"Perfection is the opposite of authentic." - Mozzie
POV: Otomura Yujiro
The next day, as always, Ayanokouji and I went to school.
In the elevator, he briefly talked about how he spent time with Horikita-san yesterday.
Otomura: "Wow, Ayanokouji, you were able to take Horikita-san to your room. You took advantage of protection, right?"
Ayanokouji: "How many times do I have to say that there is nothing between us?"
Otomura: "Sorry, I understand. I just decided to repeat the phrase, like the others..."
"Thank you very much, it was a pleasure"
The blonde, who was in the library, was talking with the dormitory commandant.
I think her name is Ichinose-san.
According to my memory.
Ichinose: "Hello, Ayanokouji-kun! Good morning. You're early."
She noticed me next to him.
Ichinose: "Um... is this the second time we've met?"
Otomura: "Ah... yes. Good morning. My name is Otomura Yujiro, nice to meet you."
Ichinose: "Nice to meet you, I'm Ichinose Honami."
She remembered me, although we didn't even communicate...
Up close she seems even more beautiful.
Ayanokouji: "Can I ask? What did you talk to the manager about?"
Ichinose: "My classmates wanted to ask about their dorms. I collected all the questions about this and passed them on to the commandant. Things like water usage, noise, etc."
Otomura: "Didn't everyone get the rules booklets?"
Ichinose: "Yes, but some people would like to know more precise information."
Otomura: "Precise, yes..."
"Good morning, Class Representative Ichinose!"
Two students got out of the elevator.
Representative?
Was she chosen as class leader?
Interesting...
Ayanokouji: "Class representative? Why?"
Ichinose: "I am a representative of my class. At least that's what it seems."
Ayanokouji: "Your class representative? Does everyone except Class "D" have something like that?"
He acts too relaxed around her.
It seems he only interacted with her once before.
Ichinose: "No, this is Class "B"'s own idea. I think it would be useful to distribute the roles among the students."
Otomura: "Perhaps you also have an accountant?"
Ichinose: "Hmm? No... maybe in the future."
She reacted somehow strangely.
Ayanokouji: "Looks like you took the lead. I mean in class "B"."
Ichinose: "Does this seem strange to you? This is all purely informal. Plus there are quite a few troublemakers here. We always have to deal with problems, haha."
The three of us went to school.
"Good morning, Ichinose!"
"Good morning, Ichinose-san!"
She reciprocates everything.
Otomura: "Aren't you tired of all this attention?"
Ichinose: "After all, I'm a representative, but I still didn't expect such attention. So far I feel good."
Otomura: "Hmm... the main thing is that you don't get burned out because of this in the future."
Ichinose: "I think everything will be fine. Thank you for taking care of me."
She doesn't seem as inaccessible as those really popular girls.
Perhaps this is the first time for her.
But there is no point in speculating.
Ichinose: "Ah, that reminds me of something. Have you heard about summer vacation, Ayanokouji-kun, Otomura-kun?"
Ayanokouji: "Summer vacation? No. I mean, isn't it just summer vacation?"
Otomura: "Our homeroom teacher mentioned something. About a vacation at sea, but I don't want to trust the school."
Ichinose: "Yes, indeed, after May 1, everyone became more wary of school. I've heard rumors that we're going to have it on a tropical island."
Wow...
Tropical island.
Ayanokouji: "But I can't believe it. Are we really going to a resort?"
Ichinose: "This is really suspicious. I think the summer holidays could have a decisive impact on ratings."
Otomura: "Will there be some kind of event related to earning class points?"
Ichinose: "Yes, of course. We will probably be given some task that will be more difficult than even the midterm exams. Otherwise, the difference between Class "A" and us wouldn't be so big. Gradually we will be able to reduce this gap."
Otomura: "Is it normal that we communicate freely about such topics?"
Ichinose: "You mean we're competing to achieve Class "A"?"
Otomura: "It's hard for me to admit it, but it's true."
Ichinose: "Honestly, I don't see the point in being hostile to each other at this stage."
Or she's a great liar.
Or she's a naive idiot.
And both options are terrible in some sense.
Ayanokouji: "What's the difference between you and Class "A"?"
Ichinose: "We have about 600 points. So our classes are separated by about 350 points."
The difference is a little bigger, but I won't interrupt.
Ichinose: "Until now, the midterm exam was the only thing that gave us a chance to improve our scores, so losing at least a few points was inevitable for us. I mean, even Class "A" lost them."
Ayanokouji: "You don't seem to be panicking."
Ichinose: "I'm worried, but I think we have a chance to rise. I intend to focus all my emotional energy on these preparations."
She was assigned class "B".
It's interesting that she didn't have enough to get into class "A"...
Oh....
I need to think more about myself, but be aware of my surroundings.
Ayanokouji: "We ourselves are in a difficult situation. If the gap widens further, we will not be able to catch up."
Ichinose: "I think we should all try our best."
After these words I became more motivated.
The strength of beautiful girls never ceases to amaze.
Ichinose: "But if we were actually vacationing on a tropical island, it would be amazing!"
Otomura: "Yes..."
Ayanokouji: "Interesting..."
Ichinose: "Huh? Ayanokouji-kun, are you uncomfortable with this idea? Do you hate traveling?"
Ayanokouji: "I don't hate it. At least I don't think so..."
A strange expression appeared on his face.
I've never seen him like this before.
Ichinose: "What's the matter?"
Ayanokouji: "Just remembered something a little traumatic."
Ichinose: "Sorry for making you remember something like that. You can talk to me again today, okay?"
Ayanokouji: "Yes, of course. But what are we going to talk about?"
Ichinose: "I'll tell you later. See you Ayanokouji-kun, it was nice talking to you Otomura-kun."
She waved her hand and apparently addressed her classmates.
It seems she didn't say something.
Was my presence disturbing?
Otomura: "Ayanokouji, how do you do it?"
Ayanokouji: "Hmm? What are you talking about?"
Otomura: "Eh, it doesn't matter..."
______________________________________________
Evening of the same day.
Kushida-san called me.
Kushida: "Sorry for the late call. Are not you asleep yet?"
Otomura: "I haven't planned it yet. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Kushida: "Sakura-san's camera broke, right? I feel guilty for interfering when you were talking to her. So I wanted to take responsibility..."
Otomura: "Yes, you behaved unnaturally then. Someone might have suspected something..."
Kushida: "What are you saying to Otomura-kun?"
There was a cold note in her voice.
Otomura: "Nothing... Anyway, did you want to help her?"
Kushida: "Yes. At first she was a little hesitant, but the next day she agreed. I think the camera is very important to her."
Otomura: "Okay, I think you want me to come with you. I have no choice anyway, so I agree."
Kushida: "How caring you are, Otomura-kun. Horikita-san is convinced that Sakura saw everything. After talking with her a little, I was also convinced of this. But there must be a reason why she denies her involvement."
Otomura: "I think we can come up with something..."
Kushida: "By the way. It was very scary when Koenji-kun and Sudo-kun almost got into a fight."
Otomura: "Were you... really scared or were you annoyed by this situation?"
Kushida: "Otomura-kun..."
Otomura: "Sorry, sorry, I won't do this again. But I doubt it would come to a fight. Sudo has become more tolerant than at the beginning of his studies. And Koenji could have easily ended everything."
Kushida: "I couldn't even move. But Hirata-kun was great. He deserves respect."
Otomura: "Why are you saying that?"
Kushida: "Class "D" was able to unite thanks to Hirata. The fact that guys and girls avoid each other has a big impact."
Otomura: "I guess that goes without saying..."
Kushida: "Let's talk about the unusual. Don't you think Horikita-san is much better than me? She is good at studies and sports. You start to wonder how she ended up in Class "D" in the first place."
She changes topics too quickly and I start to get lost.
Otomura: "Every person has their pros and cons. Horikita-san may be good at academics and sports. But you communicate and relate better to other people. Although it's not for me to talk about this."
Kushida: "I see... But does she communicate well with Ayanokouji?"
Otomura: "I myself would like to know what kind of connection they have..."
Kushida: "..."
There was silence.
What's the matter?
Otomura: "Did something happen, Kushida-san?.."
Kushida: "Hey..."
Otomura: "Yes?"
Kushida: "I-if... well... I... I..."
Otomura: "Is that what you couldn't say last time?"
Kushida: "No, nothing. Well, I'll see you the day after tomorrow, Otomura-kun."
"Beep, beep, beep"
Oh, she stopped at something very interesting again.
What was she trying to tell me twice in a row?
______________________________________________
Sunday has arrived.
Today I need to go to the store with two girls.
Sounds weird...
I arrived at the appointed place early, holding a refreshing lemonade in my hands.
It's getting very hot.
Hope they come soon...
Kushida: "Good morning!"
Otomura: "Good morning, energetic as always, huh?"
Kushida: "Of course, you should always be energetic. Have you been waiting long?"
Otomura: "Not that long. But I managed to buy myself a drink."
Kushida: "But you didn't take it for me, it's a pity..."
Otomura: "Huh? I didn't look that far..."
Kushida: "Haha, just kidding."
She stuck out her tongue cutely.
What's wrong with these jokes.
I would like all this to end as soon as possible.
Being with Kushida-san on a day off, alone.
Bad rumors might spread...
For her.
Otomura: "More importantly. Where is Sakura-san..."
I noticed that she was sitting next to us on the bench.
Is she a ninja?
Sakura: "Bow "Sorry. I don't really stand out. Hmm... Good morning."
Otomura: "Good morning... Is it necessary to wear this hat with a mask?"
Sakura: "Um... I thought I would stand out less in this, but apparently it didn't work..."
This is reaching the point of absurdity, but I won't upset her any more.
Sakura: "So, about my camera. Do you mind going to the electronics store?"
Kushida: "Of course. We came here to fix it."
Sakura: "Sorry... you had to come here with me "Bow."
She makes me feel older...
______________________________________________
We came to the shopping center.
It was, as always, full of students.
This place hardly changes.
Kushida: "Let's see. I'm sure there's some equipment being repaired around here somewhere. Let's take a look around."
Today our guide will be Kushida-san.
She has more experience in this place.
Sakura: "I wonder if they'll fix it right now..."
Otomura: "Of course they will fix it, nothing serious should happen... I hope."
Sakura: "Yeah, thanks to her I became even more interested in photography."
Otomura: "I see, then let's fix this quickly."
Sakura: "Yes..."
Kushida: "This is it. Repair."
We came to an electronics store.
There was a special stand for accepting broken goods.
Sakura: "Um..."
Kushida: "Is something wrong, Sakura-san?"
Sakura: "Ah, um... Well..."
What alarmed her so sharply?
Does she have panic attacks?
I hope not.
Sakura: "No, nothing."
We went to the checkout.
In fact, my presence was not necessary.
Kushida-san was able to talk to the seller easily.
But it seemed strange to me...
All that remains for Sakura-san is to fill out the form with contact information.
But stopping at the room number and phone number, she froze.
Kushida: "Sakura-san?"
This will go on for too long if I don't intervene.
Otomura: "I'm really sorry."
Sakura: "Huh?"
Otomura: "Room 402 and my phone number... Here you go."
"H-hey, wait. But she's the hostess, right? This..."
Otomura: "It's okay, I'm her boyfriend. It doesn't really matter who takes the camera. Right, Airi?"
Sakura: "Huh? Yes... of course... Otomura... kun"
Otomura: "See, everything is fine."
"Good, I understood. Nothing to worry about".
What's with the disappointment on your face?
Looks like we've got everything settled.
"The repairs will take two weeks. I'll contact you."
Two whole weeks?
This is too long...
After leaving the store, we sat on a bench.
Kushida: "This guy is out of this world. He was so busy talking that I was shocked."
Otomura: "Yes, he is a strange guy. Do you know anything about him, Sakura-san?"
Sakura: "Nodded What do you think, Otomura-kun?"
Otomura: "Hmm, he looks like a man who lacks female attention... And in any case, I don't project it onto myself..."
Kushida: "Ha-ha-ha."
Otomura: "I'm serious, stop laughing."
Sakura: "This is what I was leading to initially... I was scared to go back there alone..."
Kushida: "You knew about it, Otomura-kun?"
Otomura: "Just a little safety net, that's all. I'm sorry, Sakura-san, I may have put you in an awkward position..."
Sakura: "No. T-thank you... Otomura-kun. You saved me."
Otomura: "Whatever you say. I'll text you when the camera is ready. Let's exchange numbers."
Sakura: "Y-yes. Okay..."
Kushida: "You really care about Sakura-san."
Otomura: "It's just my first time in such a situation, I don't know how to behave. This employee is too strange."
Kushida: "Haha... it's true"
A person like Kushida-san was worried.
Sakura: "Since you were with me today, Kushida-san, I didn't have to say much. Thank you".
Kushida: "Oh, no need for gratitude. If you are happy to accept my help, then I will gladly give it to you. Sakura-san, do you really love your camera?"
Sakura: "Yes... I've liked them since I was a child. My father bought me one before I started elementary school. I liked him. Or you could say that I loved photography... although I wouldn't say that. I know a lot about it."
Kushida: "Hmm... Sakura-san, have we met before?"
Sakura: "Hm? N-no. I don't think so, but..."
Kushida: "Sorry. Just seeing you makes me feel like we've already met. Sorry for the strange question, but could you take off your glasses?"
Sakura: "Huh?! B-but this... My eyesight is very bad. I won't be able to see anything..."
Kushida: "We need to spend more time together, Sakura-san. Not only with me, but also with my friends..."
Sakura: "This is..."
Otomura: "Calm down, Kushida-san. Sakura-san will go at her own pace. There's no point in rushing."
Kushida: "Oh, sorry, Sakura-san, I didn't mean to put pressure on you."
Sakura: "N-there's nothing wrong with that..."
Finally we are back to where it all began.
It's a shame, but without my drink...
Sakura: "Um... Thank you for everything. You helped me a lot".
Kushida: "It's okay. There's no need to thank us. Actually, Sakura-san, you can talk to us more calmly. After all, we are from the same class. It's unusual for you to address us so formally."
Otomura: "Yes, I felt like an old man."
Sakura: "It's not on purpose. I didn't notice... what am I saying strangely?
Kushida: "I won't say it's bad. I just wish you would be less formal with us."
Sakura: "Ah... okay... I... I understand. I will try".
She said the last words under her breath.
That we heard almost nothing.
After which she fell silent.
Kushida: "Well then, I'll see you at school, okay?.."
Sakura: "About Sudo-kun... In an attempt to thank you for today. I... well, maybe it's weird, but if you want... I-I can help you with Sudo-kun's case."
She told us what she saw and heard.
Kushida: "So you saw Sudou-kun fight with those students?"
Sakura: "Yes, I saw everything. However, it was a complete accident... I'm sure you won't believe me."
Kushida: "No, we believe. But why did you decide to talk about this? I'm glad you did it, but I don't want you to force yourself. Don't do it just out of gratitude."
Sakura: "It's okay... I think if I continued to remain silent, I would regret it. I don't want to create problems for my classmates. But if I talked about it in class, everyone would look at me. It's scary to even think about it... Sorry."
Kushida: "Thank you, Sakura-san. I'm sure Sudou-kun will be very happy."
It seems we've managed to find a witness.
Today turned out to be an interesting day.