11 Chapter 11: Whirlwind (2/2)
After the club meeting was over and everyone else has left, only Nariyuki and Hiroisora was left behind.
”Kari-chan, I'm here if you want to talk about it.” Nariyuki sat down next to Hiroisora who was still quiet. When Hiroisora didn't reply, Nariyuki started to talk instead. ”You know what, Kari-chan, when you agreed to join the club, I was really happy.”
”Why?”
”Hehe, this is going to be a long story, is it okay for you to stay much longer?” Hiroisora nodded. ”You see, ever since in middle school, I was very interested in acting and the stage and everything else about it. When I became the club president back then, I was so happy. We prepared for a play months before the school festival. However, as the date was nearing, problems started to arise. Members stopped coming one by one. Props were delayed, actors were changing frequently. When it was the day of the presentation, we got booed because we weren't prepared and we didn't finish the play itself.”
”Why did that happen?”
”Honestly, I didn't know back then. I was so frustrated at the outcome. I badly wanted to finish the play we did. When I entered this school, I promised myself that I would join the theatre club and create a play that everyone will enjoy. But there was no such club here.”
”Really? So you started this club?”
”Yup.”
”So you just started this year, then, since it still had few members when I joined.”
”Nope, I did it last year. We had many members since there were also others who wanted to be in an acting club.”
”Where are they now?”
”They quit.”
”Why would they do that? I thought they wanted to be in this club.”
”I was wondering the same thing back then, why the same thing is happening again. Then one member told me something. I was too bossy. I drove them too hard. They weren't enjoying it.”
”But you're not like that...”
”Hehe, thanks for saying that, but I was way worse before. I knew something was wrong, I just didn't realize it was me. I wanted to stop doing this.”
”Why didn't you?”
”I love it too much to stop. I enjoyed working with everyone that I never thought that I was causing them to hate it. I decided to try again this year.Our new members were either first years or transferees that didn't know my reputation. Just like you. Hehe.”
”I see now... Well, I'm thankful to you. Since you didn't give up, I'll be able to do something I love. Hehe. Thanks, Kosui-san.”
”Please don't thank me. Initially, I just planned to use you and Takaiyama-san to attract new members and hype up the club and the play we will make. But, when I heard you two say you really loved acting, I was happy to hear it, that I felt guilty. I'm really sorry.”
”Hehe, don't worry about it. I would have joined anyway.”
”But I still used you and Takaiyama-san. I took advantage of that rumor. I won't stop you if you want to quit as well...”
”I already told you. I love doing this. I won't quit, if it's ok with you.”
”W-what are you talking about? Of course I would love it if you stayed. You'd be the first one to stay with me even after being used by me...” Nariyuki started crying. Hiroisora hugged her and brushed her hair.
”Here, here. It's okay. We're friends, right?”
”Uh-huh. Hehe.”
After Nariyuki has calmed down, she asked Hiroisora something else.
”So, did Takaiyama-san confess to you and you turned him down?” After a long silence, Hiroisora finally answered.
”No. He didn't.”
”Huh? Then why is he sulking like that?”
”I told him we can't be close anymore; that we can't be friends.”
”Why? Did he do something to you? I knew that pervert was up to something.”
”No, it's not that...”
”Then what?”
”I like him...”
”I see, you avoided him because—wait, you like him?” Hiroisora nodded. ”Then why are you avoiding him? I'm sure if you tell him—”
”I can't. Kosui-san, this is between only us. I trust you.”
”Of course. But can you at least tell me why you can't tell him?”
”I better go on ahead. See you tomorrow, Kosui-san.”
Hiroisora stood up and left the room, leaving Nariyuki more confused than even before.
---
After I got home, I went straight to my room and jumped to my bed. Can this situation become any worse? As I was lost in my thoughts, my cellphone rang. I looked at the screen. It was Elizabeth-san. Great. How can I tell her what happened?
”Um, hello.”
”Hello, Takaiyama-kun.” I think this is the first time she called me by my name. This is not a good sign. Or is it? ”I have heard of some interesting news. I can't believe you didn't tell me earlier. I wish you didn't have to prolong it if it was going to end like this.” She's on to me. Should I apologize for failing? Should I beg? Should I cry?! ”Congratulations on your success.” Huh? ”I have heard the news from all the gossiping that happened in your school. You were even caught holding hands. Well, I will be sending the title of your house by mail after a few months in your relationship to ensure it is true. That is all.”
”Wait, you got it wro—” She hung up.
She'll definitely find out it's not true. What if she resorts to kidnapping my mother or brother if she finds out I failed? What if... she kills me? Gulp.
A text came from her. ”I'm watching you.”
I'm dead.