Pov Arthur.
A warm wind blows in my face. The bright sun is already at its zenith and dazzles my eyes. Golden fields are spread out in front of me, the edge is not visible, the beginning is forgotten.
Where am I?
It doesn't matter now.
I'm just walking forward, something is calling me. My soul desires it.
Bare feet feel this virgin land. There was no technology or machinery here. She's as pure as a baby's tear.
I saw a girl in the distance. Blonde loose hair. The wind does not let them fall, it only covers their face. She is wearing a white short dress, and she was wearing nothing on her feet, just like I had nothing on.
She waved at me and smiled. Did you smile? Her face is not visible, but the atmosphere from her is joyful, cheerful.
No thoughts came into my head. Just an instinct that screamed at me to go to her.
I began to accelerate my pace and approach this strange girl. She turned around and ran a little, turning her head towards me and waving.
I'm speeding up my run. I'm running and I'm not looking back. She's still waving and waving at me.…
I do not know how long I have been running, but the distance is no longer great between us. Who is she?
I understand that I am not at home, but one day I will return there. After all, I will never be able to turn away from home. No, from the Motherland. But here…
I don't want to leave without her.
Arthur: W-who are you?
I'm stuttering a little, because of the excitement… Excitement? I would never…
Girl: Arthur…
I heard that angelic voice, and my heart fluttered. Who is she? Why am I silent and looking in my direction?
My feet started to get closer to her, but. But the distance does not decrease? What?
Arthur: Who are you?!
I raised my voice, trying to reach her, but she just turned and looked over her shoulder again. Spreading her arms to the side, she did nothing.
Arthur: Who are you? Why am I here? Why am I attracted to you? Where am I?
She just stopped and said.
Girl: Let's go.
Arthur: Where to? What do I call you…
I got up on the bed and started to catch my breath. My heart aches with longing and empathy. Again, this falling in love with the girl from the dream. Ha.
I got up and took a pack of cigarettes and went to the window to smoke. This dream…
I've been dreaming about him for a long time, but... as I know, guys in Russia very often have this dream. There is a lot of speculation about why he is dreaming, what are the prerequisites for this.
For example, one of them says that this is Mother Russia, who comes to you in your dreams and shows you love for the country. Others say it's a lack of love in life.
I am inclined to the option that this is just an ordinary dream, which has the same meaning as the rest. But still.
Every guy will understand me. The girl you fell in love with in your dream. You don't know her face, her name, where she's from. I just fell in love with her. You don't care who she is. But the only thing you want is just to hug her. There is no eroticism or sexualism. This is the kind of romance that guys love. Just a hug, just to be there. For life.
But when you wake up, you still have this residue. Sadness, sadness, loss. All these emotions pile up at once. At first I was crying, but then I got used to it. It's just unpleasant.
After finishing my cigarette, I went to get ready for school.
***
While walking with Ichinose, I also taught her Russian.
Ichinose: Arthur. – she turned and looked into my eyes. Those eyes, innocent and pure. They fascinate you so much that you don't want to take your eyes off them. – today you taught me words that mostly relate to sadness. Sadness, farewell, longing, and the like. Did something happen to you?
Arthur: Haha, no. It's just the mood. I didn't get enough sleep. I rubbed the back of my head, still looking into her eyes. – Listen, how did you decide to take the exam?
Ichinose: The exam? We decided not to do as you said, but I really liked your idea! It's just that classmates decided that points are more needed now.
Arthur: I see. I looked at her and stopped. – Ichinose, if someone confesses their love to you, then ask why they like you.
Ichinose: Huh?! Wh-what do you mean? She blushed slightly and looked at me shyly.
Arthur: You just have very beautiful eyes. We used to fall in love with the eyes in Russia, even now some people can do this. If someone tells you that they loved the character, the body, the face, then reject it. Look for someone who will love your eyes, and only then they will look at everything else.
Ichinose: W-what are you doing all of a sudden? But okay, I'll remember your advice. Thank you..." she lowered her gaze and thought about my words.
After a couple of minutes, I decided to dilute the atmosphere.
Arthur: But if someone says that your eyes are bad or something like that, then tell me. I'll show you what "bad" eyes mean! He smiled broadly and slapped his chest.
Ichinose: Haha, okay, Arthur. – she raised her head and laughed.
I wasn't lying when I said that her eyes were the most beautiful thing. Not the body, not the character. She can be very sexy to look at, have a good-natured character that attracts into her circle of kindness. But the eyes… Her look may be one of the best in school, no. They are the ones that I have seen in my life.
So we approached the school and parted.
***
Sitting in my seat, I watched the class. Everyone is tense, but maybe today they will be happy as they were not happy that they received 100,000 points at the beginning of the year. Or they'll be sad that they couldn't stay here.
Chabashira entered the classroom and also approached the podium with a serious face.
Hirata: Sensei, will you show the results today?
Chabashira: Yes, Hirata. I planned to do it later, but if you want, I can do it now.
Hirata: Yes, please.
After Hirata's request, the teacher unfolded a poster with grades on the blackboard and stared at the class. Everyone quickly started looking for their grades, hoping that they hadn't failed.
Sudo: Yes!! It worked!
Sudo and the rest of the students were happy that they had received a passing grade. I looked at his grades and saw 39 points in English. For the sake of curiosity, I calculated the average score in this subject and it turned out to be 39.8
Well, that's how it should go, the whole part, after all, or is it somehow different in Japan?
Chabashira: You did a good job of surprising me, but..." she drew a red line over Sudo's name. – Sudo Ken failed. You will be expelled. After lessons, you will go to the teacher's room to sign documents.
Why does it work like this here? But why should he take lessons if he's excluded? Is it because of the possibility of canceling the exception? Hm…
Sudo: What?! The passing score is 32! I passed! – He got up and shouted at the teacher.
Chabashira: Yes, in the last job he was 32, but this one is 40. I never said he couldn't change.
Hirata: Isn't there a way to change something? Maybe you made a mistake when checking his work?
Chabashira: There can be no mistake Hirata, you can check for yourself.
Hirata walked over to the table and started watching Sudo's work.
Hirata: Yes, no mistake…
Chabashira: That's it. Sudo, I'm waiting in the staff room after lessons.
With these words, she was about to leave, but Horikita called out to her.
Horikita: Chabashira-sensei, can I ask you a question?
Chabashira: How unusual, Horikita. What is the question?
Horikita: Earlier, on the last test, you said that the passing score was 32, and it was calculated using the formula that you wrote earlier. Did some mistake creep into the calculation of the passing score for the current test?
Chabashira: No, there are no mistakes.
Horikita: Then I have one more question. I calculated that the average score for the last trial test was 64.4. Dividing by two, you get 32.2. Which means that the scores should have been at least 33. However, you cut off the fractional part and got a score of 32. Why is everything different now?
Sudo: Yeah, the passing score should have been 39!
False hopes appear brightly there and so dimly go away.
Chabashira: Apparently, you were well aware that Sudo would get a low score in English. You also have a suspiciously low grade in this subject, as well as, in fact, your neighbor.
Sudo: Horikita, Arthur, you... — Sudo noticed something. The others, surprised, looked at the table again. Four out of five of our grades were perfect, but she got 51 for English, and I got 50, "You really...— he realized what we had done.
And, of course, not by mistake. To lower the average score, we deliberately lowered our grades.
Horikita: If you think I'm wrong, please explain the difference in calculations between the previous test and this one.
Chabashira: I understand. Well, let me point out one more thing to you. Unfortunately, there is one mistake in your formula. We didn't cut off the fractional part, but just rounded it up. Last time it went down to 32, this time it went up to 40.
I decided not to leave Horikita alone and decided to help her.
Arthur: Teacher, but why is this rounding at all? We just have a whole assessment going on, and the result shows only what we scored. And the average score is clean, without any commas. Why is this not the case? 39 is 39.
Chabashira: It's interesting with your education, but we have such calculus at school. Rounding up with a minimum threshold.
Arthur: If he scored 39.5, would you round up his score?
Chabashira: He can't score that, only a whole number.
Arthur: Exactly. Then why these decimal values if we can only type a whole number?
Chabashira: Because that's how the school works. Any other questions?
Arthur: No, no more questions.
I glanced at Sudo and just waited for Chabashira to leave the classroom.
Horikita: I'm sorry, it looks like I should have gotten even less," Horikita slowly lowered her head.
Arthur: I just wanted to avoid excluding you. I've already talked about this topic, haven't I?
Sudo: Yes, I remember. But Horikita, didn't you say that you hate me?
Horikita: Make no mistake, I'm doing this for myself. But even so, everything turned out to be in vain.
Ha, still the same.
Ayanokoji got up and left the classroom. To the bathroom? Yeah, right on the alarm clock. How well he can lie.
I looked at Horikita, she was looking at her notebook until she felt my gaze.
Horikita: What are you looking at me for?
Arthur: You just can't admit that you tried to help a classmate?
Horikita: I told you that…
Arthur: Do you still want to help?
Horikita: What do you mean?
I took out my phone and looking at it, I realized something. Fuck, that would be such a good moment.
Arthur: Listen, give me your phone number, I want to explain something to you.
Horikita: Explain it first, then I'll think about it.
Arthur: Just give me the number, then I can give you my phone and delete it if you don't like the explanation.
Horikita: ... - she looked at me suspiciously, but still gave me the number. – Okay, what do you want to explain?
I called on the phone and she got a message.
Horikita: !!! – she was surprised because I had just sent her money. – Why are you giving me this?
Arthur: Go to the teacher and buy 0.8 points for the Sudo assessment in English. If it's not enough, then tell me.
Horikita: !!! She was even more surprised and looked from me to the phone.
Arthur: Go already, otherwise Sudo is cursing his whole life right now.
She nodded and went to the door. Maybe someone will ask why I didn't go too, but for some reason the teacher doesn't really like me. Are these stereotypes about Russians or is this the past history of the countries of Russia and Japan? I don't know, she's a history teacher after all. But the main reason why I didn't go myself, but gave this chance to Horikita, is because I'm too lazy. Go ahead and figure it out? She and the toilet boy can do it.
Chiaki: Arthur! How did you do that? – while I was looking at the door that Horikita came out of, Chiaki came up to me. – You didn't lie that you made past grades for fun. But you're so smart, it's amazing that with such knowledge you didn't show it. Basically, people like to give their best, or at least like Koenji, not to make terrible grades.
Arthur: Huh?! Or how are you? Haha – I looked at her and laughed, she smiled shyly and asked a question.
Chiaki: Let's not be here, okay?
Arthur: Okay, but this knowledge doesn't mean anything to me. They're just for teachers, so I don't really attach much importance to them.
Chiaki: For teachers?
Arthur: I'll tell you about it later. But what do you think we have..." I stopped for a second and looked at Hirata.
Chiaki: Yes, Hirata is very upset right now, but I think he will take matters into his own hands and work harder.
Arthur: Sudo's exclusion will be canceled, Horikita went to investigate there, so I hope he won't lure me into these study groups.
Chiaki: Huh? Why do you say that? Or have you done something and there will be no exception?
Arthur: You will know a lot, you will grow old quickly.
Chiaki: You're back with your phrases from Russia! How does this affect old age in general?
Arthur: Think about wisdom and how old people behave.
Chiaki: ... - she thought for a moment and nodded – yes, it matters. But it feels like you're using that phrase just to not tell me.
Arthur: ignorance is not a vice, unwillingness... - Chiaki covered my mouth with her hands to keep me silent. - …
Chiaki: That's enough, I already feel that a part of me is becoming Russian. Were you sent to Russify the youth?
Arthur: ..." I took her hands away and spoke. – of course, because my country needs a couple of schoolgirls from Japan.
Chiaki: Haha, that's what I thought. By the way, if you're saying Sudo won't be expelled, will you come to karaoke with us today? I'll talk to the girls so that everyone agrees.
Arthur: I'm sorry, but I'll refuse.
Chiaki: Why?
Why? Who, a sane Russian, would go to karaoke sober? They don't sell alcohol here. To sing songs with a fresh head… It's like sleeping standing up.
Arthur: I don't really want to.
Chiaki: Well, damn it, let's go. You are welcome! You haven't gone anywhere with us for a long time! If you don't go, then I'll..." she thought for a second. After she thought of 14000605 options for how to mess with me, her eyes lit up. In the campaign, I found the only option where the chance is highest. – Then I and all the girls will communicate with you through kaomoji! Even some boys. Everyone will write them to you!
Arthur: ... - my face immediately changed to an anxious one, and I cursed the day when I decided to write to Karuizawa. I glanced at her with a glance filled with regret and anger. Chiaki saw that look and just grinned at me. "Ah... okay, I'll go. But if you try to blackmail me with this all the time, I'll just block you and communicate only in person.
Chiaki: Good! I'll write you the time and place! She turned around and walked away. Damn, why are the skirts so short here?
A few minutes later, Horikita came and announced that Sudo was not excluded. She didn't go into details, only briefly mentioned me as the one who gave her the idea. It looks like Ayanokoji decided not to participate in this again.
This guy… He is quiet, but his observation is very good. He did a few things that no one in this class could even think of. His this trait… But why isn't it glowing? And why should he, if he doesn't want to shine?
Horikita returned to her seat and looked at me.
Horikita: How did you come up with this idea and why didn't you come with me or didn't you decide on your own?
Arthur: So many questions… I just remembered that you can buy everything here with points. I am very surprised that almost no one remembered this. Seriously, even in my country, they would betray the meaning of these words, and not a hundred thousand on the balance sheet. As for why I sent you instead of going myself, I was just too lazy, honestly.
Horikita: I see, you seem to have smart people, since they can distinguish such words.
Arthur: Are they smart? No, far from it. It's just such a life.
Horikita: What do you mean? She looked at me in disbelief, waiting for my answer. I'm not going to explain that they are attentive to such things because of their depravity, am I? Everyone will fuck up there and find benefits to live a better life, so people are used to looking for tricks in everything. Hell, even the police are being watched to make sure they don't do anything unnecessary, although it should be different.
Arthur: It doesn't matter, you won't understand this mentality. More importantly, should I delete your number?
Horikita: Oh, right, the number. Hmm... no, you can keep it, you probably saved it or wrote it down somewhere. But don't give it to anyone without my permission. And about the points, she transferred back to me about thirty thousand points.
Arthur: Huh, just tell me that my idea was useful and I can keep it as a reward. Why defile me like that? And the points... I see. – I didn't stop her, because she definitely wouldn't keep them for herself, but why not forty...?
Horikita: ... - she didn't answer anything, turned away and began to prepare for the lesson.
God, that girl.
***
After school, I went home and started preparing for a hike with Chiaki and the rest of the karaoke. If I don't have any alcohol, I'll take kvass with me. I put on the clothes I bought before school and went to the meeting.
After meeting with everyone, namely Hirata, Karuizawa, Chiaki, Shinohara and Mori, we went to the reserved karaoke room. Chiaki sat on my left, and I was on the edge.
The guys started ordering food, I just took French fries and we started singing songs.
Japanese songs are kind of cool, but the girls don't sing so animatedly. If you sing, you need to understand the meaning of the song and put your soul into it. You are pleased and the audience is better off.
After everyone had sung a few songs, Chiaki turned to me and held out the microphone. What? I didn't sign up for this!
Arthur: Don't even start, I just agreed to come, but not to sing! I didn't let her finish. Seriously. Not only am I already sitting here dry, but they also make me sing? – I can't sing in this state.
Chiaki: What do you mean? In what condition?
Karuizawa: Come on, Arthur! We won't judge you for your voice, even though your voice is a little low and a little harsh, but try it anyway.
Arthur: ... - yes, cigarettes make my voice sound like that. But I won't sing anyway! – Even if I sing, I do not know these songs.
Karuizawa: It's okay! You can add your own, here's the wire.
Chiaki: Yes, come on, I want to listen to a Russian song!
Hirata: Oh, I'm interested in that too.
Hirata! You should have fought evil, not joined it! The traitor!
I looked at him and showed him with all my appearance that he was a traitor to humanity. He seemed to realize that he was playing against me, but he just turned away and pretended not to speak. That's an asshole.
Arthur: Ha... good. I'll add a song right now. We also go to karaoke in Russia, but they are different here.
Mori: Which ones? How are they different?
Arthur: Well, there's only one room, but it's big. It looks like a restaurant, but with a bar and a stage. People come out and start singing in front of everyone, and the rest of the audience either listen or sing along.
Shinohara: And? In front of everyone? It's terrible, I couldn't do that.
Arthur: What song do you like? Which is sung by men, children or common?
Karuizawa: Let's have a common one!
Chiaki: Yeah, although you can choose which one we might like.
Well, I'm thinking of giving them the most popular song that everyone sings. Teenagers, women, men. Well, Leps? Let's go?
I found the song and uploaded it. Thank God it's in Russian.
Arthur: Since you don't know Russian, just listen to my voice and melody. – I took the microphone and started singing.
The night has gone down the streets
With the starry tread of queens.
Simplicity of words and numbers
At the sky bridge
I scattered the feathers of birds.
They will not be forgotten by anyone
A feast of lips and eyes.
Take me into your captivity,
This knee line
To kiss for the last time.
Just a glass of vodka on the table.
The wind is crying outside the window
They echo in me with a quiet pain
This young moon is screaming.
It's not easy to give you away
The sails of the winds and birds.
Maybe you don't even understand,
Maybe you won't even find out
Among thousands of female faces.
Let my eyes be silent.
They look at the moon in silence.
If anyone catches your eye
, hurry back.
I don't know why.
Just a glass of vodka on the table.
The wind is crying outside the window.
They echo in me with a quiet pain
This young moon is screaming.
They resonate in me with pain
This young moon is screaming.
(EN: Grigory Leps. A glass of vodka on the table) (Ru: Григорий Лепс. Рюмка водки на столе)
When I finished singing, I drank my class and looked at the others. Wow, what are those faces?
Chiaki: It was great. I didn't know that Russian songs could be so emotional.
Karuizawa: I agree! It was cool, although the text is not clear, but the melody and your voice conveyed the atmosphere of loneliness well.
Hirata: It's a beautiful song. Can you sing something else?
I glanced at Hirata and just found the next song, which was understood and loved mostly by adults. They even cry a lot at concerts, but there are smiles on their faces. Let's see how they react.
Mori: Oh! You can turn on the auto-translator here so that the Japanese text is shown on the screen!
Arthur: ... - if it is translated well, then they will definitely shed a couple of tears. – Listen…
Chiaki: Samsara? Let's turn it on, now it will be interesting.
I looked at them with chagrin. Well, let's get started. But first you need to put napkins.
Karuizawa: Why did you get them?
Arthur: You'll understand later.
I took a sip of kvass and turned on the song.
Do it in spite of, do it by hand
Turn the world upside down, overturn the sky
In every sketch, in every draft
The teacher continues in his pupil
All my life I've been going down
All my life I've been looking for love to love alone
They said it was too late to save us and too late to treat us
I don't care, because our children will be better than us
Better than us
Better than us
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom
We cannot be erased: we live out of spite
We may not be lucky, but we will take our own
This is the sky instead of the stage — everything is upside down here
And these stars are a flashlight lit by you in the dark, hey
A thousand of me before me, and after me there will be
A thousand of me, and in thousands not of me, a thousand of me
And we're in pieces again, and we can't be fixed.
I don't care, because our children will be better than us
Better than us
Better than us
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom
When I'm gone, I'll sing with my voices
My children and their children's voices
We are simply being swapped, this is the law of Samsara
The cycle of people, oh, Mom.
(En: Basta. Samsara) (Ru: Баста. Сансара)
When I finished, I saw that they had all started crying and were already wiping themselves with napkins. It seems that this song even caused them a couple of tears.
Arthur: Well, how do you like it?
Shinohara: Why did you include such a sad song?!
Arthur: She's not sad. It's just a matter of accepting the philosophy that comes up in the song.
Chiaki: I agree. It is a very beautiful song and vital. Thanks Arthur, I'll add it to myself to listen to.
Hirata and Karuizawa also agreed with this.
Arthur: We mostly listen to her with tears and smiles at the same time. You should have seen his concerts under this song. There's just no other song like that. They don't scream, there may not be many of them, but it's different there. All right! Let's do something fun… Maybe Katyusha? No, they won't understand. Hmm... oh! Hands up! Precisely!
In the evening, I wander alone warm, "You can't bring her back!", the rain whispers to me tenderly.
I know that I will meet you with someone else, it would be better if it were not you, but you are walking next to him.
I loved you so much, I loved you so much, I thought you were waiting for me, what did you do?
I loved you so much, I loved you so much, and now I've lost you.
And he kisses you, says he loves you and hugs you at night, presses you to his heart.
And I'm in pain with my love, the photos in the album will remind you of you.
And he kisses you, says he loves you and hugs you at night, presses you to his heart.
And I'm in pain with my love, the photos in the album will remind you of you!
A thunderstorm is thundering in the warm evening, I see you two together again — you're smiling.
I look away, what are you doing to me, why are you mocking me?
I loved you so much, I loved you so much. I thought you were waiting for me, what did you do?
I loved you so much, I loved you so much, and now I've lost you.
And he kisses you, says he loves you and hugs you at night, presses you to his heart.
And I'm in pain with my love, the photos in the album will remind you of you.
And he kisses you, says he loves you and hugs you at night, presses you to his heart.
And I'm in pain with my love, the photos in the album will remind you of you!
And he kisses you, says he loves you and hugs you at night, presses you to his heart.
And I'm in pain with my love, the photos in the album will remind you of you.
And he kisses you, says he loves you and hugs you at night, presses you to his heart.
And I'm in pain with my love, the photos in the album will remind you of you!
(En: Hands up. And he kisses you) (Ru: Руки вверх. А он тебя целует)
Arthur: Phew. That's it, I can't do it anymore. Come on, you now.
Hirata: Arthur, you have good songs with meaning. Can you recommend any songs later?
Karuizawa: Yes! Do you have any other such cool songs?
Arthur: These are professional songs. But yes, there is. We also have a lot of songs that are embarrassing, but the musicians have written a lot of hits, so no problem.
Chiaki: Arthur, what's your favorite song?
Arthur: ... - favorite song? It's a difficult question, but does she want me to sing another one? No, I don't want to. – there is no such thing. I'm a music lover, I like a lot of things.
Of course, there are songs that I like more than these, but I don't want them to cry again.
Chiaki: Well okay. She turned away and snorted softly. I guess I guessed right.
So we sang more songs, I sang "Katyusha" under the persuasion of the others.
***
It was already dark when we left the karaoke room. I decided to take a walk, so I separated myself from the others. Can we go through special buildings? Or near the shops?
Passing to the special buildings, I went into the back and lit a cigarette. Why do I smoke so much? It's a bad habit. If it were possible to buy snus here, then I would rather use it than smoke cigarettes. But it's a pity that he's not here.
What to do with Horikita? Her character is like this because of her brother. All I realized was that she was trying to be like him. Why? Just by looking at her and him. The only difference is in their field. Is she trying to parody him because of what? Maybe it came from the parents? They praised him. Or they weren't at home often, and she only saw her brother.
Maybe he did it himself? He used situations to redirect her to the path he chose.
I can guess as much as I want, but why do I want to help her? Is it because I'm an older brother myself? I just can't watch my brother behave with his sister?
If I had helped her, she would have taken on herself and focused on herself, which could have helped the class. Although I do not know what she will be like when she becomes herself, but ... she will definitely be more open and bring more benefits to the class. It will also be more pleasant to communicate with her, maybe she would even become my friend?
*click* *click*
I threw away my cigarette and turned to where I heard the sound.
Sakayanagi: Fu-fu-fu, I didn't expect Arthur to break the school rules, or rather the laws of Japan.
Arthur: ..." I looked at her with disinterested eyes. – Do you often walk alone at this time?
Sakayanagi: Fu-fu, is this the beginning of a threat?
Arthur: Haa, no. Just wondering. And the fact that I smoke is fine. I can buy anything at this school, so it's not my fault.
Sakayanagi: It looks like you've done a good job at this school, Arthur. But I wasn't going to tell anyone about it, because I wouldn't have anyone to play chess with.
Arthur: Do I play that well? I've never won against you. There will certainly be those who are well versed in them. Maybe there are even some clubs.
Sakayanagi: Fu-fu, don't underestimate yourself. You're learning fast, maybe you'll be on par with me tomorrow.
Arthur: Maybe. But still. What are you doing here?
Sakayanagi: I was just walking until I saw you. We can say that this is a coincidence.
Arthur: It's a coincidence, isn't it? Have you ever smoked?
Sakayanagi: No, I can't because of my health.
Arthur: I see. I was about to leave, should I walk you out?
Sakayanagi: Fu-fu, you're always trying to see me off, maybe you liked me, Arthur?
Arthur: It's just a courtesy. If you don't want to, then fine.
I walked past her and headed for the dorm.
***
I got out of the elevator and went to the door. But before I opened it, I saw Horikita coming out of Ayanokoji's room.
Horikita: ... - she stopped dead in her tracks. – if at least…
Arthur: Did you celebrate passing the exam successfully?
Horikita: Yes. I was persuaded to come.
Arthur: I'm surprised. Would you like to come in for a cup of kvass?
Horikita: ... she squinted and analyzed me. – What do you want? Just to talk? If so, I will refuse.
Arthur: Well, yes, but it may not be a small talk, but you will also drink kvass.
Horikita: Okay, but not for long. And if you do something suspicious, then don't blame me if you get a bump on your forehead.
Arthur: Hahah, good.
I went into the apartment and put on my sneakers.
Horikita: Sneakers? What for?
Arthur: It's just a habit. Go sit down for now.
Horikita went into the room, and I went to the kitchen. Taking the kvass and slicing the fruit, I went into the room. Horikita was sitting on my bed and looking at my desk. Oops, I think I'm burned.
Horikita: Is this a photo, are these your friends from Russia?
It was me and three of my friends in the photo. We were leaning against the car and one of us was holding a gun, and I had a cigarette in my hands.
Arthur: Yes.
Horikita: Do you smoke?
Arthur: I'm quitting, but I know how they feel about it in Japan, I'll just say it right away. It is also prohibited in Russia, but according to the mentality of the people, this is not something unthinkable. They treat it normally and do not smoke because of pleasure.
Horikita: Then why are you smoking?
Arthur: ... - I looked at the photo for about five seconds and answered her. – Let's just say it helps a lot to reduce stress.
Horikita: What can reveal stress so much that you should smoke?
Arthur: You don't want to know.
I put the glasses and plate on the table. I turned the photo over, but realized that I had made another mistake.
Horikita: Is it customary in Russia to keep money and Letters behind a photo?
Arthur: Ahh, no money, we keep it in books, but I haven't bought it yet. And the letter, it's not a letter and it refers to the four of us, so I keep it next to me.
Horikita: I see. She took the mug and began to drink.
Arthur: Do you like it? If you want more, tell me.
Horikita: Yes, the drink is delicious. What does it make of?
Arthur: From black bread and... stop, stop doing that already!
Horikita: What are you talking about? – she smiled slightly, but immediately took the smile away.
Arthur: You know what I mean. Ugh, I can't even get a patent at this school, so that someone doesn't find out a detailed scheme from me in three years.
Horikita: Arthur, can I ask you a question?
Arthur: Go ahead and ask, but I won't answer about kvass.
She put down the mug and took a piece of apple.
Horikita: You moved here, but alone. Why didn't your friends come with you? Or a family? It's another country, and you're not an adult.
Arthur: ... - I looked at her and thought about whether to answer or not, but decided to get away from the question. – the family stayed there because they didn't want to move. I came here because I liked Japan and wanted to study here, and if it's what I expected, I'll stay here.
Horikita: And how do you like Japan?
Arthur: As expected, I like everything. So, I called you to ask about something, but you're the one asking the questions.
Horikita: Ask me.
Arthur: Do you remember that night when I met you in the elevator?
Horikita: Yes, I remember.
Arthur: Why did you have red wrists?
Horikita: !!! She flinched slightly, but continued to look at me.
Arthur: If you don't want to answer, then fine…
Horikita: Answer my question first. Previous question. You answered about family, but friends? Did you stay there too?
Arthur: Why are you so interested in my friends?
Horikita: It just says "Together forever" in the photo, bottom right. So I'm wondering, did you leave your friends and go to Japan for a dream? And also, there's a gun, are you really a criminal?
Arthur: Haha, I do not know how it is in Japan, but in Russia anyone, even a minor, can buy this gun. This is a pepper spray in the form of a pistol. Threatening and very good at scaring away.
Horikita: Phew– she exhaled slightly and relaxed– I see.
Arthur: Did you think we were some kind of criminals? If I were, I wouldn't be accepted into this school.
Horikita: Yes, you're right. I'm sorry for the suspicions.
Arthur: It's okay.
I smiled and ate a tangerine. She shouldn't know that it's a real gun, otherwise she'll walk around me for a kilometer.
Horikita: But this is the second time you've dodged the question…
Arthur: They stayed there. – I cut her off. She opened her eyes wide, but quickly came to her senses.
Horikita: ... - she looked at me askance, but did not continue to delve into this topic.
Arthur: So why did you have red wrists?
Horikita: Uh, that's..." she hesitated to speak, but I decided to continue for her.
Arthur: Is this your brother?
Horikita: !!! How are you…
Arthur: I met with your brother before that. I talked and realized that he was dating someone, and then he saw you. So I made two plus two.
Horikita: So that's why you were with Nii-san back then..." She muttered to herself, but I heard.
Arthur: Horikita, if you need help, I'll help you. You can just ask me and I'll do what I can.
Horikita: Why are you helping me so much? As for that, what now. He also talked to me about some topics before that.
Arthur: What if I say I just want to be friends with you?
Horikita: This is not the answer to the question. But what is the reason?
Arthur: ... - I was thinking how to tell her the right thing, but decided not to twist the words. – I also have a sister, so what is happening to you is not good for me. There's also a friend in the photo. I picked up the frame and showed it to her. – See, this is Anton.
I showed a guy with black hair.
Arthur: He was also overconfident and underestimated the others. He was constantly doing everything for himself and distancing himself from others. Me and my childhood friend, Kostya, corrected him and he was grateful to us afterwards. I see these traits in you and I want to help you with it. You can deny it now, but then you'll thank me.
Horikita: Do you have a sister?
Arthur: Yes, she is in Russia.
Horikita: But you want to fix my character, even if it's because of the experience with your friend, I still don't need to. I can and …
Arthur: You don't have to agree. It's just that if you need help, then just tell me, I don't mind.
Horikita: But you refused to even listen to me in the staff room that day. You probably understood what I meant by raising the class.
Arthur: I just don't want to be obligated at the moment when you wanted to establish this agreement as classmates. I want to help you as a friend.
Horikita: Because I look like yours…
Arthur: No. You're only like him in these two things. Self-confidence and attitude towards others. Everything. Everyone can be like someone else, but you are different, even having such common features.
Horikita: I see.
Arthur: I'm not waiting for an answer now. If you need help, just tell me, but I'm not going to be an errand boy or anything like that.
Horikita: I heard you. She had already finished her kvass and started eating fruit.
Arthur: Do you want another drink?
Horikita: No, thank you. If that's all you wanted to talk about, then I'll go. She got up and went to put on her shoes.
Arthur: If you want, I can pour you some kvass. She stopped, but continued to dress.
Horikita: If possible…
I got up and went to the kitchen to pour kvass from a plastic bottle.
While I was pouring, she looked into the kitchen and watched the process.
Arthur: If you want to know something, you won't be able to. I don't keep this kind of thing in a prominent place.
Horikita: It hurts.
After pouring the kvass, I handed it to Horikita. She left the room, and I closed the door and went to change.
Why did she communicate so well with me? What happened to her?
And why do I want to help her so much? I don't understand this point a bit. More precisely, I understand it very well. But I don't want to admit it. It should have gone away a long time ago, but this school was created for this.
To understand how you can easily hook a person and guide him at the beginning and follow his further journey. Find out what he can achieve on his own and watch as he suffers defeat in the course of his actions. And then, after all this, to see the result. Maybe I can make friends with her in the end? Although all my friends are resting now, does she need it?
I'm looking for someone who will understand me. There was such a person, but now I'm alone. I want to find such a person here, but everyone is not developed and I have to help them in order to determine in the end. If at least someone can understand me, my actions, thoughts, hell, even just my words in this or that situation. If a person accepts them, it will lighten my burden and I will be able to share it with someone.
Why do I want this?
Because I'm already on the precipice and I don't want to change, as it happened with the rest.
Yes, it's selfish. I'm selfish.
A/h
That's the end of this chapter.
How do you like Horikita and Arthur's communication? I have advanced this story between them, with the help of one dialogue, which I will show later. Why am I bringing them so close? Arthur told me why he was doing this.
As for his mini monologue, I want to say that he is a little lost. This is a person who realizes that he is on the verge of a breakdown and is looking for someone who will pull off his burden. Whether he can find it or not. Maybe he can find someone to take him back? And who could it be?
Why is Arthur so close to Ichinose? It's just that he's projecting the same way he did with Horikita. This can be called an obsession with the past to some extent. This will be covered in the future.
There are a lot of dialogues and ordinary life here. There will be a lot of this in the future, but I'm trying to make not just passing moments with communication with someone, but every moment can come up later.
Thank you for reading, if there are mistakes in the story or words, then write, I will answer and correct them.