That night I did not manage to sleep at all, so in the morning I was like a zombie. Only with difficulty did I manage to keep my eyes open. I had to drink two cups of coffee to be able to function again. At that time, my mother opened the TV to see what was happening in the news. I was really proud of what I had done because the news about the dark side of this company was all over the news. It was the top topic on all channels. But that was just a small success. Those who are really responsible for this are still free. I swear I will find them and bring them to justice. But for now, I have to go to school. I will do that when I get back.
I ate my breakfast and left the house in a hurry. I wanted to see how Yagami will be now. I bet he will be happy.
When I arrived at school, I saw Yagami waiting at the school gate. The moment he saw me, he rushed towards me at high speed.
"Shinji, I heard what happened on the news. Was it really you?"
"Of course it was me. Who else could have accomplished something like that within a day?"
"I can not thank you enough for what you did for me." He said, on the verge of tears.
"Nah, you do not have to thank me, I was just helping a friend. Besides, your gift should be... should be arriving by now."
"Huh? What gift are you talking about?"
"Just check your bank account."
"What did you do?" He said as he opened his phone to check.
"HUH?? A-a million? Why do I have a million?"
"You see, while I was hacking the company's computers, I transferred a small amount of money to you." I said smiling.
"A SMALL AMOUNT?? A million is by no means a small amount."
"Just accept it and buy medicine for your mother and send her to the NDC hospital. I will tell my mother to take care of her."
"Wait, is not that the best hospital in town?"
"Yes, my mother works there as a surgeon and she has a high position so she can take care of her."
"Thank you very much. If you need anything in the future, I will help you in any way I can."
"Don't need to get so upset. It's just a favour from a friend." I said and walked towards the building. Then I heard Yagami call out, "Thanks anyway for everything you have done." I waved at him with a smile and continued walking to the school.
My unwanted popularity had slowly ceased to exist. So I was able to spend most of my hours like a normal student. And I said 'most of my hours' because in every single break, all the members of the student council were with me. And for a random student like me, hanging out with the venerable student council members is not at all normal. But at least I had made some real friends that I could trust completely. Not like my old friends who wanted to get rid of me as soon as they got the chance.
Today was also the school festival that would take place after the first five classes. I was supposed to organise a game contest, but after everything that happened, no one was interested in participating anymore, so it was cancelled. I can not say I was disappointed, because after all, I did not have much interest in it. Besides, now I have more time to prepare for the upcoming competition. Not that I have to. I'll just have free time to do whatever I want.
So when the festival started, I decided to go see it, since I had nothing else to do. I took a walk around the festival. I must say that it was much more crowded than I expected. Yuuki certainly did a good job organizing everything himself. It must have taken him a lot of time and effort. It was the first time I attended such an event and I was fascinated.
The schoolyard was full of benches tended by students. There were benches with food, with games, items and accessories to buy, and ones where students were trying to convince others to join their school club.
Many students seemed to be enjoying themselves, either with their friends or with their family. I also saw some students with their girlfriends or boyfriends. It was lively.
I wondered what it would be like if Miko and I attended the festival together, like the other students.
But it seems like luck was on my side today. I saw Miko and Yagami coming towards me.
"Hey Shinji, what are you doing here all by yourself? Come with us." Miko said and hugged me.
"*Ahem*I just remembered I have something to do with Hajime," Yagami said as he closed his right eye at me.
"I guess that can not be helped. At least we will be all alone, Shinji." Miko said with a smile.
"Ah, yes. (Yagami, you are an angel, God bless you)." I said, waving to Yagami as he left.
"Eh Shinji, there are a lot of people here. And it's very noisy. Should we go somewhere else?"
"I do not have a problem. But where should we go?"
"Follow me. I know the right place for this moment."
Miko grabbed my hand and pulled me with her. She stopped in front of the door leading to the roof of the school.
"The school's rooftop? Why here of all places?"
"You'll see when we go up." she said, pulling me by the hand as we climbed the stairs.
When we reached the end, she opened the door in front of us and we stepped onto the roof.
"Let us sit here." she said, pointing to a spot near the railing.
I followed her and did as she said, no questions asked. I wanted to know why she was so excited that we were going to this place.
"Here." she said, pointing to the sunset in front of us.
It was truly a beautiful sight. The sun's rays flooded the rooftop as the sun slowly disappeared into the horizon.
Then Miko leaned her head on my shoulder and said, "No matter what happens, I will always love you. I will never leave you alone. Even if the whole world hates you, I will continue to love you. You are the most precious person to me. I will always be by your side and never leave."
Tears began to flow from my eyes. I was so moved by what Miko said that I could not say another word. I hugged her as tight as I could and said, "Thank you, Miko, for everything. You are the kindest person I know. I am truly the luckiest person on the planet to have you as my girlfriend. I will always protect you and never let you down. And that's a promise."
But at that moment, Yuuki decided to show himself.
"Hey you two there you are. What are you guys doing here?"
Both me and Miko quickly moved away from each other.
"Um, did I interrupt something?"
I could see that Miko was enraged by Yuuki's appearance, as she clenched punch, ready to hit him with all her might.
"No, you did not. We were just sitting here because the festival is too crowded."
"Oh, I see. Well then, I will leave you now." He said and began to descend the stairs.
Miko, on the other hand, was still angry.
I have to find something to calm her down, or Yuuki will be dead for sure.
"Um, Miko, would you like to come to my house for a while?"
"Ah, really? I'd love to." She said cheerfully.
"( Oof I think I made it, Yuuki, you owe me your life). Alright then, let us go." I said and grabbed her hand.