"Do you know that girl?" I ask Chocho when the two, the jerk and the girl settle down in the cafeteria.
"Oh, if I remember correctly her name is Akira," Chocho replies and munches on her snack.
"I see," I mutter and she stops munching and utter an annoying sound.
"Eh?!" she makes a long sound like being suspicious again.
"What?" I snap and she then gestures like making a trivia.
"You're jealous," she declares.
"What?! Of course not!" I yell at her.
"Calm down. I am just joking," she says then takes a bite on her snack again.
"Your silly mind is making me upset," I tell her while pouting.
"I just thought you were jealous. You were glancing at them since we got here," she makes me upset more.
"Quit with the jealous thing. I am not though. I was just wondering I never noticed that girl since then," I tell her.
"She is a transferee. You know what? She declares her interest in Kawaki the moment we entered their classroom," she is not joking this time, right?
"I honestly think she is a tomboy at first but when she declares her interest in Kawaki I was corrected. She is someone you should not mess around with," Chocho explains and I seriously think she is not joking. Even the jerk can't do a thing to stop her.
"What does she think she is doing to him?" I say when I see her trying to feed the jerk.
"What do you mean?" Chocho asks in confusion.
"He is going into a rage," I say. He doesn't like being treated like a kid. It's certainly embarrassing though.
"Just stop, idiot!" he shouts at her. Just like I was saying. The girl did not move or say a word. The jerk leaves her alone. She looks sad. I feel bad for her.
"HEY, KAWAKI! YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH ME FOR SURE!"
Everyone was shocked when she shouts in the cafeteria.
"Is she still sane?" Chocho asks me and then the wrapper of her burger drops.
"She's crazy," the girls and guys start to gossip about her. She immediately leaves the cafeteria as nothing happened. She's one heck of a girl. So brave.
Days and weeks passed and I was spending my lunch with Boruto sometimes. He is giving me time for Chocho too. We were still in the stage of getting to know each other. I can't consider it as dating yet. We were friends but not as close as he was with Sumire. I want us to be closer to each other before we move on to the next stage.
I'm more focused on my studies since the final examination is approaching its next week to be exact.
That Akira girl is not giving up on the jerk yet. She keeps dragging him in the cafeteria. I saw them bickering during lunchtime and the jerk always left her alone and she always shouts at him that he is going to fall in love with her. I admire her bravery in declaring her feelings to someone effortlessly.
"That girl is the headline of the platform right now. She dethroned Yodo as the most popular girl on the campus," Chocho reveals. Really?
She must be very upset with this Akira girl now. Not only that Yodo likes Kawaki, but she is also walking ahead of her too.
"She should not mess with Yodo," I say and then Chocho looks at me.
"I am thinking that she will replace Yodo as the Campus Queen this year due to her sudden fame," oh speaking of which. It's going to be after the final examination and the drama club is in charge of the event.
"We are in charge of the said event," I drop my shoulders realizing how much work is waiting for me.
"Oh yeah, it's the drama club," she says and taps my shoulder to comfort me.
"Hey, Sarada," she calls out to me. I look at her with furrowed brows.
"Did Boruto ever ask you out on a date during weekends?" she suddenly asks. I think I blush hard.
"No," I answer. Well, he never did anyway.
"He is so boring," she chuckles.
"He is busy studying I guess," I reply.
"Even so, he must ask you out sometimes. You two need to relax too, you know?" she is giving me suggestions. But I don't like the idea.
"I'm busy with the upcoming final examination though," I disagree with her.
"Come on, just for once," she insists. If he will ask me then. I sigh and she never brags about it again.
"Chocho, I will be attending a meeting with the drama club members this afternoon. You can go home without me," I tell her. She looks worried all of a sudden.
"Are you sure?" she asks and I nod at her.
"Okay, if you say so," she says and never argues with me.
The time for the meeting came and I wave goodbye to Chocho and see her off. I proceed to the drama club office for the said discussion.
When I arrived, they are sitting at a round table. Sumire is standing beside our drama club adviser. I start to wonder what's going on.
"Glad that you're here, Sarada," the adviser says and I nod at her.
"Take a seat," the club's President offers me a seat.
"Thank you," I say and sit down.
"First of all, I want to tell you about what I and Ms. Sumire had talked about earlier," she starts talking.
"She is leaving the club," she continues and we are all in shock.
"Why though?" the club's Vice President utter in disbelief.
"It's something personal and I can't talk about it to you guys. My apologies," she bows her head at us.
"Well, there's no need to apologize but, why leave so suddenly? You just got in and you have the potential to be a great actor," the Vice President tries to convince her but she had finally decided.
"Thank you all for accepting me into this club. I just realized that this is not what I really wanted," she smiles and the rest of us are saddened about her farewell.
"We respect your decision, Sumire. We wish you the best," the President says and we clap our hands together to give thanks to her. If it was not for her, the last play would be a disaster.
"Well, I have to go. See you later," she immediately leaves the room and we are left for the meeting.
"Let's get back to the main goal of this meeting. We are going to talk about the upcoming Prom after your final examination. I know everyone is looking forward to it," the adviser reveals. We were already informed that the club is this year's facilitator.
"You need to prepare the venue, the lights, and sounds, the invitations, and the most important thing is the program," she continues.
"I am mean to suggest something," the President raises her hand and the adviser tells her to continue.
"What if we make a short play before the main event starts?" she suggests.
"That's a good idea. But, what is the theme of the play?" the adviser asks.
"About a girl who is longing for true love for a very long time and then two guys came to win her heart but it must be one who will prevail. It's a kind of war in love where the conflict gives you thrills," the President is honestly making a demonstration already. She looks so cute though.
"It seems that you already have the plot in your head so I'll leave the rest of it to you," the adviser says and the President smiles.
"You can always count on me," she says while her hand is in the air.
"But, who's going to play the role of the girl?" the Vice President asks. Then the club President looks at me.
"Of course, it's Sarada," she exclaims. I blink countless times because what she says still doesn't register in my head.
"Great choice. We haven't seen Sarada on the stage performing the piece. She always got into a trouble before the play starts every time," our adviser laughs. She is not wrong at all anyway. It's twice already.
"Thank you for giving me another chance," I say and they all clap their hands for me. I think I won't fail this third time.
The meeting has ended and we parted ways. I am going home now.
"Wait, that's..."
"Sarada," Boruto calls out to me.
"Boruto, what are you doing here?" I ask him.
"Um... Someone told me that you were in the club having a meeting with the council so I decided to wait for you until you're done. I just got finished playing basketball with the team," he explains.
"I see," I mutter.
"Can I walk you home?" he offers and I flush. This kind of scene always gives me a shivering sensation.
"Sure..." I can't turn him down.
"Let's go," and we walk home together. I didn't say anything while we are walking. I think he is feeling awkward too.
"Hmm," he mutters but I pretend not to hear anything.
"Sarada," he calls out to me.
"Yes?" I respond in a weak voice.
"Are you free tomorrow?" he asks.
Tomorrow is Saturday. Chocho, I know you did this!
"Well, yeah," I stammer. This is so embarrassing. I can tell that my face is super red right now.
"Can I ask you out?" he asks. The words I am scared to hear from him.
"Huh?" I mutter. I really sound stupid.
"Don't you like it? Well, you're busy with the final exam. I should have known it," he says in a frustrated voice.
"Uh...um... Yes, sure. I can review by the evening until Sunday anyway," I don't want to see him so down.
"Really?" his face lights up and a curve of smile paints on his face.
"Yes," I nod.
"So, see you at the park by 9:00 a.m." he reminds me of the venue and time.
"Sure, see you there," I say and we wave goodbye at each other.
Oh, goodness! I didn't expect things to turn out like this!
9:00 a.m.
I see him waiting for me at the benches of the park. I wave so he can see me. He smiles upon noticing my presence.
"Have you been waiting for so long?" I ask.
"No, I just got here," he smiles and I sigh in relief.
"I see," I mutter.
"Let's walk around," he suggests and I nod. We found a gaming station and he plays with a gun. He pretends to be a police officer like he has always dreamed of. He looks so happy and I kind of enjoy his company.
We got ice cream together. We have eaten cotton candy too. He is fun to be with. We do rides as well. I didn't know he hates heights. I enjoy the roller coaster yet Boruto almost threw up.
We rest a little and then we decided to look for a place to have lunch. It's almost noon and the sun is sharing its wealth of sunshine.
While we are walking, a white cat bumps into me. It stumbles to the ground and I pick it up.
"A strange male cat," I mutter. But he is so cute. Wait, he looks familiar. I think I've seen him before.
"A cat? Who would be the owner?" Boruto utters and I search for his strap.
"Kiwi?" it must be his name. What a cute name.
"Kiwi is what is written on its strap," I tell Boruto.
"His owner must be looking for him now," he says.
"Kiwi?! Where are you? Kiwi!"
Hey...
That voice belongs to...
Kawaki's POV
"Oh, so they're hanging out already? Good for her..."
"Class, please welcome the students from Class A," I think that is their adviser.
"Hey, it is Kawaki!" a girl giggles. How annoying.
"Oh my goodness. It's really him!" they start to yell so disgustingly.
"Hey, class. Please, calm down," their adviser begs yet they don't stop.
"Keep quiet! You are misbehaving again. It's shameful for the Class A," she scolds them.
"You're so popular among the girls, Kawaki," the glasses guy tells me but I ignore him.
"I apologize for their behaviors. They just admire Kawaki so much," she tells our adviser.
"It's okay. I hope they all get along," she responds to her.
"Okay guys, you can occupy all the vacant seats. Please, feel at home," she says and our adviser leaves us in her care.
Upon settling down, girls glimpse at me from time to time. It's damn annoying. When will they stop?
I stand up from my seat to walk out of this annoying room when their adviser speaks to me.
"Kawaki, where are you going?" she asks.
"I'm heading out," I say.
"To the bathroom?" she asks. What the hell is she trying to do? What if I am? Does it suppose to be asked in the class?
"No," I say and aim to walk off.
"Please stay, we are in the middle of a very important topic. You can't leave," she holds me back.
"I don't like this class," I say. Well, I do.
"But..." she is insistent. But she can't stop me.
To my surprise, a girl grabs my collar and acts so tough in front of me. Everyone is alarmed by her action.
"She told you to stay. So you better stay. Don't be so rude," she tells me. She has sharp eyes like mine but I'm not wavering.
"Akira, calm down," their adviser begs. This class is a mess. How troublesome.
I remove her filthy hand from my clothes and slightly push her away.
"Don't touch me," I tell her. I am about to turn my back at her when she suddenly punches me on my face. I tumble to the floor.
"HEY!" they shout.
"Akira, stop!" I hear their adviser shout and she dashes towards us. She meddles in between us. The dork's fatso friend come to my aid.
"Kawaki, are you okay?" she asks but I ignore her and I look sharply at the stupid girl in front of me. She is lucky she is a girl. Damn her!
"You know what, bum? I like you," what?! Is she really stupid or has mental problems?
"What?!" they scream in shock.
"Tch," I mutter and I stand up on my own.
"Get lost," I say, and get back to my seat. Everyone calms down and the lesson resumes.
The bell rings and everyone gradually fills the room empty until it's just me and her left. She is annoying as hell. She plans to irritate me.
"Hey, Kawaki," she calls out to me but I ignore her. I am about to leave the place but she suddenly speaks again.
"Have lunch with me today," she invites me. What a psychopath!
"Don't infect me with your retardedness," I say and walk off. She suddenly moves closer to me and grabs my wrist.
"You are going to come with me whether you like it or not," she says and drags me out of the room.
"Hey, get off me," I resist but she doesn't take her hand away.
"Come on. Have lunch with me," she keeps yelling like an idiot.
"Leave me alone," I tell her but she is stubborn as heck.
"No, you're going out with me," she says and drags me to the cafeteria completely.
"Just what the hell do you want?" I yell at her when we get inside. A few are having their lunch in the place. She pushes me off the chair and she calls the woman who is taking orders.
"Two burgers and two orange juice, please? Thank you," she says and the woman nods and leaves to get her order.
"Calm down, you're so worked up," she tells me.
"Who would not if it is you?" I retaliate.
"That's harsh. But do you know why I like you?" she tells me while leaning her body towards me.
"I am not interested to know," I keep the distance between us. She is annoying. She pouts and talks again.
"I will still tell you. Most of the guys I encountered were scared of me. The moment I raise my voice they ran away and you are different, you're fighting back," she winks at me. How gross.
Her orders arrive and she tries to feed me. This stupid girl is disgusting.
"Just stop, idiot!" I shout at her and leave right away. She did not insist but...
"HEY, KAWAKI! YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH ME FOR SURE!"
Damn it, that psychopath!
A few weeks had passed and that psychopath kept pestering me. When will she stop?
"Kawaki? It's Saturday, don't you like hanging out?" dad asks me. He got a day off from work.
"I don't intend to go anywhere," I tell him while petting Kiwi. He has grown a little. He is clinging to my hand more likely playing with it.
"I will cook your favorite, is it fine?" he is behaving quite well now. Since that day, father and I have been closer to each other. Thanks to her. Wait, I haven't thanked her for that, right? But I think I have paid for it.
"Yes, sure," I answer back.
The constant ringing of the doorbell wakes me up from thinking. Who the hell is that?
"Are we expecting a guest today?" I ask dad.
"Nope, I don't have anyone coming today," he replies and it makes me confused.
"I'll go check," I say.
"Yes, please," and I walk out of the house to entertain who's buzzing outside.
Kiwi runs towards the gate ahead of me.
"Kiwi, stop," I scold him but he keeps running toward the gate.
Upon opening the gate, Kiwi runs out right away even before I can see who is outside.
To my surprise, I see a disgusting creature in front of me.
"Hey, let's hang out together," damn it! It's the psychopath!
"What the hell are you doing here?!" I squeak.
"Is this cute cat belongs to you?" she puts Kiwi in her arms.
"Hey, give him back," I demand but she moves away from me.
"Nope, unless you will hang out with me today," she is tricking me again.
"There is no way I'm going to do that," I tell her.
"Alright then, there is no way I'm going to give this cute kitty back," she is blackmailing me.
"What the heck?" I shriek.
"Hang out with me and I will return the cat," oh, she is making the options. Damn this psychopath!
Kiwi keeps resisting. He wants her to let go of him but this idiot doesn't want to free him.
"Fine," she leaves me no choice.
"Yahoo!" she celebrates.
"You wait here," I tell her.
"Oh, isn't it rude to not let your guest in?" she demands again.
"Enough with your stupidity. If it isn't for Kiwi, I would never approve of it," I almost yell at her.
"You look so cute when you are mad!" what the hell is she saying?
"Shut up!" I leave her to get a change of clothes.
"Kawaki, who was that?" he asks and I didn't respond instead I respond by asking permission.
"I'm going out. Will you let me?" I say and he chuckles.
"Of course. Are you going out on a date? Is that Sarada? Why not let her in?" what the heck is he thinking? What's going on with people today?
"No," I just reply and he did not say anything after that.
"I'm off," I tell him.
"Okay, enjoy and take care," I hear him say but I did not respond to that.
"Aw! You look so handsome with your outfit!" she giggles like an idiot.
"Shut up, will you?" I say and she pouts.
"Will you stop with that grumpy attitude?" she smirks at me.
"Will you stop with that grumpy attitude?"
Why the hell she pops up in my mind all of a sudden? She said the exact words. I try to ignore it and focus on retrieving Kiwi.
"So, can you give him back now?" I ask her but she seems not to give him back.
"Not yet, you may run away from me after getting him back though," she is not dumb at all.
"Where are we going?" I ask and she gestures like thinking.
"To the park. There are lots of fun there!" she giggles like a small kid.
"Tch," how annoying.
"Let's go!" she says still carrying Kiwi in her arms.
When we arrive, she immediately goes to the food stands. What a glutton.
"Hey, Kawaki. Can you pay for this?" she says while eating up the burger.
"What?! Do you plan on making me pay for your expenses?!" I shout at her.
"Hey, stop yelling at me, will you? I forgot my wallet at home," she makes dumb excuses. How could I stop yelling at her? She is so disgusting.
I don't have a choice but to do whatever she likes. If I can finally get a hold of Kiwi, I will leave this psychopath here.
"Let's play that," she points at the darts.
"Shut up! You don't have money to pay for that game. I am not paying your bills," I yell at her again. She pouts like a kid. She is annoying. Why do I have to deal with this kind of person?
"I am thirsty can you buy me a drink?" she demands again. I almost yell at her again but she stops me.
"After this, I will give your precious cat back," she says and I feel kind of relieved. So, I go to buy her a drink. She is a pain in the head.
A few minutes later while I am waiting for her order, she rushes toward me. She still gasping and could not speak properly.
"Your cat. He got lost in my arms. He was like getting away from me and the-" I did not let her finish and I rush to look for Kiwi. She follows behind me.
"Kiwi!" I shout his name but he is not anywhere.
"Kiwi?! Where are you? Kiwi!" I keep calling for his name.
Wait, it's him running in the Eastern direction. I follow him but he is too fast. I stop when I see him being held by someone else.
It's the dork. Oh, she is with him...