April 18th, Friday. 5:23 PM.
I've never really wondered if I had a better memory than others.
Still, I'm pretty confident when it comes to remembering other people's names and personalities. Normally, one would complain about meeting too many new people in a span of a day or so because their memories would have a hard time keeping up. Not a lot of names or personalities would stick as a result.
That's how it was for Hiro and Keisuke who were fairly social people like me, during the first day of school. They'd whine about forgetting about a classmate they'd just hung out with because they'd already talked to so many other new students.
The moment I realized all of this in middle school, I decided to take advantage of it. I decided to take advantage of my brain.
"And so? What else did you hear?" I asked.
"That's about it, I guess..." Hiro shrugged.
"So you're saying that guys who have a crush on Shirase-san are getting... bullied?" Keisuke raised an eyebrow in disgust.
"I wouldn't go so far as to say it's bullying. They're not doing anything serious besides slightly making fun of them during breaks or so. I talked to one of the guys who got made fun of, and he said Ishikawa's group stopped messing with him as soon as he started getting close to another girl."
"In other words, they won't look at you unless it's known to them that you're interested in Shirase-san at the moment," I pondered. "Hiro, how did it actually look? Did Ishikawa lead them in the bullying?"
"Oh, right, I'm glad you mentioned that. I actually couldn't help but notice how quiet Ishikawa was when stuff like that happened— or at least whenever I saw them in the classroom. He doesn't even look interested. Most of the ragging came from the two stooges that were often with him."
How did this conversation come to be, you ask?
Well, the three of us were walking home when Hiro suddenly told us about a strange occurrence inside their class. That's when I heard a familiar name: Ishikawa Akito.
As it turns out, he was in the same class as Hiro. I had to pry for more information on him.
"Based on what you said, it's easy to assume that someone from that group's motive is jealousy, maybe because they have a crush on Shirase-san herself..." I said. "And then there's Ishikawa. Does he have a big influence on your class? Any normal guy with his own group of friends should be able to stand up to him."
"Yeah, that's the thing. Ishikawa may look like the leader of the trio, but he's not the one they're afraid of. One of the two stooges, Kaibara, has a troublesome older brother. Apparently, he's the leader of a dangerous group of friends rumored to have ties with the yakuza."
"Damn, seriously...?"
"Where did you hear about this, Hiro?" Keisuke asked.
"I had a conversation with a girl from my class about it. To be honest, I only got interested when I heard Shirase-san's name since she's friends with Kazu-chan," he sighed. "Anyway, that classmate of mine also said they have guys all over the second neighborhood area in Miyagino. I couldn't help but feel uneasy hearing about it."
"So that's why they're afraid of taking the fight. Pretty nasty..." I heaved a sigh before shaking my head. "And I happen to know why Ishikawa seemed like the leader even though they're afraid of Kaibara. I think it's because of the connection between him and Shirase-san. Maybe that Kaibara guy wants to suck up to him to look good in front of her."
The two of them turned to me looking slightly confused.
"Oh, right. You guys never asked what I was up to on the first day, but that was when I got to meet Shirase."
I explained what happened surrounding that fateful yet orchestrated encounter.
"So that's how you got her attention..." smirked Keisuke. "I always wondered how you even got to sit beside her. Those kinds of lucky coincidences never happen to you, after all."
"I was interested in Kougyoku Middle's most popular girl, so I made my move to try and make contact. That's about it," I shrugged. "Well, apart from her looks, she's just a normal girl."
Honestly, that was a bit of a lie. I think Shirase Yumina is an incredibly clever girl... and I'm starting to see why she's ignoring me. Still, she's not that mature when it comes to these things. That's why she went with such a roundabout method to 'protect' me.
"Heh, I know better than that." Keisuke slapped my back. "And besides, even her looks should be normal to you by now."
"Haha, no way. I still can't let my guard down or she might catch me staring." I shook my head before dropping the deets. "Anyway, the main thing I heard that day was Ishikawa reaffirming his love for Shirase-san."
It was the information I saved for last.
"Woah, seriously?"
"I kind of expected that... and it clears up a bunch of stuff, but wow..."
"I haven't asked Shirase-san about it, but from what I overheard, they've known each other since middle school at the very least. Ishikawa must've confessed but was rejected the first time, and now he's rejected again. And from how they talked, I think they have a much deeper connection than just being friends from middle school."
"That's absolutely wild," laughed Hiro. "Who could've expected?"
"The fact that you were there to eavesdrop on them is even wilder." Keisuke held the sides of his forehead.
I laughed, sympathizing with their shock.
"I didn't have the best impression of Ishikawa, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. You said he didn't actively participate in the bullying, so I'll just assume that he's being swept away by the other two," I said.
More than that, unless there were some special circumstances, I don't think Shirase would've been such close friends with him if he was a total scumbag.
"Yeah... For all we know, Ishikawa himself might just be intimidated by Kaibara despite looking like friends," Keisuke added.
"I guess so," nodded Hiro. "Kaibara seemed to have a huge crush on Shirase-san, so he must've approached Ishikawa first."
I'm still missing some details, but I think this was more than enough.
We continued chatting on the way home. Keisuke complained about how bland his class is while Hiro went on about how scary some girls in his class are.
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April 21st, Monday.
"I've seen that book before. Would you recommend it for beginners, Orihara-senpai?"
"This? Hmm, I don't think so. If you're interested, I can recommend you something similar."
"Really? Thank you!"
I'm glad I tried engaging in a conversation. It's just in time for my light novel burnout.
Orihara-senpai stood up and looked for the book on one of the shelves. I used that time to survey the current state of the clubroom. Of course, anyone would come to the same conclusion and describe it in one word; empty.
"I wonder when the girls will come back. It's been a little over twenty minutes now, right?" I said.
"Oh, do you miss Shirase already?" He turned his head and tried to tease me.
"Yes... I can't stand not seeing Shirase-san for one more second!"
"R-Really?"
"No, of course, not. I'm just thirsty," I shrugged. "You shouldn't fall for obvious lies like that, Senpai."
"You bastard... I noticed you've been teasing Yamaguchi these past few days, but you really have the nerve to mess with your Senpai, huh?"
"Hey, you did it first this time. And besides, my teasing is Rated E for Everyone."
"Rated E for Everyone? Everyone? What's Rated E?"
"Ah, I just meant that my teasing is rated as CERO A for everyone..."
"Ohh, I see! Haha, sorry. I didn't get it quickly."
"No, no. It's fine, Senpai. It's my fault for making a joke using English words." I scratched my head feeling slightly embarrassed.
Orihara-senpai got the book and handed it to me.
"Don't apologize. In fact, you should do it more. It's rare for us to have someone who's this good in English. I'm sure we'll learn a lot."
"Thanks..."
He sat down and opened the book he was reading earlier, but immediately closed it with a pop.
"Speaking of which, does that mean they don't use CERO ratings in the West?" he asked.
"O-Oh, you're curious about that?"
"Nothing wrong with trying to know more, no?"
"I guess you're right," I chuckled. "To put it simply, they use ESRB ratings in the US rather than CERO."
"ESRB, huh? What does it stand for?"
"Entertainment Software Rating Board."
"Okay. Now say it with your native American accent," he smirked.
I looked at him with a deadpan face.
"Entertainment Software Rating Board..."
"So cool!"
"Ughh... Could you please stop reacting like that every time?" I sighed.
This is like one of those videos where some random white guy suddenly speaks perfect Japanese and everyone loses their shit.
"Haha, give me a break. I've never met a foreigner in person, so I've only ever heard perfect English in videos and movies. Let me savor the moment."
"You've savored it enough times now... And I'm not a foreigner. I'm a full-blooded Japanese, you know?"
"But you were born in the US." He raised a finger. "As far as I know, you're entitled to birthright citizenship in that country."
"But since my parents are both Japanese, I'm also technically Japanese according to the nationality law here."
"So are you half or are you both? Or can the half part also mean that you're both? Interesting, isn't it?" Orihara-senpai smiled.
*BAM*
"We're back!" Komori-senpai and Akizuki-senpai announced their arrival with a bang.
"Eri, Shinako, you'll break the damn door!" Orihara-senpai scolded them.
"Now, now. Don't be so grumpy, Jin. Here's your canned coffee~." Komori-senpai tossed it at him.
"U-Um, Jin-kun... I think this cola of mine would taste great... I don't mind trading with you if you want it..." Akizuki-senpai nervously asked, her smile looking stiff.
As a response, Orihara-senpai stared at her with the same deadpan face I made earlier.
"You dropped it, didn't you?" he asked.
"N-No..."
"Give it to me. I'll open it for you."
Orihara-senpai ignored the fact that Akizuki-senpai tried to prank him. He took the can and opened it by the window. The fizz burst out and safely dripped down on the grass without touching most of the can.
"Here," he said before walking out of the door. "I'll wash my hands for a bit. I don't want it to get sticky once the soda dries."
"Eh? Ah, w-wait, I'll come with you!"
We all looked at that scene unfold and probably thought the same thing. However, we didn't say a word.
"Here's your drink, Katsuhira-kun!" Shirase called out to me and broke the silence.
"Oh, thanks. My throat was getting pretty dry." I said before approaching Yamaguchi-senpai. "Here you go, Senpai. I finished the volume a few minutes ago. It was great."
"Really? I'm glad you liked it. I thought you wouldn't be interested in this genre."
"I already like Slice of Life as it is. If you mix romance with it, then I'm finishing it ASAP!"
"I see," she smiled. "I'll tell you when the next one comes out."
"Ohh, thanks for that, Senpai."
"What an interesting phase for our members," Komori-senpai suddenly spoke. "Jin has been reading a lot of non-light literature books lately while Saya-chan is slowly getting into light novels. I wouldn't be surprised if Eri suddenly started reading western mystery novels."
"Ahaha, I don't think Eri-senpai would have the attention span for it. She's still in her Isekai phase, after all." Shirase laughed along with her.
"What about you, Inoue? Are you reading anything new?" I asked the other girl who sat on the couch.
"Not really. Same old, same old." She relaxingly turned the page of her book, not even looking at me.
That's a classic Inoue response right there. Never change, my chill, nonchalant clubmate.
Orihara-senpai and Akizuki-senpai came back, and everyone started doing their own thing again. That's when I took the opportunity to gently confront Shirase.
"Hey, Shirase-san. Can I talk to you for a second?"
"Hm? Sure, what is it~?"
I sat beside her in a corner while the others were busy reading or chatting with one another.
"So we'd never talked to each other again after the first day, right? Outside of club hours and occasional chats on LINE, of course."
"Yeah, I guess so. Sorry about that. I know it's rude considering how I was the one who asked to be friends."
"You don't really have to apologize. As I said, I'm sure you did it for a reason."
"I see... Then what did you want to talk about?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm not afraid of Kaibara or whoever."
Despite not having a big reaction on the surface, I could see the deep shock in Shirase's eyes.
"Who... are you talking about?"
"Oh, it's a guy from another class. I just thought I'd share my opinion on him."
You're the one who's more curious, Shirase. There's no use in keeping up a front.
"Okay, fine. I'm sorry for trying to play dumb. Let me change the question: How did you know about him?"
I chuckled looking at her desperate expression.
"I heard some things about him from Hiro. As it turns out, your friend, Ishikawa, is quite close to him."
"You seem to know more..." she said, putting her guard up.
"I'm not here to play games, Shirase-san. I'm here to communicate. I want you to know that I'm not afraid of him or his older brother. You can decide what you want to do from there."
"You're..." This was my first time seeing her making such a frustrated face. "I was just trying to keep you out of trouble."
"And I'm saying that you don't have to do it now."
"What... do you want to do, Katsuhira-kun?"
"You're my only seatmate, you know? Not getting to talk to you is pretty lonely," I shrugged with a smile.
"Alright..." Shirase lowered her gaze apologetically. "I'll stop ignoring you."
"Is that what you want to do as well?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"That settles it then." I crossed my arms and leaned back. "So? Do you mind sharing the details?"
Apparently, the news of me getting close to Shirase reached Ishikawa. I expected that much, but not the aftermath.
We were right about Kaibara's crush on Shirase. Ishikawa himself told her about it. He was also the one who warned Shirase that Kaibara or her brother might do something to me if we kept getting closer.
"And why didn't you tell me about this? I'd get it if I'm not involved, but I am."
"That's because... I didn't want to trouble you with it."
"And how could you decide that I would find it troublesome?"
"It's just... I didn't... I-I don't know..." Shirase shook her head. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright. I'm sure you already know what to do next time," I sighed.
I let silence take over for a bit as I waited for Shirase's next words.
"Um, are you sure about this though? The reason why I got afraid for you was because I'd heard about Kaibara-kun's older brother even back in middle school," she explained. "According to the rumors surrounding him, his group was a violent bunch. My house is in the fifth neighborhood area, so I wasn't too worried back then, but his younger brother is our schoolmate now. And I trusted Akito-kun because he also lives in the second neighborhood area."
So Kaibara wasn't from Kougyoku Middle, huh?
"I get it. Ishikawa was probably looking out for me, right? But as I said; it'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me. They'll probably find out that we're clubmates sooner or later anyway."
"I hate empty promises, you know?" she glared.
"It's not an empty promise." I shook my head. "We can even make a bet with punishments on the line."
"You're that confident?"
"Yep, so you don't have to do something as boring as ignoring me just to 'protect' me."
"U-Ugh... Upon reflection, I'd totally hate it if someone does that for me."
"Right?" I responded with a knowing smirk.
————————————————————
When club ended, Shirase and I decided to walk out of school together after saying goodbye to the others.
"I don't usually use this gate, but I'll visit a meat shop on the way home," I said.
"Meat Shop Sato?"
"Yeah, that's the one."
"I see... Hmm, I wonder if I should buy some too."
"Meat for dinner is nice, isn't it?"
"Yep~! Oh, but my mom already had dinner planned for tonight... Well, there's nothing wrong with having more on the menu!"
"Right, of course." You and your appetite.
We walked along the roads of Miyagino Ward as the sun set to be barely visible. The night lights would start to illuminate the area and the number of students around us would start to dwindle.
"Hatori-san, good evening." I greeted the shop owner who was eyeing one of the freezers.
"Hm? Oh, Kazuomi, huh? It's been a while!" This old man was energetic as usual. "Oh? Isn't this Yumina-chan? You're in the same school now, huh? What a coincidence!"
"Good evening, Hatori-san!" exclaimed the girl beside me.
He squinted his eyes and made an annoying smile.
"Hoho? Are you two on an after-school date? I'm not one to turn away a customer, but a trip to a meat shop isn't exactly romantic, you know?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Hatori-san. We're not like that."
"Yes, we're just friends!" said Shirase... who was not next to me?
Woah, she was already looking around for meat!
"Haha, I'm just messin' ya, kid. I know you've got the hots for that other girl."
I made an internal facepalm. Panicking would spell trouble, so I tried my best to stay composed.
"Maki? No, no, you've got it wrong. She's just a friend too."
"Eh, really? But I thought-"
"She's got a boyfriend now, Hatori-san. It'd be rude to link her up with another guy, you know?"
"Oh, is that so...?" he said before changing his tone. "I guess things change fast when you're young, huh? Forgive this old man. Let's get down to business, shall we? What are you looking for?"
I managed to buy all of the parts I wanted and we left the store without a hitch.
Shirase looked happy with her purchase too.
"I'll keep going this way, so I think this is where we part," I said.
"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow, Katsuhira-kun."
"See you tomorrow, Shirase-san."
I reflected on what Shirase and I had talked about earlier. I had some speculations on Ishikawa's actions, but I didn't share them with Shirase. If I'm right, then I can probably engineer a situation where she'd see it for herself.
For now, I just want to continue reading some books. It was certainly refreshing to not worry about tournaments and whatnot. I can't say I dislike this change. Having no pressure to participate in anything was a dream come true.
————————————————————
"Our club will enter a writing competition!" Komori-senpai's announcement shattered my short-lived dreams the very next day.
"A Dream That Lasted a Day. That'll be the title of my masterpiece," I muttered.
"But of course, I know that we can't just write stuff willy-nilly. We have to prepare!" She patted the whiteboard. "Since classes will end after lunch tomorrow, we'll be conducting an activity to inspire us to create something great."
All of us read the words written on the board.
Looking for inspiration at Shinyachiwaki Rifu!!!