We sat down around the Chabudai. Hinami gave me an intest stare.
"What is it that you want ?" I say looking down.
"We wanted to figure out if you were a pervert for real" Hinami said.
"Turns out , it's true" Faye continued. "We searched your house for evidences and we found these"
Faye placed a box in front of me.
"Oh this ? Haru left this behind and told me to check it out and return it once I'm done reading." I said casually.
I didn't have the time to open it or read it because I was busy studying. I opened the box and my face grew read out of embarrassment. It had Sixteen volumes of some random hentai manga.
"Oni Chan I got some biscuits" My sister came in with some chocolate biscuits. I sat on the Chabudai with my hands wide covering the books , trying to hide the books from her.
"What is it your hiding Oni Chan" She said as her face grew suspicious.
She tilted her head to the left, I moved to the left blocking her view. She tilted her head to the right, I moved right blocking her view again. Then she looked straight at my face and came closer to me , I moved back. She came closer and I moved back again and all the books fell on Hinami and Faye.
My sister took advantage of this opportunity to take a glimpse of the books. All the three (Hinami, Faye and Sakurako) screamed in unison.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
**********************
"Will you ever fall on girls again ?" asked Faye as I struggle to free from the ropes that are tied around my hands and legs like I was a criminal.
Three girls stood in front of me , all of them were on fire.
"Free me will you?, please?" I beg.
Faye is super strong . She managed to knock me down and tie my hands and legs.
"Answer her" Hinami gave me a devilish look.
My sister nodded.
"I still can't believe oni chan became a perv" She continued.
"Fine I won't" I tell them.
"Will u ever enter girl's dressing room" She asked that question as though I did it on purpose.
"No" I respond immediately. "never"
"Will you ever watch hentai or read such magazines that tempt you ?" asked Faye.
"I NEVER READ THEM" I argue. "I SWEAR I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS IN THAT BOX".
Faye was burning with rage like whatever I told was lie.
"FINE NOW LET GO OF ME"
"good" She remarked.
"Last thing , you must promise us if you want us to cut those ropes" Hinami said.
"What's it ?" I ask her.
"That you will tell the principal that you are responsible for the incident that happened yesterday and not Seiji"
"Which incident"
"Rin , you hid her didn't you ?"
"How can you be so sure ?"
"I was looking at you" She bushed. "I always notice you , especially when you talk to other girls"
"You what... ??"
I didn't know I was being watched by her. It's more like invading my privacy. She's no different from Rin. But for some unknown reasons I felt embarrassed.
"Stop flirting you two" Faye commented.
"WE ARE NOT" me and Hinami scream in unison.
"Ok fine" Hinami closed her eyes and looked up exposing some of her attitude. "Now promise me".
"Why are you so kneen on making me tell the principal , what are you going to gain out of it"
"Seiji got expelled from school because of you" She screamed. "I saw his mother begg the teacher , and crying. " she paused. "Do you expect me to keep quiet when I actually know he's not responsible and he's getting punished because he's a naïve and cannot talk ?"
I started feeling guilty. "Fine I'll let the principal know" .
They cut my ropes and let me free. "What happened to Rin by the way ?" I ask her.
"About that ..." Faye smiled.
******************
(Faye watching from the window)
Rin taken to the principal by miss Yuki.
Principal : So I heard you were found under Daisuke's desk what happened ?
Rin : Please forgive me principal-Sama (eyes filled with tears).
Principal : You bunked a whole ...
Rin : Principal-sama my dog died very recently and I wasn't able to go to his funeral because I had to attend school.
Principal : But....
Rin (Crying even more) : No one understands me I was depressed the whole time.
Principal : What does a dog's death have to do with you under a guys desk ?.
Rin : No one understands me , no one tries to console me , everyone is making me feel guilty of bunking classes. I thought you understand me. (Dramatic shining eyes)
Principal (Touched) : Oh my god (tears fill his eyes). I'm sorry child. I should learn to understand children's emotions. Also , I guess your good at drama. Your expressions are beautiful.
Rin: Really ? (excited)
Principal : I want you to play the lead role in drama for the upcoming school festival. Are you interested ?.
Rin: Yes principal-Sama (Rin jumping)
******************
" ..... Her dogs still barking in her house . This is what happened" Faye concluded.
"WHATTT" Me and Hinami scream in unison then exchange looks. "Girls are so lucky" I cry. She was supposed to get punishment but she got the lead role in the upcoming play insted. I rose up with determination clenching my fist.
"All of you keep a watch, tomorrow I'm going to put a drama and get the lead role just like Rin" I announced assuming I'm in the center of the spotlight. Yea because I'm supposed to confess my wrong doings and make sure Seiji is forgiven and brought back to school. But first I must do something.
"Can I get Rin's address ?" I ask Faye
"Excuse me !? , No way" she tells me.
"Please I'll get you Ramen , Taiyaki or anything you ask"
"hmmmm... both" Faye said as she walked past me and then grinned.
"This weekend , I'll get you, now I have to see Rin so give me the address".
She wrote it in a piece of paper and gave it to me and left. She called Hinami along but Hinami refused to leave soon.
" I'll come in a while" She said "I need to deal with him personally".
after Faye left she asked me "Daisuke , you cried didn't you ? , what happened ?"
"No I didn't hahahah" I lied placing my hand behind my head.
Hinami knelt down placing her hands on her thighs, her fingers trembled. "You don't trust me anymore , do you ?" She said looking down.
I sit down "No it's not like that...."
she looked upto me her eyes filled with tears. She left me with no option ,so I told her what happened between me and Aoi.
"You finally fell for a girl and then she did this to you huh ?" She crawled towards me.
"Tell me Daisuke....." She whispered , her face was really close to mine. We were alone in the room. My face grew red as she placed her finger under my chin and ran her thumb trading my lower lip. "..... You like the girls who get things physical ?" She said. I immediately stand up.
"no it's just her" I avoid looking into her eyes.
She looked down, "Just her huh ?.." Her eyes filled with tears "....She clearly used you. She must be having a boyfriend or she's probably a person who'd take advantage of guys for pleasure. Only if I was her , I wouldn't have treated you like this".
"what do you mean ?" I ask her.
"I would've been loyal , my feelings for you never changed. I still love you Daisuke" she said as she ran towards the exit crying. I followed her.
"Also .... " She paused holding the door handle. "Be careful with Faye and Rin..... They are vulnerable." She said as she closed the door.
"I made some tea" my sister came with four cups. I almost forgot about her existence. She probably slipped out to make something for us while we were talking.
"They left" I tell her.
"Oh no I made four , for all of us" She looked down. We both managed to drink two each.
"Hey Sakurako , I'll be back in a while , I have to meet someone"
"Are u mad Oni Chan? it's 7:00pm"
"I'll be back by 9:00 I promise" I tell her and leave to meet Rin.
While I walked I thought about Hinami. Her words pearced me.
"Tell me Daisuke ...."
".... You like girls who get things physical ?"
"..... She clearly used you."
She used me ?. Yes she clearly did , there's no way a girl as beautiful as she is would find me attractive. What can I do to make her mine ? I wonder. Should I study more or should I dress up more?.
I look at my own reflection. What kind of guys does she like ? I ask myself.
"Bad guys" Her refection was seen insted of mine.
"Aoi..." her hand was placed on the glass like she's was reaching out to touch me. I placed my hand on hers. She smiles and her reflection fades. It's just my imagination. What's up with this girl ? Does she have me under a spell or something ?. I go to the nearby shop to get some hair gel.
******************
"Ok smile more" Says Rin. It's been twenty minutes since I dropped by. She's alone in her house. That makes the environment more uncomfortable. I smiled and she started laughing.
"Senpai you don't know how to get that dramatic smile do you ?" She said and smiled. My heart skipped a beat. She looked beautiful. I imitated her and ended up looking like a potato. She couldn't control her laughter. She wore a loose sleeveless top which had thin strap and shots. Her dress was low neck exposing her cleft. I try so hard to look away. As long as she doesn't notice there's nothing wrong in looking my mind tells me.
"Why am I getting trained how to smile by the way" I give her a displeased look.
"It's a warm up"
"SO WE HAVE BEEN WARMING UP ALL THIS TIME" I explode.
"calm down Senpai" She places her hand on my shoulders revealing more of her cleft. I'd nosebleed any moment now. I look away.
"Fine I am" I say.
Then she thought me all her techniques.
"Senpai wanna have dinner together ?" She asked me. I looked at my watch it's 9:00pm already. Sakurako must be waiting.
"No thanks" I say as I reach for the door handle.
She wrapps her hand around my arm squeezing her eyes, pressing her chest against it.
"Senpai please" She pleads.
"Be careful with Faye and Rin .... They are vulnerable" The words what Hinami said striked my head.
"No" I look away and shake off my hand and walk out.
*****************
Next morning I come out of the room after dressing up.
"what's this new makeover onichan" Sakurako commented. I had my har styled upwards like a bad boy.
"To be honest this suits you" She compliments.
"Thanks" I smile.
why do I trust my own intuition and why am I dreaming about Aoi almost all the time?,I ask myself as I take my old leather coat and wear it on top of my uniform.
"Take care Sakurako" I say as I slam the door and run to catch up with Eiichi and Haru.
when I made it upto them they exchanged looks and laughed.
"what's up with this hairstyle" Haru commented. "You trying to impress someone ?" he asked me.
"consider it that way" I say.
"Oye oye oye , who could it be ? Rin or Faye or Hinami?" Eiichi asked.
"Neither" I cut him.
"Aw man tell us, we've been best friends since forever right Haru ?"
"yea , you never hid anything from us Daisuke" Haru added.
Never hid ? I almost had to hide everything from them since when I was six , the first time I met them. I always hid my remote control toys because when I show them, Eiichi would mishandle and break it. I also hid my comic books because Haru would grab it from me and run away. Now I have to hide my secrets. I don't want them to tease me or do something awkward.
When I was fourteen I started having crush on a girl named Ichika. Back then, I looked ugly and fat. I didn't study well either. She was the only girl who took notice of me and would defend me if someone bullied me. She was my friend since I was in kindergarten. We were neighbors aswell. She had short blue hair and ocean eyes just like Aoi's. I told about my feelings towards Ichika to Haru and Eichii. They commented that she was iron boxed and how did I even get attracted towards her and started laughing. Ichika overheard the conversation and came marching towards us.
"All of you are getting reported" she said and stormed out.
I look at them again. Trust them ? No way, I don't want them to trash comment about Aoi though she sort of deserves it. why do I have feelings for a girl who I hardly know, I think again.
"No it's nothing" I tell them.
Haru grabs hold of my back.
"You never trusted us didn't you ... ?" He asked me. "It's fine we always did terrible things to you. I personally feel guilty. I'm sorry .... Daisuke" He said.
I wrap my hand around his shoulder. "I don't mind , we are always friends right ?"
Haru smiled.
******************
Hinami was waiting for me in the school entrance. "I expected you to be early" She said showing her watch.
"Hinami , hi" Haru waved. She ignored him and pulled my hand. I Wave bye at Haru and Eichii as I was dragged to the principal's room.
"Oh nice meeting you again , Daisuke" he greeted as I entered his office. "Did someone cause you trouble?" He asked politely.
"No sir I was the one who did it this time".
"What are you saying"
"I was the one who hid Rin under my desk"
"We're you threatend by Seiji to tell this ?"
"No sir... it was me I swear"
his face grew red with anger . Now time to put up an act.
"Oh show mercy on me" I fall to his foot. My eyes gleamed with tears. "If I get expelled from this school I wouldn't be able to study. If I didn't study who will go to work and fill the hugry stomach of me and my sister sir . You don't want to see us crumble to death do you ?".
His eyes let out drops of tears and he nodded. It worked.
"Don't worry dear , just clean the classroom after the school. That's supposed to be your punishment anyway." He sniffed.
No way , my mind screamed. I was supposed to get the lead role right ? . I exactly did what Rin told me to.
"Will I get the lead role in the upcoming drama".
He smiled at me and knocked my head. "get lost" he pointed towards the exit. Now I have to clean the classroom eh ? good.
After I entered the class everyone including Mr. Amano surrounded me and persuaded me to spill some tea. I refused to utter a word. If it were Seiji returning from the principal's room no one would have cared right ?.
I walked to my bench and under that I found a letter. it said...
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Dear Daisuke,
Your hairstyle looks really cool today. You changed it didn't you ? . I really like your style. I guess I'm falling for you. Yea I have feelings for you but I won't tell you. I don't want to face rejection because I know I'm ugly and you like someone else. But someday I'll make sure I reveal my identity.
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An anonymous letter ? . Is it possible that someone is pulling pranks ?. Or is it a person who knows about what happened between me and Aoi ?. I crush it and throw it in the dustbin. Whosoever it is I am not interested in them. Wait a minute ? could it be a letter from Aoi ?. Oh no I don't know, but nevermind, she still broke my heart. She hates me I know that. It's pretty clear isn't it ?. everytime I close my eyes or go to sleep she comes in my dreams. Sometimes she'd kiss me or sometimes she'd take me out or do something physical. It's just lust, I tell myself. once my mind is clear , once I get back to study regularly all these feelings are going to fade away.
"Daisuke are you ok ?" Mr. Amano interrupts my thoughts. He stands next to my desk.
"y....yes sir" I snap out of my thoughts.
"is something bothering you ? you seem distracted boy"
yea I've been staring out of the window for a while now.
"No sir" I tell him.
"if you have any doubts I'm there to help you ok?" He tells me and walks to the bord and continues the lesson.
I stay focused. The only way I can get her off my head is by studying and focusing on my career. I need to build a wall between us. No looking, no dreaming only studying.
******************
I reach home late the skies were growing dark. It's probably going to rain.
"I'm home" I tell my sister. A nice aroma came from the kitchen. My sister was cooking meat.
there were varies of food kept on the Chabudai. I eagerly changed my clothes and sat down to eat.
"Oni Chan these are not for you" My sister pulled my collar.
"HUH NO THIS IS MY FAVOURITE DISH" I argue.
"My friend is coming, I made friends with a senior student in the park. She was so kind to me so I invited her home. This is for her"
"Why did you have to invite her home ? . You know your not supposed to invite strangers right ?"
"I know but....."
"what If she kidnapps you and poisons you ?"
"she looked kind , she was beautiful Oni Chan"
Beautiful huh? , and senior girl , probably my age then. For now I want to eat some meat.
"The only way you can prevent yourself from getting kidnapped is by letting your brother eat half of the meat. This way you will.... "
Ding Dong.
"She's here" She rushes to get the door . I follow her.
My eyes grow wide after Sakurako opened the door.
"A...o..i?" I whisper. She wore a beautiful white V necked top with pink floral print and pink heels with a brown sweater covering her hands.
....To be continued.