I¡¯m feeling better now.¡± ¡°Ahh that¡¯s the old Yuta I know, welcome home man. I¡¯m at the coffee shop right now one second and I ran into someone peculiar¡­¡± Kasuno leaves me in suspense for a second. ¡°Hiragi-kun how are you feeling?¡± That can only be one voice! What is that idiot doing with Kurihara-san?? ¡°Ohh uh Kurihara-san! I¡¯m feeling better thanks for asking¡±. My knuckles are getting white from squeezing my phone out of spite. Maybe if I would have moped to the coffee shop I would have had another fated meeting with her. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that! When I heard you passed out with all of that commotion I-I was worried! I don¡¯t know what you went through but I do know a tragedy happened at our school and¡­and for it to happen to someone we know is horrible..¡±. I hear her over the phone choking on her words, it pains my heart to hear her like this. This could have happened to any of us¡­ ¡°Say, Kurihara-san.. if you need someone to talk to you know¨CI mean I¡¯ll listen to you if you need an ear..¡±. I for one don¡¯t consider myself psychologist-worthy but it IS Kurihara-san we are talking about okay?! ¡°Thank you Hiragi-kun that means a lot to me¡±. I feel her smiling even if I can¡¯t see her. ¡°OOohh can I get on this talk?¡± Kasuno taunts me in the background, why am I even friends with that bottom feeder? ¡°A-Anyway I¡¯m going to catch up on some school work, later!¡± ¡°Sure, see you at school then!¡± She gently says her parting words. I hang up the phone and get out of bed. I¡¯m really hungry all of a sudden, better make the trek downstairs to see what food awaits me. ---- ---- Ahh hamburger steak today huh? I can smell it from the stairwell, well, food is food. I want to keep acting like my normal everyday self for the people in my life, but can I keep doing that after what happened? ¡°Finally up Yuta? How are you feeling?¡± Mom asks when I walk in. ¡°I¡¯m fine, just a headache but those are pretty common for me.¡± The headache I had during that day was immense, my medicine was out which made matters way worse. ¡°You took your medicine right? Remember Dad can get you more if you happen to run out¡±. ¡°I know I know, I took it already don¡¯t worry.¡± Mom sits down in the chair next to mine and looks me in the eyes.¡±I won¡¯t bring anything up, but are you really feeling okay? Ever since you were a kid you would freeze up in stressful situations y¡¯know? If you need to go to a doctor we ca¨C¡°. ¡°I¡¯m fine Mom, I just want to rest up and sleep. If I need anything I¡¯ll let you guys know alright?¡±. I don¡¯t remember being like that as a kid, well who really does fully remember their childhood anyway. If you ever ask anyone they always reply with some cliche saying about it being all a blur anyway. ¡°Okay okay, but if you need anything just ask your Dad and I. Eat up it¡¯s leftovers but it¡¯ll give you the much needed energy you need.¡± ¡°Buzzz Buzz¡± ¡°Who could it be at this hour?¡±. The door buzzes, Mom gets up and opens it. After a couple of seconds she backs up and looks at me while someone walks in.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°Ah Hiragi-san, my name is Detective Kizata nice to meet you.I would like to ask you some questions if you don¡¯t mind?¡±. An above-average tall man walks in with a black trench coat and a hat. He has grey on the sides of his hair, maybe in his late 40¡¯s? ¡°M-Me? What is this about?¡± I get a cold feeling in my stomach, don¡¯t be dumb its probably procedure after what happened. He continues to smile but has a sense of authority about him, what in the hell does this guy want? ¡°I think you know what this is about, it will only take a couple of minutes don¡¯t worry just a procedure.¡± See, I knew it. I didn¡¯t do anything I¡¯m innocent! It¡¯s better to just comply with him though I don¡¯t want to actually become a criminal. ¡°Yeah sure..¡± I reply quietly. ¡°Great! Please come with me to the station it won¡¯t take long I promise.¡± He tips his hat to me and tells me to meet him outside in his car. Ughh really the station? Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have accepted¡­ I grab my things and follow him out the door. ---- ---- The streets whiz by as I ride in the passenger seat of the detective¡¯s car. This is quite the disappointment in terms of a detective car. Isn¡¯t he supposed to have some slick, dark colored foreign car? Whatever, the fact that I¡¯m not at home right now is really ticking me off. ¡°Hiragi-san rest assured, I¡¯m just going to ask you some questions at the station. It¡¯s all procedure okay? Ah! Would you like a mint?¡± He extends the mints to me. There it is again, that overly creepy nice smile while trying to lure me in with mints? ¡°No I¡¯m okay, can we please make this quick I haven¡¯t been feeling well today¡±. ¡°Of course it shouldn¡¯t take long at all!¡± There is silence for what feels like eternity, the street bumping under us. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry to hear what happened to your friend, I heard you were one of the few students who actually saw the scene. Don¡¯t worry we will find the perpetrator¡±. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine he wasn¡¯t my¡­never mind¡±. I saw no point in trying to counter his statement, it wasn¡¯t worth the trouble. The ride was quiet for the rest of the trip, we finally make it to the local police station. We enter the gate and walk in the building. ¡°Please follow me Hiragi-san, we will have a quiet room in the back okay?¡±. He smiles back at me, I follow him through the busy corridors. There seems to be officers and others alike rushing around. It obviously has to do with the case at school. We finally reach a door at the back left of the building and walk in. He closes the door behind us. It¡¯s a small room with just a desk and two chairs. Yes, exactly how you would expect an interrogation room to be. I thought I was only being ¡°asked¡± questions not tortured¡­ ¡°Please have a seat, would you like any water?¡±. He motions to the desk as I sit down, waiting for my imminent villain interrogation. ¡°Ahh no I¡¯m good, I would just like to answer the questions and leave.¡± I once again make my objective clear to this smile-happy freak. ¡°I see well let¡¯s get down to it. You see Hiragi-san I do have something to show you regarding the incident. I would like your cooperation to make this as smooth as possible, is that okay?¡± He crosses his hands together and looks right at me. ¡°S-Sure no problem..¡± Something to show me? So there was a reason I was ¡°randomly¡± being questioned. I knew it all along, instincts should always be trusted no matter what. All of a sudden Detective Kizata¡¯s demeanor changes from the smiling man to a darker mood. Woah woah what is this I don¡¯t like it. ¡°At the scene, we found this object¨C¡°. He pulls a pouch out of his jacket pocket and sets it on the desk. He unzips the pouch and pulls out a pen¨Ca bloody pen¡­ ¡°Wh-What is that you¡¯re showing me? Some random object fro¨Cwait.. there¡¯s blood on that pen, don¡¯t tell me!¡± My eyes widen at the realization of what the object¡¯s usage was. ¡°Ah yes, you can clearly see the dried blood on this object. It should be no surprise as to what this object was used for..¡± I have a flashback to when I saw Taki laying there with small stab wounds all over his face and body. I feel sweat start to bead on my forehead, why am I getting like this? I¡¯m not connected to this at all! ¡°Now Hiragi-san, this may mean nothing¡­ but there were tests run and your fingerprints have been found to be all over it. Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m not blaming you someone could have swiped this pen from you or you could have dropped it before the killer used it.] ¡°My pen.. ah yes, that is my pen¨C but I didn¡¯t do anything I would never I¡¯m sure I accidentally dropped it while walking!!¡± I feel my pulse quicken, was it going on here some set up? The detective puts his hand up to stop me.¡°I understand please don¡¯t fret about. Another question: a student told us they saw you and Hitoshi-san talking by the stairsvery briefly as they walked by. Do you remember what that talk was about?¡± My blood freezes over inside me, I vaguely remember talking to Taki by the stairs before I mysteriously ended up in class? Why can¡¯t I remember?! ¡°Well I do remember that but I¡¯m sure it was just a casual conversation. We probably just went our separate ways soon after. Look! I would never hurt Taki okay!¡± Kizata stares in my eyes for the longest time, is he trying to break me mentally? I don¡¯t understand this guy¡¯s problem. He needs to focus on catching the maniac at large not some normal student. ¡°I see, thank you for your time Hiragi-san it really has been informative. I¡¯ll be taking you home now.¡± He¡¯s back to his smiling game I see. I still feel a heavy atmosphere coming from him still however. We silently leave the room and I follow him out the station to the car. This was all a totally useless turn of events. The ride back was totally silent, he drops me off at home while tipping his hat as the car pulls away. It¡¯s almost as if he¡¯s saying ¡°See you again soon¡±. Hah! Not much of a detective while tormenting a teenager its actually laughable. He should be putting his efforts into more important things¡­why was my pen at the scene anyway? I don¡¯t ever remember having it on me. The suspect must be someone who was nearby during our talk. Just thinking about this makes me shake where I stand. ¡°Huhhh¡± I let out a deep sigh, I just need to rest some more before going back to school¡­ Chapter 7 - Cracks In The Armour We are finally going back to school today, it¡¯s been a rough couple of days but I got a lot of rest and thinking while at home. I¡¯m trying my best to stay as my normal self while not thinking about the incident too much. My dad even gave me a rundown on why it¡¯s always important to keep my medicine stocked on me. ¡°Yuta I miiiised youuu!¡±. I punch Kasuno down before he can get any closer to me. ¡°It was only two days..besides I was getting a lot of needed rest away from reality and you.¡± ¡°Ouch man I know you crave the hermit lifestyle but that¡¯s low even for you! Anyway, how are you holding up?¡± He leans in closer so we can talk more seriously. ¡°I¡¯m feeling a bit better, not until the suspect is caught will I be back to my normal-cynical self.¡± ¡°It¡¯s unsettling to think someone like that is still out there at large, but don¡¯t worry he won¡¯t strike again in the same spot I¡¯m sure¡±. I can¡¯t believe it, but he actually puts me at ease with that statement. I knew I was friends with this person for something other than verbally abusing him¡­ ¡°You¡¯re right, but it could be someone that comes to this school daily¨Chey! What if it¡¯s a teacher??¡±. This thought never occurred to me until now, the perfect camouflage. Thinking of this gives me chills. We are out in the school yard so no one is right near us. We shouldn¡¯t be talking about this now especially since it just happened. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous Yuta, what would they have against Taki?¡± He has a point, Taki being the victim wouldn¡¯t make any sense at all. ¡°Well let¡¯s just forget about it for now, that won¡¯t do any good¨C¡± ¡°Ding donggg¡±. The morning bells rings ushering us back inside for the new school day. All of the students still seem in a quiet and gloomy mood, I don¡¯t blame them after what happened. ---- ---- The hubbub of a normal school day is inviting to my ears even with the darker atmosphere, I actually hate crowds and busy places so Tokyo was never an option for my personality. However, getting back to this normal life is making it easier to cope with. I¡¯m on the second floor walking to my next class, I walk by a window and look out to see Kurihara-san talking with a couple of friends in the courtyard. Her calmness and serenity draws me to her. For someone who detests human interaction 99% of the time, something about her must be special! What is must be like to see her embarrassed face while she blushes and looks me in the eye¡ª ¡°Umph!¡±. I run into someone in the hallway while I was daydreaming. ¡°Sorry about that are you okay?¡± I hear the voice asking me. ¡°Y-Yeah I¡¯m fine just a little dizzy..¡±. I rub my head while looking up at the figure who hit me, looking down on me is the student council president Shirou Yasawaki. He is above-average height with wavy hair and always has a calm look on his face. I¡¯ve heard he is one of the top students, but aren¡¯t all student council presidents supposed to be? ¡°I hope you aren¡¯t hurt Hiragi-san, please forgive me. What kind of president am I taking out fellow students in the hallway?¡±. He lightly laughs while helping me off the ground. Hmph, he really does seem like a genuine guy. Something that I can never become at least. ¡°No it was my fault for not paying attention don¡¯t worry about it.¡± ¡°Ah yes it is easy to get distracted by Kurihara-san isn¡¯t it?¡± He smiles at me while looking out the window towards her. ¡°Huh?! Wh-What are you talking about I was just thinking if I missed any homework.¡± This president has some sharp senses, not sure if I like super-cunning people like him. He somehow knew what was distracting me without even thinking about it. ¡°Hahaha I¡¯m kidding! You can¡¯t be getting distracted this close to the final exams though you don¡¯t want to be stressed out.¡± ¡°Of course not wouldn¡¯t want that would we?¡±. I sarcastically reply as I walk away so I can get to class. Great now my head really does hurt just trying to keep up with his personality. ¡°Ah Hiragi-san could you do me favor? It won¡¯t take long at all.¡± Haaah, I let out a sigh of annoyance and turn around. See this is why I try to avoid human interaction if it¡¯s not needed. He is asking me for a favor even though I don¡¯t know him at all. Well it would be better than getting to class¡­ ¡°As long as it¡¯s quick okay? I don¡¯t like petty tasks that waste my time¡±. ¡°Thank you! You see the student council needs some textbooks for our study sessions, could you go to the science lab and get the box of them? I would do it myself but the principal called me to his office so I don¡¯t have time right now¡±.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Oh great, being a pack mule is on the top of the lists for my career choices. Be nice Yuta, be nice. ¡°Sure sure, as long as I can carry the box I¡¯ll drop them off at the student council room. I count this as a petty tasks so you owe me one favor I¡¯m not free okay?¡± Wait..that came out wrong. ¡°Of course no problem at all¨Coops I¡¯m late now so I have to get going thanks again!¡±. He bows to me then hurries away. Even though Taki was the vice president he doesn¡¯t seem all that sad or anything. Well on the outside at least, just like me. He must have a strong outer shell to show no negative emotions though. I tap my foot deciding if I still want to grab the textbooks, finally I decide it¡¯s better than going to class. I turn the other way and head towards the science room. ---- ---- The hallway is quiet now as I make my way to the science room, what have I done to be made into a errand boy? Some people take pride in these things like making others happy by fetching them items. Well whatever, less time in class is better. ¡°Where is it¡­ah here it is¡±. I find my way to the back of the hall to the science lab. I slide open the door to the science room and walk in. ¡°I¡¯m coming innn..no one here huh. Now where are those books that President wants? Is this place even used much there¡¯s dust everywhere¡±. I¡¯m searching under the desks for the books which should be¡ª shit..my head. I lightly clutch my temples, time to take the medicine. I take a pill and drink some water from the sink in the room, the headaches have been coming on more often lately. Is this some sick sign that I¡¯m growing up? I look around the room and find my way to the window. Down in the yard some class is having P.E. with the boys jogging laps and the girls stretching. I glance around and notice Kurihara-san again. Wow I¡¯m either really lucky by always finding her outside a window or unlucky that I¡¯m not down there as well. Look at me being all fuzzy and warm¡­ew. I lean on my hands and stare out the window.¡°Kurihara-sannn I¡¯m watching youu¡­wait that sounds extremely disturbing never mind¡±. All of a sudden a male student walks up to her as if expecting them to meet. Who is that? I¡¯ve never seen him before. They then exchange a hug like he has just gotten back from a war or something. ¡°What in the hell?? ¡­¡± My eye twitches in irritation. What¡¯s his problem being all touchy towards her I don¡¯t even know who that is. I then watch them walk to the edge of the field like some couple as they start laughing and having a good time. Even though I took the medicine it¡¯s too soon for it to take effect for my head, the pain is getting worse, burning. ---- ---- ¡°Oh man, why is Sensei making me bring this to the teacher¡¯s room? Where did that idiot Yuta go anway? He can¡¯t be skipping class so close to final exams!¡± I walk through the empty halls towards my destination. I, Kasuno Yatago, promise to bring the package in safely Sensei! I vow to my teacher like I¡¯m on some mission to the ends of the Earth. I wonder how things with Yuta and Kurihara are going. I hope he actually has the pride to reel her in, boy would I be a proud friend! ¡°Bangbang¡±. What is that I just heard? Sounded like someone is banging on something down the hall. I look around and I see no one in the hall since classes are in session. I make my way to the noise and end up at the science room door, its still barely cracked open and I look through it. ¡°Wh-Who does he think he is?! Stay away from her dammit she¡¯s mine. Hahahaha Kurihara-san don¡¯t betray me like this¡±. What in the hell? Someone is talking to themselves alone in here. I can¡¯t tell who it is since they are turned around but Kurihara was mentioned. His whole body is shaking, is he crying or angry I can¡¯t tell. This is starting to creep me the hell out. He¡¯s just rambling on about something with inaudible sounds in between words. ¡°Hahhh..this is what you think of me? I-I should end this right¡­away¡±. Oh shit he¡¯s turning around this way!¡ªNo way¡­ is that who I think it is? ¡°Yu-Yuta??¡± I quietly ask through the door, what is going on here? Yuta¡¯s eyes have a blank look in them. That¡¯s not Yuta no way in hell! That was some maniac I just heard not the energy-conserving cynical Yuta.. ¡°W-What are you doing man? Was that you I just heard, no way right??¡± He stands there and stares at me in silence, I instinctively start to back away. He starts to babble something, what is he talking about? ¡°I didn¡¯t do it I didn¡¯t do it I didn¡¯t do it!!¡±. He gets down on his knees with his head down, I start to hear sobbing sounds. ¡°Woahhh Yuta its okay, its me Kasuno! Your partner in crime remember!¡± I start to plead with him. He looks up at me with tears still running down his face.¡°Kasuno¡­.Kasuno what am I doing?¡± His face is red and wet from tears, I don¡¯t understand what I just saw¡­ ¡°Yeah man its me! What are you doing in here?¡± Yuta looksup at me. ---- ---- ¡°Huh? You¡¯re right¡­oh yeah I was getting textbooks for the president. Why am I on my knees for what did you make me do?!¡± ¡°What?! No idiot I found you in here doing¡­.never mind I just walked in while you were looking for the books I guess¡±. It is weird how I¡¯m on my knees, well everyone has those moments of ¡°What just happened?¡±. This is similar to that time I ended up in class however, wait was I crying or something? I remember¡­seeing Kurihara-san outside the window! I get up and walk to the window, no one is down there. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Kasuno comes up behind me. ¡°Oh nothing¡­just thought I saw something. Hey, do you know if Kurihara-san¡­you know likes anyone?¡± ¡°Me? Why would I know that you idiot! I¡¯m not some gossip machine you know. If you want valuable information you will have to compensate me muahaha!¡± Annoying as ever I see. ¡°Owww!¡±. I hit Kasuno over the head with one of the textbooks that I just found. ¡°Well whatever, here are the books so I¡¯ll be going now¡±. ¡°Sure thing man¡­ are you okay? Like nothing is bothering you huh?¡± He asks in a serious tone. ¡°Bothering me? What are you talking about I¡¯m fine. If anyone is bothering me it¡¯s you not helping me carry these books.¡± ¡°Oh shit right! I have to pick something up for Sensei, sorry can¡¯t help right now¡± ¡°Hmm, well whatever I¡¯m going to bring these to the President, cya¡±. I heave the big box out the room towards my destination.I still feel Kasuno looking at me from behind. Chapter 8 - A Friend In Need My head is throbbing right now, I just want to drop off these books and take a nice nap somewhere. Don¡¯t they have something called siestas over in Europe where they take naps during work hours? Well it happens in some Japanese companies too so why not in school? I walk the empty halls toward the student council room, Kasuno was acting weird a minute ago. Or was I the one being weird, well I was on my knees for some reason. I just really need to re-think this whole school life thing befo¡ª ¡°Arghh!¡±. I clutch my head as the pain only gets worse, what the hell is happening to me?Even my vision is starting to blur, I¡¯m having a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu right now. Shitttt why does this keep happening so often now?! ---- ¡°Yuta keep this medicine with you at all times at school okay? You..you have to take it whenever you get a little headache. Think of it as a magic pill that gives you superpowers.¡± My dad pats me on the head in the kitchen. I¡¯m remembering this time when I was 9and just moved here to Sapporo. It was before my first day of school when my dad first gave me the medicine. I remember crying because I would have constant headaches, was it like that my whole life? ¡°This is really important so keep it close to you. I hope you are liking your new home we moved so you would be happier¡± He says with a smile. The wind hits my face, I feel free wherever I am. The sunlight touching my skin feels welcoming. Am I dreaming right n¨C! ¡°W-Wh-What the hellll!¡±. I come to my senses as I¡¯m standing on the open window ledge on the second floor of the school building. Luckily I¡¯m on the side of school with no classes around to hear me. How did I get here what is going on? What was I about to do?? ¡°Haaaahaaaa, I don¡¯t even remember how I got here..this isn¡¯t me¡±. I catch my breath as I fall back on the floor. Am I being drugged or something why does this keep happeng? I look around and realizing I¡¯m back to reality at school, the box of books on its¡¯ side like I dropped them. I just need to return these books and get to class already¡­ I make my way to the student council¡¯s room.¡°Coming innn¡±. I slide open the door to the student council room. ¡°Ah Hiragi-san thanks so much for grabbing those! Did you find the science room alright?¡± The President looks up from the desk and greets me. ¡°A-Ah yeah no problem at all¡­well I need to get to class so¨C¡± ¡°One second please!¡± I bite my lip in frustration from being held up. ¡°About Kurihara-san, I heard her cousin moved back to town and is now a student here. Now you will have competition haha!¡± Shirou laughs while standing up from the desk. ¡°What are you talking about she¡¯s just a friend, that¡¯s good for her¡±. Back in the science room I swear I remember seeing Kurihara-san and some guy together, was it all my imagination? If not then it was probably just her cousin I guess? ¡°Of course don¡¯t worry about it as it was just a parting joke.Well thanks so much for the books. Just tell Sensei you were helping me out okay?¡± He waves goodbye as I leave the room, he seems in good spirits. I wonder if he was always like this? Someone as loathing as me will never understand. ---- ---- ¡°I¡¯m homeee, and hungryyy¡±. Getting back home from school is easily my favorite part of the day. The invitation of not being in that confined structure while being force-fed useless knowledge is always good. ¡°Oh Yuta welcome home, I have leftovers in the fridge¡±. Mom is reading over some paperwork at the kitchen table. By the looks of it I never want to be an adult, I need to find the fountain of youth as soon as possible!Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Ehhh better not be that takoyaki from two nights ago¡±. I¡¯m digging through the fridge when I remembered the weird events from today. ¡°Mom, have I ever acted strange to you? Like not being myself or something¡­idk¡±. ¡°Huh? What are you talking about, nothing that I¡¯ve noticed. Why are you being picked on at school?!¡± ¡°No! It was just a thought..Well actually I don¡¯t remember much of my time in Osaka before we moved here. Like my whole childhood is a blur or something..¡± Her facial expression changes into a mild surprising look. ¡°That¡¯s normal Yuta, we usually don¡¯t remember our childhoods very well. You had a very good childhood with many friends don¡¯t worry too much¡±. ¡°Well even if so, I don¡¯t remember them which is kind of strange. You can¡¯t just forget friends like that y¡¯know?¡± ¡°Well anyway I¡¯m sure you will remember one day it happens to all of us! Oh! I won¡¯t be home much tomorrow I have a long day at work so just warm up some leftovers when you get home¡±. Why is she changing the subject so fast? It was just a logical question, this is why I lock myself in my room¡­ ¡°Okay¡­well I¡¯m going upstairs just call me for dinner¡±. The more I think about what my life was before I moved here the weirder things get. It¡¯s like it¡¯s some locked stage in a video game. I walk upstairs looking forward to the best nap of my life. ---- ---- ¡°Vrroom Vrooom¡± Cars drive past me as I¡¯m making the trekto the park. Kasuno all of a sudden called me asking to meet up here. I hope this isn¡¯t one of his prank ideas acting like my date or something. Another dreary day huh? There¡¯s been a lot of these lately, the sun has been making rare appearances these past couple of weeks. I¡¯ve never entirely liked the sun anyway, once it¡¯s directly on you it just makes you overheated which then makes you spend money on sports drinks to hydrate. Plus when the sun is out everyone starts to act all cheery like ¡°Goodmorning wonderful day right!¡± which irritates me. I¡¯ve come to the conclusion it¡¯s all one big marketing scheme set in place by drink corporations. ¡°This idiot better have a good reason for calling me out here on whim¡­¡± I let out an exasperated sigh while checking my phone again. The small park near my house is right in between our houses so it¡¯s always been a secret meeting place ever since I moved here. Not that there are ever any mind-blowing secrets to be shared anyway. I get to the park and see Kasuno slouchingon one of the benches near the swings. He has a big winter jacket on even though it hasn¡¯t snowed in a while. He gazesup to me when he notices me walking towards him. ¡°Ah Yuta thanks for coming on such short notice¡±. He shifts his body towards me. ¡°Why the formality, it¡¯s not a far walk you know¡±. I advert my gaze to the sky watching the clouds flow by. ¡°Haaaahhh¡±. I can see Kasuno¡¯s breath as he exhales loudly, it stays quiet for an eternity. ¡°It¡¯s no secret you like Kurihara-san you know, I know you try to hide it but its pretty obvious man¡±. ¡°Wh¨COkay maybe I do like her a little alright??¡± I know it¡¯s never been a huge secret but don¡¯t openly admit it like that! ¡°Yuta, yesterday I saw you acting strange in the science room at school. I was going to keep it to myself but I just felt like I should share this with you anyway. Trust me I know it can be frustrating wh¨C¡± ¡°What do you mean seeing me act strange? I was just gathering books for the President, I mean my eyes were probably just watering from the dust¡±. Kasuno squints his eyes at me like he¡¯s trying to read me or something, what¡¯s his problem? ¡°So you really don¡¯t remember huh¡­ Well, you were yelling things at the window and mumbling some weird things. You weren¡¯t yourself at all, do you really not remember this? I¡¯m only asking you because as best friends we should understand each other y¡¯know? I¡¯ve never seen you act like that so that¡¯s why¡±. ¡°Huhh?? Yelling things at the window? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re going on about at all¡±. He stands up and puts his hands on my shoulders, this isn¡¯t like him at all either¡­ ¡°Look man, if anything is troubling you or you need someone to talk to I¡¯m here okay? That¡¯s all I¡¯m saying, I¡¯m not going to turn into some therapist though I can only do so much¡±. ¡°Sure¡­not sure what you¡¯re getting at but whatever I suppose I¡¯ll come to you if I need anything alright?¡± He puts his usual smile on his face just like normal, what a weird guy. ¡°Glad to hear! Now let¡¯s go get something to eat, you¡¯re buying!¡± ¡°What?! You called me out here this should be your treat idiot!¡± He wags his finger in my face like I¡¯m some child. ¡°This is your first payment to your new kind-of-therapist¡±. I can¡¯t believe him, making me come out here just to get some food out of me. It¡¯s weird how he even cares enough to tell me all of that. What is he even talking about anyway¡­I mean he confirmed that I do like Kurihara-san though. Maybe Monday at school I can get her alone to tell her this? Ahhhh this is too nerve wracking for me. I need summer break as soon as possible¡­ Chapter 9 - New Adversary The cliff I¡¯m standing on the edge of seems like it goes down for eternity, why am I so intrigued by its¡¯ beauty? I can¡¯t seem to move, my feet are sucked into the ground like quicksand. Tap, tap, tap, tap Someone is walking up from behind me, I swivel my head to see the mysterious source¡ª! ¡°Ta¨Cki??¡± These words escape my mouth quietly as a familiar face is standing right there. I can feel my eyes wide as the Sun with my mouth agape. He doesn¡¯t say a word, his white shirt is stained with blood and his eyes are covered my shadows. ¡°O-Oi Taki what is this place?¡­What happened to you..¡± I try again to plea with my desperate attempts but to no avail. He lifts up his arm and points right at me. What¡¯s going on here this isn¡¯t a familiar placeat all¡­ ¡°Haah haaah haah¡±. I can hear my breathing in this eternity of silence. Finally Taki lifts his head a little and speaks to me: ¡°Did you hate me this much..because of you¡­because of you I¡¯m like this YUTA!!¡± I then see his lifeless bloodshot eyes as they dig right into me with a burning hatred. ¡°No..no you have it all wrong Taki what are you talking about?¡± I turn around to see the cliff crumbling under my feet, unable to avoid the collapsing ground I fall as I¡¯m engulfed by the thick darkness. ¡°AHHHHH!¡± Beepbeepbeepbeep My alarm goes off as I wake up sitting in my bed, I quickly check myself and the surroundings. ¡°What the hell? Was that all a dream, o-of course it was a dream. Hahaha even my palms are all sweaty¡±. Memories of the Taki incident flood back into me, I clench my fists and tightly shut my eyes hoping for all of it to vanish. ¡°It¡¯s okay Yuta, today is a special day remember?¡± Today is Monday, the day I tell Kurihara-san how I feel about her. What a start to the day this is¡­ ---- ---- I take my usual route walking to school, bag slung over my shoulder like a shoujo manga protagonist should. It¡¯s surprisingly warm today with the sun beating down on me, I have to loosen my tie a little to cool down. Just a little more until the school gate where the inviting cool air welcomes me. Murmurmurmurr Ugh sometimes with everyone talking at this school I can¡¯t even focus on my own thoughts, which are said to be the most dangerous to humans. Getting lost in my own thoughts are a relaxing time for me though, it¡¯s time away from the busy every day bustle of the world. ¡°My life is overrr, I¡¯ll never get accepted into university with these scores!¡±. Hmm? I look to the side by the lockers and see a girl by herself holding a piece of paper with teary eyes. Looks like another bites the dust after all.. ¡°Umphh!¨C Hey watch where you¡¯re going!¡± Someone accidentally bumps into her. ¡°Fwooshh¡±. The piece of paper she was holding slips out of her hands and slides to my feet. She stands there in shock frozen in time. I bend down and pick of the piece of paper and¡ªshe wasn¡¯t lying these scores are bad! ¡°U-U-Uhmm can you please g-give that back to me¡ªand don¡¯t look!!¡±. She hurriedly snatches it out my hands, what¡¯s her problem not my fault she isn¡¯t good at academics. ¡°Ah sorry I might have accidentally seen some of the things on the¡ª¡± She gets within a couple of inches of me as quick as lighting with tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°No no no please tell me you¡¯re lying! I think I might die now¡­¡± Her shoulders slump down. ¡°Hmm judging by your slippersyou¡¯re a first year right? I wouldn¡¯t sweat entrance exams yet don¡¯t worry¡±.Did I really just give comforting advice? Well I did feel a little bad for peeking at the sheet¡­ ¡°Indeed I am a first year and judging by yours you¡¯re a second year it would seem!¡± Well that¡¯s good she seems to have calmed down by now, this has already been too much of a hassle I¡¯m going to go find Kurihara-san now.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°You¡¯re right I am a second-year, well on that note I¡¯ll be going now, good luck¡±. I turn to leave before she stops me. ¡°Wa-Waitt a second, I don¡¯t know any senpai¡¯s very well yet so do you mind giving me your name, you know since you already know my scores¡­¡± Why does she look angry again?! Is that right¡­I¡¯m Yuta Hiragi nice to meet you¡±. ¡°Nice to meet you Hiragi-kun I¡¯m Aoi Tamaki!¡±. She bows slightly to me, is this a kouhai thing? Well whatever I guess I don¡¯t mind it. ¡°Now that we are acquaintances you can¡¯t share my scores with anyone, pleasseeee!¡±. She looks at me desperately again, not that I have anyone to share them with anyway¡­ ¡°It¡¯s fine, I don¡¯t have the drive or energy to go around flaunting scores of that caliber¡±. ¡°Wheww, that¡¯s good to hear¡ªwa-wait scores of that caliber??¡± ¡°Ahh I¡¯m just kidding they weren¡¯t that bad okay? I have to go take care of something, good luck with those scores¡±. I turn around and give her a slight wave like a senpai should.This is why I don¡¯t try to openly interact with girls¡­or anyone for that matter it¡¯s way too tiring. ---- ---- My heart is racing thinking about confessing my feelings to Kurihara-san today. Is it too soon, wait does she even like me?! These thoughts float heavily in my mind as I''m subconsciously walking through the busy halls. If she says something like "Ooh you see, well I''m married."---of course she wouldn''t say something like that idiot! The only thing I can do is hope for the best, luckily for me my head feels fine today so no crazy cliche distractions--- There she is! I see Kurihara-san by the one of the vending machines alone, perfect time Yuta! "Hey Kurihara-san, you ready for the quiz today? hahah". God that was a lame opening... "Oh Hiragi-kun! Ehmm not really but I never truly feel ready for those things to be honest." She looks up and smiles at me. "Yeah I know what you mean...say Kurihara-san y''know, how should I put this? Well I--" "Miya-chan there you are! I need help finding the gym, it''s only my second day!" A boy walks up to Kurihara-san totally disregarding me. Miya-chan?? Who the hell is this guy and why is he so formal with her?! I squint my eyes scanning the intruder with distaste. "Huh? Oh sorry were you two talking? Sorryyy man!" He put his hands behind his head and coolly laughs. I think I remember the President saying Kurihara-san''s cousin just moved to this school, this must be him. Heh, competition my ass he''s family! "Sorry Hiragi-kun I didn''t introduce you, this is Kenji-kun! He''s my cousin, well actually not really he''s just more of a really close childhood friend if I had to say".---- Huhhh?! He''s not family then?? Shit this isn''t good it seems they''re both really close with each other. So this is the "cousin" that the useless President talked about. I need to find out what they think of each other before I make my final move... "Nice to meet you Hiragi-kun, Miya-chan actually talks about you a lot it would seem!" "Stoppp no I don''t! It''s okay you can disregard him Hiragi-kun!" She blushes a little while waving her hands around. Scoreee, that''s one mark for me..unless that bastard was just bluffing! "Oh that''s right, weren''t you trying to tell me something Hiragi-kun?" She finally calms down. "Ahh that yeah don''t worry about it, it was just some question about the homework I''ll just ask Kasuno!" My plan is ruined right now but I''ll find another time to strike! "Is that so, well alright then. I''m going to show Kenji-kun the gym since he''s still new here so I''ll see you later maybe!" She and Kenji walk past me but not before Kenji puts his hand on my shoulder and whispers "Hope I didn''t ruin anything." with a sly smile on his face. Was he just provoking me that bastard?! I turn and watch them leave with irritation, this is not how this was supposed to go at all. A new adversary really? I don''t need some antagonist in my life... ---- ---- "Fwoop". I fall slide down the wall and sit on the side of the building during lunch time. I have a cold coffee in my hand from the vending machine just re-thinking the moments from earlier today. I squeeze the carton in my hand when I imagine Kenji''s smirk parting remark. "Hhmm what am I gonna do now? My plan was ruined by that guy, great now I need a new plan of action." I keep sipping on the coffee while trying to formulate a new plan. "You''re not talking very low you know." --"Fwuhahh!" I spit out a mouthful of coffee in surprise at the voice. Aoi Tamaki, the girl whose grades I saw is standing to my side with a bag. "Hey Hi..ragi-kun right? I was bringing the gym equipment back to the storage room and I heard some weirdo talking around the corner. "Oh that''s how you great someone you just met huh? It was nothing I was just reciting a poem out loud I heard in class alright?" I avert my gaze to the side in annoyance. She stands there with arms crossed not buying one word I said. Dammit I need to stop talking to myself! "Well that''s some bitter poem then, it''s okay I won''t pry don''t worry! This will be a secret since you didn''t tell anyone about my scores...right?!" "No I didn''t tell anyone alright!" She always quickly changes to a dark mood on a whim, what''s with her? "But!!" She quickly says. "But?" I fire back at her. "But it seems like it''s a love issue, and I know how those can hurt. So if you need any help in executing your mission I ca---" "Nope, don''t need your help but thanks anway". Kasuno is enough for advice but not some random girl I just met. "Way to shoot me down so quickly! Welp not my problem, good luck with whatever you keep struggling with. I have to go back to gym class now, bye bye!" She waves at me before leaving. Wait a second...gym class? "W-wait a second". I quickly say, she turns around with a mischievous grin knowing this was coming somehow. "You said gym class right? Okay if you''re so bent on helping me there''s this new guy, his name is Kenji I think. Try to see why he came here and ask him who he likes y''know cliche stuff like that. Can you do that?" "Hoohhh, so you are in love distress? Well...sure I can do that! Tomorrow morning by the shoe lockers I''ll give you the intel alright?" She actually looks excited, what a weird girl... "Sure that''s fine, don''t be too obvious though. C''ya later then". She waves and goes back to class while I slump on the ground wondering why I just hired an underclassman spy. Chapter 10 - Past Memories What a long day today, it seemed like it drudged on forever. Now that I have someone to look into Kenji for me I feel a bit better about my chances. There¡¯s no way that bastard just sees Kurihara-san as a childhood friend I¡¯m sure of it. ¡°Pit pit pat pit¡±. It starts to rain right as I walk inside from the walk home, I take off my shoes by the door and walk towards the stairs. ¡°Ah Yuta is that you? Welcome home¡±. I hear my Dad¡¯s voice from the kitchen, why is he home at this time? ¡°You¡¯re home already? Usually it¡¯s late at night what happened?¡± I ask re-directing myself to the kitchen. ¡°The pharmacy gave me the evening off so I can sort out some new paperwork for a innovative drug we are getting soon, why want to know more?¡± ¡°Hehh, no thanks my brain is already fried enough for one day. Besides you already gave me the rundown on the medicine I have now.¡± He takes his glasses off as he looks at me.¡± By the way how is that working for your migraines?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine I think¡­lately I¡¯ve been getting them more often and worse as well. Just the other day I ran out of pills when I wanted to take one at school¡±. Dad shifts in his char to face me better.¡±What do you mean more often and worse? Why didn¡¯t you let me know? This could be really serious you know.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal it was just one time I ran out. Luckily we have more at home so I took it right after school.¡± What¡¯s the big deal all of a sudden? I only talk to him for a bit each day he can be more understanding y¡¯know? He starts tapping his fingers on the kitchen table while looking lost in thought. He finally sighs and puts his glasses back on. ¡°Yuta, you don¡¯t know why we moved from Osaka do you?¡± He asks. ¡°No, you and Mom kept saying it was just a change of scenery, blah blah blah.¡± ¡°Well we weren¡¯t lying, but¡­there was another big reason we moved. You keep saying you don¡¯t remember your friends very well so you¡¯re almost 17, I think it¡¯s about time I tell you.¡± What the hell is he talking about, another big reason we moved and why I don¡¯t remember Osaka very well? ¡°A-Alright what is it?¡± I nervously ask as I sit down in a chair. ¡°There was no reason to tell you this when you were younger but, part of the reason was you, Yuta.¡± ¡°Me? I was only 9 when we moved here what could be so bad? Was I being bullied or something?¡± ¡°You have always had complaints about bad headaches but for a while we ignored it. We thought you were just trying to skip school, but then something happened.¡± I feel my heart start to race a bit, what¡¯s going on? ¡°The Summer before you turned 9¡­we found you¡­we found you in the woods behind the house torturing our neighbor¡¯s two cats. It was like nothing we¡¯ve ever seen and it wasn¡¯t like you at all. We knew something was wrong when you kept mumbling words that didn¡¯t make any sense¡±. He looks up at me from behind is glasses. ¡°I..Uh..I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about that¡¯s not me at all!¡±. What is this nonsense he is spouting? Torturing animals?? ¡°It¡¯s natural for you not to remember, after that we had to move away. As a pharmacist and close ties to some specialists I had you undergo treatment to help you. We knew that was not the real Yuta, after that you were complaining about migraines constantly so it had to do with those. The treatment was a long process¡­that had some drawbacks of memory loss but helped you non the less¡ª!¡± ¡°Slam!¡± I put down my fist on the kitchen table, I¡¯m not going to just accept this wild story. ¡°So I¡¯m to believe I¡¯m some psychopath and I had some magical experiments done on me to cure me? That¡¯s some bullshit! We have a cat right now, what about Ikki?!¡± I feel my face getting hot from anger. ¡°We got Ikki right when we moved here, after the incident we wanted to see how you reacted to having a pet in the house. After a year or two we realized the treatment really did work, it was a massive relief to have our son back.¡± ¡°What? You got Ikki as some sick sacrifice for me?¡± Dad put his arms up to try to calm me down, ¡°Look I know this is a lot at once, we couldn¡¯t keep it a secret forever. Please understand it was for your own good and the person you are would never actually do that. We found it to be something wrong wi¡ªThe tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Don¡¯t care, thanks for the great story Dad. I¡¯ll be up in my room if you need me for anything.¡± ¡°Wait Yuta..¡± I bolt up the stairs before I have time to listen to the rest. I hear my Dad cursing at himself downstairs while I lay looking at my ceiling. ¡°It was just some made up story to get me to keep taking my meds I¡¯m sure. Hahh, I don¡¯t even need those anymore¡±. I throw the bottle of pills across the room into the wall. I just need to get some sleep right now and worry about the problem at hand, Kurihara-san. ---- ---- The next day at school I¡¯m thinking over what Dad told me last night, it doesn¡¯t make any sense. How can I just forget these parts of my life and things I would never do to begin with! ¡°You aright? You seem out of it.¡± Kasuno looks to his side at me with both his palms resting under this chin. ¡°Mmm I¡¯m alright, the one that looks out of it is you. Why are you sulking all of a sudden?¡± He sighs deeply and I immediately regret asking him. ¡°My parents gave me this whole rundown last night on picking a career choice. After I told them that I wanted to be psychologist they blew up on me insisting I pick a more needed career in society. Why does it bother them so much that I don¡¯t want to rot in an office as a salaryman for the rest of my life!¡± I didn¡¯t even know Kasuno thought that far ahead, I¡¯m impressed. ¡°Oh a psychologist huh? I¡¯ll tests you on that, what kind of person am I?¡± I start enjoying my little scheme. ¡°What kind of person? That doesn¡¯t make any sense¨C¡± ¡°Just do it alright!¡± Trying to convince him. ¡°..Fine, mhmm I seee, very nice.¡± He starts intently staring at me trying to read my soul or something. ¡°What is this some Jedi mind trick? Do you even know what a psychologist does? If not then it¡¯s not too late to switch¡±. ¡°Ugh I have no clue, all I know is I want to help people in some way. What about you?¡± ¡°Me? I have no interests in helping people, I don¡¯t have a career choice in mind I like to go with the flow most of the time¡±. This is true, picking a career choice is too nerve-wracking and stressful. My perfect career path would be minding my own business and as long as I have enough money to buy any snacks I want. ¡°Yeah that sounds about right, I assumed you didn¡¯t have anything in mind¨Coh yeah! Did you hear about the new transfer student? He¡¯s Kurihara-san¡¯s cousin so he¡¯ll be all over her I¡¯m sure!¡±. My brow furrows in frustration. ¡°Yeah I¡¯ve heard of him..his name¡¯s Kenji and he¡¯s a childhood friend not a cousin. I swear if he wasn¡¯t around this would be a golden opportunity¡±. Kasuno looks surprised. ¡°A childhood friend huh¡­those never end up well usually one of them has feelings about the other¡­or both of them¡ª¡± I quickly squeeze his lips shut with my hands, he then quiets quickly. I need to get back with Tamaki-san to see what she found out about Kenji. ---- ---- ¡°Ding dongg¡±. The school day ends and I walk out the class towards the lockers to meet with my spy. Kasuno had to go home right after so now I have no one to suspect anything. My head has been throbbing today, an ongoing occurrence recently. After the debacle with my Dad last night I decided not to take the meds anymore, not until I truly find out the truth. I walk up towards the busy lockers and see Tamaki-san leaning against hers, when she notices me she gives me a wave and approaches. ¡°Reporting for duty Captain Hiragi!¡± She gives me as soldier¡¯s salute. ¡°Please stop that you¡¯ll make us look suspicious like master and slave or something dark like that. Anyway¡­¡± I lean in closer so no one can hear me. ¡°Did you find out anything about Kenji?¡± She gives me a grin. ¡°Oh you bet, I found out some interesting things, he¡¯s actually quite the talker¡±. It¡¯s after school hours and almost everyone has left the area going home or club activities for the day so we can talk more openly now. ¡°So it seems he moved here from another highschool in the city over, something about his Dad¡¯s work. He was an ace on the soccer team there, so you know he gets a lot of attention, but that¡¯s not all¡­¡± She clears her throat before continuing. ¡± He did say him and Kurihara-san were childhood friends and that he¡¯s always been there for her. He didn¡¯t outright say that he likes her but the way he was talking it¡¯s a good possibility¡±. That bastard I knew there was something up¨C ¡°Shit..¡± I put a hand to my head and lean against the lockers. ¡°Hey you okay Hiragi-kun you don¡¯t look to good?¡± She asks me worriedly, I wave her signaling I¡¯m fine. ¡°S-So now that I know what his probable intentions are I have to think of a way to counter them¡±. ¡°Counter him what for? Ooh don¡¯t tell me you like Kurihara-san, I don¡¯t really know her myself but she is a good looking girl!¡± I eye her telling her to talk no further. ¡°Look thanks for your help, I have no money or anything for you though¡±. She starts laughing. ¡°Haha money? Don¡¯t worry about it, I like doing little favors like this. Besides it¡¯s fun anyway, if you need anymore reconnaissance missions I¡¯ll be there!¡± She gives me a salute again. ¡°Sigh, fine whatever. I¡¯m going home now¡±. I turn to leave the building. ¡°Sure but one more thing, how do I put this¡­you know that boy that died here not too long ago? They still haven¡¯t found out who did it, but right before the incident happened I was walking late to class and I saw you and him talking by the stairs. Did you maybe see¡­anything like an intruder around?¡± I completely stop in my tracks, my blood is starting to freeze. So she is the one that saw Taki and I talking in the halls, that¡¯s what the teacher said at least. ¡°¡­What were we talking about I can¡¯t remember very well myself..¡± I reply in a low voice. ¡°Well it looked like a small bicker but I only passed by for a couple of seconds so I¡¯m not sure. I just wish they would catch the person responsible, I-I mean it¡¯s good you didn¡¯t get hurt at least..¡± I can hear her heavy words behind me without turning around. I¡¯m wondering myself what happened back there as well it still doesn¡¯t make sense! ¡°Well that¡¯s what I want to know too...well I¡¯m heading home, later¡±. I continue walking again with her words ringing in my ears. Chapter 11 - First Chance Tamaki-san''s words are still ringing in my ears about that fateful day. Even though I can''t remember anything I still get goosebumps thinking back on it like some never-ending sickness. I sit at my desk staring at my exam notes but I''m not able to study. I haven''t taken my medicine in a while and the pills are still on the ground in the same spot where I threw them. "God I''m such a mess". I sigh lean back in my chair blankly staring at the ceiling in my small room. I have enough to worry about like my Dad''s talk, my headaches, and dealing with Kenji. If only that bastard wouldn''t have shown up randomly I could be in Kurihara''s sights right about now. "Bang..". I point my finger gun at the wall and chuckle to myself at how stupid and desperate I''m sounding right now. I look back at my notes, looks like the usual Algebra equations, too bad I don''t pay attention--- "Red streamm...darkness..mineee" What the hell is that voice?? I look around my room but of course it''s just me in there. My head starts to throb uncontrollably as I clutch it. "Mine mine mine mine mii---Shut uppp!" I bang my hands on my desk and shout, the voices stop. Must be some sick side effect of not taking my pills. I control my shaking body and glance towards my pills but think otherwise convincing myself I don''t need them anymore. I just really need a brake from reality and slumber my life away. I slowly close my eyes and drift to sleep in my chair trying to fight off the headache... ---- ---- Sweat rolls down my cheek while walking to school on this unusually humid day. The school makes us wear these long sleeve jackets and pants just to uphold this "image" they want the community to see even though no one cares honestly. I''m lost in thought when I think I hear my name being called. "Hey Yuga over here!" I squint and see Kenji waving me over to him standing by a lamp post. I disdainfully walk over to him. "The name is Yuta actually and what do you want?". "Woah I get it calm down, well I just wanted to chat with a friend of Miya-chan that''s all." He innocently shrugs trying to get all friendly with me. He really does fit the typical manga rival and it pisses me off. "What did you come to this school just to get all cozy and close to Kurihara-san? She may see you as a friend but I see right through you. I''ll be clear, I don''t like you Kenji-kun so don''t try to butter me up trying to get a 1-up on me." I narrow my eyes at him saying steer clear. "Hahaha! So that''s how it is!" He laughs to himself then lowers his voice. "Listen.. I''m going to have to ask you to stop talking to Miya-chan. She''s been around me for as long as I can remember and I know she has no interest in some quiet freak like you." You drops the nice-guy finally. I knew it, guys like him always seem calm and cool on the outside but always have backhanded intentions. I feel my fists clenched and shaking. "Alrighttt there is already enough testosterone in the air to kill someone chill guys!" Kasuno walks up to us to to destabilize the situation. "I didn''t start anything it was your friend who fired first y''know. Whatever I don''t want to be late on my third day of school, cya around Yuga". Kenji throws one last verbal punch before calmly turning around to walk towards to school.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Kasuno turns to look at me. "Hey you alright Yuta? Have you been sleeping well you don''t look good and it''s not like you to get in fights like that". "Tch, I''m fine". I abruptly turn around to walk to school. I look in a shop window and see my dark eye shadows in the reflection. All this Kenji and Kurihara stuff is just stressing me out. ---- ---- That bastard thinks he can run circles around me because he''s a little bit more familiar with Kurihara-san? My blood is boiling thinking about his face in my mind, I clench my fists. "Hey hey have you seen the new transfer student Kenji-kun? Doesn''t he look really reliable and cool?" I hear some girls talking a couple of desks down during the lunch break. What a joke, if only they knew how he really was... "Ah Kurihara-san are you going to get drinks?" A girl asks, I look in their direction. "Mhmm I''m just grabbing a juice from the vending machine I''ll be right back." I see Kurihara-san walk out the class. Wait..now''s my chance! It''s my time to gain an upper hand on Kenji! I get out my chair and walk out of the class trying to catch up to Kurihara-san. "Clunk". A juice falls out of the vending machine. "Hey..Kurihara-san getting a drink too?" I try to cooley walk up to her with my hands in my pockets. "Oh hey Hiragi-kun what are you getting? I recommend either the orange juice or the chilled coffee in this machine". She really looks into her drink beverage research huh. "Ehh I''ll just get a coffee I guess...say, what are you doing tomorrow? It''s the weekend and all and just wanted to know if you wanted to do something together....". I let my words get quiet and trail off at the end. I''m not even going to beat around the bush anymore. Since Kenji has appeared I have to make my move now! "Like hanging out? Where would you like to go I don''t really have any fun places in mind..". She shyly looks down at the ground. "R-Really!--I mean we could go to the mall or something if that''s okay with you!". I excitedly respond back like an over-eager idiot. She smiles at me and nods. "Sure the mall sounds great, I''ll text you a good time. Well we should head back to class the break is almost done". She walks on ahead to class as I jump for glee behind her back. You have finally done it Yuta a real date with the girl you like! "Dingg dinggg". The break bell rings loudly as I jog back to class in time. ---- ---- I finally did it! I''m on my way to see Kurihara-san! I''m supposed to meet her in 15 minutes at the bridge but I want to get there early just in case. If all goes well today something amazing could blossom. I look up to the sky lost in thought--- "Al-Alll mine...in..my way". What the hell? I hear the voices again, I haven''t taken my pills in a week now which is easily the longest gap in my life. "Shut up shut up shut up shitttt!" I lean against a wall with my hands over my head. "Mommy what''s wrong with that boy?" "He''s just crazy now come on let''s get out of here." I hear a lady and her kid talking nearby. They must think I''m some maniac and with good reason. This isn''t like me at all to act like this if only these voices would stop!! Keep it together Yuta today is supposed to be a happy day. That''s right I need to go meet up with Kurihara-san now. I shake off the pain and continue making my way to the bridge. Luckily this street isn''t too populated a part from the two by-passers. I finally make it to the meeting place after taking couple of minutes to recover. Kurihara-san is already waiting with a light-pink sundress on. I''m mesmerized by the site with my mouth agape. "Oh Hiragi-kun there you are." She notices me and smiles. "I-I''m sorry if I made you wait!". I close my eyes waiting for backlash, but it never comes. "No no please I just got here don''t worry about it..are you ready to go?". She lightly blushes. I nod and we both walk towards the mall which happens to be the only big attraction in the area. If only I wasn''t a broke student we could travel to somewhere more exciting... Chapter 12 - Change of Pace The air is quiet around Kurihara-san and I as we silently make our way to Sapporo Factory, a huge shopping mall nearby. I feel my hear beating out of my chest while thinking of some way to spark a conversation, c''mon anything! I look over to Kurihara-san who glances at me and smiles. I smile back, my heart is actually about to burst out of my chest! I''m forgetting all about the voices and my head pains when I''m with her. The longer I can stay with her the better for my health I feel... "Say Kurihara-san has Kenji always been there for you?" I cautiously ask while bracing myself. "Oh Kenji-kun huh? Hmm.. we have been friends since I can remember and he was always top of his sport teams as well. I would say he is an important person to me, why do you ask?". She turns and looks at me. "Ehh is that so..I don''t like him even though I just met him. You know he can be condescending right?". I try my best to bring me up while bringing *him* down. She looks confused and then looks forward again. "Ah so you met that part of him... you know I''ve always known Kenji-kun has liked me but I''ve never said anything to him because I was afraid of losing a dear friend. He does have his ugly sides but don''t we all?" I stare at the side of her face pondering what said. "I don''t think it''s possible for you to have an ugly side Kurihara-san---I-I mean you''re such a nice person to everyone and the whole school likes you. I could see how people don''t like me much since I just don''t like people in general..but you''re different...". I let my words trail off. Her mouth arcs down a little, "I wouldn''t put so much faith in me Hiragi-kun, I''m thankful you think of me like that though". She puts on a slight smile again. "N-No problem at all! Ah here is Sapporo Factory!" The complex with multiple levels and endless shops towers before us. "Wow, I haven''t been here in years it''s changed so much. Thanks for inviting me today Hiragi-kun!" She turns to me and smiles, I almost fall down from the impact. -- -- "Ahhh so many people here today!". She stares wide-eyed like a kid who just bought their first manga. "Yeah sure does seem packed, well it is a Saturday so it makes sense. Where do you want to go first?". I ask while looking around at all the possibilities. Today is the perfect chance to see what Kurihara-san likes, I have no idea on what girls are into so it''s perfect for reconnaissance. "Hiragi-kun are you okay? Why are you giggling to yourself?". "E-Ehh oh I was just thinking of all the good mall food here. Are you hungry how about ramen??". I quickly and clumsily change the subject because I''m sure I looked like a maniac. We decide to head to a nearby ramen shop inside the mall while stopping along a few stores on the way. I''ve always heard shopping with girls was stressful and tiring but for some reason I''m flowing with energy. This is for sure a good break from all the stress going on lately.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Well ready to go eat I''m starving now!". I rub my stomach thinking about the wonderful bowl of goodness that awaits me. "Sure let''s go I don''t want to wear you out with all my shopping, I mean you invited me here today." "No no it''s no problem..."--someone catches my eye about 50 meters away. Was..that Detective Kizata, the guy who brought me in for questioning not too long ago? I''m getting goosebumps now that I think back on it. "What''s wrong Hiragi-kun?" She looks at me with a puzzled look. "Yeah over there I just thought---" No one is there now. Am I really losing my mind for real? Did I imagine him standing there because I''m somehow paranoid? What the hell I''m innocent does he really think I''m responsible for what happened to Taki?! "..ragi-kun? Hiragiii-kun are you okay?" I come back to my senses and Kurihara-san is worriedly looking at me. "Ah I''m sorry I just thought I saw someone I knew, but it must have been my imagination sorry!" I bow slightly and she quickly waves her hands saying it''s okay. Now is not the time for me to act all haywire Yuta! I want to die right now acting like a fool in front of the girl I like in possibly the only date-like setting! Just stay calm... I take some mental deep breaths to ease my mind right now. Let''s just focus on eating ramen right now that''s why we are doing, not going insane. "Alright let''s go eat now!". I force a smile but she doesn''t seem to notice as we head to the nearby ramen shop. --- --- "Mmmahh! That ramen really hit the spot after a busy day". I stretch my arms to the ceiling with a content sigh. "It really did this place was actually really good." Kurihara-san responds to me and smiles. Ahh this a nice feeling, being at a peace with not a care in the world. I guess that''s how she makes me feel. I wonder what she thinks though... Well I guess all good things must come to an end. I really hope we can do something like this again soon. My head has been feeling a lot better ever since I''ve been with her. "Is there any other place you want to go to? I mean we could stop for desert or watch the water by the bridge---I mean I didn''t mean as a date or anything but since we are already out here y''know? hahaha". After I attempt to wring more time out with her she looks like she''s thinking. Oh god is this a bad sign that she''s hesitating?! "Actually that sounds nice, I was trying to see how much time I had before I had to be home, but we can do something for a bit if you want". Yessss I win again! If only Kasuno was here to see my right now he would probably be slapping me on the back congratulating me for not being an anti-social anymore. Well at least trying to. "How about we go to Crepe Escape? It''s that new crepe shop that just opened up by the bridge so we will have a good view of the river as well". I confidently talk about my crepe and local cuisine knowledge, even though we just passed by it so that''s how I know it exists. We walk side-by-side like a couple, I would like to be one but I''m not sure how she would like it yet.. I need to find out! But first, I won''t spoil today and just enjoy some crepes by the water. We leave the mall and head for the crepe shop, it''s a bustling day with tons of people walking about probably because it''s Saturday. The weekends aren''t really anything special to me since I don''t do anything, just like the weekdays. -- -- "I had a lot of fun today thank you for inviting me!" Kurihara-san bows to me which kind of throws me off guard. She really is too nice I can''t handle it... "No I should be thanking you for coming out of the blue, but I''m glad you had fun at least with someone like me". I nervously look towards the sky avoiding eye contact like some coward. I can''t ruin something this good by showing my weak side... "Well I have to go home now since my grandparents are coming into town, I''ll see you at school Hiragi-kun!" She bows slightly again before we part ways. This was a nice way to get my mind off of all of the things going on recently. If only I knew what was about to transpire. Chapter 13 - All Over Again Monday''s school day passed by normally as usual and the day came to an uneventful end... "Yu-Yuuuuta! Wake up!". Who the hell is yelling what time is it anyway? I feel like it''s too early for my alarm---ah yeah it''s too early I''m going back to bed. "Knock knock!" Someone bangs on my door. "Yuta come downstairs now!" My eyes spring open in surprise as my mom urges me up. "A-Alright I''m coming hold on!" I swing myself out of bed and groggily walk down the stairs. Both of my parents are staring at the TV next to stove and my Mom has her hands in her face like she''s about to cry. I walk up to the TV, it''s the local news--- "We are here live at the park nearby Ichigano High School where where don''t have a lot of information but it looks like some type of crime scene. The police have set up a barricade around the playground area so we aren''t abl---huh, okay okay, got it." The reporter stops to listen into his ear piece. "I-It seems we have just gotten some more information that the scene is a murder scene." My blood freezes, I''m frozen eyes wide staring at the TV. what..what is this.. "So we now have confirmation that this is indeed a murder scene. We aren''t able to get close enough due to the police barricade but it''s a frenzy down here trying to put all the pieces together. The only details we know for sure is it''s not a scene for the weak-hearted. When we get more information we wi---" "Click". I hurriedly turn off the TV not wanting to hear anymore. My fist are white because I''m clenching them so hard. A murder right next to school...I wonder if it was student---no don''t think like that! "Hey are you listening Yuta?!" My Mom is right in front of my trying to get my attention. "Th-This is serious! This is the second time someone has been killed in or around the school...I don''t want to think about what would happen if something would happen to you...". Her voice drops off as she starts to sniffle again. "Yeah...I''m not sure what''s happening but I''m sure the culprit will be caught soon..or I hope so." My voice silently drops off as well. How can I be so sure? The police have zero leads into the murder of Taki right? I mean besides that one time Detective Kizata brought me in for some questions but that was just because I knew him right?! My pulse starts to quicken and a cold sweat breaks out. I-I mean I just came straight home after school. I even remember walking with Kasuno up until I turned on my road I''m not insane or imagining things! "Haah". I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "Well I doubt you will have school today but just to be sure we should keep an eye on the news." My Dad inputs his part while comforting my Mom. "Yeah...you''re probably right. I''m going to go back to sleep...". I walk back up to the stairs with my legs feeling like they weighed 1,000 lbs. -- -- We got the next three days off and resumed classes on Friday. In those three days I heard there were police and officials all around the school trying to make sense of the situation.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I found out from Kasuno who heard a rumor that it was a girl in our grade, Sonozaki-san who was the victim. I didn''t really know her but I heard she was in the music club and played the violin. The culprit has not been caught, no one is named a person of suspicion, and no one saw anything that fateful evening after school. It''s almost like the murderer doesn''t exist. -- -- Friday. The aura around the room is a depressing and quiet, everyone is quiet with even the usual loud mouths keeping to themselves. I mean how could they not...someone they knew was just murdered. That makes two students in the last couple of weeks. "Krrrrk!". Someone scoots back in their chair and stands up. It''s the supposed "leader" of our class, Ichinose-san. She always has the can-do attitude so a lot of people gravitate to her to be friends and things like that. "Um Sensei!". She blurts out, everyone in the class freezes and stairs at her including Sensei. "Yes what is it Ichinose-san? Please make it quick we need to get back to the le---" "Are we not safe at school anymore?! T-This...has made it two people in our school who have been killed and no one is trying to find out who is doing it. School is supposed to be where we can go to feel safe to learn and be with your friends. Now...now...it''s the opposite like we are being hunted!!" My eyes widen as I look at Ichinose-san standing with tears flowing down her face. Sensei is frozen like he doesn''t know what to say or how to comfort her. "P-Please take a seat Ichinose-san this is not something to discuss during class time. The staff her is doing the best we can and is trying to make it a safer environment. As you all know we now have two cops stationed here at school until further notice. That is the end of the discussion." He turns back around to the board but looks a bit more pale now than before. Ichinose-san sits back down while looking down at her desk still sniffling. It''s not like she looks more sad than anyone else in the class though. -- -- After class I meet up with Kasuno by the vending machines outside. It''s quiet for what it seems like forever. I guess we really have nothing to say it was just natural to meet up. "How are you holding up?" Kasuno breaks the silence and turns his head towards me. "I mean I didn''t really know Sonozaki-san that well but it''s just a shock for it to happen again." I sit down at the bench and put my hands under my chin. "Well I didn''t mean her really...umm I just mean like you y''know? How are you doing with Kurihara-san?". He awkwardly shifts his gaze towards me. "I wouldn''t say there is anything between us we just went shopping because she needed a few things. If anything I was probably a bother so it is what it is, I think I have Kenji beat right now at least...". I didn''t sound very confident right there, beat to what anyway this isn''t a race especially with everything happening. Kasuno gives a slight nod then looks back forward. "Yeah I know what you mean, well that''s good I''m rooting for you out there, you deserve it." It threw me off guard when he said something nice so I didn''t know how to react. I can get used to this side of him, I knew I hung around him for something at least. "Hmm?" Kasuno looks to the side as someone walks up to the vending machine. Ichinose-san, the class rep, walks up to briskly to the machine and silently begins putting in coins. Her face looks kind of puffy like she''s been crying recently...well she has we all would know. "What?" She slants her eyes in our direction as she catches us staring. "You''ve never seen someone get a drink before?" "Kerchuck" The drink falls down and she grabs it. "Err no we weren''t staring sorry...". I apologize without realizing why. She is usually a cheerful person but it''s obvious why she''s acting like this, I heard she was friends with Sonozaki-san too.... "Hey Hiragi-kun you are close to Miya-chan right? With...all that''s been going on please keep her safe alright? I don''t want another friend getting...hurt...". I see her eyes well up as she begins sniffling. "Y-Yeah I''ll do my best..". I replied with the least amount of confidence possible. She nods slightly then hurries off back to class. Kasuno and I don''t even say anymore as we slowly walk ourselves back to class before the end of lunch.