A report came in: Makino had confessed and was rejected.
He was a bit down, but also somewhat relieved. When I apologized, instead of blaming me, he thanked me over and over.
–Thanks to you, I could finally get over this. Ahh, it’s like I’m freed.
He also said that he would repay me someday.
Like that, our counseling ended. I was relieved, yet frustrated, and most of all, ashamed.
I steeled my resolve, and,
The chime rang and the school day was over. I immediately rushed to class seven.
It was time to meet Yuzuki Minato.
I was greeted with the current of leaving students and when the crowd thinned, I walked in. Minato was still at her seat, looking outside absentmindedly. In the corner of my vision, I also saw Fujimiya.
Today, I won’t back down–
“Yuzuki,” a snicker, “Hmph, I see that you’re behaving.”
Dyed hair and perfume, Yamabuki Karen stood with her back to me.
“Hm? Finally know your place? So ashamed you’ve kept to yourself? Pfft.” Her titter still hurted my ear.
A disquieting atmosphere seeped through the classroom. Everyone that hadn’t left froze momentarily.
Yamabuki sat on the desk next to her. “It’s refreshing. I’m so glad you stopped that, it’s been an eyesore.”
I gritted my teeth. She was talking about the operation I suggested.
But… So she thought that the incident earlier made Minato stop. Unable to resist the urge to brag about her presumed success, like this, she pushed her luck. Oh, Yamabuki, you’ve mistaken.
“But you know, Yuzuki? You’re just a bitch, the fact that you’ve stopped means nothing? Hope you remember that.”
I can’t watch this. This is so, so childish.
She thought that those hollow insults would get her the upperhand. Her words, her thoughts, what utter nonsense.
She sighed and shook her head. “You’re just scared of me, I know. Besides, I know what happened in middle school–”
That’s it. I don’t care about the consequences. Just don’t goddamn mess with other people’s past.
Minato stood, her hair streaming after as her body twisted at an unbelievable angle. Yamabuki lost balance and fell hard on the floor. The classroom fell silent.
“Y-you!! What the hell!!”
“That has nothing!! To do with you!!!”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her face still in a snarl, Minato left.
I was about to go after her when I noticed a grip on my shoulder.
“Akashi-kun!”
“What,” I said flatly.
Fujimiya looked at me with pleading eyes as she shook her head.
“We need to talk.”
◆ ◆ ◆
I led her to Cafe Proof. It appeared that it was the opposite way to her house, but it was also the only place we could discuss freely. Fujimiya also agreed to that.
Yukito patted me on the shoulder silently and gave an encouraging smile. I went for the usual seat, and had Fujimiya sitting at Minato’s seat.
“Actually… I knew.”
“Knew what?”
“What she’s struggling with,” she said, “I haven’t asked her directly, but I’ve seen enough. And that this time, it was about it too.”
Her voice was…pleading.
“Oh…”
“Yea. but she won’t tell me, so I pretended I didn’t know.” This time, her voice was sulky.
It was understandable that Minato wouldn’t tell Fujimiya, but from Fujimiya’s point of view…
“Minato, she’s not well lately.”
“I know.”
“I’m worried. You don’t seem to be in contact anymore. So, something must have happened between you two, and that’s the cause.” Fujimiya turned a questioning eye.
Unfortunately, there was nothing to refute. Nor I was planning to.
Noting my dour state, she smiled as if to say she wasn’t blaming me.
“Well?”
“Sorry…”
Then I told her everything. It was easy, since she already knew about the Peculiarity, there was nothing to hide. I told her how I accepted her consultation, and how I ended up with the conclusion.