16 Chapter 16: Breeze (1/2)

Everyone came to the clubroom for the second straight day to continue working on our play. The difference is today almost everyone is excited to work, since in the evening we'll be going for karaoke. We have reserved a place that would accommodate around 30 people. I'm excited to go as well. I've never actually gone to karaoke at all. But before that, I need to get through today's script reading with Hiroisora. We're again seating very close to each other. Other people are whispering about us.

”Look at them, so sweet with each other.”

”Yeah. I'm actually very envious of them.”

”I bet they're really happy to see each other during the summer.” I can hear you, you know. Stop gossiping about others especially if they can hear you.

”They think we're a lovey-dovey couple, huh…” Hiroisora casually comments while still reading the script.

”So you can hear them too.”

”Yup.”

”It doesn't bother you?”

”Why would it? It means we're good actors, right?” She smiled at me. I nodded at her. But to be honest, she's much better at this acting stuff, I just follow her lead. ”So even if I rest my head on your shoulder like this, they wouldn't mind.” She then proceeds to rest her head on my shoulder.

”Wh-what are you doing?” I was surprised by her actions, and then I felt my face turn red.

”Acting.” She answered playfully while continuing to read the script. I heard collective reactions from the other club members. I don't understand why Hiroisora is doing this. Does she just like to tease me so much?

Hiroisora stayed in that position until Nariyuki announced that everyone has done enough for the day.

”Guys, let's call it a day. Thanks for your hard work. Now it's time to party!” Nariyuki cheered in excitement.

Everyone quickly organized the room. After finishing up, we left the school and went to the karaoke place. When we arrived and saw the place, we were all amazed on how big the room was. I noticed Hiroisora was really happy and smiling. I can't help but smile as well.

”What are you gawking at?” Nariyuki asked teasingly.

”Hiroi—”, Damn. I almost said Hiroisora's name. Nariyuki would never let me hear the end of it. ”—Don't butt into other people's business!”

”Oh, I'm positively certain I heard Hiroisora's name?” Don't answer her. It's a trap!

”N-no! Of course not! Why would I stare at her?” But really, why was I staring at her?

”I see. I forgot that you only like boys.”

”Don't start rumors.” I got caught in the trap…

”Fine. I'll let this one go. I have a lot of singing to do.” She walked away from me and proceeded to order some food for our group.

The night went on and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves. Also, everyone had to sing at least once, which means I had my turn as well. I guess I was alright, even though I'm not a singer. On the other hand, Hiroisora was a good singer. Is there anything she cannot do? When everyone had their turn, Nariyuki got the microphone.

”May I have your attention everyone?” Whenever she talks, I always have a bad feeling. ”I believe that this night can't end without having our resident couple sing a duet for us.” I knew it. Where does she get these bright ideas of her? ”Kari-chan, Takaiyama-san. Please stand here together and sing for us.” Hiroisora and I looked at each other. I was shaking my head in protest, but she smiled and nodded at me. It must mean that she wants to do it. Easy for her to agree; she's a good singer. She then stood up and went in front to grab a microphone.

”Since our president asked, I have no right to complain.” Hiroisora stood there like she was waiting for something. Everyone was waiting as well. Then, I noticed that they were looking at me. She then started talking again on the microphone. ”Well, now. I can't do this alone. Calling my boyfriend to stand and come here in front.” Did she just say her 'boyfriend'?Wow, she's taking this role playing way too seriously. ”What are you waiting for, Takaiyama-kun? Come here and sing with me.” Her tone was somewhat serious. I instinctively stood up. Everyone suddenly laughed.

”Who knew Takaiyama was scared of Hiroisora?”

”Did you see how fast he stood up when Hiroisora called him?”

”Aw. I want a boyfriend like that, too.”

I am not used to her tone being like that. I was genuinely scared. I bet they would stand up as well if it was directed at them. Hypocrites.

We managed to sing a duet. Obviously it was a love song since Hiroisora chose for us. Everyone was cheering during the whole time we sang. While singing, she linked her arm with mine and stood close to me. I just don't understand her actions lately. She doesn't have to go this far to convince people we are a couple. I think everyone believes it already. So why is she being like this recently? Afterwards, I decided to go outside the room and think for a while.

---

While everyone else was having fun, Nariyuki and Hiroisora were talking with each other.

”Have you seen Takaiyama-kun?” Hiroisora asked Nariyuki.

”Hmm. I think I saw him go outside. Why are you looking for him?”

”Do you think I'm overdoing this 'being in a relationship' act?”

”I don't know. Are you bothered by it?”

”I know I'm using it as an excuse to be close with him, but I don't know how he really feels about it… Maybe he's irritated by it somehow?” Hiroisora was looking down at her lap the whole time.

”I know I've said this before, but why don't you just tell him how you feel about him?” Hiroisora fell silent for a while before answering Nariyuki.

”When I was a kid, I had a very loving family. My mom and dad showered me with love and care. I was really close to both of them… Then one day, my mom left us.”

”Your mom? What happened?”

”She left with another guy.” Nariyuki was shocked with what she heard. ”I didn't understand what happened at first, but as the days went by I realized she wasn't coming home. I saw my dad crying all the time. Sometimes he comes home drunk. He was depressed every time I see him. He was so miserable. I couldn't do anything for him. Even so, he never got angry with me or hated me. He always said that as long as I was with him, he's happy. I knew that wasn't really the case. And that went on for years.”

”I see… I'm sorry that I forced you to remember awful memories…”

”It's okay.”

”I understand now that you're afraid to get hurt. Everyone is I suppose…”

”It's not that.”

”Huh? What do you mean?”

”It's because I don't want to hurt anyone. If there is a slightest chance of me being like my mother, then I don't want to have a relationship. I saw what happened to my dad, I don't want other people to go through something like that…”

”…But what about your happiness?”

”I know Takaiyama-kun doesn't feel the same way as I do about him, so it's okay… I'm happy the way things are.”

”How can you be so sure?”