After some time, I got tired of thinking and finally went to the restroom.
"So uh, I'll be on my way," I stood up to use the restroom.
"Huh? A-Are we boring you?" Suzuki asked.
"Not at all, I just have something to do."
"Are you sure?"
"Yup."
"Alright then."
After I finished using the restroom, I went to the library. I felt so happy I started making lunch because it made me save more though that might have been motivation since my balance wasn't exactly quite high.
Anyway, the library was quite large as it was a separate building as big if not bigger than the learning area.
It was also well air-conditioned as well as having a snack bar.
The library itself was 3 floors—one for just normal library privileges, one for VIP library subscribers, and one for staff.
I went to the front desk and met the receptionist—a woman around the age of 25 to 30.
She had messy black hair and didn't wear makeup. She looked like someone who had just woken up or rather someone who hadn't slept for the past few days.
"Good morning, ma'am."
"Morning, do you know your way around here or do you need a tour?" she asked monotonously.
"It's my first time here so a tour would be—"
"Oh, so you know your way around here, then have a nice day."
"But—"
"Have a nice day," she grinned creepily.
Talk about bad service. I was lucky enough to have already read the school map, if I wasn't I would be stranded.
I went around looking at the different sections; they had a lot even further dividing pre-existing genres.
Rather than just fantasy, it was divided into further categories which were also divided into smaller categories.
Woah, this place is super big.
I stood in awe at the sight but quickly calmed myself down.
Anyway, I eventually got a book and sat at the table closest to me where a very cute black-haired girl with glasses was.
She had a preppy look donning on a black sweater, a long skirt, and a black pantyhose–she also had a slender build.
Even when I sat down she didn't notice; completely oblivious to my presence or so she acted. I didn't sit there randomly, I wanted to test something.
I was reading a classic—Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I wasn't reading it because it was interesting or anything.
I read it because it was good at starting arguments, the arguments often started with a statement along the lines of; 'If I were Raskolnikov, I wouldn't turn myself in.'
Which then ignites the flame for arguments, which is why I audibly said this.
"If I were Raskolnikov, I wouldn't turn myself in."
Though when I said that the girl remained quiet. It seemed I needed to be proactive.
"Hey, what do you think of this book? Don't you agree with my statement?"
"Talk about an attention-seeker," She mumbled under her breath, just enough so I could hear and enough to convey she didn't want me to disturb her.
"Huh?"
"Nakamura or whatever your name is—I know you are seeking my attention; the question is why?" The black-haired girl fixed her gaze towards me trying to find my hidden agenda.
So she knows me, huh?
Now I know for sure that some people know about me, but how and why is still a mystery—especially since this girl seems closeted.
I wonder…
"Nakamura, earth to Nakamura. Don't think you can weasel your way out of this."
"I won't, I promise. I was thinking of what to say. Fine, I'll be truthful I talked to you because... Well, I just wanted to talk," I said nervously.
"Oh, is that right? Well then ok," she said grinning slightly. "I mean if you want to talk to me, who am I to stop you? So, let's talk."
She seems enthusiastic about this.
"If I may ask, how do you know my name?"
"Huh?"
It seemed she was surprised at my question though she quickly regained composure.
"I happened to overhear your name from some people in my class. They were wondering why you were walking with Suzuki Aiya."
Nice.
I wanted to know how much people knew about me and Aiya's date.
The information was nothing special or anything but I was curious, moreover, it was better than hearing girl talk like "What's the best make-up brand?" or something similar.
"Oh ok, back to Raskolnikov. I would never turn myself in."
"Then you're an idiot."
What about sugarcoating it?! Does she have no filter? Talk about a prickly princess.
"...I feel like you just said what came to mind."
"Yeah, doesn't everyone do that?"
"No, not really."
"Is that right? Why is that?"
Are you seriously asking me that?
What was common knowledge seemed like a unique phenomenon to her.
"Well, because it builds resentment."
"So you resent me?" her voice softened as she tightened her lips and bowed her head.
"Of course not, I mean why would I?" I replied, cheering her up.
Perhaps I judged her too fast. This girl isn't a prickly princess–she's actually very delicate, like a flower—no, more like a newly-born kitten.
"I see, so quick question. Nakamura, will you be my friend?" she looked away, with reddened cheeks.
We literally just met, but I don't notice any animosity so might as well–at least before someone comes and harms this newly-born kitten.
"Sure."
"Really?!!"
"Yup," I nodded.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she enthusiastically shook my hands with a wide grin
Woah, she's really excited.
"So, am I by chance your first friend?"
"Huh? How did you know?"
"Well, you act like someone who reads a 'How to Make Friends' book," I joked.
Why am I acting like I didn't do the same?
"Nakamura, are you a psychic?" she raised her left brow in suspicion.
"I'm not."
"I'm guessing it's my expression that gave it away then, right?"
"Yeah."
"I see."
This girl really loves saying 'I see', huh?
"Why don't you have friends?" I asked.
"…"
I didn't know the reason but it was probably her mouth because it was quite prickly.
However, she was still a cute girl so I was sure some boys would be able to handle her harsh words so why didn't she have any friends?
"Is it a personal reason?"
She nodded in affirmation.
"Don't worry, I won't pry if you don't wanna talk about it."
"Thanks for that."
We continued our discussion about crime and punishment, with her occasionally giving some verbal jabs–calling me every insult in the Japanese dictionary until the bell rang.
Ring, ring, ring.
"Oh, it's already time for class, right?" I said. "Thanks for today."
Despite the fact your words hurt me in every way imaginable.
I silently sniffled as I stood up to drop my book and leave but the girl held onto my shirt.
"M-My name's Fujimoto Misaki, see you tomorrow," she grinned shyly.
"See ya."
I grinned back and left for class, when I arrived in class I noticed people sitted with Suzuki.
Aww Man.
Everyday after lunch break people always sat at my seat and conversed with Suzuki.
It was very annoying but I didn't have the confidence to talk back to the ikemen and gyarus that were friends with Suzuki.
"Guys, it's time for class."
"Already?" a girl sulked. "But I wanna stay with Aiya-chan."
"We can talk later."
"Fineee~"
With Suzuki's words, most of her friends–except those in this class, left to their own classes and I promptly sat down.
"Sorry about that," Suzuki said, her voice laced with concern. "I'll tell them to leave before you come."
"Nah, it's fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's no big deal."
What the hell am I saying? It's annoying as hell but…I'm scared to anger the top of the food chain.
If they knew that I told Suzuki to send them away, they could retaliate, and I wanted to avoid that at all costs.
In the end I was truly and utterly a coward.
"I'll tell them just in case," Suzuki added as class started.
Hell Yeah!!!
With that done, class proceeded like usual with me staring out the window of course. I was thinking about that cute black-haired girl—Fujimoto Misaki.
I wondered what she did to make people not want to be friends with her.
Also, I wanted to protect her–her delicate heart invoked such feelings.
The day went uneventfully until after school. After school, some boys came to me for some advice–people didn't know we were dating but wanted to know how I went on a date with her.
While most people didn't find it weird that we went on a date, some boys, particularly the ones who weren't conventionally attractive, wanted some advice.
They probably think I made Suzuki fall in love with me, not knowing I had no idea why she fell in love with me.
What was really surprising was how fast it spread.
"Nakamura-sensei!!! Where are you?!!!" some boys screamed in unison.
I went to hide in the school garden from the crowd of boys.
Leave me alone!!!
I wanted to scream but realised they would instantly know my location so I ran over to the library.
Surprisingly I didn't see Fujimoto.
Perhaps she only comes during break.
I went over to read a book–To Kill A Mockingbird. It was something to pass the time.
After 30 minutes I went to the school gate and saw Suzuki waiting for me.
Dude, give me a break.
I broke a golden rule, which was: "Never keep a lady waiting."
"Nakamura, you're late, do you know how long I had to wait? Meanie," She pouted, hitting my chest.
"Sorry Suzuki, I was uh—preoccupied."
"Fine, but there's a punishment."
"A punishment?"
What kind of devilish punishment has she concocted?
"For punishment, you must call me by my first name—Aiya," she blushed.
Is that it?
I stared blankly at her, I expected something more sinister—in fact what she asked for was something I would have done anyway, after a short while.
"Was it a weird request?" she asked shyly.
Oh, it seems she took my silence for rejection.
"If you don't—"
"Nah, I'm just shocked that it's what you want. But I'll only do it under one condition."
"Huh? What condition?"
"My condition is that you call me by my first name too."
"Really that's all? Well, if that's what you want then I'll call you E-E-Eiya," she stuttered while blushing. "Now let's get going to our club."
"Yeah."
While probing Kagura for answers would be the best thing to do, I shouldn't force her—I should let her tell me as a friend.
So unless she comes to me, I'm not doing anything. Yes, that is what I should do.
***
Author's Note:
Well, I can't say that's exactly right or wrong so you do you but I would have continued questioning her.
Anyway, remember to comment, share, and leave a review. Thanks for the chapter and see you in the next one.