It's been a while, uh, there are 2 reasons why it took a long time to update. The first is my university and the second would be for the news of Oregairu Ketsu, since when I found out that Ketsu would not be a continuation of the main story I was discouraged, and even more so when I found out that it was a continuation of Yui's route, so I had no motivation to write, I had to relax for several days since it was impossible for me to write in that state, but I am back.
I got up when I heard the sound of my alarm clock.
After taking a shower, putting on my uniform, and having breakfast, I started getting ready to go to Kawasaki's house.
If you are wondering why I am going to the Kawasaki house, the answer is simple.
Yesterday, on my way to home, I started to think that even if Kawasaki does not come to train, she still has to go to school, but in her current state it would not be easy to do so. Then I should accompany her until she can walk again, but if I tell her this, I am sure she will refuse, alluding to the fact that she can do it alone. So, if I show up at her house unexpectedly, she won't be able to refuse, or so I thought.
You could say that no one is forcing me to do it, after all, I complied with sensei's request to accompany Kawasaki to her house. During the time that I was training with sensei, I could realize that sometimes there are hidden messages in his words. Therefore, when he told me to accompany Kawasaki home, it could be understood as if he asked me to take care of her, and this too would be to make sure she is okay until she makes a full recovery.
I am not against it either, since it is my fault that she is in that state.
That is why today I got up a little earlier than normal, since it would take me a while to get to Kawasaki's house in addition to going to her school. By simple logic I can say that she is not in the same school as me, that's why I have I have to be careful with time, since I don't want to be late to my own school.
When I finished preparing, I could hear footsteps coming from the stairs.
Rumi arrived at the entrance; she was still dressed in her pajamas while rubbing her eyes because it was still too early for her.
"Onii-chan, what are you doing up so early?"
''Good morning Rumi, I'm sorry if I woke you up so early '' Before I left, I had to say goodbye to Rumi, I planned to go to her room before going to Kawasaki's house, but I guess I made a lot of noise, so I ended up waking her up.
"Yesterday in training at the academy I ended up injuring a classmate, she cannot walk, so I have to accompany her to her school"
''Did she demand it of you?'' Rumi asked as she looked thoughtful.
''No, although I'm sure if I tell her, she will refuse, so I plan to go by surprise to visit her'' Because Kawasaki refused to get help from the other students, I'm sure if I told her that I want to help her until she recovers, she would completely refuse.
"Onii-chan" The tone of her voice changed. "Don't you think this act could be interpreted as if you were stalking her?" Rumi began to put her hands on her eyes as if she was wiping away tears. "I can't believe you've become a stalker, but it doesn't matter, as your little sister it is my duty to support you." After saying this, she made a smile that denoted complete sincerity.
Rumi-chan, your words hurt your brother's heart, who was it that taught you that kind of thing? Now that I remember it, it was me, so I can't complain about this.
I like the way Rumi behaves now unlike what she was originally supposed to be, she is able to joke quite simply but retains the confidence she has regarding everything she does or says, I am quite proud of her.
I couldn't help but start stroking her head.
"Don't worry Rumi, even if your brother becomes a stalker, you will always be my number one." Rumi made a face of disgust upon hearing my words.
"¡Siscon!" After she said this, we both laughed.
These moments when we talk are quite funny, although the topics are not ordinary things that brothers would talk about.
"So onii-chan, are you also accompanying that girl from the academy back to her house?"
"I guess so, I plan to accompany her until she recovers"
"Does that mean you won't accompany Yumiko-san back?"
I had not thought about it, since I usually accompany Miura to her house every afternoon, or sometimes we come to my house together, I suppose I will have to tell her at lunchtime that I will not be available this week, I hope Miura will not have any problem with this, although for some reason I feel that this will not be as easy as I think.
"I'll talk to her at lunchtime, I don't think there is any problem"
"I'm sure Yumiko-san will ask you compensation for this." Her words sounded quite cheerful.
For some reason I felt a chill down my spine, as if it were a sign that this day would not be as easy as I thought.
"Miura wouldn't do something like that" or so I want to believe.
"So, I wish you luck in your day, onii-chan, I know you will need it. Since I still have time before I go to school, I guess I'll get some more sleep." After saying this, Rumi went to her room.
After saying goodbye to Rumi, I started walking towards the front door. I hope nothing strange happens on this day.
After a few minutes of walking I arrived at Kawasaki's house, her house was relatively close to mine, it was only enough to walk a few minutes to get there.
As if she had perfectly timed my arrival, just when I was in the entrance of her house, I could see Kawasaki at the door.
By observing Kawasaki, I could recognize the uniform she was wearing, it was from a high school that is relatively far from here, I am glad I was cautious and came to accompany her, if she walked all that stretch, it would only make her injury take longer to heal.
Kawasaki seemed to notice my presence
"Tsurumi, what are you doing here?" Kawasaki seemed surprised by my presence
"Waiting for you, I think it's obvious, right?"
My words seemed to annoy Kawasaki a bit.
"I can say that", Kawasaki sighed, "But what I mean is, why are you waiting for me?" It seems that she is not very happy with my presence, although it is not that she is not used to this type of situation.
"To accompany you to your high school, it is not very difficult to understand." Kawasaki looked annoyed, I guess this is the limit of how much I can annoy her.
''Walking a long distance on your own would not improve your condition, what's more, I'm sure it could get worse.''
Kawasaki looked thoughtful, as if she was analyzing her situation well.
''I think you are right, but I still do not understand why you are here, one of my parents could accompany me to my school'' she said this avoiding contact with my gaze, I did not have to be an expert to realize that she was lying, I also know that her parents work like mine, so having them accompany her would only cause them annoyance. As long as I was able to interact with her, I realized that she doesn't like to be a nuisance to others.
"We both know that is not true, and if it is true, why are you going to your school alone?" She could not give an answer to my words.
"Do not be stubborn and let me take responsibility, also yesterday you said that my disqualification did not count as your victory, if your injury worsens, I doubt that you can return to the academy in a while"
After saying this, Kawasaki reluctantly accepted my company, I stood by her side and supported her with my arm, of course she could walk, but she would do it with a limp, and all that effort would only make her injury worsen.
We started walking towards her school, I could notice her gaze towards a specific part of my face, my eyes.
"Kawasaki, do I have something on my face?"
My words seemed to surprise Kawasaki, as if she had thought that I would not notice her.
"I was wondering, because your eyes are a different color than what you usually have in the academy.''
I don't blame her for wondering that, since I'm currently wearing my contact lenses, and when I go to work out or at home, I don't usually wear them.
"I'm wearing contact lenses as my eyes tend to get too much attention, so I prefer to wear them during school."
"I realize that by changing the color of your eyes you look quite different, as if it were something that characterizes you"
I couldn't help but laugh at her words, they were similar to what my father told me when I asked him to buy me contact lenses.
"Is it funny?" I think Kawasaki misinterpreted my laugh.
"It's not that, it's that your words are similar to what my father told me, so I couldn't help but laugh." After saying this, she seemed to calm down.
"Although I find it quite difficult to relate to the same Tsurumi from the academy, since your eyes give you a determined and strong aura, as if it were some kind of ..."
''Demon?'' I interrupted before Kawasaki could finish speaking, although I'm sure Kawasaki didn't mean that. I ended up saying what I was thinking, rather I remembered some events from elementary school, children can be quite cruel.
My words surprised her, "I didn't mean that." Kawasaki looked quite embarrassed, as if she thought she had insulted me.
"Don't worry about it, I just couldn't help saying the first thing I could remember when I heard your words."
After saying that the atmosphere became quite tense, I am a genius at making people uncomfortable.
I guess I'll have to fix this, luckily, I know a topic that she can't help but talk about.
"By the way, Kawasaki, how are your younger brothers?"
Kawasaki's expression changed to one of surprise.
"How do you know I have younger siblings?"
Hearing this, I realized the stupid mistake I had made, Kawasaki never told me about her private life, so mentioning things related to her would be quite strange, even creepy I would say.
I had to think of an excuse, but nothing occurred to me, the more I was silent, the more suspicious seemed.
"I have a younger sister, so just seeing you I deduced that you could have a younger brother, since you gave me that impression."
I told her the first thing that occurred to me, it did not sound convincing at all, if at this moment she accused me of being a stalker, I would have no way to refute this fact.
Luckily for me, Kawasaki seemed to accept my words, as her expression was calm, as if she had remembered something.
"I guess I get that impression on you, huh? My mother had told me, but I didn't think anyone else would notice."
I couldn't help but give an internal sigh, I almost made a stupid mistake like that, I guess I should pay more attention to what I'm saying as I don't want to sound like a stalker.
"I have two younger brothers; one is 13 years old and the youngest is 4 years old."
Kawasaki looked pretty happy as she told me a few things about her younger siblings.
Before we knew it, we reached the entrance to her school.
Kawasaki seemed bummed for some reason, I guess she enjoy telling someone else about her younger siblings, I don't blame her for that, I'm sure if they asked me about Rumi, I could talk about her for several hours.
After we parted ways, Kawasaki seemed to want to say something.
"Thanks for joining me Tsurumi, I really enjoyed our conversation." Kawasaki seemed quite happy saying this. "By the way, you don't have to accompany me back, I'll ask some friends to do it."
When Kawasaki was finishing speaking, I noticed that she looked away, so I guess the last thing she said was a lie.
If I refute her words, Kawasaki would refuse to accept my help again, so it would be better to wait for her when she finished his classes.
"Okay, see you Kawasaki"
"See you, Tsurumi" Kawasaki started moving towards his school, I guess I should start going to mine too.
As I walked to my school, I couldn't help but wonder why Kawasaki refuses to receive help from others.
For some reason it seemed that class hours were passing quickly, before I knew it, the bell had already rung indicating lunch time.
While I was taking out my lunch, I could see a certain girl with blonde hair and green eyes at the door of my classroom, the first time this happened I was surprised, but by now it was a routine that Miura came to pick me up at lunchtime.
It was also not new to hear some conversations from my classmates.
"Tsurumi seems pretty close to that girl, are they dating?"
"A girl like her can't be the girlfriend of a boy like him, maybe he's blackmailing her or something?"
"You're right, if we can help her, maybe she can fall in love with one of us"
"In that case it would be me, since I am the most handsome of the 4"
This was a common thing that he could hear every day, their stupid conversations were not worth paying attention to. Although it was the first time, they had said it out loud.
I could see Miura's annoyed face, I guess those guys dug her own grave.
Miura approached the place where those 4 were chatting.
The presence of her scared one of the boys, the others had a surprised face, since Miura does not usually enter my classroom, she only usually waits for me at the door, so this is something new.
"If you have something to say to Raiden, say it head-on and don't talk behind his back, just show how cowardly you are. If you think I could date any of you, I'll tell you to stop daydreaming, after all, Raiden is much more man than any of you. ''
Miura's words were quite forceful.
Since that girl introduced herself to me as Miura, she gradually made a name for herself at school, the other students could recognize her just by looking at her, and by her appearance it would be enough to be recognized.
She is known for her words and for the way she treats others, I can't blame her for that as her classmates were ignoring her all the time while bullying her, but now they were trying to be her friends, it was obvious that this would enrage Miura, so it ended up with Miura saying a few things a little out loud to people who were trying to get close to her, plus she usually gets confession letters, as you can guess, this all ended with Miura giving them a strong rejection of their confessions.
Come to think of it, couldn't the last thing Miura said be misinterpreted?
I suppose that with this died any opportunity to keep a low profile, since Miura's words could be interpreted in many ways, and in all of them I would be part of it.
I'll take the opportunity Miura gave me to vent a bit.
I got up from my seat and went to where Miura was.
"Yumiko, just ignore them and let's eat, after all those assholes aren't worth your time"
Miura looked pretty happy for some reason, I guess it must be because I called her by her first name in front of several people.
When we started to move towards the door, I could hear a few words.
"Wait a minute, do you think you can leave like this after insulting us?"
I fixed my gaze on the person who was speaking, he flinched when I started to look at him.
''What if I do, do you have a problem with that? ''
There was no response from him, these guys were nothing more than cowardly charlatans.
After arriving at our usual place, we began to eat.
''Raiden I was surprised with how you treated those guys, I thought you'd just watch, I guess you're growing as a person'' Miura started to make a gesture as if she was wiping away her tears. I start to think that Rumi is a bad influence on Miura.
I took a quick look at Miura and continued eating, she seemed happy about it.
''By the way Yumiko, this week I'll be busy at departure time, so I won't be able to accompany you''
Yumiko looked at me with surprised eyes, then started to look at the sky as if he was thinking about something. The best thing would be to explain the whole situation to him.
''What happens is that …''
Before explaining why, Miura interrupted me.
''Okay, I understand, don't worry about it'' Miura was grinning mischievously for some reason.
This surprised me, I thought I would have to explain her the whole Kawasaki situation, I guess Rumi was wrong about Miura.
Miura stared at me and pointed her hand at me "But in return I want you to accompany me to the mall on Saturday, as compensation for the days we can't go together." She said this with great determination, as if she had already had it planned.
I withdraw what I said, Rumi was right, I think I'll ask her for some numbers for the lottery, maybe my little sister can see the future.
''Why go to the mall?'' My voice sounded quite muffled.
'' I want to buy some things, and I could use some extra hands'' For some reason Miura looked quite happy while she said this, as if she had achieved something, but maybe I am overthinking.
I guess I'll be in charge of taking her purchases.
I had already planned my Saturday to read some novels.
'' Couldn't you go with some of your friends? '' If I had the opportunity, I would like to go out alone, if necessary, like buying cans of Max Coffee or going out to train, since I feel more comfortable being at home, I guess some habits do not disappear.
''That's what I'm doing, I'm asking MY FRIEND to accompany me, I also remembered that he told me that he would help me on any occasion'' After saying this Miura showed me a totally innocent smile, as if she had not used my own words against me. I guess I can't refuse.
"Okay, I lost, I'll accompany you to the mall on Saturday." I said this while resigning myself to not reading my pending novels.
''Then see you on Saturday at 11 at the door of the shopping center''
Miura got up, she seemed to be in a hurry to go back to her classroom, "Don't forget Raiden" She said this with a smile on her face, Miura started waving her hand in goodbye "See you tomorrow, Raiden-kun" With that said, Miura started going to her classroom.
Even though I've been friends with Miura for a while, there are times when I don't understand what she's thinking about. I have to assume that this is the girl's mind shape, since I can't quite understand Kawasaki in the same way.
Once the bell rang indicating the end of classes, I started going to Kawasaki school, although she told me that her friends would accompany her, I am confident enough in my ability to see through people to believe that this it's a lie, adding that she tends to look away when she lies.
After a few minutes of walking I got to the vicinity of her school, near the door of her school I could see Kawasaki leaning against the walls as she went to her house.
In the end I was right, what she told me was a lie.
I approached her slowly with the intention of surprising her.
When I was inches from her, I put my hand on her shoulder.
"Hello Kawasaki" My greeting seemed to scare her as she jumped a bit.
"Tsurumi!? What are you doing here?"
"I was on my way home, but I got lost in the ways of life and ended up here"
My answer didn't seem to satisfy Kawasaki, as she looked at me suspiciously.
"What about you Kawasaki? What are you doing around here?" She was looking at me "and I didn't see any of your friends you mentioned today''
"Are you some kind of stalker? Kawasaki said this with a harsh tone.
"I'm just someone who is responsible for their actions, if that means being a stalker, I guess I am." After saying this, I gave Kawasaki a provocative smile.
Kawasaki sighed as if she was giving up on me.
"You have me, the fact that my friends accompanied me was a lie."
''I assumed it so it was not necessary to clarify it.'' Kawasaki looked at me but did not respond to my provocation, I find it quite amusing to tease her.
After Kawasaki told me about her younger siblings, I realized that she is quite approachable for conversation. At the academy I just limited myself to talking to her during her introductions, and sometimes saying some provocations from her to make the confrontation more fun, but that was it, we didn't have any more conversations.
Therefore, as I became more confident with Kawasaki, I began to interact more freely with her, resulting in some provocations in my words when answering her.
Kawasaki extended her arm towards me.
"If you're going to do it, do it at once"
I proceeded to put my shoulder under her arm for her to use for support so she could walk better.
"So let's go?" I said this with a smile on my face.
Kawasaki seemed to have resigned herself to having to put up with me.
"Since you're here, lead the way"
We started our way to the Kawasaki house.
Now that we were more confident, I think I can ask you a question that I have from the beginning.
"Hey Kawasaki, can I ask you a question?"
"You're doing it right now" Kawasaki seemed happy to tease me.
"I guess I'll just ask, do you have friends at your school?"
"You're pretty direct, huh?"
"I couldn't think of another way to say it, and it's easier to do it that way. ''
"No, I don't have any friends, does that answer your question?" she said this in a muffled voice.
"Yes, it does". Unknowingly, I had once again made the atmosphere heavy.
As I thought of a way to liven up the atmosphere, Kawasaki seemed to have more to say.
"It's not that I care about having friends either, they're just a waste of time." Her voice sounded quite determined, as if she had come to this conclusion after thinking about it for a long time.
"Even though you get along well with our fellow academies, why is it different at your school?" It seems that I had unknowingly put me in dangerous territory.
"Don't you think you ask too many questions?" Also, I don't think I have given you the confidence to ask about my personal life, so I suggest you stop asking. And even if I let you join me, I'll only do it because of my current state, so don't get any strange ideas'' Kawasaki looked quite upset, I guess this is the most I can get out of her.
The rest of the way passed in silence, Kawasaki didn't feel like talking and for the last thing I mentioned, it would be foolish for me to start some kind of conversation. Although I could feel some fleeting glances from her.
When we got to her house, I left Kawasaki near her door, if I also come tomorrow, I guess the atmosphere between us will remain the same, do I apologize? Although it is not that I had done something wrong, but on Kawasaki's part it seems that it was like that. I guess I'll think about that on the way home.
"See you Kawasaki" I didn't want to say more, as perhaps this could worsen Kawasaki's mood.
So, I proceeded to head home, but Kawasaki's words stopped me.
"Tsurumi wait a minute"
I stopped according to his words
"Is something wrong Kawasaki?"
"I want to apologize for what I told you, it was not my intention to tell you like that" Kawasaki seemed regretful, I can't blame her as it is also my fault for having spoken too confidently towards her.
"You don't have to apologize for it, it's also my fault for being very nosy, I guess my presence just bothers you" Treating Kawasaki like I treat Miura was wrong.
''You don't have to worry about that, I guess I don't need to accompany you anymore if I'm just causing you annoyance." She's been annoyed, but she also doesn't want her condition to get worse by putting too much effort on her ankle.
After saying this, Kawasaki looked dejected, as if it was her fault that this situation ended this way.
"Actually Tsurumi" Kawasaki looked quite flustered, as if she was not used to uttering the next words from her. "Your presence doesn't bother me, and if it's not too much for you." Kawasaki paused as if the next thing to say was too difficult for her. "I wouldn't mind if you would help me until I recover."
This surprised me, Kawasaki acting regretful and like a normal teenager, it's something you don't see every day, and I can assure you that she looked quite cute when she talked like that.
There was only one response to her words, as rational as possible to respond to such words.
"Tsundere"
Kawasaki took a few seconds to understand what I said.
"¡Ah!? For some reason I want to hit you right now"
I couldn't help but laugh at her words.
"Recover from your injury first and then we'll see what happens" I smiled after saying this.
"Then tomorrow I'll be here early Kawasaki"
Kawasaki seemed to regain her good humor.
"I'm starting to regret what I just told you." Although this seems like a bad thing, from the tone of her voice I could interpret it as a joke, I am glad that the atmosphere between us is normal again.
"Even if you regret it, I'll still be here tomorrow, until you recover." I could see a small smile on Kawasaki's face.
With that said, I started going home.
I raised my hand in farewell ''See you, Kawasaki ''
"See you later Tsurumi."
As I walked home, I couldn't help but think, I definitely can't understand what women think, thank goodness I'm only limited to Miura and Kawasaki, if there were more, I think I'd lose my mind trying to understand what they think.
As you may have noticed, something happened in Kawasaki's past, in addition to missing one more event that will cause Kawasaki to have the behavior that we all know.
The next chapter should come out faster since it is 25% advanced, a little preview of the chapter would be that Raiden is very good with the younger brothers.
SkyChaser17: It is Raiden's first approach to Kawasaki, do not expect them to get along quickly, although in this chapter there is a great advance. When you spend more time together, your way of communicating should be more natural.
Dantrlan: In this chapter there is a little more interaction with Miura, I hope you like it.
Flygar: I am sorry :'(
Guest: I had not thought about it, but I will take it into consideration since the idea seemed interesting to me, thanks
ShitUser: I'm also waiting to write Miura's reaction to Kawasaki, but there is still a long way to go, or maybe not xD
akihisakaito332: Thank you for your words, I am not going to abandon this fic since I totally understand readers when you become fond of a fic but the author abandons it.
See you later