4 Chapter 4: Clouds (2/2)
”How did you know it was me?!”
”Your voice? Oh, wait. No. Maybe the stupidity?”
”You're pushing your luck.” He pushed me harder against the wall. ”What was that this morning?” I knew it was too good to be true. So he did notice. ”You said you were not after Hiroisora! Why do you seem so close now? Ugh!! I'm so jealous now! You have defiled our goddess!!!”
”Shut up!” I broke loose of his hold. I turned to face him. ”What is this crap you're talking about? I already told you, I am not interested in Hiroi--” Before I could finish, I saw someone standing beside us. I turned to look who it was. It was Hiroisora. How long have she been standing there? I wonder if she heard what I said. This will get complicated if she did…
”What are you guys doing” She asked us while smiling. I guess she didn't hear me…
”Um… We, we were… just t-talking. Hehe…”
”Oh, ok. I'll go on ahead, then.” She walked past us.
When I turned to Jirai, he was frozen like stone.
”Hey, Jirai…”
”Did you see that?!?! She talked to me!! Ahh!! I can die in peace now.”
”Should I grant you your wish and push you down the stairs, then?”
”Wait, no! Please! Not when this miracle has happened! I have to go home and build an altar for my goddess and keep on praying for her blessings. Hehehe…”
”You did notice that she talked to me--”
”See you later, then!” He ran down the stairs and ignored what I just said.
What just happened?
---
Almost everyday, I was going to the Theatre Club. We were talking about our plans and activities for the year. Ok, they were talking and I was listening. But now I think I'm making progress. I'm not stuttering when I answer with one or two words. I am making progress! Most important of all, I've kept my membership of the Theatre club secret to the whole school. Keeping low profile is one of my objectives, and luckily I was able to convince the president. She said it was also in her best interest to keep it secret, so she can use both me and Hiroisora as a surprise when we perform. It would surely get the curiosity and attention of everyone, or so she says…
Two weeks have passed, and our dreaded midterms arrived. I'm only good at Literature. That was the subject Hiroisora borrowed my notes for. It's because I write things down that other people don't when we talk about a certain story or whatnot. My other subjects? I guess I'll pass.
”Hey, Takaiyama! Why didn't you let me copy? I was throwing papers at you!” Jirai was complaining to me.
”Oh? You wanted to copy from me? Why didn't you say so? I thought you threw those papers because you gave up on the exams already.”
”Those really were my test papers!” What? I was right? ”I gave them to you so you could answer them for me.”
”Too bad, then.” I can't believe this guy.
”Hey, Takaiyama-san.” Nariyuki approached us.”So, how were your exams?” Wow, I didn't imagine she would talk to me outside club activities.
”What's the meaning of this, Takaiyama?” Jirai interrupted us. ”Didn't you turn down this girl already?” ”Huh? What is he talking about?” Nariyuki was as confused as I was.
”But I saw you confess to Takaiyama, like, weeks ago.” Oh. Now I get it. Please don't explain, Nariyuki.
”Ah. I wasn't confessing to him that time. Actually, I was invi--” I covered her mouth, and whispered to her.
”Hey. I thought we should keep that a secret? Jirai will definitely spill the beans even without people asking him.”
”Hmm. Yrmm mwyt.” I guess that means 'you're right'. I let go of her. ”Aaaahh. Wow, I didn't know you were so aggressive, Takaiyama-san…”
”What are you--?!” She was blushing, but I wasn't sure if she's serious or not.
”Ha! I knew something was wrong! Once Takaiyama turns down a girl, that girl ceases to exist in his world.” Clearly, Jirai doesn't know what he's saying.
”You see, Jirai-kun.” I wonder how Nariyuki will get out of this. I'm sure she can, with her acting skills. ”I was rejected. But it doesn't mean I will give up, right?” What was that explanation?! ”I'm happy to be his friend, for now.” But still, her acting is quite good.
”Wow, you're so strong, Nariyuki-san. I feel for you.”Jirai was crying. I guess he believed it.
---
After classes, our homeroom teacher announced that our school trip will be next week. We were going to Okinawa. It's almost summer now, but it's going to be a lot hotter there, for sure. Everyone was excited. I am excited, too. It's my first time riding a plane.
Our teacher instructed us to form a group of four, which will be our 'buddies' during the free time of the trip. Not surprisingly, Jirai came to me first. What surprised me was that Nariyuki wanted to join us. It's ok with me, but wouldn't she want to be with other girls?
”Are you sure you want to spend your time with boys?” I don't know why, but I can talk straight with Nariyuki now. As for the other club members? No progress beyond those one to two-word replies.
”Yup. I have to make sure you don't spill the beans, you know?”
”Haha. Shouldn't I be saying that?” I guess I'm comfortable with her.
We were one member short. We needed to hand over the list of our names before homeroom ends. Other groups were already submitting their names. We weren't really looking for another member. I'm sure someone would end up without a group. We'd welcome him or her with open arms. I was just waiting while looking outside the window.
”Um, can I join your group?”
”Sure!” Nariyuki answered happily. I guess she knows this person. ”Welcome aboard, Hiroisora-san.”
I wonder if my luck will run out soon. I hope not. I'm on a really hot streak.