4 Chapter 4: Clouds (1/2)
”Meet our other new member, Hiroisora-san. It's Takaiyama-san, from our class.” Nariyuki introduced me.
”Oh, Takaiyama-san. I didn't know you were in the club.” Hiroisora was a bit surprised.
”Yeah, I invited him to join this morning. He ignored me at first, but then accepted my request just this afternoon.” Nariyuki answered for me. Not that I can talk to Hiroisora and answer her myself…
”Really… So, why did you decide to join the club then?” It seems that Hiroisora was worried about something when she asked me that…
You're the reason. As if I can tell her that. What am I going to do?!
”Because he's gay.” That Ookawa! Just let that go already!
”Yup.” Nariyuki?! Why are you agreeing with her?!
”Ah. I see. Hehe.” Don't believe them Hiroisora!!
”I-I want t-to be an a-actor.” I had to save the little dignity I had left. So I lied.
”Wow! Really? Me too! I love acting.” Hiroisora was all smiles, as if she was happy to find someone interested in the same thing as she does. Now I feel guilty lying about this…
”So you do have a reason to join? But still, I kind of think it's still gay.” If it was not illegal to punch a girl, Ookawa might be in the hospital now. Just kidding, hahaha… Not.
”I didn't have to tell him that you just joined us today, Hiroisora-san. I was going to use it as a trump card, but in the end it's a good thing he has another reason to join. Hehehe.” What the hell is Nariyuki talking about? So she used Hiroisora too? I feel less depressed since I'm not the only one being used. Haha…
”Oh. Hehe. That's good then.” What does Hiroisora mean by 'that's good'? She seemed relieved.
”Ok. Well, that's all for the introductions. We're going to be busy this year. I'm glad we got our stars for the shows. Hahaha.” Nariyuki really seems happy about all this. I can't say I'm not happy too. I mean, I'm hitting two birds with one stone here. I get to practice talking with girls, and I got close to Hiroisora without even trying! Ha! The gods haven't yet forsaken me. Hahaha!
---
We had a meeting afterwards. It was more of a getting-to-know-each-other session. I hardly spoke. They were asking questions and all I could do was either to nod or shake my head or laugh. They were all nice people. I just wish I could talk to them…
It was starting to get dark when we finished. It's early May, so summer is just around the corner. It isn't as cold out here during this time.
I left earlier than everyone, since they wanted to talk a little bit more. I was already walking outside the school grounds, when someone called me.
”Takaiyama-san!”
”Huh?” When I turned back to see who it was, I saw Hiroisora running after me.I stopped walking and waited for her. ”Oh.” That was the only word I was able to say? Pathetic!
”Tha… thanks… for waiting…” She was catching her breath. I waited for her to completely catch her breath. ”Um, you see, mid-term exam is already near.” I totally forgot about that. Why did she have to remind me? Ugh. ”I wanted to borrow your notes again, if it's alright with you.”
”Su-sure.” I can't even look straight at her, but it's my chance to get closer to her. I still want to live in our house, so I have to do this!
”Really? Thank you so much!” She's smiling at me again. I wonder why she keeps on talking with me. I mean, she's already challenging my record for number of people turned down during confessions. All those guys will kill me if they saw me talking with her like this. Hmm… Maybe she… ”Well, I have to go. Thanks again. I'll borrow the notes tomorrow, then.” She started to go the other way, and then turned back again. ”Let's do our best in the Theatre club!” Then she finally ran off. Yeah, I'll have to do my best, even though I really don't want to do what I have to do…
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The next day, I might as well have prepared for my own funeral. Hiroisora was talking to me, borrowing my notes and doing some small talk, while I just nod at her. All the other guys were not looking normal. They all had death stares toward me. I am not getting out of this classroom alive.
”Thanks for the notes, Takaiyama-san. I'll be sure to return it as soon as possible so you can study properly as well.”
”O-ok.”
”Later, then.” She went back to her seat. I feel like a rabbit surrounded by hungry wolves. I know that once I leave my seat, I'm a goner.
---
That was strange. The day went by without anyone trying to stab me to death. Actually, nobody even approached me or looked at my way. As if I didn't exist. Maybe they didn't notice? I guess it is better this way? Hahaha…
There was a club meeting after class. I planned to skip it because, well, I'm really not into it. But I decided to come anyway. It would defeat the purpose of joining the club if I skipped everytime I don't feel like going. As I was going to our clubroom, someone called me from the shadows…
”Psst…”
”Hmm. Me?” I couldn't see who it was. It came from the stairway in front of me.
”Yes, yes. Come here, my child.” My child? What the hell is going on? I slowly approached, and then suddenly, someone yanked my uniform towards the stairways. This person was pushing me against the wall while holding my hand behind my back. In this position, no one can see us along the hallway.
”What's the meaning of this--”
”You sly bastard. I let live you live out of my benevolence, and this is how you repay me?” What is this guy talking about?! ”Let me ask you something. Do you know the story of Icarus?”
”The guy with wings made out of… candles?”
”Oh. So that was him. Haha. I wasn't paying attention in class.”
”Then why the hell did you ask me that?!” I think I know who this guy is.
”Don't they say what's important is the moral of the story?”
”And what's the moral of the story, then?”
”Humans can't fly?”
”Not even close.” I had enough of this. ”Let me go, Jirai.”