Chereads / The Mask Slips / Chapter 3 - Freedom

Chapter 3 - Freedom

At around 1 PM, Kiyotaka and I reach the dorms, our home for the next three years.

After the receptionist gave us our key cards and information manual, we got on the elevator.

"What's your room number?" Kiyotaka asks.

"I got room 505, what about you?"

"I got room 401, we should read the information manual, there's probably something important here." Kiyotaka opens the manual and I look over his shoulder as we both read the manual.

"Wow, there are no limits on electricity and gas usage."

"Yeah, I thought they would subtract our points based on the amount we use. This school really went above and beyond for the sake of the students."

It's hard to believe that such a pampered and easy lifestyle can train students to become future leaders or responsible adults.

We soon arrive at Kiyotaka's dorm. As we stare at Kiyotaka's room, it finally hit me.

Were free. Were finally free.

I let out an excited laugh as I almost skipped to the bed, falling back-first onto the bed. I let out a satisfied sigh. Kiyotaka took a seat at the desk and turned to face me.

"You seem very happy," Kiyotaka stated the obvious. I look to Kiyotaka and although he is a hard person to read, I could tell he was happy because of his relaxed posture and the small smile that was on his face.

"How can I not be? Kiyo were finally free. We can eat, sleep, and do whatever we want, whenever we want."

"That certainly does sound appealing. We can finally enjoy a normal life." Although what Kiyotaka said brought a feeling of joy, there was still an issue that needed to be addressed.

"You know your dad isn't going to let us get away that easily, he's eventually going to make his move." Upon hearing this, his smile disappeared and his facial expression turned from relaxed to emotionless.

"I'm aware, however, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, let's just enjoy the student life."

He's right, we should enjoy this moment of peace. However, the threat is still present, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that Kiyotaka gets to live the peaceful life he desires.

Whatever it takes.

~~~~~~~~

It's been a couple of days since school started and unfortunately, Kiyotaka and I were alone in class.

It has certainly been an interesting couple of days. In that small time span, our class went from an ordinary class to one of the laziest and disrespectful classes I have ever seen. When the students started talking during class or even ditching class, I thought the teacher was going to lay down the hammer on us but she didn't. In fact, she did absolutely nothing.

I, and a select few others, actually paid attention to the lesson. As tempting as it was to just sleep, I paid attention because of the uneasiness I felt from this ominous situation. I also kind of felt back for the teacher.

It was the lunch period and students started to walk out of class with their new acquaintances. I let out a sigh as I stare at the other students with envy. Kiyotaka and I were not able to make any friends.

"Pitiful. You two are just pitiful"

I turn around and glare at the person who said this.

"And what is so pitiful, Horikita-kun?"

"'I want someone to invite us. Please let us hang out with you!' Your thoughts are crystal clear."

"You're also by yourself. Do you really plan on being like this for the next three years?" Kiyotaka asked.

"Yes. I prefer being alone."

She replied in a heartbeat. It seems like she actually feels this way.

Unbelievable.

I turn around and realize half the class was empty.

"I was thinking of heading to the cafeteria to eat, does anyone want to join me?" Hirata said as he stood up.

My eyes lit up upon hearing this, this is the perfect chance.

I stand up and look at Kiyotaka, whose staring out the window with a melancholy expression.

"Kiyo nows our chance!" I say as I poke him.

"H-Huh" Kiyotaka soon realizes what I am talking about and abruptly stands up as well.

"Hirata-kun we would lo-"

"I wanna go Hirata-kun!" "I want to also!" "Me! Me! Me!"

Before we knew it, Hirata was surrounded by girls.

"Pfft."

I turn around and glare at Horikita.

"What's so funny?"

Horikita lets out another laugh before saying: "You know, seeing you guys trying to make friends is one of the most amusing things I have ever seen in a long time."

I couldn't think of anything witty to say so I just turned around and looked at Hirata with a depressed expression. Hirata was scanning the room, looking for anyone else, until his eyes landed upon Kiyotaka and me.

It seems like luck is on our side.

"Nishida-kun and Ayanokoji-kun, do you-"

"Hurry up Hirata-kun!" The girls grab Hirata by his arms and drag him out of the classroom.

Nevermind.

"Now I'm actually starting to feel bad for you guys. I'm leaving" Horikita said before she walked out of the classroom.

My stomach lets out a loud growl, making the situation even more awkward. I turn to Kiyotaka.

"Wanna head to the cafeteria?" Kiyotaka nods his head and we walk out of the classroom.

As we were walking down the hallway towards the cafeteria, we were stopped by an angelic voice.

"Nishida-kun wait!"

I turned around to see Kushida walking towards us.

Great. I gotta deal with her again.

Dealing with her is the last thing I want to do right now. Kushida's nice behavior was cute and welcoming at first, but now it's creepy and just... wrong. Plus, I'm hungry.

"What is it?"

"O-Oh I wanted to talk but... um... " Kushida must have been a little intimidated by my change in behavior because she seems a bit apprehensive. I kinda felt bad but I can't help it. I'm hungry.

"I apologize for Akira's behavior he doesn't feel well." I gave Kiyotaka a weird look but I soon realized he was covering for me.

"Yeah sorry Kushida. I didn't mean to come off as mean, I just have a migraine right now." I say as I hold the side of my head and rub my eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Have you been drinking enough water?" Kushida said with a concerned look and a lowered voice.

She seems genuinely concerned. Maybe she's actually nice.

"I have, don't worry about me. If you have something to say, please tell Kiyotaka."

Kushida nods and she started to ask Kiyotaka quite a lot of questions about Horikita. At one point she even grabbed his hand and gave him the puppy eyes. I would have felt a little jealous that she was holding Kiyotaka's hand and not mine but that's my hormones talking.

Out of the two of us, I would say Kiyotaka is the quietest and reserved. It's good to see Kiyotaka interacting with other people, especially a girl.

"Sorry for asking you guys that weird question. Well anyway, I have to go bye you guys!" Kushida said with a smile before walking away. We both wave goodbye to her.

"She's quite a handful," Kiyotaka said when Kushida was out of sight.

"You got that right," I say as I rub my head.

"You alright?"

"Its nothing, just a headache. Anyway, let's head to the cafeteria."

"No. Go back to the classroom and rest, I'll head to the convenience store and grab us something to eat."

Before I could protest, Kiyotaka already started walking down the hall. I let out a sigh and walk back to the classroom. Once I arrive at the classroom I walk back to my desk and rest my head on it. After a couple of minutes, I sense someone else's presence.

"Wheres Ayanokoji-kun? Let me guess, he abandoned you so he could get more-"

"Horikita. Please. Not now." I lift my head and glare at her. She seemed to realize I wasn't in the mood for any bullshit and listens to my request. I then rest my head back onto the desk, getting some much-needed sleep.

~~~~~~~~~

It's been a week since the entrance ceremony and the class the boys have been waiting for has finally arrived: swimming class.

I could hear Ike and Yamauchi talking excitedly about watching the girls in bathing suits, and how they were even going to possibly try to take pictures.

The 'taking pictures' part was extreme but I had to agree with them. I was also excited to see how the girls looked in swimsuits.

Did I forget to mention that it's also been a week since me and Kiyotaka failed to make friends? We're still working on that.

"Yo Nishida, Ayanokoji, over here!"

Kiyotaka and I give each other uneasy looks before walking over to the "three idiots." I was not sure if becoming friends with those three was a good idea because of their reputation but were desperate so we accepted their invitation.

We all walked to the boys' locker room to change into our swimsuits. After that, we all went to the swimming pool and waited for the teacher and the girls to arrive.

Ike started sniffing the air as if he were a dog.

"Where are the girls. Are they not here yet?"

"Girls take longer to change so they probably aren't ready yet."

"Ayanokoji, what do you think would happen if I suddenly jumped into the girl's locker room?"

"They'd probably beat you up and get a restraining order," Kiyotaka stated instantly.

"... You're supposed to humor my fantasy."

A girl's voice could be heard.

"A-Are they here?! Did they finally arrive!?" Ike was frantically looking around for the source of the sound. His wish was granted when the girls finally walked out of the locker room.

"Oh my god! Their boobs are even bigger than I have ever hoped!" Ike yelled with a look of ecstasy on his face.

Ok. it's time to get away from this guy.

I put a hand on Kiyotaka's shoulder and when he looked at me, I motioned my head towards a wall. He understood my message because he nodded his head and we both wordlessly backed away from the perverts.

We stood to the side we watched everyone having fun in the pool.

Kushida was breathtaking. She was cute and had a body that would make even models envious. She's nice to everyone here too, maybe she's actually a nice person.

Staring at her body for too long would cause a certain body part to awaken so I averted my gaze. I looked at Kiyotaka, who had an expression that mirrored the one I had at the convenience store.

"Why do you have a pained expression?" I turn around to see Horikita giving Kiyotaka a weird look.

"I am currently having an internal battle."

I looked at Horikita's figure. Not a bad view, in fact, quite the opposite. Staring too long would lead to catastrophic results so I averted my gaze.

"..."

For some reason, Horikita was looking at both of us with a curious gaze.

"Do you guys exercise?"

"Unfortunately Nishida and I are part of the go-home club."

"You say that... but it clearly looks like you guys exercise from the muscles in your arms and back."

"Good genes?"

"I don't think that's the case..."

Horikita has quite the discerning eye so I decided to intervene and tease her a little.

'Why so curious Horikita-kun?"

I run a hand through my hair and look at her seductively.

"You like what you see?"

"D-Don't be ridiculous. I was just curious and pointing out the obvious." Horikita was giving me a death glare but her cheeks were a little red.

Satisfied with the outcome and Horikita's reaction. I look back towards the swimming pool. Everyone was having so much fun.

But I knew something was amiss.

A wake-up call for class D is inevitable. I'll just have to wait until the end of the month to confirm my theory.