Two weeks have passed after Himari and I became friends, there were some changes that happened in our actions after this time. Himari would come to my place and watch me cook for about 2 to 3 times in weekdays after school. Saturdays was also a day where Himari would come and Sunday however we both eat outside when we buy supplies unless something urgent happens.
Kadehera-kun was also messaging me about football and sports while taking the initiative to invite me somewhere. Although all of this were refused by me, he still hasn't stopped inviting me out. He apparently gave my line number to the other three which gave me a surprised when there were a few unknown messages sent to me.
Harumi usually messages me about light novel recommendations which I had fun reading. She and I were mostly talking about books and sometimes exchanging stories about other genres relating to fiction. She apparently wants to become an author, so she also sent me her work which asking me for my opinion about it.
Hayate-kun sometimes messages me for some advice although I wasn't too sure about doing that since there were some sensitive stuffs. While I understand his pain, I don't think I'm the best person to talk about this.
Kaede-san was more of an inactive person to talk to, she messages me at random like about some rumors regarding me informing me about it. I guess she was worried about me since those rumors were directed at me.
In the past 2 weeks Himari and I were always seen together eating lunch so I was bombarded with questions regarding that. There were also rumors about me spreading, although I denied it already there were still some believing it to be true.
Right now, was one of the days where Himari and I were studying together in the library since we had another test.
"" Satoshi-kun what does this mean again?""
Himari pointed at some symbols in her book.
That means to be free Himari-san, you see in some countries the use of the symbol of a bird spreading its wings was freedom since birds usually fly away from potential predators which symbolizes oppression.
"" Then can it also symbolize peace Satoshi-kun?""
"" Well, depending on how you explain the word peace you should be safe if you put peace after a difficult time.""
"" Alright, I'll keep that in mind, thank you Satoshi-kun.""
Himari looked back at her book continuing to study for the test.
Currently, we were going to have a test on English regarding poetry, so we were familiarizing ourselves with different things. Well, that how it was supposed to be until--
"" Yeah, I don't get it.""
A male voice sounded at my side, he is studying with us right now due to him coincidentally meeting Himari and me going to the library. The person was Kadehera Retsu, he is good at sports but is bad at studying.
"" Let's all cheer for Retsu-kun, he might become more motivated to study if we do that!""
A girl's voice was heard in the library the librarian gave the usual Shhhh on her for talking loudly inside.
"" Ai, could you lower your voice when you speak, we have been called out at least three times already, please have mercy on our group.""
Another girl's voice was heard and the person who owns the voice was Kaede Yuki the Diva.
"" Also, you are bothering Satoshi-kun and Himari-san please keep it down.""
"" Sorry Yuki-chan, geez Retsu-kun do we really need to start from there?''
Harumi poked on Kadehera's weakness in studying.
"" That's why I'm here right? That said, I still don't get how these two got their answers like that. Is this something that only the two of them can understand?""
"" That's not the case Retsu-kun I also agree both of those answers are plausible. Also, that depends on your understanding of the symbol that's why both have different yet correct answers.""
"" Kadehera-kun here is a list of symbols and their meanings I don't think you would be able to understand them at once so try to read this and search on how they are connected.""
"" Waaaah you're my savior Satoshi I'll memorize this now.""
"" Don't memorize the symbols and meanings, understand it, Sensei might ask why you chose that meaning.""
"" Satoshi-kun is really kind, if it were me, I would just have him read the whole book.""
Harumi said that while playing with the ends of her hair.
"" Hey, I thought you two were going to help me since you both tagged along to study!""
"" I think it's your fault for not listening and for forgetting the test date Retsu-kun. Kaede added salt to the wound. You are lucky that Satoshi-kun here is kind enough to share his notes with you.""
"" I don't mind, I already studied before so I am prepared to take the test later. Himari dragged me here since she wanted to study.""
"" Himari was still reading the book, but I know for a fact that she was listening in to the conversation.""
"" Sounds like you two are close if you are both studying together. Harumi made a smile while directing her finger at me and Himari.""
"" It's not what you think, we are simply friends studying together due to some circumstances.""
"" Really Satoshi, just tell us the truth we won't condemn you for that.""
"" I believe studying is your priority Kadehera-kun you don't want to fail another test, do you?""
I smiled at Kadehera but it wasn't a good smile.
"" Umm yes, I'll do just that.""
Realizing something, Kadehera returns to reading the notes I gave him.
"" Umu, Satoshi-kun is good at dealing with Retsu-kun's priorities.""
Harumi added making Kadehera flinch.
"" I don't mind helping but, if the person himself doesn't work hard then I would just leave him be. Since he is doing his best I best, helping him is a small job.""
"" It's surprising how both of you and Himari-san study together, you two really are close. Also, Satoshi-kun is really smart and knows about many things.""
Kaede probe me for answers for what she saw was my strange behavior.
"" Himari-san, what do you think about this line here.""
I pointed the poem to avoid answering Kaede's remark.
"" Hmm, I guess it would mean living a righteous life is better than being a life full of self-satisfaction. No, it could also be to live life for the betterment of all.""
Himari answered and pondered more about what she thought.
"" Satoshi-kun is ignoring me Retsu-kun do your thing.""
Kaede smoothly continues her attack.
"" Hey Satoshi, I don't get this please help!'
"" Alright, alright I'll explain...'
After helping Kadehera with studying me and Himari were walking back to our classroom since it was nearly time for the first bell to ring. The other three decided to stay for a little longer to study so Himari and I went ahead.
"" You seem to be tired Satoshi-kun, you don't have to push yourself to study with me everytime.""
Himari spoke in a worried manner looking at me with her amethyst eyes.
"" It wasn't you, Kadehera-kun was draining my energy with many questions, also he is easily distracted since always tries to make remarks when I was talking to Kaede-san and Harumi-san.""
"" I think that's his way of making friends, he may have just come unprepared for the test which made him asked for some help, the other two seem to be worried for him as well even though they were not showing it directly.""
Himari defended Kadehera, smiling at me with her usual peaceful face.
"" Yeah, I really don't fit in with people like them, I would rather have someone who shows some tolerance when asking for help.""
I replied closing my eyes while holding my head with one hand.
"" Well, you could have refused but it seems you couldn't since he was in a bind.""
Himari said that looking at me with a warm gaze.
"" How could I refuse? He seemed desperate to study, I couldn't just leave him like that I would prefer to help him if there was time but with that limited time there was little, I could do.""
"" You really are a good person Satoshi-kun, you extend help when you can. I wouldn't be able to help Kadehera-san since I don't personally know him that much.""
"" You could have just helped out by telling some hints, but you seem reluctant, so I just took it upon myself to help him.""
"" You're right, I should have helped but I just don't want others to get close to me just because I gave them kindness. I really had a bad experience with those types of people.""
Himari seemed down saying that.
"" Even so, I don't think Kadehera-kun and the others had ill intentions they seem open-minded people. Although Kaede-san gives me the feeling of what I am hiding indirectly but she's just curious.""
"" Yeah, she was asking you directly unlike the others who interpret actions without clarification.""
"" Even so, Harumi-san mostly wanted to tease me since you talk to me but, I wish she could have been more careful about her voice others might misunderstand.""
"" Now that I think of it there were rumors about you again Satoshi-kun.""
Himari smiled wryly since I was a victim to these rumors again.
"" Yeah, they said I threatened you to spend time with me and that I should leave you alone. I'm stumped to find that out.""
"" I already denied those rumors, but it seems some students refused to believe it. The teachers are nice since they understand that we are friends.""
"" Well, majority of those people are boys they must have gotten their delusions from some manga or something. They think that if they save you from me who was threatening you, they might win you over.""
"" Seriously how immature of them, do they really think I'm some kind of object to get. I'm glad you're not like them Satoshi-kun, sometimes I just want someone to listen.""
"" Don't mind them Himari-san they are just lost in their fantasies they'll grow up one day. Also, please try to minimize contact with me in the classroom I am always questioned after all.""
"" I understand, if it lessens your troubles, I'll minimize talking to you in public unless it is urgent.""
"" Thank you, Himari-san I'll be slowing down my pace so please go in the classroom first.""
"" See you later Satoshi-kun, also I'll be coming over today so please wait for me later.""
"" I'll remember that let's do our best on the test later...""
Classes ended and I am currently heading towards the football field since I was asked by a certain someone to come.
"" Satoshi, over here!""
Kadehera was waving his hand telling me to come over.
"" Hello, Satoshi-kun it seems you helped Retsu with the test earlier he wanted to thank you since he managed to answer decently as he said earlier.""
Another male voice was heard, and the owner of the voice was Hayate Hiro.
"" Hello, Hayate-kun, it seems Kadehera-kun is in high spirits, I'm glad he managed to get through the test even though he had a little over 2 hours of studying.""
"" It's thanks to your guidance, here he says that I need to give this to you for helping him earlier.""
"" Hayate hands me an orange drink which was a favorite drink of mine. Was it a coincidence or was he knowledgeable about it?""
"" Thank you, by the way what are you doing here Hayate-kun, I thought you are usually in the library at this time?""
"" This guy? He says that the library was full, he wanted to escape the people there, so he came here. Now then Hiro come play a game with us!""
Kadehera explained to me Hayate's reason for being here.
"" So, you have girl issues there Hayate-kun?""
"" Yeah, I can't seem to clear my mind these days. Whenever I'm not with the other three, girls would start to swarm me.""
"" Well, you are popular after all, many girls would want to approach you which would be a dreamlike scenario for most boys but in reality it is hard to have time for yourself.""
"" Hiro you do know that a solution is to date someone right? It would make the girl's advances stop if you are taken.""
"" I don't want to date someone just because of this Retsu, I would rather date someone I really treasure.""
"" Kadehera-kun you may be right about that, but if you think of it carefully it could also back fire since the person that Hayate-kun dates would be subjected to the majority of the girl's hatred.To completely kill the hatred Hayate-kun must really love the girl to make other girls give up.""
"" And here we have Professor Leon with the high analysis of the problem. ""
Kadehera presents me while I was speaking.
"" It would be better for Hayate-kun to have an unpredictable routine to avoid the advances without hurting them. It seems that the plan worked making you have a routine place to go then quickly changing it was a good solution.""
"" Yeah, thanks for that advice, Satoshi-kun, it was a shame to not read a book today though.""
Hayate thanks me while looking a bit disappointed.
"" You could have just borrowed a book yesterday, Hiro.""
"" Ah, I did not think of that.""
Hayate realizes while Kadehera facepalms shaking his head.
"" Man, even though you are a looker you seem to have some naive side to you as well Hiro.""
"" Shut up, I don't think you have the right to say that to me when you forgot the test earlier.""
"" Ouch don't rub salt to a healing wound Hiro.""
Kadehera retorted back in a friendly manner.
"" You two are close seems like you both understand each other.""
"" Well, I knew Hiro and the others from middle school. We are inseparable even if we fight for some time.""
Kadehera replies to my comment.
"" Even so, the four of you cannot be together to cover each other's backs, you all have different activities in school.""
"" Hiro doesn't want to be affiliated with a club due to some reasons, but he is someone who gets a lot of proposals to join.""
"" That's true, speaking of which, Himari-san and Satoshi-kun are often eating together at lunch now. While I can guess they are friends, I am curious about how both of you came to that.""
Hiro changes the topic passing the mic to me.
I had the feeling that the two of them wanted to talk about my relationship with Himari. Well, it is a hot topic in school to talk about since the Delinquent and the "Angel" eating together doesn't sound right.
"" There were some circumstances that happened after Himari's request to me. I didn't expect to be friends with Himari back then since we both understood each other's intentions.""
I explained it in a vague manner carefully not saying that Himari-san sometimes comes to my place for cooking sessions.
"" Sounds like you both managed to gain each other's trust.""
Hiro remarked smiling at me.
"" I was just lucky to gain her trust, it's not like I wanted it but this is fine I guess.""
"" Himari-san is also lucky to have Satoshi-kun as a friend.""
Hiro added which made me confused.
"" What do you mean by that Hayate-kun?""
"" Satoshi-kun don't you see that it is obvious that the "Angel" treats you differently from others means that she treasures how you act around her. She has her usual defensive stance when talking to others but, when you are around who shares the same defensive stance as her, she can take it easy since there is already an established trust between you two.""
"" Is that how you see me when I'm around with Himari-san? Well, I haven't changed my usual actions in school except for the fact that I accompany Himari-san when eating and studying.""
"" Man, I don't know if Satoshi is aware of it or not, but you constantly look after the "Angel" when both of you are together.""
"" Sorry, I don't understand what you both are implying.""
"" Retsu let me explain, Satoshi-kun you do know that Himari-san is being confessed to right?""
"" Yeah, I heard that many have been rejected by her, it is a common talk to be rejected by her.""
I confirmed Hayate's remark.
"" Well, ever since the both of you started eating in the cafeteria, she doesn't get asked out at lunchtime which gives her leeway in school. You have been actually helping her out unconsciously with her life in school.""
"" I didn't know that, and it doesn't really matter if she uses me like that. She probably has her own reasons for not telling me so I'll respect that. Besides, I think she isn't the kind of person who uses others without mercy.""
"" Yeah, she really is lucky to have you.""
Hayate muttered which made Kadehera smile at me for some reason.
"" I know that Himari just minds her own business but to think she has these problems, that would explain her attitude during our encounter. She must have been trying to think about something relating to that.""
"" Satoshi-kun is nice, caring, and understanding to others maybe Himari-san opened up since she saw those things in you.""
What Hayate said was true since ever since that day, Himari was at her weakest state, she got involved in a violent situation, caught a cold, and was tired from the constant confessions. I helped her for a while, and she must have been observing me during that time. If that's true, then I need to reevaluate Himaris capabilities. While I trust her to a certain degree it won't hurt to at least have a backup plan if there is a chance for her to use me for her own selfishness.
That's right, in this world it is to being used is normal but, there is only a certain degree of use one can possibly give. Forcing and using others for your own benefit without respecting the other person's wishes is just annoying. I don't want to go back to that way of thinking but, it is just hard for me to let go of this.
"" Satoshi-kun, You understand that Himari-san is also a normal girl right?""
"" Yes, I know that that's why I'll keep an eye on her well-being as her friend.""
That being said, I also understand Himari to a certain extent, she acts like this because something must have haunted her in the past. The Himari that I know was a food-loving chef who looks like a child trying to learn driving a car while knowing to ride a bike. I should just support her from time to time.
"" It's getting late I need to return home I still got some things to do. I appreciate the drink by the way Kadehera-kun it's my favorite also Hayate-kun thanks for telling me about Himari's situation.""
"" Aww, and here I thought you could have played one round of football, Accept my invites sometime Satoshi.""
"" Yeah no, I am prioritizing a lot of things right now please don't force me to come.""
See you then Satoshi-kun.
Hayate waves his hand saying that while Kadehera smiles as he also waves his hand as I leave the area of the football field.
What a tiring day, I wonder if I have time to read novels later since I have some assessments tomorrow as well. I should probably tell Kadehera-kun about this later he might ask me tomorrow making it another tiring day.
I sighed as reorganize my thoughts for the future.