3 Chapter 3: Lake (1/2)
The next day, I woke up late. I couldn't sleep with all the things that are bothering me. First, that thing about courting Hiroisora; ok maybe that's the only thing that is bothering me. But still, it's still a pretty big thing. I mean, I lose our house if she doesn't become my girlfriend? What the hell! And apparently, Elizabeth-san 'threatened' my mom that if she tells our situation to the police, 'something' might happen to all of us. Oh yeah, and Elizabeth-san texted me (I don't know how she got my number) that I can't tell anyone of my 'mission'. Now I'm an undercover agent?
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Classes were about to start. The pressure I felt coming from my classmates' glares yesterday has died down a bit. Maybe they thought that I was just being nice to the new student. It's good if they will settle with that, since I have to be stealthy in my mission so that I can operate more efficiently. Now I'm talking like a real spy! Who am I kidding? If I approach her IN ANY WAY, all hell will break loose. Ah, I miss our house already.
While I was lost in thought and worries, someone suddenly approached me.
”Takaiyama-san.” Is this going to be another confession? ”Here.” It was my notes.
”Oh.” It was Hiroisora.
”Thanks for the notes. It really helped me understand the lesson.” As usual, she was smiling while talking.
”U-um, no p-problem.” There I am again. I think I really am nervous, talking to her.
She went back to her seat. Then suddenly, I felt like I was stabbed with thousands of needles. The piercing looks were back, even more fierce than yesterday. So much for flying under the radar.
”Hey, Takaiyama.” Someone grabbed my shoulder from behind, using a very, very tight grip. I can feel the killing intent. ”Can you explain to me why you were talking with Hiroisora-sama?”
”Jirai-kun.” I usually don't add '-kun' when talking to Jirai, but somehow it felt appropriate this time if I wanted to prolong my life.
”Yes? I'm waiting for a perfectly understandable reason in which you cannot avoid talking to her.” The grip is getting tighter. If I don't answer immediately, and with a good reason, I'm pretty sure he's going to crush my shoulder.
”She borrowed my notes yesterday. She then returned it today. That's all.” You know when they say that you tell the truth when your life is on the line? Well, it's true.
”Hahaha. Is that so? Well, that seems like a perfectly understandable reason.” He's still not letting go of my shoulder.
”Can you let go of my shoulder now?”
”Oh, was I holding it? Sorry bro; didn't mean to touch you. Hahaha.” Holding? Touching? You were crushing my shoulder!!
”Sure.”
”Man, I'm so jealous of you!” The killing intent has disappeared. I think. ”You got to talk to her. She is really quiet, especially around the guys. I wonder if she's the shy type. Don't worry my dear Hiroisora-sama, you can tell me your true feelings and I will reciprocate it. We will live happily ever after. Hehehe…” He's off to his own world again.
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The day went by without me making any progress; although, there were three girls who confessed to me. Hmm, it seems to be down from the usual numbers. Maybe those 'rumors' have finally started to affect my reputation? Well, whatever. It's a good thing, right?
The next day, I was early going to school. There are students inviting people to join their clubs. It seems this recruitment schedule was pushed back due to some complications with the student council and some clubs. Maybe I should join one? Like the soccer club? Or maybe the baseball club? Nah. I don't think I'll fit in those clubs.
”Takaiyama-san!” Someone was calling me. ”Takaiyama-san!!” It's a girl. Maybe a confession this early in the morning? ”Hey, Takaiyama-san! Please join our club!!” Huh?
I looked around to see where it was coming from. When I turned my back, she was already there. It was a classmate of mine. It was Nariyuki Kosui.
”U-um. Were you t-talking to m-me?” Why am I like this? I'm too nervous!
”Yes!! Hehe, by the way Takaiyama-san, I didn't know you were the shy type.” She noticed?!
”Haha…?” Even I don't understand why I'm like this… I thought it was only towards Hiroisora, since she's beautiful and all. Well, it's not like Nariyuki is not pretty or anything, but still…
”As I was saying, please join our club!” Oh, I forgot about that. ”The theatre club will be honored if you joined!” 'Theater club'?
”Uh, can I a-ask a question?” I can do this. ”Why m-me?”
”Do you want the honest answer or the answer you really don't want to hear about?” Do I really have a choice? I'm afraid of what I will hear if I chose the latter.
”Ho-honest answer, p-please.”
”Well, you see, if you join us, a lot of people will watch our performances, since you're really popular and all.” So basically, you're using me?
”And the a-answer I don't want t-to hear about?” I can't believe I asked that. But I guess it has to be better than the feeling of being used.
”It's the same.”
”Huh?” Ok, it's true I don't want to hear about being used.
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I just ignored Nariyuki afterwards and went to class. I have no time for such nonsense; I have a lot in my hands already. Now, I'm worried why I'm nervous when I'm talking to girls. I have no problem with it when I turn down confessions… Wait a minute. Come to think of it, when was the last time I had a conversation with a girl that does not involve confessions and turning them down? That's got to be it! Ah!!!! My situation turned to worse. How am I supposed to court Hiroisora if I can't even talk to her?!?!
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Inside the hallways, there was a commotion going on.
”Please, Hiroisora-san, go out with me!” A guy from the third years was bowing in front of Hiroisora. A lot of students were watching the scene, in anticipation of her response this time. This type of thing happens frequently, and everytime, she rejects them. This guy was from the soccer club, and he's the star player of the team, who is good-looking as well. Some were expecting the outcome to be different this time.
”I'm sorry.” And they were wrong.
Hiroisora continued to walk towards the classroom, when someone approached her in the hallway.
”Hiroisora-san! Good morning!”
”Ah. Good morning. You're in the same class as me, right? I'm sorry; I don't remember everyone's names yet.”
”Oh, it's ok. By the way, I have something to ask you.”
”What is it?” Hiroisora asked sincerely, with a smile.