OreShura: Volume 1 Chapter 2
Chapter 2 - Confession from a Classmate ends in Mayhem
During the same time while Chiwa sank before she even sailed, there was another person who continued scoring high on the records.
She is Natsukawa Masuzu.
Entering June, the number of people confessing to her is still endless. Rumours go that the number of times she was confessed to has surpassed 50. According to them, the litigant expressed "she had no intention to be with anyone". Despite so, the people confessing continues to flock towards her.
From the above situation, it is almost certain that Natsukawa has become a famed person in school, but in reality she is almost always alone. In class or during recess, she'd always be in her seat reading. She goes home immediately after school. In the beginning, some males in the class occasionally tried to hit on her, but a de facto treaty was soon made ? "Single sided attacks on Natsukawa is banned in the classroom". Soon it became in a steady state of watch but no touch. As for the girls, they try to distance themselves with her. Girls popular with boys stated that "Us commoners dare not be together with ojou-sama! (translation: we are not as cute as you)" and rejected her. As for the common looks female company, they announced that "Natsukawa and us are in two completely different worlds (translation: extravagants should go play with extravagants)" and discriminated her. This is the perfect proof of how being over popular is not a good thing, I should really go lecture Chiwa on this.
On the first day of June, I was given a seat next to Natsukawa. For me, I am completely uninterested in this matter, but is very pleased to have the second column from the windows, last row in class. It's a very comfortable place where I can lie down and rest, but it seems that my thoughts did not reach the rest of my class. That is, as far as I understand from all the jealous glares I get. Being rejected once but not giving up, Yamamoto, a member of the soccer club even came to me for a handshake, saying "I believe you are a true gentleman!". Since it would be also quite troublesome being trusted like this, I temporarily refused his handshake request. Next day, in the class legends started to spread that "Natsukawa is also Kido's target" and whatnot. Sensing danger, I hurriedly went for the handshake.
I should clarify here, I am not scared or what. Because this is very important, I'd want to repeat this again. I am definitely not scared. I am only displaying the spirit of peaceful coexistence, the so-called Love&Peace. Oh, forget love, it's Peace&Peace.
.....Though say just now I was like a excited little gradeschooler in front of a camera, let's just leave it here for now. In conclusion, all I want is to cut waves like butter, aiming for the university place and recommendation. Naturally, love lies in the "wave" category, much less Natsukawa this kind of celebrity ? don't joke with me. That's why I tell you, Yamamoto and the other males, you are all worrying for nothing!
"Is that so, then that really sounds bad" hearing my situation out, my classmate Yui Kaoru slowly nodded his head.
It is currently lunch hour, Kaoru and I joined our desks and began eating lunch.
I was having a homemade bento. With less appetite, Kaoru's lunch only consisted of a crab bread and a juicebox.
"From the point of view of those kids, being able to sit next to Natsukawa-san is really something to admire about"
Kaoru always uses "those kids", "them" and similar pronouns to call classmates. It doesn't sound irritating either. I guess it's due to his good conduct and his neutral looks and solid attitude to address things. Whether it's between males or females, Kaoru is pretty popular.
"If Eita's seat was put up for an auction, I believe you should be able to get a good amount of money"
"When the auction comes, remember to call me. I'll be the first to get rid of it"
Ah~ it is so hard to be at peace of mind these days. These kind of normal conversations are always the best.
As a conversation partner, Kaoru could not be any better.
Our friendship began since Grade 9. From our daily convesations he fairly knows of the situation of my family and Chiwa, but he never does unnecessary research, the perfect balance between friendship and privacy. He totally deserves the title of being the Relationship Master.
"compared to this, I am more worried about Chiwawa-chan"
"What about Chiwa?"
"Once Chiwawa-chan has decided on something, she will keep going forward for it. I'm afraid she won't give up until she becomes super popular"
"But these things can't really be achieved through plain effort. It's not Kendo" I said while munching on the potato and meat from yesterday's leftover.
Mmm, after one night the flavour is perfect. It would have been great if I made Chiwa a bento as well.
"Personally, I think that Chiwawa-chan only needs to act like a normal girl, she should become very popular that way"
"That's right. If she doesn't talk nor move, maybe boys will start going for her"
"No, I don't mean a statue...."
Well, her looks isn't so bad, so maybe it's exactly like how we said.
"But Chiwawa-chan was confessed to during junior high"
"By whom?"
"The captain of the male Kendo club. It was pretty big news back then, didn't you know?"
First time I've ever heard of it.
In junior high both male and female Kendo clubs were very strong. Especially the captain of the male Kendo club, who was excellent in both sports and studies. I heard he later went to the best private highschool in of this province. He shouldn't look too bad, I guess.
Hmm? so Chiwa also has a past like this.
"But, I never heard about her dating anyone."
"Of course you didn't. She rejected him"
"Why would she give up such a great chance"
"....Fuuu" Kaori made a deep sigh.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing. I just thought that these should be your honest thoughts from the bottom of your heart."
"Of course. I don't joke around"
"I know. That's because Eita is a very, serious, person"
What.... are you trying to say something else?
"If Chiwawa-chan really turn super popular, I'm afraid she'll have other problems by then"
"What problems? Is she going to reject other people again? That's not possible. It's different from last time"
She's only doing this because she wants a boyfriend, no
.....wait. Is it really like that?
She did say that she wanted romance like the bishojo mangas, but I don't think she ever said anything about a boyfriend....
hmmm.....
"I really have no idea what is going on inside Chiwa's head"
".....oww, oww, owww" Kaoru shrugged.
The 5 minutes preparation bell signaling the end of lunchtime rang.
That day, after school.
"Kido-kun, how would you like to go home with me today?" Natsukawa suddenly asked me so. The whole classroom fell into shock.
But no one could be more shocked than me.
What does this mean?
Why me? This is too sudden, isn't it.
Slightly flustered, I unconsciously took my books that were already in my bag out again. I must have heard it wrong? Yes, these words must have came from the guy sitting behind me. That's right, that must be it.
But when I turned around, there was nobody.
.....Well of course, this is the last row after all.
"So? Shall we go home?" Natsukawa stared down at me.
.....damn. I'm not so easily tricked,
Natsukawa is certainly a beauty. Just those blue eyes and silver hair is enough to attact everyone's attention. Since her looks is very proper as well, not only does she looks very adorable when she smiles, it also gives an easy-to-approach and gentle feel. Even a well-made puppet can hardly keep up with her. The amount of detail the maker gave her himself is fabulous. If she were to dress up in a skirt, even if she claimed herself to be a princess from a foreign country, I'm sure plenty of people will believe it.
But so what? Back in my mother's days, she was also called the beauty of the town. Beautiful women cannot be trusted.
I should respond as cold as possible, rejecting her like scum!
Glaring at Natsukawa, I told her directly "That that, that, actually, say, I, today, something to do!"
Curses.....
"Something to do" is the ultimate excuse.
".... Is that so. That's a shame" Natsukawa replied politely, then left with a "I'll be going first".
Phew, that sure was tense.
I wonder what's with this sudden invitation?
Although we do exchange a few words because of how we're neighbours in class, that is barely sufficient to go home together.
Probably a beauty's sudden urge. By tomorrow she'll definitely forget all about me.
Life just has to prove me wrong.
The second day, then the third day, Natsukawa continued to invite me to walk her home.
"What are your intentions?" I couldn't help but ask Natsukawa with a small voice, just so I won't catch the attention of the entire class.
Natsukawa tilted her head in a cute way and repeated "intentions?"
"Is this some kind of truth or dare game? Or perhaps I'm on candid camera with your friends hiding in some corner? I'm not so easily tricked!?"
Natsukawa smiled. Sure is one deadly smile indeed. "I, can I say it?"
"S-say what?...."
Don't go for it! Keep calm.....
"The reason why I want to go home with you, it's ok even if I say it right here?"
"That's what I was asking all along"
"That is.....b-" Natsukawa suddenly stopped. Her eyes shifted as if hesitating, then looked at me with wet eyes "Becus-, I love you"
The air in the classroom froze.
My mind was blank. Difficultly, I uttered one word ".......huh?"
"I'm head over heels in love with you"
"Wait, I'm not sure I understand you...."
"You make me go crazy"
"That's even harder to understand!"
"It's because you are very attractive"
"yes I get it, but things are even worse now!"
Cries spread out through the classroom. There were "Ahhh--" screaming girls, there were frantic murmurs between some, there were also faces of nothing but disbelief. The Yamamoto I mentioned before crumbled to a kneel on the ground like a pitcher having thrown a decisive homerunner -- except that this guy is from the soccer department.
"Seems like we have caused a lot of disturbance" Natsukawa smiled shyly.
Suddenly placed under this situation, I have no idea what to do.
"I think we shouldn't stay here for long, or rumors will start spreading"
If you were to worry about that, then it's already too late.
"Take me anywhere with you~" she seemingly recited a line from some romance drama TV show.
Although this line could not be more unreal, when if came from her, it sounded as if she meant it. Maybe it's because of her looks after all?
--what's wrong with you beauties, you disgust me!
In the end I still acted according to her words.
Oh life~
"Now's not the time to sigh 'oh life~'!"
"What's wrong?" Natsukawa, who was walking beside me asked. "Compared to voicing your inner thoughts, it would be not to speak at all~, otherwise you will seem very suspicious~. You should be more considerate of me who's walking next to you right now~"
"Then don't stick next to me, hurry and go home by yourself!......"
Since both Natsukawa and I walk to school, the two of us are walking in the direction opposite to where the station is. This is the best case out of the worse case I guess. If we had to take the train home, I would have broken out in cold sweat from the glares of eavesdropping classmates in the same carriage.
After walking into some less populated roads of one of the residental areas and confirming there's no one around, I urged "About time you told me everything"
"tell you about what?"
"why you made that kind of lie"
"What lie did I make?"
"The confession. How you 'love' me, it's all a lie right"
Hearing so, Natsukawa widened her eyes "How rude......it took me so much courage to confess, but you think I'm lying?"
"That's right"
"You think I actually despise you?"
"....right"
"Actually despise seeing you, despise being with you, how my neighbour is a ridiculously, completely, stupid idiotic -- virgin --, pretending to be all high and mighty but in reality a coward-- you think these are how I really feel towards you?"
"that, no"
What's with this woman. She's an entirely different person from the quiet and behaving Natsukawa in class.
"--since you have already seen though me, I might as well tell you the truth"
I didn't expect Natsukawa to give up so easily.
"Like you said, that confession was in fact a lie. As expected of Kidou-kun, looks like I was right, you are different from the other males"
".....hrmph"
This sort of praise certainly makes me somewhat grumpy, reminding me of my unpleasant memories.
"Well, where should I start first--" Staring at the clear and fresh nightfall, Natsukawa gave a big yawn.
I watched her beautiful hair wave behind her back, waiting for her to continue.
Right this moment.
A rather strong breeze blew past us, lightly lifting up her skirt.
Originally I expected to only be able to see her thighs, but this wind surprisingly revealed everything under the skirt in broad daylight.
In other words--
"......not.......not wearing.......?!"
What should be there, wasn't.
At where thighs end, you should be able to see that, but there's nothing here.
.....Sigh, there's no need to be secretive using synonyms.
Underpants. Shorts. Panties. Undies.
Though a variety of names, no such cloth existed under her skirt. None.
Nononono, waitwaitwaitwait, calm down calm down. It's still too careless to jump to conclusions right now. Maybe it's just out of sight.
Just the right degree of wind such that I won't be able to see at this angle-- maybe just that. Although her skirt is already at its highest position possible, this does not necessarily implies "can't see equals not there". This explainations certainly sounds much more reasonable.
But what if she really didn't wear any.
That would be bad.
Knowing such an important secret, how should I keep it?
.....no, I should think outside the box, I should use a doctor's psychological perspective to determine which case it actually belongs to. How would I expect Natsukawa Masuzu to be? Wear underpants? What kind of underpants would she wear then?
--This sure is challenging.
As a lady returning to her home country, what kind of underwear would they wear?
Those which even non underpants specialists would feel "looks very high-class!" kind of underpants? Can't imagine how. Those which makes people think "as expected of a returnee" "that's so international" kind of underpants? Hard to imagine either. Speaking of which, underpants are exotic to begin with.
Or is it an unconvectional Japanese style?
What would a Japanese style underpants look like?.....Diapers? Cloth? No, this doesn't seem realistic either. This way, my image of this mysterious beauty Natsukawa Masuzu will come crashing down?
--then, we have little choice but to make this conclusion: None!
Is that so bad?
There are no more competitions between the cotton faction nor the silk faction, nor are there any conflicts between patterned faction and single-coloured faction. Even the decision to wear underwear or not when dressed in yukatas wouldn't be enough to be to cause a argument-- isn't this exactly the Peace&Peace I hoped for! The world is very peaceful these days.
Come, let us chant together once more!
"No--"
"I'm wearing it" A small smile from Natsukawa debunked by theory.
"I'm wearing" She repeated with a doubt-unsparing tone.
"Mmm, then that would be very troublesome"
"Why?"
"The Earth will be destroyed because of the third world war"
"It it will, then so be it" Natsukawa replied casually. "Any world where it's acceptable to suspect your classmate of not wearing it deserves to be destroyed"
"The world is destroyed because of me......?!"
Becoming the worlds largest sinner, I don't think I'm up for it. "Sorry. I was thinking too much."
"Very well. I like honest people." Natsukawa smiled. I feel as if being toyed around in her hands.
".....speaking of which, what were we originally taking about"
"We were at why I needed to make a fake confession to you"
"It's a long story--" with this opening, Natsukawa dived directly into the subject, "there are always males after my hand, I'm sure Kidou-kun knows about it, right?"
"Rumors about the number of times you have been confessed to has reached two digit numbers, then yes"
"For your information, I have been confessed a total of 58 times in two months"
"That's almost once a day"
That's just like a senario from a manga.
"It may sound like an luxurious problem, but I am annoyed to my limit. Every single day boys from other classes and seniors will surround and watch me, just like observing a koala. There are even foolish gambles on who will win my heart. There's always some groundless rumors about me, not a single good thing."
"You don't have friends? Mates from junior high?"
"Nope. Since the age of 7 I have been living overseas. Returning home only happened recently in March."
Is that so. That sure is a difficult situation to be in.
"Why don't you just get along with somebody"
"And who could this 'somebody' be?"
"Just pick one from those confessing to you. As soon as you become boy and girlfriends, the other people will automatically back off won't they"
".....ho" Natsukawa winced her eyes, literally sparkling. "Boy and girlfriends?" As if spitting alien objects accidentally entering her mouth, Natsukawa said. "Why do I have to be on the same level as these trash? Treating love as the most valuable thing to worship, tributing every Chrismas or Valentines' day, giggling 'hohohohahaha' like idiots. I see no reason that leaves me no choice. Love is an amazing thing? Why the hell do people kill because of emotional disputes then? Why are there so many husbands and wives getting a divorce as soon as they marry? Why are there always children abandoned by parents?"
A dim flame burned within the crystal clear eye of Natsukawa.
"You should understand, Kido-kun. Love is not such a perfect thing to have-- at least not everyone can unconditionally praise. If you want to be in love, by all means. No thanks here. 'Finding the feeling of a heart jumping'? 'Love more deeply'? 'Going for the girl of my dreams this summer'? Waste of time. To me, this is no different from the persuasions of a religious cult. Except that this religion is called 'Love'-- it's the worse religion on Earth!"
Natsukawa's spiteful tongue, I have heard before, but this one seemed to be different in nature. This speech was full of genuine hatred towards love.
.....creepy.
"Oh, I get it"
Wiping off the sweat on my palm to my trousers, I nodded and concluded "Therefore you 'confessed', right?"
Natsukawa's expressions seemed to calm down "As expected of the top student of our grade, learning so quickily saving both of us time"
In short, this means: If she manages to make a boyfriend, all the never ending confessions will finally come to an end. But since Natsukawa doesn't want any love, she sought out for a person willing to act as her boyfriend -- end of story.
"But, why me?"
"Because you're just like me, no?" Natsukawa poked at my chest with her long thin fingers, "I quickily noticed how little interest you also show in love.... I could even say hatred. When talking to friends, you quickly change the subject when it is in the red light, even your responses become vague and hasty, isn't that so? I'm not sitting next to you for such a long period of time for no reason"
"You, you are quite observant"
"At the beginning I even thought you were gay"
"......"
I take back my words. Observant my ass.
"Which is why I officially make a request to you, Kido-kun. Please become my 'boyfriend'."
Hm, at least now I understand everything.
As an anti-romance myself, it couldn't be more suitable to be her boyfriend.
Yet....
"I refuse"
Natsukawa slightly tilted her head "It's only boyfriend in name, all you need to do is to escort me home each day? Since we both walk in the same direction, it shouldn't be too much trouble"
"Uh-uh. Other males will be jealous of me, females will gossip. I may even be called out and be beaten up by your fans"
"You really know how to worry. It'll make you bald, you know?"
"Perfect. I've been collecting hair tonic and wig company's messages" Alwasy think in the worse possible case - Kido's way of doing things.
"--we may be more alike than you think" Natsukawa smirked.
This smile was different from the smiles she've shown so far, it carried much more meaning to it.
"You, you're afraid of balding as well?!"
"No, I meant how both of us likes to worry. I've also had my worries if this 'boyfriend' request was rejected. These things are hard to say. If rumors were spread around carelessly...."
"Who do you take me for? I'd never do such things"
"Of course I believe in you. Just that as someone who likes to worry, I always hope everything goes to plan....... which is why, Kido-kun"
Natsukawa suddenly brought her face closer. Her breathing was even closer.
Those two blue eyes look at me as if they were about to suck a person in, freezing my entire body.
"To become a candidate for 'boyfriend', other than the factor that they have to be uninterest in romance, there is another important criteria. Do you know what would it be?"
"ye-yes?"
Her sweet shampoo scent made my nose a little bit ichy.
I was feeling dizzy.
"Kido-kun, the other critera is that -- he must never betray me. There is no one but Kido-kun who is able to fulfil this criteria. I plan not to let Kido-kun escape easily" Although quiet as a whisper, her extraordinary face makes it very captivating.
Natsukawa took a small step backwards and faced me with her back, then took out a slightly dimmed yellow notebook from her own bag.
"What's in that dirty notebook?"
Natsukawa didn't reply, but opened the notebook and started reading instead.
"April, 21st. Sunday. Sunny. I went to 'Imamura' shop to purchase a pair of mittens, but was told by a worker with an unbelievable expression they don't have any. This products of this shop are so incomplete. Or maybe they're out of stock because it's too popular? I want to buy them as soon as possible, then run as hard as I can on the chilly streets"
".....huh?"
What's up with her. Suddenly reading all these stuff.
Mittens? Those gloves without fingers?
Is there anyone who still wants that kind of things?
"April, 22nd. Monday. Today a sudden downpour came as I was going home. Although I had my umbrella with me, I still came home all wet. I like rain, it can cleanse all the dirty sins on my body...."
Nonono, a cold is all you'd get. Besides, "cleanse all the dirty sins on my body" (smile), who do you think you are.
"April, 23rd. Tuesday. Cloudy. On my way home, Chiwa asked me 'Why are you carrying firecrackers on your body?'. I replied 'then how do you plan to respond to a terrorist attack?'. Chiwa was completely refuted by my words. Women are so shallow."
Bwhahahaaaa, dumbass! Rather than worring about a terrorist attack, why don't you first worry about your brain! Besides, how are firecrackers going to repel terrorists? Can't you see that Chiwa is wordless from your stupidity--
"ISN'T THIS MY NOTEBOOK--!!!!!!!"
Natsukawa turned around and smiled. "Correct. This is Kido-kun's diary from junior high."
"HOW DID YOU GET YOUR HANDS ON IT--!!!!!"
"Bought it from the old bookstore in front of the station. ¥525 (tax incl.)"
"Impossible!"
"It's true. The diary was inside the 'Illustrated Animals Encyclopedia (special ver.)' box. The shopkeep was fairly old, I'm afraid he didn't realise this being placed on the shelves."
--Certainly, I placed my diary in the box of my gift for getting into gradeschool. But that box should be stored safely inside my cupboard right now.
Wait, is that so?
Maybe I accidentally sold it along with the animal book during the 2nd-hand book sale?
Nonononono, that's impossible. I removed the animal book out of the box back then. But, eh?
"Refusing to embrace reality is a very foolish thing to do, Kido-kun" But the diary Natsukawa waving in front of me was unmistakably mine.
"Quite the child during junior high? It's drasticly different from the top student you are now. Or perhaps deep inside you're still the same?"
"Give, give it back!"
"Unlikely" Natsukawa turned around with agile.
"Hurry and give it back! There's a lot of bad things inside that diary!!!"
"Rest assured. I have already scanned everything and stored it inside my computer"
"Huhhhhhhhhhh?!"
"Though all necessary antivirus and firewalls are installed, there's still a chance it could accidentally leak out. The web is very fearful.....I've heard if you upload it to the internet, it will last there forever"
I knelt down on my knees.
They say your sights turn black when in despair....looks like it's real.
In front of my eyes was pitch black.
Over.
My life is all over--
"Then, I'd like to hear you answer again"
As the absolute dominator, queen Natsukawa's commanding voice came down from the skies.
"Kido Eita-kun, will you by my 'boyfriend'?"
".......de-demon.....!"
"ah, there seems to be something wrong with my ears. Could this be the premonition of a computer virus attack?"
"Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes! I'll do it! I agree to become Natsukawa-san's 'boyfriend'!"
"Then from now on please call me Masuzu" Masuzu slyly winked.
She looked so adorable. How enraging.
"Let's go home together again tomorrow. I love you, Eita-kun~"
Back then, when my parent's relationship were still ok, when I was still in a common family like everybody else-- which means the me before entering highschool, had a completely opposite way of seeing things.
Wants to attract attention.
Wants to be different from other people.
In general, I liked some minute (I personally think awesomeness) fashion trends, wanting to exhibit "the me living under an extraordinary life", showing off all sorts of weird postures copied from animes and mangas.
Later on, I heard that this is the so called "Grade 8 illness".
The me different from other people?
An unusual me?
How foolish.
You have no idea how valuable it is to be average.
Being able to eat an average meal, go to school on an average day, accompanied by an average family--
You have no idea.
Back home, the first thing I did was to turn the cupboard inside out.
".....gone....."
The illiustrated animal encyclopedia I onced loved was gone.
All the indian elephants, the white palmed gibbon, Japanese marmoset, all of them gone.
Which means that woman was telling the truth--
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH--"
And so began the intriguing "boyfriend-girlfriend" relationship between Natsukawa Masuzu and me.
Masuzu: Speaking of which, did you manage to buy mittens in the end?
Eita: ......I made my own from work gloves
Masuzu: Ohhh....
Eita: Then used a red marker and wrote "Destruction" on the back of it
Masuzu: Ohhhhhhhh......
