❝ Pathetic.❞
┏━━━━━━━━┓
Chapter 22
┗━━━━━━━━┛
"How did I end up with these guys?"
Amidst a sea of onlookers, a young woman donning casual attire sat perched, encircled by a throng of individuals, mainly males. The unfolding scene bore a striking resemblance to a Korean drama, if one were watching it. Were you the one presiding over the proceedings, you would detect an unmistakable aura of theatricality permeating the atmosphere. Regrettably, the current spectacle eludes your gaze as you find yourself situated amidst a group of individuals consisting of Endou, Asuto, and a gentleman by the name of Kazemaru, with Goenji.
The air was filled with the hum of casual chatter as they engaged in a typical exchange, their words swirling about in the space around you.
Endou and his friends were quite famous, especially Goenji, who had gained notoriety for his signature move, the "Fire Tornado." As a result, they attracted a lot of attention and were frequently the subject of stares. Fortuitously, you possessed a lack of concern and were not inclined to expend any effort towards caring.
You observed them intently, your hands calmly resting on your lap while your silver-gray eyes grew darker with the tumultuous thoughts racing through your mind.
As she gazed upon her arms, a purplish-blue mark began to emerge, seemingly hiding in the shadows of her room. She crouched there, almost as if she were playing a game of hide-and-seek, all the while grinning mischievously at herself. Ever since that fateful incident, which occurred during her middle school years, it has become a regular habit for her.
She had always been afraid of touch. The thought of someone's skin brushing against hers made her shudder. It wasn't just the physical sensation that frightened her, but the emotional weight that came with it. The vulnerability of being touched, of allowing someone to get close enough to feel her skin, was too much to bear. She had built walls around herself, layers of protection that kept others at a safe distance. But sometimes, in the quiet moments when she was alone, she longed for the warmth of another person's touch. She yearned for the connection that came with physical intimacy, but the fear was too great. So she remained alone, trapped in her own fear of touch.
She conceals her fears, for she recalls every instance of Haruna's taunts. As she stepped into the facade reality, she summoned all her courage to overcome her fear. The new acquaintances she made there gave her a glimmer of hope. Alas, her respite was short-lived as her memories began to haunt her once again.
"Go without me, save mom." The incessant repetition of those phrases tormented her mind, haunting her with guilt day after day. She had constructed a world that brought her fleeting happiness, but now she couldn't escape the weight of her actions.
Nozomi Yukio's lips curved into a gentle smile as he caressed his little sister's cheek, savoring the warmth of her skin against his fingertips. Little did he know that this would be the final time he would ever lay a hand on her.
Before,
He died.
As you gaze upon the table, your eyes fixate on a glass brimming with a delectable treat-a mound of creamy, frozen goodness nestled amidst a sea of ice. The tasty dessert presented before you was a cup of creamy cookies and cream, adorned with petite cookies delicately placed atop its surface. To enhance the already irresistible flavor, a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup was added, completing the indulgent treat. The scene before you was truly remarkable. You delicately scoop a portion of the substance and place it in your mouth. As the confectionery touched your tongue, a burst of flavor erupted, surpassing any expectation-never in your life did you think that anime dessert would be so magnificent-it was a truly magnificent experience, one that left you in awe of the delectable creation before you. The flavor was unfamiliar, unlike any ice cream you had ever tasted before, despite your years of indulging in the frozen treat.
As the icy morsels lured your taste buds, your mind drifted away from the troubles that had been weighing on you. For a brief moment, you were able to escape the shackles of your anxieties and immerse yourself in the simple pleasure of savoring each bite. However, unbeknownst to you, a pair of curious onlookers had taken notice of your presence and were now fixated on your every move.
As you feel staring upon you, you slowly turn your head to meet their eyes. "Hm?" you inquire, curious about their intent.
Kazemaru's aquamarine locks cascaded down his back, a vibrant hue that caught the eye and held it captive. With a grin that lit up his features, he shattered the stillness that had settled over the room. "Nozomi-san, you performed admirably,"
"Congratulations, Nozomi-san and," he said, trailing off as he looked over at her with a smile. As his gaze drifted downwards, he caught sight of Asuto, who seemed to have a firm grasp on the task at hand. With a confident tone, the young man introduced himself, "Asuto."
"-Asuto-san."
You gave a subtle nod, expressing your gratitude towards him as the latter thanked Kazemaru. As you scanned the room, your eyes eventually landed on Goenji, who was quietly eating his mocha cake. However, his moment of solitude was abruptly interrupted as he noticed your eyes fixed upon him.
Goenji Shuuya was a remarkable individual, captivating the attention of all who watched the original series. It wasn't until the emergence of other series that he truly shone amongst them. As the match drew to a close, he, Endou, and Kazemaru made plans to convene afterwards. However, as they emerged from the stadium, they were taken aback to find Endou accompanied by two members of the Inakuni soccer team. It transpired that Endou had extended an invitation to them to join their group. He found himself intrigued by you, and thus, saw no reason to resist the current of curiosity. Why not allow himself to be carried along and discover more about you?
"Goenji Shuuya."
"Nozomi Kamui."
As if by some unspoken agreement, the two of you exchanged names, as though you had both intuitively sensed the need to introduce yourselves.
Kazemaru couldn't help but let out a small bead of sweat as he observed the seamless interaction between the two of you. The two men in question seemed completely unaware of their surroundings, sparkling with an air of obliviousness.
Contrary to your initial assumptions, it appears that you may have misunderstood Kazemaru's intentions when he inadvertently gazed at your ice cream. In an act of true gentility, you graciously offered him a taste of your frozen treat, extending your spoon in a gesture of kindness.
As you extended your spoon towards the gentleman, he couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment wash over him. The casual manner in which you held the utensil, particularly in his direction, caused a deep blush to spread across his cheeks.
As Kazemaru displayed a fleeting expression, your eyes instinctively flickered in response. You withdrew your spoon, which had been poised to scoop up a mouthful of ice cream, and lapsed into a contemplative silence.
The young boy was consumed by a sense of remorse, causing him to bow his head in shame. Just as he was about to utter an apology, his attention was abruptly drawn to the sight of a delectable ice cream treat placed before him. The frozen treat that you had been relishing with great pleasure earlier belonged to you.
You replied to him, "I'm not hungry...you could eat them if you want..." without recognizing what you had just done earlier.
With a mouthful of food, Goenji cast a sidelong glance at the two of you. He observed Kazemaru's evident embarrassment, and he noted your nonchalant demeanor, unfazed by the situation at hand.
"Mui-san, how did you do that?" Asuto changed the subject, about which you are presently confused.
"I slide the ice cream to him normally."
Endou couldn't help but chuckle at your amusing antics and decided to interrupt you with a playful remark, "Oh, you silly goose!" He was expounding on the methodology of gameplay earlier.
You gazed at him with a blank expression, and the others present were equally intrigued, having observed your techniques earlier. They waited expectantly for your response for nearly thirty seconds as you pondered your answer before finally replying, "No."
They fell comically on the table, you on the other hand can't help to feel better by the funny interaction in front of you. It was refreshing to see a sight.
"What do you mean by no?! Nozomi-san?!" Endou complained as he hoped to hear your strategy.
"Just no."
With a mischievous glint in your eye, you proposed a playful diversion for your companion, fully anticipating his unwavering determination, as evidenced by his resemblance to Endou.
"Then I challenge you to a duel!"
"No."
"I play with you, 2v2!"
"No."
"3v2?"
"No."
"Please?" With a pleading gaze, he begged you, and you responded with a faint smile that quickly faded as you beheld the stunned expressions of the trio whom you had been acquainted with for quite some time. As you gazed upon their countenances, a perplexing sensation overtook you. Their expressions conveyed a sense of bewilderment, which in turn left me feeling equally confounded.
"What?"
"..." As they exchanged fleeting gazes, with the exception of Goenji who seemed oblivious to the situation, a mutual thought crossed their minds-her smile was the most enchanting thing they had ever seen.
Her lips were a forbidden territory that no living organism had ever dared to touch, like a quirk in the night sky that remains unexplored.
It was an overstatement to say the least, but every time they were in each other's company, they had never witnessed even the slightest hint of a smile on your countenance. The notion is utterly inconceivable, akin to a fable from a book of lore or a work of fiction where a solitary individual possesses a disposition that reveals their grin intermittently or their solemn countenance sporadically.
Truly astounding, if I may say so myself.
"-ima."
The words you had just spoken to them were shrouded in ambiguity, as their mind was preoccupied with deep contemplation. However, it appeared that they had already regained their composure.
"Huh?"
"I said, I shall reveal my analysis, but only if the Inakuni team emerges victorious in their upcoming match against the formidable Nosike Youima."
"Who?"
The name that escaped your lips was one that held a certain weight and mystery. "Nosike Youima," you repeated, your voice low and contemplative. You spoke forthrightly and without reservation until suddenly pausing and asking, "Wait, what was his name again?"
"It's Nosaka Yuuma." Someone barged into the conversation, you look up to see gray orbs staring at you.
His smile was so fake that you noticed them at one glance, "Hello Nosike-san. Coincidence for you to be here."
"Just passing by." He said, while adjusting his watch and collar, "and waiting for my friend."
He stood tall, his eyes piercing with a confidence that could not be shaken. "Bold of you to assume," he said, his voice dripping with disdain, "that I would let the Inakuni team win against us just to know your analysis." His words hung in the air, a challenge to anyone who dared to question his motives.
"Eavesdropping?" She cautiously opened one eye, making sure he was within earshot before continuing. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as you sat at the table, your fingers tapping against the smooth surface. Suddenly, you blurted out a statement that left everyone stunned, except for one person. He simply raised an eyebrow, as if he had been expecting this all along. "Huh?" He muttered, still in shock at your own words. With a bored grin, you spoke confidently, "I'm one hundred for sure your team is not gonna win."
Mui-chan's words stung like a sharp blade, cutting through the air and piercing the heart of her companion. The room fell silent as the weight of her statement hung heavily in the air. The other person looked at her with a mix of shock and disbelief, struggling to find the right words to respond. Finally, they managed to choke out a single question, their voice trembling with emotion. "How can you say that, Mui-chan?"
You look straight into Asuto's eyes, who only look at you in curiosity. "Am I not allowed to?"
After a brief period of calm and quiet, a sense of tranquility seemed to settle in, enveloping the surroundings in a peaceful aura. However, this peacefulness was abruptly interrupted by the sudden intrusion of an individual who burst out, their boisterous laughter echoing throughout the space. The intense gaze of the girl was fixed on you as she expressed her feelings, stating that your confidence was having a profound impact on her.
As you gaze upon the unfamiliar face of the young lady before you, a sense of confusion and curiosity washed over you, causing a large, looming question mark to materialize above your head. With a furrowed brow and a slight tilt of your head, you posed the inquiry to her in a polite yet inquisitive tone: "I apologize for my ignorance, but may I inquire as to who you are?"
"Don't you remember me?" She smirked, making Goenji and Kazemaru cringe at her face. She grabbed your wrist and tightly held it.
"As pathetic as you are, you are not worth remembering."
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
Details
-The first revelation is that Kamui's brother Yukio has passed away.
Would you like to continue?
-Yes
-No