Let's say you're a really popular, handsome, athletic, and well-built third year high school student. First off, damn you to hell for ever being born and being a constant reminder to us normal people of how inadequate we are!
Secondly, even if it's just a little, you should be aware of your position in the hierarchy of high school society. I mean, it's impossible not to notice the constant stream of students going to your baseball games and practices, shouting your name, and cheering you on. You'll inevitably start to become more aware not only of yourself, but also of those who watch you from afar. But out of the dozens that watch you, there will always be that one person who you've seen since day one.
This person may not necessarily be the most attractive of the bunch. But they definitely cheer the loudest, attend consistently, and show their support the most. And once you notice that one super fan, you start to think that maybe they're not just in it for the thrill of watching you play. Is it possible that they have feelings for you? But you already have someone you like! So, you can't really reciprocate their feelings. But you also feel bad about letting them down. What should you do?
Well, there's really only one option for you. And luckily, it's the option that's most picked by others when faced with something similar. Basically, you just have to leave things as they are. You don't reciprocate anything, and you don't acknowledge anything. You just leave her as she is: a dedicated fan.
That's the reasoning I gave for why I think Suzuki is also at fault and a major part of the problem. I personally think it's a pretty good line of thought. But Asamura, with a sour look on her face, immediately berates me.
"Everything you said just now is so depressing that it's not even funny."
"I wasn't trying to be funny. I was explaining a point I made."
"If the point is you're an idiot, then bravo! Come on! Suzuki-senpai isn't obligated to return or even worry about Takamoto-senpai's feelings!"
Under normal circumstances, I would agree with what she said. But there's one thing that completely strips Suzuki of his deniability.
He knew about Takamoto's violent tendencies. That alone places an obligation on him to think things through more carefully.
"Look, I told him all there is to know about what Takamoto has done and what she's capable of doing. Yet, he still went ahead and confessed to Inoue, despite knowing what Takamoto could end up doing."
I pause for a bit to let my words sink in before continuing.
"I don't know if he was oblivious to the consequences or not, but there's no denying that his actions contributed to the mess we're in now."
I take another pause before delivering the nail to the coffin.
"And the way he acted yesterday in the cafe makes it obvious that he's too scared or unwilling to confront Takamoto. If Kurebayashi didn't offer to help, he probably would have just kept going like things were normal."
Asamura opens her mouth to retort, but no words come out. Looks like she's starting to see the sense of what I'm saying. On the other hand, Kurebayashi is attentively listening to me while sporting her signature smile and a gleeful look in her eyes. Maybe I should ask for her opinion on things?
"So, Kurebayashi. What do you think?"
"Oh, umm… Let's see… I do understand your reasoning. It made me realize that everyone involved had some part to play in the culmination of our current predicament."
She puts her hand to her cheek and lets out an audible sigh. Asamura also nods in agreement. Well, in the ten minutes we've spent talking about who's to blame, it seems like the conclusion we reached is that everyone is at fault in some way. Great job everyone. Can we go now? I'm really feeling the cold even through my coat and the sun isn't helping at all.
"This is just a thought of mine, but I believe that this could all be resolved with proper communication."
Kurebayashi said suddenly. She does have a point. I think all of this mess is caused by lack of communication and unmet expectations. But it's not like high school students are great at communicating in the first place. We would usually just let things fester until they reach a boiling point, and only then would we deal with it. In fact, it would take a carefully orchestrated scenario for two teenagers to have a civil discussion about their issues.
"Wait… I just thought of something."
"Really? What'd you think of, Sugiyama-kun?"
Oh crap, did I say that out loud? I meant to keep that in my thoughts but wound up saying it out loud.
"It's about what Kurebayashi said. It kinda gave me an idea."
"Really?! What'd you think of?"
Both Kurebayashi and Asamura start to lean in closer to me, anticipating what I'm going to say. But before I could lay out my thoughts, the school bell rang, signaling the start of classes for the day.
"Oh my. I did not notice the time. Come, we should get going."
"Yeah, let's make a run for it! Come on, Sugiyama-kun or we'll leave you behi— Wait, what the heck?! How are you so fast?! Wait for us!"
I sped away without even glancing back. The teacher for the first period today is Mr. Takahashi, and I'll be damned if I am ever late for his class! So long, Asamura, Kurebayashi. It's survival of the fittest now.