I wanted to thank him, but there was one problem I quickly understood: we went to the same school, but I had no idea how to find him. I didn't know his name or anything else about him, aside than he shared a class with Sakura. I was contemplating this the next morning during science class. Kumi was beside me and actually paying attention to the teacher when suddenly…
That ding-dong song came over the intercom. Miss Mancha stopped lecturing and we all perked up. "All students please report to the gymnasium for assembly." We looked at each other and the teacher motioned for us to stand. "Alright, let's go. Come on, everyone," she led us of the classroom. Me and Kumi went with the others into the gym, which is where we had all school-wide events. At some point we saw Sakura and we waved to one another. She snuck away from her group to come join us.
"Hey, did you guys know there would be an assembly today?" Sakura asked. "Not me." "Hmmmm, nope." "Huh, me either," she glanced ahead as we sat down together in a row. Kumi rolled her eyes annoyed. "Nugh, I hate assemblies. They're always about the principal complaining about something." "Maybe it'll good news today," Sakura grinned hopefully, but Kumi just shook her head. "When has it ever been good news?" "Hmmmm, you got a point."
It was at this time that my vision wandered away from my friends over to the other doorway in the gymnasium. You can't imagine how high my heart leapt when I saw none other than him come through the threshold. He was with his friends and didn't see me; they went to sit on the opposite side of the gym. I must have been watching him for longer than I'd realized because soon Kumi and Sakura were both gazing my way.
"Whatcha looking at, Misaki?" "Huh?" My head shot back around. "Did you see someone?" Sakura inquired in a kind tone. "Oh! Oh, uh… um, well…." Should I tell them? Who knows, maybe one of them knows who he is. He is Sakura's classmate, after all. They watched curiously as I discreetly pointed to his light orange head in the sea of students.
"Do you know who he is?" "Who?" Kumi scanned over the crowd, trying to find the exact figure I was pointing at. "Him," I tried to be more direct with the direction of my finger. "Who, Usui?" "Usui?" My eyes widened. Yes, I'd definitely heard that name before, and not in a good sense. "Are you talking about Usui, Misaki?" "I uh….." I began but couldn't finish; I didn't know he was "that" Usui.
"Wait, did he talk to you?!" Now I had their undivided attention; both leaned in closer, making me feel a bit sheepish to be honest. Kumi looked like she was going to blow a gasket. "That slime ball! Of course he would flirt with you days after he shot me down. Usui is such a lowlife- I can't believe what a creep he is!" "I don't think he was flirting with me…. was he?" "You're strong….. I can't believe how strong you are." Was he?
Kumi snapped her fingers dismissively. "Trust me, Misaki; that player is bad news. From what I've heard he's a womanizer and a cheat." "Has he ever actually been with anyone before?" I asked, genuinely curious. She fumbled for a moment but swiftly recomposed herself. "Not that I've known, but he must have a side-hustle. With all the confessions and declarations of love he gets every year, I bet he's gone out with at least a few girls."
This confused me. How could Usui simultaneously be a womanizer and perpetually single? Or at least only casually dating….. Oh wait, I guess that's what a womanizer would do. "I think you should stay away from him, Misaki. Kumi's right; he doesn't sound good." "Sakura?" I blinked to her in awe. If anyone was going to defend Usui's reputation, wouldn't it be one of his classmates who actually knew something about him? The fact that she's not is disconcerting…..
"Do yourself a favour and don't let him play you. Don't be one of his countless victims, babe." "But… didn't you confess to him recently?" I retorted. Kumi folded her arms. "That was before I knew what a dick he really is. He doesn't deserve someone like you, Misaki; you're too good for him." "Hmmmmmm," my eyes lowered thoughtfully. I suppose I'm not really all that surprised that the first guy to ever show any interest in me is a player. Grandpa used to tell me all the time that all men are deep down. The loyal man doesn't exist, he'd say; women are loyal, men stray. I guess he's right- I can't let myself forget that Usui's a man first and foremost. Plus, Kumi and Sakura are telling me to be careful…. No, I can't let my guard down. I can't, no matter how he smiles at me…. I gotta remember the two loves of my life and stay loyal to them: Grandpa and Amsterdam. Period.
