"Huh, no way?! The newlyweds are on a date." Saki whisper-shouted whilst practically leaping over the barrier on the third floor of the mall.
"Oh, so they are. 'Bout time. You think she's the one that wears the pants?" Yabu responded straight-faced, as she usually did.
"I mean she's wearing a dress now, actually doesn't look half bad on her."
"You know that's not what I meant..."
"Well, he was wearing the apron that one time. Kinda suited him as well."
"Got that kinda homebody feel, right?"
"You said it; something about a man in an apron."
"Shame he was wearing anything under it."
"I mean if you just imagine what we were shown during swimming class..."
"..." They were both silent for a measure. His impressive physique also wandered into my mind for a brief moment.
"Yeah, not a bad sight. I'd still rather fill my eyes with you though, Saki." Yabu said in full seriousness(?).
"Oh, I'm going to swoon." Saki replied, whilst blushing. They both embraced in an exaggerated fashion. I honestly can't tell when they're joking or not. I have a feeling they'll participate in gay chicken one day and I'll be present to see some PDA that goes against my own personal boundaries...
Sigh.
I just filtered the noise out, my eyes tracking the two offensive presences as they paced around the mall.
I had noticed my 'friends' conversation and registered each of their words, but seeing it was still a shock to the system.
I almost had to double- no triple-take the two of them.
What the fuck?
I must be seeing things... The hell is this bitch wearing?
Friends, huh?
Friends. Oh, I get it. Certainly, just friends. Couldn't be anything more than that.
Why did I begin to question myself for even a moment? It was so obvious it was bullshit. That happened, that's fine. I can accept that.
That happened to me. That I cannot accept. I was tossed aside for this thin, flat, tomboy looking loner by that guy?!
Oh, that is so not going down...
...
But what's the best way of getting back at them?
I can't risk losing backing from the majority of the class. That little stunt he pulled; explaining the school system cemented their position in the class as useful, even though it was yet to be proven true. People accept those that are useful, those that have a purpose even if they are unsociable, annoying or dysfunctional. Because the world works on a value basis. So long as I have a use for you, then you can continue to stand next to me.
That bastard was telling me he didn't want or need me next to him. That I... ME, was unqualified. That stung. No. It downright infuriated me.
'You should treasure yourself more...'
His unchanging face flashed by as those words hit me like flashbang.
I do treasure myself. Much more than anyone else. Because if I don't, who the hell will?
Whilst I was sat here aggravated at their annoying existences, it was like they continued without a single care in the world. So annoying. Like, who do they think they are? Such a perfect little relationship, so secure of themselves. Whatever, I'll show them.
I'll show you exactly what I said was true, Kiyotaka-kun! Honeyed words, pictures, circumstantial evidence. I'll utterly destroy that naïve worldview of yours. You've proven nothing by that dramatic statement. As soon as she thought you came back for her, I bet she hiked up her skirt like a fucking whore. The only difference between us was that I didn't act like a damn prude when I knew what I wanted.
And I knew exactly how to get what I wanted...
It really was so convenient when someone is a communal friend, like the town bike, everyone could take a seat. I sent a quick text message to the person I had in mind. The only common friend between me and that blue-haired ballbuster.
A quick reply came my way.
"Heh." I exhaled slightly from my nose. It was kinda fitting, she was inviting me to the same place all of this started. It would be beyond gratifying to stage the early parts of their destruction from that spot.
"What is it Manabe-chan?"
"Nothing, nothing. I was just laughing at how ridiculous you two are."
"Yeah, yeah, you can join the group hug anytime you want, you know?" Yabu stated, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world. She had even slowly removed her arm that was draped around Saki's back inviting me in.
"As if, who wants to be squished between the two of you?"
Me.
"...Who said that?" Perplexed, I looked around for the phantom voice whispering in my ear.
"Who are you talking to? Oh well, if you leave it too much, I'll just enjoy Saki-chan all to myself... She does smell kinda good, makes me want to get even closer..." True to her word she bundled up closer to the petite, twin-tailed girl. "You know... it doesn't look it but she's kinda packing under there. Impressive." I looked on in horror. What the hell are these two doing?!
"Ah, stop it, that tickles! Ah, no help me. Manabe-chan! I'm going to lose my innocence." She said in the most rehearsed, dramatic stage play-esque tone my ears had the joy of experiencing. All the same my hand moved forward and grabbed Yabu by the scruff of her collar, pulling her back like an unscrupulous cat.
"...You go too far sometimes, Nanami-chan."
"My hero!" Saki-chan applauded.
"Ooh, authoritative. Me likey." Nanami licked her lips playfully. A lecherous expression that was so off-putting due to her usual placid face it visibly made me repulsed.
These horny little shits...
"You guys... Knock it off, already!" They really knew how to push my buttons...
"Hahahaha. Sorry, Manabe-chan." They laughed, an easy smile covering even Nanami's features. Must be nice having no worries.
Soon enough I'd be the same.
[Class C: Civil War]
"Get back to work, Setsuya-kun!" Kushida casually chided me. A comical fan slapping me on the head with a loud crack.
A few students nearby chuckled at the antics.
"It's just rather embarrassing..." My seatmate suddenly muttered.
Hm? Oh, right... "Ah, yeah, it's a bit of a coincidence, right? I bet it doesn't feel bad having a cute girl like Kushida calling you by your first name, though. You can thank me for it later." Maybe I can use this as an excuse to get her to call me by my first name? No, that's ridiculous. I'd find myself torched in my sleep by Yamauchi and Ike, if I even tried.
"Ah, no- I-" He blushed profusely. Minami Setsuya was a somewhat effeminate young man, though it appears he had the same reactions any typical young boy would have from contact with Kushida Kikyou.
"What, it isn't good? You'll have Kushida feeling sad."
"Ah- I didn't mean it like that... Sorry."
"It's fine! Don't let Setsuya-kun bother you too much, Minami-kun!" Kushida appeared once more by our side, the threatening fan folded in her hand.
"Hey, I'll have you know I'm studying properly... for once."
"Uhuh." She said noncommittally, her gaze doing a quick pass-over of my notebook. "What's this? Sure, looks like the notes you should be taking..." She gripped the notebook upside down, a small sketch of what looked to be a youkai annotated as Horikita Suzune, the title: demon of the inconspicuous twin mountains, emblazoned with red ink. My handiwork, maybe I should pick up art in the future?
"It's integral to my learning process, I tell you." Kushida made an unimpressed face and placed the notebook back on the table. Leaning over and directing to the correct page herself. Her finger tapping twice on a certain passage all the while a small whisper slithered into my ear.
"Must I teach you myself, would that get you to take this seriously?" The haughty tone immediately making my ears prick up.
"Please." Is the most I could muster out in retort to the siren's song that had me entranced.
"You respond so easily to rudeness, no wonder Horikita-san thinks you're a masochist." She responded in an even tone. Still whispering into my ear, pointing to a few examples in the book as she did.
"I just like direct women. If we were going off looks, I'm actually more partial to you Kushida." I responded without looking back.
She stopped for a moment, before replying with. "Flattery will get you nowhere."
"Unlike with Horikita, I think you're actually receptive to it."
She sighed. "Just focus on the book in front of you. This isn't the time for jokes."
"Hard to do that with the distraction by my sid-" Whenever Kushida leaned, two orbs also changed their gravitational pull, and my eyes happened to follow their motion. It was simple kinetics really, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In following the immortal laws of physics, I must follow that kinetic energy.
"..." Even though my eyes weren't directed at her own, I knew that something akin to a death glare was being levelled at me.
"I apologise." Even if I was acting in turn with physical laws, it still deserved an apology.
"For whatever reason would you say that?" A smile that restrained a devil appeared on her face.
"Seriously, I apologise. Please teach me." I asked with my head bowed to the great overlord that was my teacher.
She sighed once again before perking up with a cheery smile. "You really like to waste time, don't you? Here." Her slender finger pointed once more to the passage, her fingernail resting under a specific phrase.
'You liar.'
Convenient.
[Class C: Civil War]
"Sorry to call you all the way out here, Manabe-san!" The soft velvety voice of Kushida erupted from beyond the door, her body relaxed and leaning against the fence at the edge of the roof. At this moment she had a quiet peace about her, like she was taking in the moon's rays.
"No big deal. I'm the one that asked for a hand."
"...About that. Could you elaborate more for me, do you truly want to...?"
"Yes. I've been acting a bit out of turn, I don't know what it is, but Ibuki...-chan brings the worst out of me."
"..."
"I'm not trying to pass the blame. It's my own behaviour at the end of the day. I'd just like your help in rectifying it. To set apart our differences."
"You want to be friends with Ibuki-chan?"
"...Yes." I managed to snarl the words from my mouth.
"Oh, I'm so glad! I was so worried you wouldn't get along; I didn't want two friends to be fighting forever. I like the both of you, you know." It went much further than that.
"Well, you like everyone don't you, Kushida-chan?" Just thinking of being like that made me nearly heave in utter disgust.
"Of course. We all have our differences, but I think that makes things so much more wonderful, it makes the world a more interesting place, don't you think?" I couldn't think of anything worse.
"Sure. I think that attitude is probably why everybody loves you."
"Oh, stop! Any further and you might make me blush, Manabe-san!" She fanned her face lightly, turning towards the rest of the campus over the roof's edge.
Maybe everyone else did, but I can't stand you.
...
Ayanokouji has ruined me.
Before, I could let the little things go, the random optimism of others didn't bother me so much. But this relentlessly oppressive wishful thinking made me heave inside. Both Kushida and him. It was a rank hypocrisy which turned my mood sour.
Why the hell do I have to force myself to get along with annoying people?
People that could get along with everyone were boring and soulless. It wasn't just the ability to remain civil with numerous parties; it was being actively enjoyed in their company. The only way that was possible is if the person themselves was so unremarkable that they could effortlessly fit into the fixed mould of any group.
I don't like what I don't like, I like what I do like. I'd never sacrifice that for the feelings and peace of a couple people I don't know or care about.
Humans were put on this Earth for one purpose. Live, procreate and die. There's no inherent reason for our existence, the same as any other animal we should just follow the base urges we carry and enjoy the measly time we have on this floating space rock hurtling through the cosmos.
I was here for a fun time, I couldn't think of anyone less enjoyable to be around in the entire world. No one, more than this girl stood right in front of me.
"So, how can I help?" She said, all chipper.
"First, it's not a problem. But do you mind telling me why we came here specifically?" A conscientious person like Kushida wouldn't choose somewhere like this in case it was a reminder of bad memories for me, meaning there was a certain reason for it. Being so 'compassionate' aka 'being a doormat' made her actions so easily discernible that it was honestly laughable. She did everything for others comfort. So weak-willed and lacking spine. I wonder if someone told her to kill herself for their sake if she might just follow through on it.
"It's just where I planned on being, it's quiet. Sometimes I like the silence up here, and the few interruptions. I do quiet reading or just... mess around."
"Mess around?"
"You know like, uh... sorry, never mind it's a bit embarrassing. The point is... it's quiet and few people come up here. It was actually Ibuki-chan that told me about it."
"She frequents up here?" That wasn't good. I didn't want to even meet her before I had a plan in place. If she sees me up here, even if she can't figure out anything it'll make her suspicious.
"Now and again. I might've missed her; it isn't like we schedule it particularly." I suppose they came up here to be alone, so that made sense. Still strange that Kushida-chan of all things wanted alone time. She was practically adjoined at the hip to someone at all hours of the day. Fair enough, that'd be draining. But why go that far, in the first place?
Haah... I'm focusing on the wrong person. Who gives a crap what reason she's got, I won't be seeing her much after this anyway.
Come to think of it...
"Few interruptions? Anyone else come up here?"
"Just a teacher to my knowledge, I've never seen them up here. But there's proof over by the ledge."
I knelt down noticing the leftover remnants of a few cigarette butts. How careless of a teacher, did they not bring an ash tray with them? Or smoke somewhere else? The roof was often the spot for that thing in manga and the like. Getting access to the roof was difficult enough, never mind making a habit of smoking there. Girls and guys usually do it behind the sports hall or just not during school hours at all. Just from imagining it, I can smell and taste the same noxious gas as back then. I craved those noxious little death sticks like nothing else.
I nudged a few with my foot.
It's weak.
Fairly open space, it would be easy enough to hide the evidence if they were trying. The main issue is; no witnesses.
...
Wait, hold on. If that guy was onto something when he explained it to the class...
Peering just above the only entrance and exit to the roof sat a; round Perspex camera with anti-vandal, protective shelling. It probably had a decent view of the majority of the rooftop.
"Ah, sorry to burst your bubble Kushida-chan. But I think your embarrassing moment might've been seen."
"Huh?"
I pointed to the camera and the door below it.
Her face changed a few shades redder. "AH! Oh no, oh no, oh no. I want to find a hole to crawl in..."
"That bad?" I'm sure she was overreacting, but I couldn't let go of the chance either.
"Bad, bad, majorly bad! Oh no, I don't want anyone to see it. I absolutely, can't let anyone see it, do you understand me, Manabe-chan!? They can't see it!" She grabbed me by the arms in a rush.
Ow. Why the hell's this dainty little flower got such a strong grip?!
"I got it. You can let me go, already." Nursing the small imprint on my wrist.
"Oh... sorry. What am I going to do?"
"I dunno what's got you so wound up, but I doubt they're constantly monitored."
"Really?!" Her face lit up in an instant, before quickly dropping to a more settled complexion. "I mean... You think?"
"Yeah." If they were then Ayanokouji and I might've received a complaint from the staff for flirting around there. It was only light, a kiss on the cheek, but I was fully prepared to devour him right then and there if the opportunity called for it. That might've been careless of me, but I wasn't thinking of this school as anything more than my next stomping grounds for three years.
To be honest even now I wasn't entirely convinced that their idea was right, it just sounds so unrealistic, even if it did answer a lot of the questions this school raised.
"..." I regarded the frazzled girl once again.
"The only other thing you'd have to worry about is... your embarrassing moment being etched into the student databases for the rest of time. Heh." With the amount of cameras and data that would amount to... I doubt it. Even if they were monitoring certain areas strictly, it would make more sense to delete old data after a certain amount of time. It would be a constant waste of resources otherwise. Video recording, especially for such long times, would take a huge amount of energy and funding.
It's possible they use motion sensors to reduce the total amount of power and memory usage with a minimum number of cameras in constant operation. Even then... Nearly 500 students, plus staff. It's probably too much data. Especially over such a large area, I think the brochure said it was something like 500,000 square metres.
The questions I should be asking myself; what happens to the old data? How often does the system renew?
I looked over once more at the edge of the rooftop, the bare remnants of a possible plan in place.
A grin crept up to my lips.
I can do it.
It wouldn't be the first time.
I can get rid of her.
And wipe that self-assured look off of his face. For good.
My mind refocused on the distressed girl pouting by the fencing.
"That's... not a funny joke..." Kushida hugged her shoulders for a moment.
"Might be serious. Shall we check?" I offered my hand to the meek lamb that would become my bait.
Slowly, she lent me that slender hand.
Yes, I certainly had my uses for you. I couldn't leave you aside for the moment, no matter how I feel about you personally.
After all, Kushida you are just so convenient.
---
Word count: 3237
More of a chapter focusing on Manabe, a major antagonist for this arc. Her plan should be executed in full in the next few chapters. I'll probably provide more of an insight into her background in those chapters. Setsuya will be showing up semi-infrequently, mainly to show changes in Class D and the like.
Feel free to visit patreon.com/Shir0249
Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter. Feel free to let me know your thoughts below.
Until next time.