The walk back home was really tiresome. After expending a great deal of energy with all the interactions today, I then had to walk across half the commercial district just to get back to the residential area. It's too late now to get some food from the shop. Guess it's cup noodles for me tonight.
Despite being completely exhausted, I do feel somewhat calm right now. The streets are quiet with only the occasional TV or clangs of pans I hear after passing by a house's open window. The wind is also chilly, which I hate most of the time, but it's oddly a welcome sensation right now. In a narrow alley, I see a peculiarly multi-colored cat quietly minding its own business.
It's sights, sounds, and feelings like this that really set my mind at ease. Everything is just so still; a welcome moment of stagnation that provides respite in an otherwise uncaring world.
As I continue on my way, my mind drifts back to what Kurebayashi said about Sakakibara Daiki.
"So, you're like that, huh?"
I repeated the words he said to her. I can't say that I fully agree with him, since I've only heard one side of the story. But I do see where he's coming from. Kurebayashi Reina is an obsequious kind of person. I don't know if she literally can't say no or is willfully choosing to fulfill any request thrown her way. Case and point, the student who requested her help studying in his house is clearly shady. But Kurebayashi doesn't see the context or the circumstances behind the request. To her, she just sees someone who asked for her help.
"That's a really dangerous mindset to have."
I mumble to myself. Honestly, I'm surprised no one has taken advantage of her yet and had her do some more dubious tasks.
After rounding a corner, I finally see my house just a few more steps away. I look at the second floor window to see if the lights are on. Unfortunately, they are not.
"When is gramps gonna come home from Tokyo…"
I open the door and make a beeline to the kitchen to prepare the cup noodles. The only flavors left are curry and classic. I knew I should have grabbed more seafood flavored ones. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. I reluctantly grab the curry flavored cup noodles and begin to prepare it.
"So, you're like that, huh?"
Again, I repeat the same words that Sakakibara Daiki spoke. Why would he stop attending the club after realizing Kurebayashi's subservient nature? Was he disgusted by it? Or did he get angry because she kept accepting any and all requests made to her? It doesn't make sense to me.
I could just go up to him and ask him directly. But I'm neither willing nor interested enough to go down this rabbit hole. Besides, I only plan on having him help spread the rumor. After all is said and done, I'd like to never again interact with him.
"Man, I need to turn my mind off…"
All of this thinking is not gonna do me any good. Fortunately, my noodles are done. The distinct knock-off curry smell is foul, but it helps to reset my mind and think only of the noodles and broth.
That's enough for tonight.