15 Chapter 15: Ligh (2/2)

”Aren't we?”

”…Of course.” She smiled at me.

”And, it won't be fair that I'm the only one who shared his dark past.”

”Hehe. You're right. I'm sorry.”

”You know what? We really do say 'I'm sorry' a lot.”

”I guess we do.” We both laughed. The awkwardness in the air completely disappeared.

---

After that last ride, we decided to call it a day. Everyone was giving me and Hiroisora expectant looks. I guess they are hoping something good happened between us. I'm not telling them anything anytime soon.

It was decided that the day after tomorrow is when we will be going to karaoke. Everyone went on their separate ways after that short discussion. Tomorrow we will be meeting in the clubroom and do some actual work for our play.

---

I thought that when summer vacation starts, I would be able to wake up as late as I want to. I guess that fantasy has to wait a little bit, since today I'm going to school for club work. As I went downstairs from my room, I heard my brother talking with someone. I reached the hallway on the first floor, and looked at where he was. He was standing at the doorway, barely opening the door, while talking with someone outside. I was about to call out to him when he suddenly closed the door.

”Who was that?” I asked Uryou.

”Just a classmate.”

”Then why didn't you invite him inside?”

”It was a girl.”

”Oh, a girl classmate visiting you during summer break? I see—Wait! That's not normal!” I grabbed him in a headlock. ”Answer me! Is she your girlfriend?!”

”No!!” He was trying to get out of the headlock.

”Then, why? Don't tell me… She's pregnant! You ingrate! How can you do that! Don't you know how hard mom has to work? Huh?! Did you think you could hide the truth forever?!”

”It's not… like that! She… was here… to see… you!”

”Me?” I let go of him.

”Yeah…” He was catching his breath. ”She wanted to talk to you about something.”

”What was it about?”

”How would I know?”

”Then why didn't you let her come inside the house?”

”I told her you were still asleep. She said she'll come by again next time.”

”I wonder what that was about…”

”So, how are you and your girlfriend? How far have you gone?”

”That's none of your business! And we haven't gone anywhere, understand?!” This kid is messed up.

---

I went to school after that incident with my brother. When I arrived at our clubroom, there were already a lot of members inside. I looked for Nariyuki to ask what I'm supposed to do.

”So, what do I have to do today?”

”Read the script.” She answered bluntly. She was busy talking to other people while giving them instructions.

”Read the script? Did I have to come here just to do that?” 'It was so hot outside and I had to endure that just to get here!' I can't complain out loud. Everyone else suffered as well.

”Of course you have to. You slacked off for weeks. You need to do at least this much.”

”Haven't I atoned for that already?”

”What are you talking about? As long as I am president of the club, you will always be in debt.” This woman is not human.

”Fine. Where is the script?”

”Hiroisora has it. Read it with her.”

I looked for Hiroisora while everyone else was so busy. There were people discussing background making and costume designs. I guess they are really into this. Well, that's good news for Nariyuki. Speaking of her, she seems different from the one Hiroisora told me about. She's not THAT bossy, I suppose. Hopefully that doesn't change.

I found Hiroisora at the corner of the clubroom. She was religiously reading the script written by Nariyuki. I just watched her for a while. She noticed me standing and staring at her after some time.

”What are you doing, Takaiyama-kun?”

”Ah, nothing. Just watching you read.” Damn, why did I say that?!

”Oh.” That's all she said. I wasn't expecting that reaction. I thought she'd be more surprised. ”Well then, do you want to read the script?”

”Maybe after you're done.” If I sit too close to her, everyone in this room will erupt in excitement.

”Is it because you're too embarrassed to sit too close to me?” She asked with a smile.

”N-not really…” Damn, she got me again.

”Then let's read it together! No need to be shy, Takaiyama-kun.” She really enjoys teasing me.

”Sure… What is the story about, anyway?”

”A girl who turns into a boy and a boy who turns into a girl.”

”Does that mean I'd wear a dress?”

”Maybe. Hihi.” She was excited about it. I'm not.