This chapter was revised, improved, and added on to give more context.
"Long time no see Natsumi." A familiar voice spoke to me. Oh fuck, I was just starting to feel great about myself! Now she's back?! As I turned around to see who it was, no doubt it was Sato...
"H-Hi Sato." I was scared of her. Was she going to try something? Did she change or is she the same girl that wants to kill me?
"Heh, a little scared are we? Well, I should be very fucking pissed off at you right now for what happened, but unfortunately, I have this damn bracelet that shocks me if I get into an altercation or anything bad. So consider yourself lucky."
I couldn't say anything. Neither could Hajime and Chiaki. I mean, it's expected. Who would want to talk to her after wh-
"Sato. Are you better now?" Of course, Riki is the confident one and starts a conversation. Go him...
"Riki, I still want to talk to you. There's just something about you that... intrigues me." I started to feel worried and grabbed his arm for support. She must have noticed my thoughts and kept going. "Oh, don't worry Natsumi. I won't do anything to him. I can't anyways because of this bracelet. I assure you. I know you and Mahiru are cool now, but I'm still not cool with you!"
...
...
"But... I'd be willing to give you another chance."
"R-Really?" I couldn't believe it.
"Yes. I mean, it wasn't entirely your fault. I tried to take you out for my own personal gain. Still, don't get on my bad side or else." Sato walked away, still a bit angry. Well, I GUESS it was an improvement. I turned to Riki and let go of his arm.
"Why the hell did you start a conversation with her?! You know how she is!"
"Yes, but I think there's something that she isn't telling us. I.. I want to help her." Of course, his kindness beats all.
...
...
"L-Let's just go home for the day. I think we need to gather our thoughts." Chiaki made a good proposal. So, we did that and I walked home with Fuyuhiko and Peko.
I hope she doesn't try anything, or I swear I will hurt her!
Riki's Home
5:00 P.M.
Riki's POV
As I got home and sat in my room, I couldn't help but think about Sato and what she said.
("Riki, I still want to talk to you. There's something about you that... intrigues me.")
What is it about me that intrigues her? My kindness? My confidence? My power? I don't know but it seems like she wants to change, but doesn't know how. I think I could do that, even if it takes a while.
As I was gathering my thoughts about it, someone rung the doorbell.
"I'll get it!" My older sister, Saya, opened the door and let someone in.
"Riki! Someone wants to talk to you!" Hmm? Who could it be? I wasn't expecting visitors today. I walked out the room and Seiko was there waiting on me. When I got out the room, she hugged me.
"H-Hi Riki! How are you?"
"Hey, I'm doing good. How about you?"
"G-Great... L-Listen, can we t-talk about something?"
"Sure. Come to my room." I let her in and silence ensued for a few minutes. Then she broke the silence.
"I managed to convince Sonosuke to get back together with Ruruka. It took a lot of t-talking and b-begging, but it worked."
"Hey, that's great! I'm glad to see them back together. It honestly wouldn't be the same without those two."
"Y-Yeah..." Silence ensued again. Is that really all she wanted to say? She was just looking to the side, brushing her hair with her hands. I decided to grab her attention by taking off her mask.
"H-Hey!"
"You know, you look pretty with and without the mask. But I would like it if you took if off every now and then. But I won't force you." I just spoke my honest words. It made her blush furiously and I could see it without the mask.
"T-Thank you... You really know how to make me f-feel better."
"Is there something else you wanted to say?"
...
...
"Riki, is it true you had a crush on me in elementary school?" W-Whoa? Was that what she was going to ask? Maybe I shouldn't have said anything and just rode the wave. Not only that, but she said it with such a surprising amount of confidence that it actually shocked me a bit to hear that question come out of her mouth.
"U-Uhm... I-It i-i-is...-" I didn't get to finish because her phone had answered. It was Ruruka calling her to tell her to come over her house for something. Maybe for another of her sweets. I still don't know what Ruruka puts in those.
"S-Sorry. I have to go. Ruruka is making me help her make sweets again."
"O-Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Of course. O-Oh and you can keep the m-mask."
"I-I can?"
"Yeah, I have a spare anyways, and I want you to have that to r-remember m-me." We both blushed heavily. Who knew she could be so bold?
"O-Okay. B-bye!"
"B-Bye!" She quickly went out of my room and went to Ruruka's house.
...
...
Damn it Riki, you are so shy! Now I feel disappointed in myself. I should have walked with her there or something.
Oh well... I'll have another chance hopefully soon.
Hope's Peak Academy
12:00 P.M.
Behind the Reserve Course Building
A day later...
Well, this is the place she told me to meet at...
(Flashback)
After Seiko left, I got a phone call from... who is this?
"Hello?"
"Hey Riki. It's me Sato. Meet me behind the Reserve Course Building at 12:05 P.M. Don't be late..." She hung up quickly. I wonder what she wants...
(Flashback over)
I'm here five minutes early. What should I do? As I was eating my lunch, a peculiar person caught my attention. They were... writing some doujin. Why is he doing this behind here? Is he not allowed or something? I decided to walk up to him to have a chat.
"Uh.. Whatcha doing buddy?" He yelped when he saw me. Guess I was too sneaky.
"Um. Nothing! Just basking in the sunlight y'know?" He's clearly lying. You don't sweat that much in the sun, even if your that big.
"You know, you don't have to lie. It's just us here. I was just minding my business when your drawing caught my attention."
"O-Oh! You like 2D girls?!"
"Wait, what?"
"2D girls! You know, the anime girls!"
"I mean, I do like anime and the girls in the anime, but I don't fantasize about them like that. I'm assuming you have a talent of drawing pictures."
"That is correct!" Why did he just start talking like a superhero?
"I am Hifumi Yamada! The Alpha and the Omega! I write fanfics!" And then it went back to his normal voice. Maybe he does live in an anime world.
HIFUMI YAMADA
Talent: Ultimate Fanfic Creator
Age: 16
Height: 5"7
Weight: 342
Likes: 2D girls
Dislikes: Hecklers
Birthday: December 31
Wait, writing fanfictions is a freaking talent?! Man, I could have done that in no time! Hell, something tells me as I'm thinking right now, someone is writing a fanfic about me and thinking about my next move and actions. It's kinda creepy to think about. Ugh... They better not be making any weird comments right now!
"Oh, really? So, what were you drawing there?"
"It's for my doujinshi coming up. It's gonna sell hits." I mean, he did sell many copies at his school. That takes some talent for sure, but I still find it baffling that he is here at the academy. Hell, Toko is better than him if I'm being honest, although I do like a book with pictures and drawings, and he is pretty damn talented at what he does. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to read one. My manga collection at home is getting stale.
"Could I get a copy when your done?"
"Of course! As long as you keep this secret! It's about Miss Celeste! She's so pretty!" Okay, this guy has a hard-on for 3D girls yet claims to like 2D more. If you really feel that way, go watch eroge or something. I'm not gonna say it out loud though; it would hurt his feelings, which is easy to hurt by the way.
But, him and Celeste? If anything, he'd be more of a doormat while she's the dominant one in the relationship. Besides, Celeste is more attracted to me than him anyways. But why would I feel jealous about that?
"Alright. You should probably go find some other place more private though. It's about to be crowded here for us Reserve Course students."
"Hm? Your a Reserve Course student? I would have never thought that. I was about to tell you to follow me." At least he is considerate of other people.
Hifumi left the place and now it was time. At least those five minutes were worth it, even if the guy is a bit of a pervert. Sometimes a pervert isn't THAT bad to talk to. At last, there she is. Sato, what could you possibly want with me?
"Your early. As expected of you, Riki."
"Hello Sato. How have you been?"
"Could be better, but I'm okay. I'm assuming your doing good?"
"Yeah, can't really complain you know."
"Alright. I won't take up much of your time. Let's get straight to the point. I think your being taken advantage of." Hmm? I wouldn't have thought she would have said that.
"Really? What makes you think that?"
"Your talking to Natsumi, one of the people involved in the Kuzuryu yakuza! You don't think she's faking her kindness to you? Why has she changed so much in the span of a few months? There's no way!"
"I mean, if that was the case, I would have already known and called her out on it already. I don't think she's faking it. She really understood her mistakes and learned from it. I'm a very nice person but I'm not dumb either. I know when to get mean."
"Guess you don't do a good job of it. And it's not even her. I notice how other girls talk to the you in the Reserve Course, hell even the ones in the Main Course. Even... Mahiru. You don't think people notice you? How can you claim something like that? Your the perfect guy. Everyone wants to be your friend!" Ahh, so that's what this is about. She's jealous. Seems like most of the girls are jealous of others. Why? I'm not that good.
"To be honest, I don't know what the others see in me romantically. I'm not perfect; nobody is. If you were jealous, you should have said something earlier." She got quiet and blushed a bit. I kept going.
"Well, I'll tell you a story nobody knows yet. You'll be the first. Then, you'll understand why I am saying what I'm saying. It started two years ago, when I was in middle school..."
(Flashback)
I was walking to my next class when suddenly...
"Heh, your never going to get this book back unless you tell me the answers to the test today!"
"N-No! G-Give it b-back!" There was a huge crowd in front of them too. When I got to the front, I saw a guy was bullying Ayaka, who was the most popular and smart girl at our school. I also knew the guy. Juro, who was the biggest bully in school. Me, I was an average 14-year-old guy. Until that day. I had decided to take charge and helped her, even though I would have normally minded my business. Because...
I know how it feels to have no one help you in a situation like this.
"Hey dude, just give it back to her."
"Or else what, you gonna hurt me?" He stood taller than me, about a couple inches. I know I can't beat this guy in a fight. So I used my logic and intelligence, which I had tons of. I was the smartest student in this school after all.
"Nah, I think I'm gonna take that book from ya." I took it out of his hand using my speed to my advantage. Then I took off through the hallways.
"Hey, come back here!" He ran off after me. The good thing is that I am on the track team, so I can easily evade him and hide. He was holding his own surprisingly though. After a while, he gave up and went to class.
When I was sure he was gone, I ran back around to the same corridor that Ayaka was in. I handed her the book.
"You should probably go to class before he finds you again." I should have just left it like that, but she called out to me.
"W-Wait! What is your name?"
"My name is Riki Aiuchi. Nice to meet you."
"I'm Ayaka Kiyama. T-Thank you for giving me the book back." Ah, so she's also one of the most popular families here as well. The Kiyama family is well known for their tea.
"No problem. See ya sometime." I walked off to class. Well, that was a productive way to spend twenty minutes. And I wasn't late to class. This day just keeps getting interesting.
When classes were over, I headed home, but someone called out to me.
"Hey Riki!" Ayaka was running over to me. This should be interesting.
"Hey. Your home is this way?"
"Yep. Let's walk together." She held my right arm for support. For some reason, I felt the guys behind us at the school sneering at me. Jealous much?
"Don't you think the guys will get jealous?"
"Let them. None of them are a perfect match for me anyways. But there is one person who is."
"Whoever he is, he's a lucky guy."
"Heehee." Hmm? Am I reading the mood wrong here? Whatever... She's a lot more confident. She was shy a few hours ago.
About ten minutes later, we got to her house.
"Whoa, you have a big house."
"Yeah, we have a lot of family members living here. It's really nice here." She seemed a bit sad, like she didn't want the night to be over. I looked at my watch and saw that I still had some time before I get home.
"Maybe you could show me a tour of the house before I go?" That seemed to make her happy.
"Sure! C'mon, let's go!" She grabbed my arm again and we went into the house.
I met her parents; they were really nice people. Her grandparents, cousins, and the parent's other children were there as well. Nice bunch. I wonder if she gets overwhelmed here sometimes.
After a while, we went up to her room. I've never been in a girl's room before, so I'm kinda nervous.
"Nervous?"
"A little bit."
"Don't be. It's a normal girl's room." I wouldn't call a room that has numerous teddy bears lined up normal. "Anyways, I just wanted to thank you so much for getting that book back for me. I want to give you a reward."
"Aw, a reward isn't necessary. I did it out of kindness and it was the right thing to do."
"I know. Still, I want to give you one."
"Hmm, okay. What is it?"
"Close your eyes." I did as she said and soon I felt lips on my cheek. Did she kiss me? I blushed heavily. "Was that good enough?"
"Y-Yes.."
"Riki, I know we just met, but I feel like we were meant to be together. I want to be your girlfriend. Can we make it happen?" Well, that was rather fast. Did she really find the one that fast? I should have said no, but I felt like I couldn't find another girl like her. So, my dumb self said...
"Y-Yes."
Worst decision I could have ever made in my life...
A few months later...
Our relationship was going good. I felt like life was going to be good if it continued like this. Except, today was her birthday. I already had the perfect gift for her. She wanted this dress that was on sale. I bought it by getting a job after school as a delivery boy. I really wanted to surprise her today.
But when I got to her house, I noticed that she was more rude than usual. What happened to her?
"Hey! Happy birthday! I got you a present." When I gave it to her and she saw it, she threw it away!
"Hey, what the heck is wrong? I worked for that!"
"No, what is wrong with you?! Why have you not given me enough attention?!"
"What? We see each other every day! What did I do wrong?"
"You always talk to that girl Lapis after class! Is she more pretty than me or something?!"
"What? She's one of my childhood friends. Of course I'm gonna talk to her, but your my girlfriend. Why would I hurt you like that?"
"Because your trying to be a player!"
"Why would I do that?!"
"You never loved me. Do you even think I care about you if you don't feel the same? Your such a freaking bitch!"
All of a sudden, I felt something snap inside me, and I had gotten really angry.
"No, if anything your the sensitive one here! Do you know how much I've done for you? How much I've gave you? I had to change my entire lifestyle for you! I've gotten my hands bloodied beating bullies for you, working hard to get you what you want, and I still feel like I never did anything to please you... All I wanted was for someone to love me and accept me for who I am. But, if you don't see the true me, then I guess we weren't meant to be. We're breaking up."
That got a reaction out of her, and she starting crying. Argh... I didn't mean to get angry and make her cry. I just... never got the attention I wanted. Maybe it is a little selfish of me to have that, but my whole life I never been wanted. I just wanted that feeling one time. I was going to apologize before she said...
"Leave... Get out of here! I don't ever want to see you again!"
"Fine... I hope your life is full of blossoming and hope. Bye." I walked off home frustrated. Is she bi-polar or something? Either way, my day just got a lot worse.
A few days later...
I just got out of class and was heading home, when I saw Juro and Ayaka kissing each other at the school gate.
Are you fucking kidding me? What the hell does he have that I didn't provide for you? Confidence, power, or is it his height? Damn it, what was it?!
All of a sudden, Juro walks up to me.
"Yeah, you think your tough now? I took your girl, idiot! Now get a fistful of this!" He tried to punch me and I dodged, although it was close. Now everyone was making a circle around us. Damn it! I didn't want any trouble! I used my speed to hit continuous punches on him, but he didn't feel them. He hit me in the cheek and it left a bruise. I countered with a fist to his jaw and it hit hard. We kept hitting each other until we couldn't fight anymore. We were both bloodied and bruised bad.
...
...
Then... She started laughing. Ayaka started fucking laughing. I've had enough of this girl... Before I could do anything though, the principal came in and took me and Juro to the principal's office. Before we got to the door I yelled out.
"Is this what you wanted?!"
...
...
After a while, I calmed down and was at the principal's office. Me and Juro were waiting there. Then I had realized something major.
"I think we got played by the same girl..."
"W-what? No way! She said she loved me so much!"
"Yeah, she said the same thing to me. That's exactly what her plan was. She wanted us to fight to get her amused and happy."
"God freaking damnit! That chick is so manipulative!"
"Yeah, she's too good at this. And I feel like we weren't the first victims either. Just the day before, she got two other guys suspended."
"For real?"
"Yeah, and they were best friends too. Goes to show that the shyest ones can definitely be the most manipulative ones.
"You got that right. I guess that's why you are the smartest student after all." Heh, a sign of respect.
"Hey, thanks. Your strong as hell dude. You play sports?"
"Yeah! I play basketball."
"Awesome. I'm actually on the track team." We kept on talking like this until eventually I apologized.
"Honestly dude, I'm sorry man. I should have seen the signs."
"Nah, it's on me. I should have never tried to bully her."
We just kept on apologizing, then we started laughing. This guy really isn't so bad. He's just misunderstood. We became friends after that day. The principal gave us a scolding for the ages and let us go with a warning. Thank you!
As I walked home, Ayaka was there waiting on me.
"Hey! I saw you fighting for my honor. Let's go home, boyfriend!" She tried to grab my arm, but I softly rejected it.
"Sorry, I don't talk to fake people." Then I walked off. After that day, I never saw her again. Who knows where she is now? All I know is, if that is what love feels like, then I don't want to experience it ever again...
...
...
Being in love is one of the greatest feelings ever. Heartbreak is one of the worst feelings ever.
(Flashback over)
That story was... a lot. I left out some details because it was a bit too graphic for me to tell. Like, REALLY bad. After that, Sato started tearing up.
"R-Riki... I-I never knew that."
"Um, yeah. I never felt comfortable telling anyone because it was embarrassing and who wants to hear a long story about heartbreak? It's kinda stupid of me wasn't it?"
"H-Huh? What was?"
"How I just easily fell for her like that. I let myself get taken advantage of. Love is so complicated sometimes."
...
...
"Riki, it's not your fault."
"Huh?"
"That girl was so fucking rude to you, it isn't even funny how upset I was hearing about her. You just wanted to experience something. There's nothing wrong with that! If anything, I'm glad you did experience it because it made you a better person, right?"
"Y-Yeah, your right. I guess I didn't think of it that way."
"Now I know why you don't think about that kind of stuff when talking to girls. But can I give you one request?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Please learn to love yourself and that love will go to everyone around you. You gave her all of your love, but she didn't give hers back. So, it's not your fault. Find that special person and cherish them. Don't just throw it away after one time."
Wow, she really got emotional there. I thought you were just an angry, frustrated girl that had feelings for Mahiru. I guess even she can show some compassion whenever she needs to. Good for her.
"O-Okay, I'll try." Sato then hugged me.
"Thank you. Oh, it took up all of our lunch time. It was well worth it though. Wanna head back to class?"
"Sure."
I won't lie, it felt good to finally tell someone that story. It's been haunting me for the last few years, and I always had the assumption that I didn't do enough for her, or I was just a bad person. But, I know there are people that love me deeply, on a friendly and even romantically level. Speaking of which... Do a lot of girls at this school really love me?
Hope's Peak Academy
Fountain
3:30 P.M.
"Yes, they do." Hajime pretty much just said it with a straight face and didn't even hesitate.
"It's that obvious isn't it?"
"I mean, literally, Mahiru fell for you the moment you laid eyes on her. I could tell."
"Dang. What is it about me that they like?"
"Maybe your kindness, compassion, confidence, bravery? Should I keep going?"
"Haha. Stop, your making me blush man." We started laughing a lot.
Someone walked up to us. She had on a really kinky uniform with goggles and a very... nice body, to nicely put it. She seemed to be carrying something very heavy in her hands.
"Hey, you! Black-haired ahoge kid!"
"Hm? Me?"
"Yeah, you! Can you carry this to the Main Course for me?"
"Uhm... sure, what's your name?"
"You really don't know who I am?"
"Sorry, but I never heard of you either." Hajime pointed out.
"Hmph fine! Your talking to the gorgeous, sexy, Ultimate Inventor herself, Miu Iruma!"
MIU IRUMA
Talent: Ultimate Inventor
Age: 16
Height: 5"8
Weight: 123
Likes: Children's television
Dislikes: Taking it easy
Birthday: November 13
Yeah, the name isn't clicking. But she seems like an okay girl. What's the worst that could happen?
"Yeah, let's go. See ya Hajime."
"Have fun!" He waved at me.
I headed to her lab and I saw some... questionable things. Why does she have a robotic dildo in here? And is that some milk-
"Heh! Thank you! Just for helping me, you get this!" She handed me some glasses.
"Uhm thank you. I can see just fine though."
"No, no, no! Put em on and see what happens!" I put them on and when I saw what I saw, I immediately took them off.
W-Why was she naked for the whole world to see? It was so... big and out there. I feel something jumping up in surprise...
"Uhm... o-okay, I'll keep em."
"Of course you fucking will! Use that to think of me when your at home tugging under the bed! HAHA!"
T-This girl is insane! Did someone hit her on the head or something?! I-I need to get out of here! But, I will admit, her inventions has me quite curious... Damn my curiosity!
"S-Soo... will you show me some of your inventions?"
"Of fucking course!" Okay, this girl is really vulgar. How do you talk to someone like this?
"Okay, then l-let's start with t-that." I pointed to the... robot part I mentioned earlier. "What made you want to make such a t-thing?"
"Do I really have to spell out why? I want to feel pleasure! Wanna watch?" She took off her panties, put them on my face(why were they already wet?!) and was about to shove the thing inside her, when I just got really upset at her for being so unusual. just smacked the thing out of her hand unconsciously, then I grabbed her by her shoulders, a bit forcefully I might add, which made her jump a bit. Okay, maybe I used too much force than I intended, but it worked at least. Guess that's her weakness.
"Heee! W-What? Y-You don't want to please me?" Now it's like she flipped a switch and she was suddenly really shy. I gave her back her panties and then spoke.
"M-Maybe you should hold off on that until after I leave. It'd just feel awkward. I'm sorry for startling you like that though. Here, let me help you feel better." I couldn't think of anything else, so I gave her a hug. Seems like she wasn't satisfied with just that, so I gave her a peck on the cheek, which quickly perked her up back into her normal self. Well, that was fast.
After I let her relax for a bit, I decided to head out.
"Well, I'm leaving then. Bye Miu."
"Bye, bye Riki! Hopefully you'll come see me again!" I just walked off with a huge blush on my face. Then I realized I still had the shades in my hand. Yeah, I'm definitely throwing these shades away when I get home. I decided to check out the library; I didn't want to go home just yet for some reason.
As I was heading to the library, I seen someone wave at me, so I decided to wave back. They had hid their face with a notebook. I guess they must have been really happy.
When I got to the library, I seen someone with a red dress and red eyes. She seems cool. I'll talk to her. As I walked up to her, I couldn't help but get a sense of familiarity with her. Have I seen her before?
"Um, excuse me. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Could be worse."
"I'm Riki Aiuchi. What's your name?" All of a sudden, she gasped and cornered me in a quiet part of the library. She then had pulled out a knife and had it close to my neck.
"Idiot... Do you want to die?"
Oh... Now I know who this is...
Uh oh. Seems like Riki has caught himself in a bad situation! Who is the mysterious person he might remember and is trying to take him out right now? Will he actually go through with Sato's request to find love again? Who is the one he really loves? Will Sato and Natsumi ever become friends? And will someone tell Riki that he clearly ISN'T in a fanfiction? *wink wink* Find out in the next chapter!