Author's Note: I apologize for not updating Youjin, The Cautious in nearly two months! 🙏
But anyway, today (September 8) is my birthday, so here is the new chapter with another Side Story (with Naomi Susami's POV). You will find out if she ordered everyone at school to beat up Youjin or not. ENJOY READING, YOUJIN FANS!
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Naomi Susami's POV
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I, Naomi Susami, once had a friend. It was Youjin Kinoshita, my very first male friend I had in my life. We had been friends since I was second year of high school and he was a first-year. Why did we become friends?
First, I was born into a wealthy family. My parents are working at the company, specifically my father is the CEO and my mother is his secretary. My parents spend their time together, not only as a married couple, but also as business partners.
Although they are busy at work, they make sure the weekends and holidays are company-wide days off, so their employees are able to relax and enjoy themselves alone or with their loved ones. Not only for the employees, but also my parents themselves to spend their time together with me and by brother.
That's right! I had an older brother who was two years older than me. By now, I'm in third year of high school while he is in second year of college.
Before high school, I attended all-girls elementary and middle schools near our home, which were chosen by my parents. Because of that, I never interacted with boys outside of my father and brother.
As it was the time for high school, my parents choose the same one my brother had attended. Even it was far from home, my brother and I commuted together by the train every day, instead of living the apartment. Not to mention my parents donated generously to that school that the principal, teachers and staff knew us well.
When I was a first-year student, I quickly became popular. Everyone knew me as a daughter of a CEO and the sister of an honor student who excelled in both academics and sports. I was praised for my looks and treated like a school idol. The boys showered me with compliments and sent me letters and small gifts while the girls accepted me without jealousy.
My brother didn't mind them, as long as he saw them treating me with respect. But he always reminded me something.
"Naomi, if boys confess to you, please reject them for me." My older brother told me.
"Yes, onii-sama."
"But one day, you must find someone who is worthy of your feelings."
"Of course, onii-sama."
My old brother asked me to turn down the confessions from the random students. So I did it. I wasn't interested in shallow confessions, anyway. They admired my face, but none of them were there for me when I truly needed help, only my brother was.
As he graduated and left for college during my second year, I felt a bit lonely. But the good thing was my parents hired a maid for me. At least my family came home on weekends and made video calls every night on weekdays.
I thought I could find a boy who was younger than me. That was when I notice a male first-year student was always alone. He never talked to everyone at school and acted like the world around him didn't exist. Unlike the rest of the boys, he never noticed me that I wanted him to praise me.
One day, the student council president asked me to carry a large stack of books from the library. I was struggling with a heavy load of books since she asked me to bring them all at once.
"Need a help?" A male voice caught my attention.
I turned to see a familiar male student I had seen before, but never spoken to.
"Yes, please." I replied.
Then he took a half stack of books without hesitation and we walked together while carrying the books to the Student Council Office. No one other than my older brother had ever helped me like that. That student who helped me now made me felt grateful.
After that, I faced him with a smile.
"Thanks for helping me." I smiled warmly.
"Yeah, no problem." He nodded. "I'm Youjin Kinoshita."
"I'm Naomi Susami. Nice to meet you, Kinoshita-kouhai."
"You too, Susami-senpai."
And just like that, we became friends.
His name was Youjin Kinoshita, who was a first-year high student and of course, my kouhai. He was so polite by calling me 'Senpai', but what struck me most about him was he didn't care about my status or popularity. He didn't treat me like a school idol, but like a normal person. Day by day, we spent time together, especially at lunch and after class.
I wanted to asked Youjin-kouhai why he had always been alone. But whenever I did, he was unable to answer, probably because of his traumatic past or something. I respected his silence.
We grew closer in small ways and called each other by our given names with honorifics.
Some students warned me about him. They said I should stay from him because of the rumors. But I didn't care since I never asked them what rumors they had said about him. I refused to believe them unless I saw Youjin-kouhai doing something wrong with my own eyes.
Despite turning down the countless confessions from the boys who only saw my looks for my brother's sake, there was one thing I wanted: Not the beauty or admiration, but the loyalty. It was Youjin Kinoshita, my first male friend.
After becoming friends with Youjin-kouhai, that night, my family asked me during a video call if I had any male friends.
"Sorry, everyone. But not yet."
I lied to my own family. I only told them that I had only female friends. If they found out about Youjin-kouhai, they would insist I introduce him to them and try to arranged a marriage between us.
"I see. It's okay, darling." My mother said gently.
"I'm sorry, okaa-sama."
"Just let us know, Naomi." My father said.
"Yes, I know, otou-sama."
"You remember what happens if you graduate without finding someone yourself." My brother reminded me.
"Yes, onii-sama." I nodded.
They told me if I had no male friend until graduation, my family would choose a husband for me.
But I learned from the internet that true relationships weren't built on force. They were about trust and about getting to know someone deeply, especially loyalty. And that's why I treasure my time with Youjin-kouhai.
Speaking of which, we studied together, even though we were in different years. Since I had already taken his classes, I could help him when he struggled.
We texted often and hung out together after school. At least my family didn't find out my friendship with Youjin-kouhai yet. Day after day, week after week, month after month, my feelings grew stronger, realizing I had a crush on him.
So I made a plan for myself. Once I became Student Council President, I would confess my feelings to my kouhai. But I hoped his feelings for me was the same. Or so I thought…
A year passed. I entered my third year of high school and Youjin-kouhai became second year. Fortunately, I won the Student Council presidency. Everyone congratulated me and my reputation grew as not only the school idol, but also as the Student Council President. The students, except Youjin-kouhai, even started calling me 'Naomi-sama'.
I didn't mind them calling me by my first name with honorific 'sama' as long as they were happy. Letters and small gifts piled up from admirers, but none of it mattered, compared to the quiet moments I had with Youjin-kouhai. But still, I wanted him to see me not just as a senpai, but as a girl.
It was the day I planned to confess my feelings to Youjin-kouhai.
At lunch break, I spotted him heading toward the cafeteria.
"Youjin-kouhai!" I called him.
"Yes, senpai?" He replied as he turned to me.
"Before lunch, could you come with me for a minute?"
I was ready to confess to him.
"Eh? Why?"
Instead of answering, I immediately grabbed his hand that caused his face to turn red.
"Let's go."
I led him down the stairs, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby.
"Senpai, what's going on?" He asked, puzzled.
My heart pounded, despite being ready.
"Youjin, I have to say something."
"Yes?"
I took a deep breath.
"Kouhai, I want to be honest with you. I like you, Youjin-kouhai."
The words escaped, at last! But did he have feelings for me?
"I like you, Youjin." I repeated. "I've liked you since we met last year. You really helped me and I truly appreciate it."
Youjin-kouhai froze, as if the world around him had stopped.
"Youjin!" I called, trying to snap him back
"I'm sorry, but you like me?" He asked, still stunned.
My heart skipped a beat, but I smiled.
"Yes!" I nodded, then bowing deeply. "Please, go out with me."
I hoped he had the same feelings as mine. I imagined him saying 'yes'. I imagined introducing him to my family.
"Naomi, I…"
I looked at him who lowered his head. But why?
"I'm so sorry, but I can't."
Wait, what?!
Did he just reject me?
No, why?! I thought he liked me back! This wasn't how it was supposed to go. We had been friends for a year, but didn't that mean something? My heart shattered.
I tried to ask him why, but I felt like I lost my mind that my body moved on its own. My fists trembled. I wanted to lash out at him.
"S-Senpai, I… I didn't mean to hurt you–"
Punch
Instead of hitting him, I punched my own face.
"Eh? Senpai, why– stop!"
I wanted to punch him for hurting my feelings, but I injured myself once more.
"HEEEELLLLP! PLEASE, HELP ME!" I screamed.
I tried to hit my own face again, but kouhai grabbed my wrist to stop me.
"Naomi, what are you thinking? Why did you–"
"What's going on here?" A voice cut him off.
Kouhai and I turned to see a female teacher staring at us, horrified.
"Sensei, it's not what you–"
"Sensei!" I interrupted him. "He assaulted me!"
I had no choice, but to falsely accuse Youjin-kouhai. If he accepted me, then I wouldn't make him pay.
"You two, principal's office. Now!" The teacher glared at us.
And so, the three of us walked in awkward silence. Each step got heavier than the last.
Then the three of us walked together to the Principal's Office with an awkward silence.
As we entered the Principal's Office. Shinohara-sensei, who was the principal, stared at me in shock.
"What is this?! Why is your face bruised, Susami-san?"
I turned to Youjin-kouhai who immediately raised his hand.
"Shinohara-sensei, you see–"
"He assaulted me, sensei." I cut him off with a lie, tears streaming down my face.
"That's right, sensei." The teacher, who witnessed us, nodded. "I saw him about to attack her."
"N-No, that's not true!" Kouhai said. "She attacked herself when I rejected her confession, Shinohara-sensei. Because I–"
"Shut up, Kinoshita-kouhai!" I snapped, glaring at him through my tears. I turned back to the principal. "He's a liar!"
Of course, what Youjin-kouhai said was true. But it still didn't change the fact that he hurt my feelings for no reason. Or was he trying to tell me why he rejected me? But none of that mattered, anyway.
"Enough!" Shinohara-sensei slammed her both hands on her office table, then pointing at kouhai with fury. "You will be suspended for two weeks for assaulting the Student Council President, Kinoshita-san."
Youjin-kouhai's eyes widened in shock.
"Sensei, please. Believe me–"
"Suspended for two weeks. Do you understand?!" The principal barked.
He lowered his head and his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Y-Yes, sensei."
As he turned to leave, he glanced back at me. Then his face paled with disbelief when I smirked at him, stuck out my tongue and placed my index finger beneath my left eye as a mocking gesture.
I hoped he learned his lesson. Once he came back from suspension, he would apologize to me and I would forgive him. Maybe… just maybe he would change his mind about me.
"Susami-san, are you all right?" Shinohara-sensei's voice broke my thoughts.
I noticed the teacher, who had testified against Youjin-kouhai, was already gone. Only me and the principal were in her office alone.
"I… I'm fine, sensei." I replied.
Then she walked over and examined my face.
"Oh, my. These bruises look terrible. You should go to the clinic. I'll call Hotogi-sensei to take care of you. If she will tell you to take a rest there, please do so."
"Thank you, sensei. But please…" I bowed my head at Shinohara-sensei. "…you know my family, so don't tell them about this. I don't want them to worry."
The principal nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't. Now go."
I nodded back silently and left to go to the clinic.
When I entered, the school nurse, Hotogi-sensei, gasped in disbelief.
"Susami-san, Shinohara-sensei told me what happened. I'm so sorry you had go through that."
"Thank you, Hotogi-sensei."
After taking care of me, the school nurse told me to rest here. I laid down on the bed and the exhaustion washed over me. Thanks to Youjin-kouhai, stress, frustration and heartbreak caught up at once. Hotogi-sensei promised me to wake me once the classes were over. Finally, I fell into a deep sleep.
Hours later, I left the school and returned home safely.
"I'm home." I greeted as I stepped inside.
"Welcome back, ojou-sama." My maid greeted me back. "Dinner is ready."
Her calm expression reassured me. I guessed it was all thanks to Shinohara-sensei for keeping her word. My family would never know what happened.
Speaking of dinner, my maid had prepared dinner not just for me, but also for her. So we could share the meal together, including breakfast, every weekday. She even had prepared bento for my lunch on school days.
"Thank you. We'll eat later. I'll go upstairs for a moment. So please wait."
"Yes, ojou-sama." She bowed and went to the dining room.
I went straight to the mirror in my room. I touched my face and fortunately, my bruises and even swelling were already gone.
"Thank goodness." I sighed in relief.
Satisfied, I went to the dining room and ate the dinner with my maid in peace.
During Youjin-kouhai's suspension, I was showered with presents and sympathies from everyone at school. Not to mention students whispered angrily in the hallway as their voices were full of scorn for him.
"I can't believe Kinoshita-kun attacked Naomi-sama!"
"I know, right? What a jerk!"
"If he comes back, we'll beat him for Naomi-sama!"
"Me too! We'll teach him a lesson for hurting her!"
"Not only he is a womanizer, but he's also an abuser!"
Womanizer? Were those rumors everyone had mentioned before? Had Youjin-kouhai really been one? No, there was no way he was. Or he already regret being like that. Or worse… was his kindness toward me only an act?
I still couldn't see his true nature. But the one thing was clear: He hurt my feelings by rejecting me. I could never forget that alone. But still, I waited eagerly for his return and convinced myself that he would eventually apologize.
The day finally returned as Youjin-kouhai was back to school from suspension. When he stepped onto school grounds, every eye from the students turned to him. The coldest, sharpest glares followed his every move that made himself keep his head down in fear. Obviously, everyone believed my accusation. I hoped he would approach me, bow his head and apologize.
But when he passed me in the hallway, he just walked by. Not even a glance, not a word.
Ugh! What was with him?! He was supposed to apologize! Maybe… maybe he was waiting for the right moment.
Hours later, the class was over.
Ding Dong
The PA System crackled in the speaker in my classroom.
"Naomi Susami-san, please come to the principal's office immediately! I repeat: Naomi Susami-san, please come to the principal's office immediately! Thank you!"
I blinked in surprise.
The PA system wasn't just for the entire school for making the announcement at once, but also could select any classrooms just in case to call the any students who were inside the classroom.
But why was I being called? Could it be that Youjin-kouhai was already in the principal's office? With that hope, I hurried to the principal's office.
"Excuse me, Shinohara-sensei." I said as I stepped inside the office.
But to my disappointment, Youjin wasn't in the office, but only Shinohara-sensei alone.
"Ah, Susami-san, please take a seat." The principal said.
I obeyed, but the confusion prickled inside me.
"Shinohara-sensei, why did you call me?"
Her expression grew serious.
"Susami-san, please go home immediately."
Eh? That was it? I didn't have duties as a Student Council President today, so it was obvious to go home after class. But why did Shinohara-sensei order me so urgently?
She leaned forward.
"No matter what noises you hear here in this school, please ignore them."
Noises? It sounded strange.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
The principal shook her head.
"Vice President Kurin Onimatsu and I will handle that situation. Now go, leave this school right now."
I was still curious what she was talking about, but her tone left me no choice.
"Yes, sensei. See you tomorrow." I bowed and left.
Walking in the hallway, I heard the shouts, angry voices, fists striking and sharp slaps, probably in one of the classrooms.
"For Naomi-sama!"
"For Naomi-sama!"
What the…?! Did they just say my name? And that scream sounded familiar. Was it from Youjin-kouhai?
'No, I must be imagining things!' I thought while shaking my head.
But if those noises were from the students, including Youjin-kouhai, then what was going on?
As Student Council President, I should have investigated. But I couldn't see Disciplinary Committee members to handle that situation.
I was about to take a step when a hand landed on my shoulder. I turned to see Kurin Onimatsu, the Student Council Vice President… and my friend.
"Naomi, didn't Shinohara-sensei tell you to go home immediately?"
I didn't mind her calling my first name without honorific since Kurin was my friend. But her tone was sharper than usual.
"But what is going–"
"Naomi, please!" She interrupted me. "This is for your sake. Don't get involved with them. If you do, you'll be in danger too."
Her eyes told me she meant it. I had no choice.
"See you tomorrow, Kurin." I nodded and left.
The unease gnawed at my heart. But I would demand answers from everyone tomorrow.
The next day, everything at school seemed strangely normal, as if nothing had happened. But from across the hallway, I saw you Youjin-kouhai who looked devastated and his head lowered. My breath caught when I noticed the faint bruises on his face and arms.
Even more outrageous, some students nearby were giggling and smirking at him as they whispered among themselves.
"We avenged Naomi-sama!"
"I know, right? I hope Naomi-sama feels better now."
"Serves him, right? Beating up Kinoshita-kun was the best!"
Wha…? Avenged me? Beating him up… for my sake? My heart froze.
No, no, no! I never asked anyone to attack Youjin-kouhai at all! This wasn't supposed to happen. I wanted him to apologize, but not like this. Not through violence from them.
I wanted to run to him to speak out. But instead, my body betrayed me as I rushed into the bathroom, hand covering my mouth in fear, as if I might throw up.
Facing the mirror, I froze with regret. I admitted that what I did to Youjin-kouhai was wrong.
'Youjin-kouhai, I'm so sorry!' I screamed inside my heart while crying.
I should have listened. I should have asked him why he rejected me. I should have tried to understand. Instead, I turned the whole school against him.
Because of me, he now stood alone again, just like before he met me in the first place. And because of me, everyone, including myself, was his enemy.
Someday, I swore to myself that I would tell everyone the truth. I would make everyone apologize to Youjin-kouhai. After all, as Student Council President, the responsibility for this mess was mine.
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Author's Note: There you have it! It's confirmed that Naomi Susami didn't order everyone to beat up Youjin at all. Of course, he refused to believe her because of the evidence he had, especially the students saying 'For Naomi-sama' while beating him up that made himself believe they attacked him for Naomi Susami herself. Just like in the previous Side Story Chapter (with Yurika Nonaka), it was MISUNDERSTANDING!
For the next chapter, another Side Story Chapter (with Youjin's Twin Step Sisters Hana and Sakura). But it will be complicated, since they are twins that I will choose 1st Person's POV with them individually or 3rd Person's POV (Narrator)... or both in a chapter!
PS: See you in the next chapter!