Human have a nature to ridicule other people. And there are two ways that exist on how they ridiculed other. The first one is in friendly and joking manner. This was mostly harmless since the giving side didn't mean any ire and the receiving side didn't get too offended by it since they're most probably a friend.
And the second one is in the mocking way and quite not nice either while the fact that both sides were usually less than acquaintances didn't help at all.
Of course, it's just a simple mocking and makes fun of someone here or there. It shouldn't be taken seriously right? Wrong.
The giving side would never knows how stung its feel to be shamed in front of everyone for something that they couldn't change whatsoever. They don't know how aching the receiving side's heart when they're being ridiculed, laughed at and worst, bullied.
Of course, the receiver wouldn't just simply sit right there and will stood for their own self. But their resistance could only last for a moment if they're being outnumbered since everyone who doesn't even know who they are will target them because the receiver was the perfect place to direct their emotion over how miserable they are. Not to mention the fact that the receiver was most often or always a person who has a problem with their social ability.
And thus, they would keep getting mocked, laughed and bullied until they could get out from the hellhole.
But how I could tell this very accurately? That's for another time that most possible won't come anymore.
The main reason of why I have a thought over such thing was a person named Sagami Minami, a classmate of mine. Our relationship could be described as 'two animal that have been dragging down each other'. Well, she probably still has a lot grudge to me but I wouldn't careless.
She could hate me as much as she wants. That's her right after all, especially after the culture festival's incident and her social position's condition right now.
Looking at her group, it was obvious that they're laughing at her failure on the recent time, which would definitely offend her and create a rift between her and her friends.
Making her the victim again won't bring any good since the root of the problem was her friend. Therefore, I couldn't do anything and there's no choice for her except backing away and join a lesser group, or worst, walk down the path of loner.
To think that my action will drag other person down to the same pit I had fell down before...
I breathed out a sigh out of my mouth.
"Something's matter, Hachi-kun?"
From my side, Shiki asked to me with cute tilt while her curious gaze searching any clue on my face.
"No, nothing. It's just a stupid thought." Ignoring the headache, I dismissed her concern.
She probably could sense that I hid something from her, but instead pushing me further, she proceeded to walk quickly toward a single vending machine (I'm being honest here, she was so cute when she bop up and down). And without any single word, she suddenly threw something on my direction.
I pathetically yelped as I barely caught the can that seemingly shine due to the sun ray exposure. As she giggled at me, I grumpily looked at the cold can on my hand before I raised my eyebrows.
"It wasn't usual that you let me drink Maxx coffee, heck, I never think you'll buy me one even. What gives?" I asked uncertainly while my gaze still lingered over the golden can.
"Well, your face was just looks too sour. That's all." She then casually said, her back facing me as she walked away.
Playing cool, huh. Well, let see how you will keep yourself after this...
"Of course I would be distressed. I mean who wouldn't after tasting an omelet with sugar in it rather than a salt?" I felt a grin appeared on my face as her back was tensed after the little startle she had.
Sharply turning herself to face me, I was met with her pout and teary eyes. A sweet chuckle escaped my mouth as I popped the tab and walking toward her. Gulping down the content quickly, I put no mind at how I didn't savor the heavenly beverage first. Instead, my right hand reached over her pinkhead and softly patted her.
She blinked, before her gaze casted down to her indoor shoes. But not giving any chance to get her become more down casted, I reached out one of her hands which was covered with band aid.
"Look, I won't get angry to you." I said, getting her attention once again, "I guess I should change the way how I will handle you since we've not met for such a long time."
God, holding hand is already embarrassing, but I've never had any idea that something worst is coming from my mouth!
"But don't push yourself too much, okay?"
I could felt my cheek was stretched after I said that. Whether I smiled or not, I wasn't too sure, but I don't care about that too much.
In front of me, Shiki have her eyes widened while her pupil dilated slightly. No blush or sad expression could be detected on her pale face, there's only strong surprise on there. The room then fell silent for minute or two, I don't know, wasn't paying attention to time since I wanted to bury myself right now.
As heat starting to erupt on my face, I retracted my hand from her and walked away briskly. Unfortunately, I was actually failed to even pulling my hand away as she catch my hand back and pulled me close to her.
Too close! Too close! Too close! Too close!!!
Oi! At least have mercy to my heart, goddamnit!
I definitely could feel her breath up to my skin and bring a shiver down to my spine while her sweet scent mercilessly invading my nostrils. Her bangs hung loosely over her face, perfecting her cute facial feature even more while her glistening lips tempted me to steal them away in a kiss. With our faces were only a few inches away, I dare to bet my life that she could hear my heart almost exploded down here.
But her siege didn't stop yet and keep their advances to destroy my miserable defense into disintegrated dust. Determination and embarrassment was clear on her face and created a weird combination, but cute nonetheless. Eyes brimming with flames fell on mine which was darker but weaker.
"Give me some more time. I promise you won't get disappointed. Just give some more few times."
G-geez, you could just say that without doing this much hassle. I swear you look like you're ready to confess or something to me y'know. Don't put my hope too high, woman! My heart could definitely explode on there y'know!
And if that thing seriously happens, will you take the responsibility?
"I will..."
Huh.
Wait, I didn't say that out loud didn't I...?
FUUUUUUUUUUU-
"I will cook you the most delicious dish you could ever find! And make sure to eat all of them, or else, you won't like the consequences." Dear almighty kami, I love you so much!
With that, she ran away from me in a manner that couldn't be said as girly at all, but cute nonetheless. No seriously Shiki, you will look better if you tried to show your cool and tomboy side more despite how much I joked about how you're anything but a girl when we're still a kid.
As expected, tomboy is the best. No wonder how I could swoon over Totsuka pretty easily. Wait, that's clearly sound wrong. What the heck, mind? Are you could only think about pointless and stupid matter?
After slowly getting back to my sense, I was apparently frozen and dumbfounded on there like a total idiot. My heart beat so much that it starts to felt hurt on my chest while my face is so hot that I almost fainted like a fish getting a heatstroke. But the only thing surprised me more was,
Why did it feel like someone just confessed to me before?
After then, my body automatically moved like a robot to the clubroom while my mind was completely shut down after having a big crash when trying to process what the fuck just happened.
OooOooO
I sprint as fast as I can while clutching my chest tightly. My heart was beating too fast, my lungs are burning and my face is searing hot. I could also feel how hard my fingers trembles and how my lips was already forming a creepy grin.
"Oh-ohhh, d-dear k-kami..."
Look, even my voice is terribly shaking right now. That's just the most simple way to explain how extremely nervous I was. Oh, god. I felt so dizzy...
Stupid Hachi!
It's his entire fault that I blurted out something that embarrassing! Hopefully he wasn't aware about that. Hopefully. And you're really dumb too, Shiki! Taking responsibilities my ass! Hold yourself together, damnnit!
Uhhhhnnnng...
But how could I hold myself after seeing that... beautiful smile coming back on his face. It was so beautiful. I wish I could take the picture of him in that same smile. I swear I will cherish it and protect it like it was my family's heirloom.
It was too precious and too beautiful that I will gladly sell my soul only for seeing that same smile everyday. Just that smile and him, I'll gladly sell everything I have to protect them.
Fiddling with my jittery fingers that covered in band aids , I could still feel the warmness of his hand stays to warm my cold hand. I rubbed it gently and could feels a smile has make it way to my undoubtedly glowing red face.
Feeling that my heart has been significantly calmed down, I began to move my feet once again and reached him out. I bet he was now all freaked out trying to find me. Fufufu, that's your punishment after making me saying something embarrassing like that, Hachi-kun.
OooOooO
She looked at the sky.
And could only found that the bright blue horizon from a moment ago have been covered with a lump of ugly grey clouds. Soon enough, a deafening thunder roared across the land and shook the ground beneath her.
She was scared. Terribly scared that she wanted to cover her ears and shut her eyes tightly. However, she couldn't, even if she wanted to do it. She couldn't even lift her finger. It was as if she doesn't have the fuel to move anymore. And thus, she could only let a single tear trailing down on her cheek.
Before realizing it, another tear has reached her cheek again. But this time, that tear came from the dark sky above. Another raindrop reached over a part of the car she's currently in, making a metallic thud rung in her ears. And then another one and another one before the water burst the dam open and poured down on the earth.
It was cold. Really, really cold.
Her whole body was shaking violently and her teeth were rattling wildly. The light on her eyes then slowly dissipated away, leaving her all alone waiting hopelessly for her fate.
Until she could hear a slight rustle coming from somewhere and followed with the sight of a boy with surprised face. She couldn't see it clearly as her gaze was too blurry, but she knew that he had said something. Unfortunately, she was also cannot hear any of word this boy has said to her.
And then everything turned completely black without a single trace of light could be found.
OooOooO
Trying to forget the little ruckus we had done earlier, we're unfortunately failed in the most horrible way. On the way toward the clubroom, we're both completely silent and avoiding eye contact as much as possible. I swear it feels like a single second was a painstakingly, goddamn hour when we walked together now.
When I successfully glancing at her without meeting her gaze, it seems like she was also not in better condition than me judging from the way her ears were glowing.
And when we arrived at the front of clubroom's door, the rom-com god couldn't be less merciless to the both of us. We're just simply standing in front of the door, in the middle of quiet hallway and inside a definitely not so-conspicuous building, like a complete idiot for a whole five minute. For whatever-cruel-deity-that-pulled-the-string-and-led-us-here's sake!
Yeah, that's right! We simply stood there, unmoving for the precious next five minute and could only fidget like a brain-damaged human!
"Um, excuse me?"
And then our painfully awkward tension got torn by a soothing voice from Shiki's side. To say that Shiki was surprised is an understatement. Prove that she was seriously scared shitless is clearly evident on her face as she yelped and jumped on my direction.
Ah, I could feel that the goddamn bastard has pulled another string to increase the number of sugar in his body. Hope you die miserably, bitch!
Because she moved instinctively, she didn't planned where to jump and therefore from the law of romantic comedy, she was of course lightly bumped my body and then lose her balance.
Luckily, I could hold her in time and we once again ended up in awkward situation. As she turned her head, which was currently on my shoulder, upward, our gazes then meet again and it feels like everything around us has stopped.
"Ahem, a-ano, excuse me but can I uh..." Then our gazes were tore apart as a certain voice abruptly calling the both of us out of our reverie.
In a blink of eye, we separated ourselves from each other. My eyes were darting around anywhere to distract myself from the recent accident. Being in that stupid situation itself was already really embarrassing! Now we had someone watching the exact moment we both look like a couple?! Absolutely embarrassing! Please have mercy and let me bury my own head out of shame!
Silence then ensued between the two of us and the unknown cute girl with two soft braid and fuwa-fuwa aura around her that felt familiar. Unbeknownst from me, the said girl was apparently enjoying our misfortune as she broke fit a sweet giggle out of her mouth. Ahhhhh!! Somebody give me a knife! I want to kill myself!
"...Ah, I'm sorry. I may make you both uncomfortable but don't let me stop you, y'know! You two are really cute and sweeeet!"
You're also a very sweet girl yourself, y'know. Not as if I would say that to her but, what the hell with this fluffy and airy aura around her? It feels like I was currently inside a kotatsu in the middle of cold winter!
Surprisingly, the aura this girl exuded put me in ease and brings me feels much more relaxed. As my heart was finally stopped beating too fast like a piston, I dared myself to glance at Shiki.
Our eyes then once again briefly crossed, making myself skipping a beat before looking away. My eyes then landed again on the 'fluffy' girl from before.
I didn't realize it before due to certain reason, but as I looked at it closely, I think I know who is this girl, or rather senpai. She's Shiromeguri Meguri, a third year and the student council president. I knew her from when I was on the Cultural Festival Committee. Honestly, I still feel bad to not knowing who she is before, but hey, I was on an unfortunate accident! How am I supposed to know she's the StuCo's president!
Getting back from my internal monologue, it seems like Shiromeguri-senpai have a difficult 'uhh' expression on her face as she stared at me. Before all of sudden, she pumped her fist on her open palm while making "ah-ha!" and beamed a smile to me. W-what's this?
"I've remembered it now. When we were short of people during the cultural festival, you've done a lot of good job for us. Representing the student council, I was really thankful and glad you could help us, uh..." The difficult expression came again on her face.
Ah, actually, it's not that surprising to know that my name was being forgotten pretty easily. But the way she innocently expressed her gratefulness just make her inability to remember my name felt like felt like nothing. Well, it's pretty normal to get my name wrong anyway.
"Um... Hikigaya Hachiman. My name is Hikigaya Hachiman, Shiromeguri-senpai."
She then took a step toward me, and patted my head without any notification or whatsoever. Meanwhile, I could only freeze and speechless as she keep patting my messy hair with sweet, innocent smile. Honestly, this feels pretty good. Yes, yes, there is the place... Gurrr~
"Here, here... Ah!" Realizing what she had done, she retracted her hand from my head. Noooo! Keep spoil me with your megu~megu power!
"Sorry, Hikigaya-kun! I was too used to pat my staff and praise them." Really, I don't mind if you keep praising and patting me, since having Yukinoshita beating down my non-existent self esteem almost in daily basis is really stressing. "But I think you would actually make a really good job joining the student council. So, are you interested having the role of the president?"
Ahhh! Stop! As much as I hate working, I definitely couldn't be able to refuse your offer to enslave myself! Please have mercy for this dead-fish eyed boy's poor soul! Your sun is too bright!
"A-Ano!"
Suddenly, my line of stupid thought stopped as I hear Shiki who got silent for the entire time, called both of us in loud voice, or almost yelling to be precise.
"F-forgive me for my intrusion, Senpai...? But the both of us had a club to attend or else we would face our club president's wrath." She bowed with nervous and uneasy expression, before locking her arm with mine.
Wait, what with this hurried manner, Shiki? Please, could you let me basking myself under this warm sun before me for a moment? I rarely got the time of my life, y'know.
"Ahhh, then I'm sorry uhhh..?"
"Mori Shiki, senpai. It's Mori Shiki."
"I see, its Mori-san then. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier, I am Shiromeguri Meguri! Nice to meet you!" Bowing slightly, Shiromeguri-senpai beamed pure genuine smile toward Shiki.
From how I remembered, Shiki could be said a very straightforward, reckless and could even be harsh sometime, heck, she was also actually very violent although it seems that her short-temper have been tamed considerably nowadays. But in the face of pure, innocent kindness, she couldn't do much due to her weakness against them.
And a simple look at her right now was a prove that she was still unchanged from the way how she was in the past despite the big change of her current self. She was caught off guard by how this person looks so genuinely gullible and pure.
Well, Shiromeguri-senpai is basically a child with all of her eagerness, cheerfulness and pure unadulterated kindness for everyone. Honestly, it was not an exaggeration to call her an airhead, a better one than Yuigahama.
Seeing that Shiki was currently having a hard time to react the ball of fluffy sun in front of her, I decided to open my mouth and making sure about something.
"Ano, Senpai. Do you need something with the Service Club in here?"
Seemingly surprised with my claim, she once again closed our distance and patted my head without any regard or whatsoever. "Wooow, Hikigaya-kun, you're really smart aren't you! Although I was satisfied already with my staff, now I really wish you would join the student council last year!"
Senpai, I really appreciated the praise and all, but one more time you do that, I would undoubtedly die from having heart attack or slowly dying from overworking after you successfully convinced me joining the StuCo without even trying.
And Shiki. I really hope you could release my hand. Seriously, I swear I could hear a crack after your grip has been tightened up!
But suddenly, the sound of sliding door brought our attention toward the source of it and found Yukinoshita, looking as icy as ever, standing on there with Yuigahama peeking curiously behind her.
OooOooO
Request of Advice from Megu~Megu:
I'm looking for ideas for making the sports festival more fun. Also, since this is my last year, I absolutely want my team to win!
While reading the e-mail from Shiromeguri-senpai, I idly nibble my senbei and found it a little surprising.
This is the first normal request we've gotten! Wait, now I start to wonder what's up with this club actually...
The sport festival was clearly a big event to look forward to, especially for those who celebrate their youth. For the jocks, this is basically the time they can show off their skill or physical 'might' to the girls. But surprisingly they would said something like 'man, it's such a drag to have to do a sport festival even in highschool,' before getting so worked up in the event.
What are them? A tsundere?
"So basically senpai, you wanted our support in the sport festival, correct?"
"Yep! That's right, Hikigaya-kun! I want to make it as exciting as the cultural festival was. Like, making the crowd go wow and popping their eyes!" Shiromeguri-senpai explained as she stuck her finger.
I could only think about a youkai that was just an eyeball running around while making a terrifying shrill noise after she just mentioned eye-popping event. The thought seriously sent a shiver down to my spine and bring a laugh ready to burst out of my mouth at the same time.
Trying to hold down the laughter coming out, I covered my mouth with my hand and turned away. And as my gaze shifted, it landed on someone with a bit of pout on her red face.
"Hmurg..."
What are you, a puffer fish?
Ever since Yukinoshita have let us entered the clubroom, despite our earlier tardiness, with Shiromeguri-senpai in tow, Shiki was apparently look very irritated over something that I clearly had a hard time to understand. As my stare was seemingly didn't went unnoticed by her, the puff on her cheek got bigger than earlier and 'hmph'ed while turning away from my gaze.
"Every year, the sport festival is so boring and forgettable." Looking back to Shiromeguri-senpai, she was now looked so saddened and gloomy. Nooo, where is your megu~megu power, megurin~?
But then unexpectedly, she pulled herself together with renewed determination that shone brightly on her eyes like a star. Go, megurin~!
Yukinoshita and Yuigahama must have been overwhelmed by her enthusiasm as both of them taking a step back while Shiki in the other hand, still pouting sullenly with both of her hand crossed under her medium-sized chest. What is actually happening to her? As far as I know, she would never miss a chance to help other people. But then why did she ignore the president request? Seriously, I don't have any idea about this...
Clearing her throat with a cough, Yukinoshita regained her bearing and asked the cheery president, "I understand in that case, when you would need our ideas...?
But then Shiromeguri-senpai caught her off guard once again by grabbing Yukinoshita's hand and staring straight to her eyes with sparkly gaze, "About thAt, there's sport festival committee, so wouldn't you be able to consider joining there?"
"Wha- um... I wouldn't mind but, um, could you please let go of my hand...? It made me feels uncomfortable..."
So you're okay if that was Yurigahama instead? As expected from Yukinoshita, she does indeed always have a standard after all. Although your standard is very questionable since I always though you're a sapiosexual, well, not like I will ask you about that though unless I have a death wish.
But despite Yukinoshita's protest, Shiromeguri-senpai made no move to withdraw her hands. In fact, she took another step closer to the poor ice queen. "The truth is, we still haven't picked the chairperson for the committee... so, Yukinoshita-san, could you?"
Surprisingly, with the last ounce of energy that she have under the pressure of megurin~, she gently withdrew her hand from the massive ball of energy's grasp. "I decline."
Hearing her reply, Shiromeguri-senpai's head slumped down in disappointment, but she didn't push any further nonetheless. "Oh, I thought so..."
"But there's no need to worry about yet, Shiromeguri-senpai."
Suddenly Yukinoshita said something that perked the sulked girl up with anticipation and surprise. I was also surprised myself by her claim. I always knew that she memorized almost everyone in this school, except for me, but to thing that she could also remember their capabilities was something that I would say terrifying.
I may a stalker some time ago [1] (I don't want to talk about it), but you're truly on another level, Yukinoshita. What the heck?
"There's one person suited to the job who I would recommend. She also quite experienced in a similar position, socially ambitious, and is fixated on job with status. And quite motivated I would say."
"Huh? Who? Who? Tell me about her!" With a newfound curiosity and regained enthusiasm, Shiromeguri-senpai asked Yukinoshita vigorously.
Meanwhile, I was too focused mulling about the hint Yukinoshita has said and could only think about certain someone who perfectly fit with the description.
"Oi, you're not suggesting who I was thinking aren't you?"
And with a smug smile on her face, she glanced over me and said, "Correct."
Judging from the way Shiromeguri-senpai and Yuigahama glancing confusedly at us back and forth, it was clear that they're still clueless about the person Yukinoshita has described with half truth, not a complete lie but also not the actual truth at the moment.
"She was Sagami Minami from class 2-F, which happen to be the chairperson of the recent cultural festival."
"What!?" Geez, could you hold down your voice a bit, Gahama-chan. It seems like Shiromeguri-senpai was as surprised as she was.
Meanwhile, out of my peripheral vision, I caught Shiki perked up at the mention of Sagami. Only for a moment thought as she fell into deep thought, at least she isn't a puffer fish now... but I would appreciate if she says something though.
Seriously, what with woman and their complicated mind?
"Mind to explain why, Yukinoshita?" While Shiromeguri-senpai struggled to say anything, I decided to question Yukinoshita's motives in her stead.
"It's just the same as overcoming trauma. When you lose something, the only way you can make up for it is with something of equal or greater value. Am I wrong?" Ah, I forget that Yukinoshita is the type of person who would shove someone who couldn't swim into a pool and call it a practice.
But what she said was still completely true. If Sagami become the chairperson for this festival, she would regain her confidence and social standing in this school. This could also possibly her chance to take revenge toward her friends who ditched her.
Hitting two birds with a single stone. The only question is how we will convince her to accept the position that highly possibly brings her a slight trauma.
And then not to mention that, Sagami Minami wasn't the most reliable person. The reason she gave me was only about Sagami as the main focus but not the 'chairperson' position as the main focus. And there's the part where it seems that Shiromeguri-senpai could not agree with.
"Sagami-san, huh...?"
But then Yukinoshita chimed in to reinforce her earlier proposal, "I believe giving a second chance is an important part of helping people grow. And this time, we wouldn't need to fear about troublesome involvement from outside party."
Wait a minute, are you sure this is truly related to service club's duty and not just your personal grudge, Yukinoshita? No seriously, please tell me it's not the actual case and what do mean 'we'? Please never drag me to your family's problem especially if it's related to Haruno-san, I beg you.
"Yeah, that's right. I think so too." In response to Yukinoshita, Shiromeguri-senpai closes her eyes and gave us a big nod. "But we should make her take this seriously or we would get into serious trouble."
Under normal circumstance, I would completely reject this plan. As Shiromeguri-senpai said, we would be damned if we didn't proceed further without precaution. Sagami's action during the cultural festival was clearly not acceptable.
Not to mention that people don't change that easily. If people could just change based on words of gratitude, kind compassion, or cheap expression of determination, then this world would be overflowing with transforming superhero.
But that also doesn't mean people won't change after getting slapped with reality. Slapped really hard that their entire believe crumbled down into dust and then swept away by wind, leaving nothing behind. And that was probably why I didn't backed away or tried to dismiss this stupid proposal.
Or maybe it's just the way Sagami reminded me to my younger day that annoyed me the most. I don't know, reminiscing over the past is the less favorite thing I want to do.
"I have no objection on this. Just, make sure you don't push yourself too hard this time." I said to Yukinoshita.
And it seems like she didn't expect me to say that judging from the way her eyes widened and her mouth hung open.
"What?"
"Ah, it's... nothing. I was just a bit surprised that is..." And then she cleared her throat while averting her gaze away from me.
"I'll also help you too, Yukinon! So don't forget to rely on me, 'kay?"
And with that, the discussion ended with Yurigahama-san asserting her dominance over the tsun-tsun ice queen. But there's still a problem that not yet concluded nor resolved.
OooOooO
Walking with my bike on my side and Shiki on my tow, the trip to my home was completely quiet without any word exchanged between us. Shiki was probably still mad for some god known reason to me, but the way her face looked so worried and guilty told me everything I needed.
Nearing an intersection, I halted.
Turning my head to her, I gently smiled (god, it seems like I smiled a lot ever since she came).
"Hop in."
Meeting my gaze with her own, she shows me a fake glare but complied nonetheless. And thus, I pedaled my bike and we slowly ride it in silence as slight breeze brushed against my cheek and bang.
"This is not the direction to the house." With a matter of fact tone, Shiki muttered.
"Well, yeah. It's not."
I could feel her questioning stare bore through the rear of my head after hearing my reply, but I keep pedaled my bike without giving any further explanation to her. A few more minutes passed briefly in silence and she obviously keeps glancing at me curiously.
I have several turn on some another intersection until we eventually stopped in some kind of forest park. As I looked at her, a cute confused and clueless expression was apparent on her face. Eyes glancing around, she was probably observing the grove of trees or the empty playground several meters away from us.
After parking the bike and chaining it to a bike rack, I held her wrist and tug her to follow me toward the playground. While it the lack of child or person in here make the place look quite depressive and gloomy, the playground was actually well cleaned and not as abandoned as it seems.
I gestured her to sit in one of the swing at the playground before leaving her dumbfounded on there. After some moment later, I made my way back to her with two ice creams on my hands, both of them were combination of chocolate and vanilla flavor.
As soon as her eyes landed on the treat on my hands, they widened slightly before turned to my eyes. But without any explanation whatsoever, I brought the ice cream to her face and briskly grazed her nose, leaving a white cream that somehow look cute on her nose.
However, it seems like she didn't share the same enjoyment of getting a cold cream on her nose from the way she give me a dead stare and furrowed brow.
In return, I did something rather unexpected and most definitely out of my usual character. But I don't care, our relationship is genuine always bring a relief or happiness to me after all, even after such long time we'd not met for few years ago.
I bring my hand up to her face, before I wipe away the smudge of white cream from her nose using my thumb. And then, I bring it to my mouth and lick it away.
"It tastes funny." I said before I chuckled wholeheartedly.
I was no doubt blushing right now, but it was worth it as I saw Shiki's flustered and flabbergasted look. She seemed to lose the control over her mind or her vocal as nothing coming out of her gaping mouth.
My shaky hand then bring the ice cream, her ice cream, in front of her face again without getting it to touch her face again. It seemed that my action has brought her back to reality and out of the chaos inside her mind as she took the cone with her shaky hands.
After that, I sat down on the swing next to her and we eat the cold treat on our hand.
"Y'know, Shiki." I started.
"Y-yes?" And then she answered, rather abruptly and perhaps panicked over something.
"I don't... sure what made me you so... grumpy today. Sooo, I think, I'm sorry for whatever it is. Consider that ice cream and the tour after this as a bribe. Besides, I remember you're never actually got any proper tour of the marvelous Chiba."
The silence after my whole pathetic-apologize-speech was stopped is deafening and really uncomfortable. Oi, aren't you supposed to respond to my word or at least made a snide remark out of it? Shouldn't you put your socializing skill in use right now?
"T-then, pat my head..."
I turned my head sharply after I managed to hear what she has muttered. But nonetheless, I complied with her request and my free hand was slowly making its way to her head.
My hand touched her head slightly, sending me a brief smooth and soft sensation all over my palm. Her eyes while tightly shut but then relaxed upon the contact of my hand. I continued to pat her again, but much more longer than before, and she hummed softly.
A warm gust of breeze briskly passes us, invading my nostril with the scent of sea and making the tip of Shiki's pink hair fluttered. She looked so peaceful right now as her face looked so tranquil. We stayed like that for several moments, staying in silence while licking and eating our ice cream until they gone.
I then stood up from the swing and extended my hand to Shiki. She took my hand wholeheartedly and stood up from her swing before patting her knee length skirt softly. With that, I smiled to her.
"Ready to go?"
She nodded.
OooOooO
[1] in the volume one, there's some hint dropped here and there that 8man is a stalker and even made a business out of it. i knew this from someone's analysis, so i'm not sure whether it's true or not.
OooOooO
I have made a grave mistake.
Surely, I regretted it.
Only until now I realized that, there's a big fucking plot HOLE in this fic. Now that's explain why I felt something wasn't right from the few past chapter lol. So yes, that's the reason i got a bit late uploading this chapter.
I guess that would mean that this fic is officially plotless, lol.
No, no need to worry, I won't outright dump it like my hikimiyu fic, but yeah, don't expect to find a good explanation of their past relationship except for the vague ass segment I would leave in future chapter just like the one I put in the middle of this chapter.
Anyway sorry for my late update, I had to readjust my time after entering high school now. Goodbye free time, I will miss you. Oh, and I have a plan to upload a fic about one character from wotakoi, Kou Sakuragi!
Yey! I'm gonna killing myself!
Or even fic about Yuigamama? Lol.
I'm out, see you next time.
