Chapter 07c: Direction

What am I doing?

I don't really understand it.

Okay, I know what I am doing.

I am in a drama club.

There are some other kids here, too.

And they are having us play out these little stories.

The man who had his wallet stolen. The girl who liked the boy. The lost puppy with the new home. The kid who is angry at the other kid and wants to break his toy. The crybaby that doesn't want to eat his veggies. And on and on it goes.

I don't really get the point. But I am trying, because I promised I'd try my best. For Setsuka.

I'm finally playing a little story of my own. In fact, I chose this one, not in the least because I am sure they won't let me keep watching from the sides all day.

It is the story of the hero saving the damsel.

I thought I could do that. I need to save Setsuka. She needs me like this damsel needs her hero.

The girl I am protecting isn't very interesting. She's pudgy with a voice like nails on a chalkboard. She's not really taking this seriously either; she's one of those rebellious bad kids.

All of us are in some way, come to think of it. And I can't say I'm taking this seriously either.

But I'll try.

"If you want to kiss her, you'll have to go through me!"

I speak these brave words, but cringe inwardly. Who would want to kiss a girl who never lost her baby fat but still screams like one?

The villain does some sort of dramatic laugh, but it sounds fake. Like it came from a cheesy movie.

"Haha. I will go through you. I challenge you to a duel of wits, and when you lose, you shall watch as I plant my lips on her cheeks!"

EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkk~~~~~!

My ears! Good grief. Nails on a chalkboard, indeed.

Both the villain and I look at that disinterested face that is giving us one of those 'u wot, mate' stares.

The teacher says nothing.

Fine, we'll continue. I turn back to the other kid.

I want to yield. Kissing this stupid wench would be his just desserts, and this nonsense would be over quicker, too.

No. The stupid wench is supposed to be my Setsuka. Right?

"I wonder what is faster. My sword, or your tongue?"

I reply these words with a flat tone, brandishing a make-believe sword. There is a collective taking of breaths, and the teacher belatedly whistles.

"Cain, fail!"

I arch my eyebrows as I look towards the teacher, but she doesn't explain. She just notes it in a little notebook.

The former-Setsuka-standin giggles and compliments me, her hand smacking on my ass for some sort of stupid reason. The former-villain just rolls his eyes at me as we move back to the crowd to let the next two get at it.

This is going to be a long day.