"Woah! Woah! Woah! Time out! What do you mean it's my fault? Huh? How did you arrive at that conclusion? Just so you know, I was the one who's been beaten up. I was the one that was being picked on from day 1. If anyone's to be pointed out to shoulder the responsibility of the chaos that's been unleashed upon the school, then there's only one person that must be held accountable."
KIYOSAKI HAJIMA!
That name sent a chill down Miku's spine, that she stepped away from me all of a sudden.
"Why? Why do you know him? And how? Besides...Was it true? About what he said back then? Regarding his sister? You seriously didn't..."
Even if I wanted to deny that, the circumstantial evidence that was held against me can never be written off. What happened back then was because of my own wrongdoing. Regardless, of whether what my intentions were, and what kind of mental state I was in. The fact that the law here protects serious offenders under the age of 18 saved me. But that doesn't mean everything was hidden and locked safe. The fact that the knowledge of my actions still exists. And so do the documented evidence. There's no denying that.
I was prepared to face all these consequences as that was the gamble I intended to take. No, I was driven into the corner to force upon myself to see that as the only sensible and efficient option. But that's just an excuse now. That part of my life was tarnished long ago. I've never been in contact with Hina ever since then. And this scar was a reminder of that part of my life.
The cut of my right palm. That was thanks to going head to head with an untamed, fierce predator. Though, it's an everlasting memory that I wouldn't want to relive right now. But it's an undeniable truth, at this point. So there's no point in keeping quiet about it. That's what normally one would assume.
But, this isn't my story alone. If I were to disclose any key detail of my past, then it would even jeopardize the lives of everyone involved. I can't afford to take that gamble. My past shall remain as the past. I don't want to bring it to the current life I have now. And for anyone who tried to use it against me. They've already gotten a response. And after that, I've never seen them again.
And that's how I've been keeping it low for a while. While walking down a path without any end, and leaving behind a trail of blood. It's a given that hounds will follow the trail, and target me as their prey. But this time, it's different. Because this time, it's the monster itself that injured me that has come back for my head. Or you could say that I, the self-proclaimed lunatic prince have finally met eye to eye with the monster.
I don't know whether I'll be the one who will slay him, or he'll be the one who'll end me. But blood has been spilled. The message sent was loud and clear. And he shall receive the blood bath he ever so seeks so badly in response to his message. But this, this is only between me and him. Others don't need to involve themselves, as they are just collateral damage.
Miku was earnestly waiting for a reply. While I tried to remain evasive, I couldn't keep that state of mind for long. In the end, I succumbed to her and gave a reply.
"Yes!"
She remained quiet. She didn't utter a word for a while. Doctor Harumi picked up on the awkward atmosphere and gave us left the room to give us some privacy.
"But why?"
There was a sense of disbelief in her tone.
"Because...I felt like it? What do you want me to say?"
"That isn't like you! You would...you would have never done something as atrocious as that!"
"Well. Sadly, that's the truth. It's not something I'm proud of. That's one of the main reasons why I've transferred to this school in the first place. I had no idea that Yuki-nee and Sakura would be here. Nor about that bastard. Things happened, and here we are. I have no issue of talking in detail about how things transpired to why they are how they are, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm guilty."
"Then why? Why are you still here? After knowing about your condition right now. Why stay? When you could move away and be at ease."
"To be honest, this was the best possible outcome. If I had gone to any other place, I would have always had to remain anxious about whether anyone is conspiring rumors about me. It would have been a ticking time bomb, waiting to burst out. But now, because it's out in the open, I don't have to worry about it. Plus, I've come face to face with that man. So it's not all bad. Other than that, I have you, alongside Sakura and Yuki-nee. Even if we are a make-believe couple, it's still my responsibility to see it through till the end."
She was surprised when I mentioned the later fact.
"Are we...Are we going to remain as a make-believe couple forever?"
"Only time can tell. But just don't keep holding onto it. I will break your heart. That's inevitable. To be honest, I'm surprised that you're still here. I thought...No, that's not it. I was certain or hopeful that you'd abandon me and leave me alone for good. But here you are."
She suddenly came closer to me and placed her hands on my cheeks. Her hands were warm and soft. I missed this warmth. Plus, she's too close to me. Oh, man! She's cute. Too cute!
"I'll never leave you! I'll never be disappointed in you. That's a promise!"
"You'll be heartbroken at the end."
"Then that's something I willing to accept."
"You're an idiot."
"I am aware of that."
"You're cute!"
"That I'm aware...What, what are you telling all of a sudden! Idiot!"
"That reaction never gets old."
"Geez! Enough!"
"Is it only you that's skipping out on school?"
"Me and Sakura! That's it!"
"Hmm...That's not good. But, I can live with it."
I was curious about Yuki-nee. But she picked up on it.
"About Harumi-senpai..."
"What about her?"
YOU HAVE TO HELP HER!