Chapter 03: Guilty and Memories

No good.

It may sound bad, but he tried to explain it without further ado. Just like when in the supermarket a woman accused him of looking at her panties while she was crouched or as when some bullies were annoyed with him because according to them Kamijou had put his attention on their girl (target?). Seriously what happens with this city? There are a lot of dangerous people out there. Anyway, Kamijou Touma had serious problems.

"It may look bad, but I can explain."

His classmate ignored him as they walked. She was with an extremely serious face or it's better to say annoying, since Kamijou had raised a flag.

It's the idiot's fault.

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't say any of that, just ignore what he said before."

"Hmph."

Now, why did they walk together around the school?

There was a good reason.

Right now the second period was over. Kamijou Touma the student known for his bad luck was guiding her through the school.

She was Naruse Mio.

He left the classroom, closing the door with one hand, and took a simple step, when behind him, a voice asked.

"Why do you have to show me around the school?"

At first glance, she looked like a normal girl, but Kamijou felt something different about her. He didn't even know why, but he was sure there was something different about her.

Hijirigazaka Academy

They were both in the hallways of the school he attended. This was the typical high school where students used to attend and if one looked at it closely, there was nothing unusual about it. The central building was for the first and second grade students, the third grade students were located in the east building, where the library was also located. There was also a huge cafeteria where students would meet in their spare time. Since the school was surrounded by a small forest, students also took the opportunity to rest and eat outdoors.

Apart from this, there were several classrooms in the west area and practically here were all the school clubs. Kamijou wasn't the type of student who was enrolled in a club and he preferred to go home or do something other than being in school. Not that he was a bad student it's just that he had no interest in participating in any of these activities. Also if you think about it, the kind of person who is always running from here to there saving people wouldn't have enough time for extracurricular activities.

But due the lack of attention and interest in school was what caused him problems with teachers. In addition, if we add the constant bad luck to if as his aspect of 'delinquent' was more than sufficient to create an aura of fear around him. Since most of the students thought he was a type of delinquent or Yakuza, even some others said he was a demon.

On the other hand it seemed that the female sex thought otherwise. Many girls were interested in him, but since Kamijou was a bit slow in terms of love, that's precisely what gave him the image of 'lone wolf' if we include Tsuchimikado, there was no other person you could call his friend.

A person who is lonely because he himself doesn't know how to deal with his environment is what you would call antisocial, but he was nothing like that.

Besides, there was a reason to be a lonely person.

Someone he once knew was hurt because of him.

He cannot forgive himself for that.

He glanced sideways at Mio as he showed her the cafeteria.

"Here, you can eat and buy whatever you want."

He said in a rather kind gesture.

"I see… this academy is very big."

"Yeah."

"But still, why are you the one who has to give me the tour of the school?"

"Don't ask me that, since I was forced it's not my fault."

Komoe-sensei, the little teacher you could easily confuse with an elementary student said something like 'Kamijou-chan, since you seem to know our new student you will be responsible for showing her the school, make sure you give a good impression. But if it is Kamijou-chan who is always nice with to people, I shouldn't worry about anything desu.'

And for some reason, Komoe looked flushed as she said this last.

I don't understand it at all.

Kamijou muttered under his breath as they sat down near the window.

"Err, Naruse-san?"

She, who had taken the seat in front of him, didn't seem concerned with the students' eyes full of envy and anger. But since he was the 'delinquent' of the school no one had the courage to protest. But still this is super uncomfortable.

He scratched the back of his head as he tried to eat his lunch.

Mio was looking with interest at the box of food that Kamijou, had casually put on the table.

"That looks delicious."

He could see the glitter in her eyes, staring at his food.

"It's not the big deal it's something I prepared at home."

"So you're the type of guy who prepares his own food, it's unexpected."

She murmured.

And because he was trying to eat without paying attention to the murmurs and aura of anger from the other students; he hadn't heard what she said.

"Well, are not you going to buy something like the others?"

Mio looked away for some reason.

"Is it because... you don't have money?"

"Of course I have!"

"Then why are you looking at my bento so expectantly?"

"I wasn't looking it."

"Well, since you're not honest with yourself... it can't be helped."

He moved his bento box toward her.

"You can have mine."

"Really!?"

Mio looked a bit childish in saying that.

"Yes, since I don't usually eat much and still prepared more than necessary."

"I suppose it would be a waste to refuse it, don't misunderstand it, I'm clear?"

"Y-yes."

This girl is pretty bipolar.

But somehow it was a comforting scene. How long had it been since he'd eaten close to someone?

He couldn't even remember it well, but being close to a pretty girl like Naruse Mio was something that one could call 'youth' would this be the beginning of a romantic comedy? Kamijou wondered as he watched a cute girl eat in silence.

Somehow, she seems almost as lonely as him.

Some time ago, a smile was near him. That smile he couldn't protect.

I didn't know what to feel about it.

After all, he doesn't consider himself a hero and yet he does everything he can to help others.

Since he doesn't want to see anyone cry again.

If only I could remember that smile again.

That's what always popped up in his head.

He wanted to see a smile that he cannot even remember well.

At the end of lunch, the bell had sounded indicating the beginning of the third period, Physical education class given by the gym teacher Yomikawa Aiho. Yes, there was a reason for attending this class was precisely by the responsible in charge.

She was a beautiful woman, with glamorous proportions, object of adoration by some students. Her dark blue hair was tied in a ponytail and although her usual outfit was a sports uniform, this was precisely what added a touch to her charm.

"Kami-yan, is everything okay?"

His impertinent friend greeted him while the teacher seemed to give some indications.

"What are you talking about?"

"Idiot, what else am I talking about? I'm talking about the new girl. Did she give you a yes to your confession?"

"Nobody has confessed to anyone, you idiot bastard, I had some problems there trying to say it was a misunderstanding!"

Tsuchimikado adjusted his sunglasses as he clenched his knuckles.

"I will not let go of this as if nothing had happened, Kami-yan."

His face looked absolutely serious, Kamijou stepped back.

"Just stop bother me, I don't need you to play cupid with me and I will choose to go out with someone when I want to."

"You say that but, you still feel guilty about what happened, don't you?"

Only he knew about the problem that was on his mind and he was the only friend who had supported him since that accident. Something that had left him in a state unable to trust, but even so, Tsuchimikado didn't give up. As a good friend, he just wanted the best for Kamijou.

Even if that required force, Tsuchimikado Motoharu wouldn't surrender easily.

He put a hand on his shoulder.

"Kami-yan, you did everything you could, it's not your fault, stop tormenting yourself for what happened."

Kamijou was speechless.

"I know ... but that's still my problem."

Even the greatest heroes have failed to save someone. But he's just a high school student. It was fate as tragic as ever.

If I could go back, maybe, there would be a small chance to say 'I'm sorry.'

The class this time was, run at least 5km, but with the December chill, it was a bit daunting. Despite being a kind teacher, Yomikawa was also strict so she would not allow laziness in her classes.

"Kamijou, come here."

She called him.

He obeyed without jesting while looking at the rest of his classmates, who seemed in pain to be forcing their muscles to run in the icy winter.

"What do you need, Yomikawa-sensei?"

Although the teachers feared him and the rumors about how dangerous he was, Yomikawa seemed more interested in him because of his reluctance in his student life.

"I heard that you were late again."

She said in a reprehensible tone.

"Some things happened, not to mention that this time I left home early, but as always life is somewhat annoying."

Puzzled, her smile curved down.

"Sigh ... you know ... it's not that I'm mad at you, but I worry if you don't pay attention to your classes and if you don't have an interest in what you do your future will be affected."

Although her tone was somewhat harsh, she was being patronizing him.

"Yes, I think so."

Even so she didn't seem convinced.

"What about your activities?"

"Uh?"

"I talk about whether you belong to a club, as you know, the winter festival is near and this requires the participation of the school clubs."

Precisely he already knew what she meant by that.

One student without a club was practically a hindrance to others. And more if he was someone who caused problems due to his misfortune. In addition, as already mentioned, he was too busy to think about the festival or even school social activity.

While it is selfish to think that way, being alone is the best option.

To say that you don't need friends is only a self-explanation of a person who has no friends.

Self-protection.

Friends.

If you don't have them, you don't have them, there is no other way of saying it. But forcing to be alone is something not many can do. That way, you're just the target of taunts, but at the same time you can help without them knowing that you are who help them.

It is a paradox.

But that image of the 'demon' was precisely the best way to live. Fear generates that impetuous need to run away from something and that 'something' was a boy with black hair.

If that way he is able to help others, then it really doesn't matter to make a small sacrifice like this. That's all it takes.

There are people who live that way.

But.

There are times when this can be truly painful.

"I don't need any of it, besides, I'm busy with other things."

That was his overwhelming response.

It's not that he wouldn't want to be like the others, it's just that he was different.

He looked at his right hand and smiled to himself.

"Yomikawa-sensei, thank you for caring about me, really."

His voice felt really honest.

And so, all she saw was a high school boy with problems.

"I guess guys can be difficult to deal with after all."

The figure of Kamijou Touma moved away on the sports field.

Towards a destination that a normal person cannot even understand.

Well the afternoon came on a rather chaotic day.

The students who belonged to some club stayed until late in order to organize the winter festival.

There was a lot of noise and laughter, students working and organizing their time to achieve their purpose because this year the other academies would meet here, for example, the Tokiwadai Middle School.

That means that girl will be here too.

Kamijou felt a chill as he remembered the electric Tsundere. His battle in this morning had made it clear he couldn't run from her forever.

"Well, I'll find a way to make fun of her again."

He began to laugh weakly.

The appearance of students in their winter uniforms was somewhat different from the appearance of students in summer. Somehow, winter was nostalgic and sad, but also romantic and because of the December holidays, people seemed to seek more human warmth.

Kamijou walked as the snowy ground creaked under his feet. Snow always white and cold was a unique scene, although this was something that he couldn't stand.

Arriving at the entrance of the school, he saw a familiar face.

She was waiting for him.

Impossible.

They don't even know each other, it is impossible for her to be at the entrance of the school waiting for him.

They are not friends at all.

They are just students who share the same classroom.

She seemed to try to warm her hands, but it was useless. She didn't even have a scarf to cover herself from the cold.

Even so, it was a lovely image, a girl waiting for you, is something unique.

He thought.

And yet he stepped to the side of her without even saluting or saying hello.

She walked doubtfully, but a few feet away from him.

"Are you following me?"

He began with a somewhat mocking gesture and a bit of expectation. To which she replied with a gesture of constant anger or is it that she didn't know how to deal with men.

"I'm not following you ... this is my walk home ... You don't have to make fun of me."

Naturally, everyone has the right to use the sidewalks and streets without asking permission.

Good.

The coincidences happen from time to time.

Apparently she was coming out the doors of the school, and thinking carefully, if you consider how much she was wandering around school, it wouldn't be a great mystery after all.

The school dormitories sector is quite close to this school. So she must live somewhere near here. Only the Ojou-sama as Kamijou said, they lived in dormitories exclusively for women.

They both walk closely and every once in a while she gave him a look without his noticing.

"You know... I haven't said thank you."

Mio stuttered as she tried to gather the right words.

"What do you mean? I don't think I have done anything worthy of thanks."

"If you did, you helped me this morning with those guys and you also gave me your lunch ... so ... thank you."

Her face pale from the cold, turned a little red from embarrassment.

He had to admit that she was really cute, but even so he knew it wasn't quite right to trust her.

He didn't know why, but she was hiding something.

He could feel it inside.

Maybe because he was a liar or because he was perceptive as to the psychology of others, but there was something that was hidden behind that smile.

Even so, I'm just thinking too much about it.

"It must be in this street ... or maybe in that one."

Mio looked at the directions, but she seemed a little lost.

After all, she's new to this city, huh?

"You are looking for this place, it is very close to where I live, I can take you there if you want and before you say anything, this isn't any attempt to harass or something similar."

Knowing how careful she was to, he stepped forward, making his intentions clear.

"Well, I suppose I'll let you escort me."

"Hahaha."

"It's not funny ... I'm just not used to this city, but still is pretty quiet."

"It's because you are in the quietest area of the city, if you were to the center of Tokyo I assure you that you would be surprised too much."

Academy City, yes, just as its name indicates is a small city of Tokyo where are located the best schools in Japan, development of technologies and other things arise from here. That includes rumors about people with supernatural abilities and those weird things; Kamijou is the best on this subject.

In his two years in this city he has met numerous people whom he called 'Oddities' going back to the subject, he knows the city too well and that includes the dark sides of the city.

Of course, he escorted her to the building where she lived.

It was a little dark when they both came to the entrance of the building of more than 7 floors.

"Well, here it is."

"Make no mistake, I allowed you to escort me only because I don't know this city, but don't think this will always be so."

"I wouldn't mind guiding you around the city... if you want."

"You're trying to make a move again!"

"Calm down, calm down, it's just a joke."

She brushed her hair and began to climb the stairs, not before making a slight gesture of farewell.

"Bye..."

Kamijou waved his hand and made his way.

That smile still doesn't disappear from his mind.

The person that he cannot remember well, but that somehow is there somewhere.

Due he couldn't save her.

She is not here anymore.

Nor her smile.

He will not be able to see her again.

But if there is something that stays in his heart, it is those sweet feelings.

Her name... What was her name?

He wondered to himself as he raised his head to the December sky.

Author's Notes

Here, again...

It has happened a little of the expected, but had other things there to do so this chapter took longer than I thought. First of all, thanks for your constant support and for your comments. Guest, who always corrects my grammatical errors, a huge thank you. In truth, you are of great help. Little by little I am improving even though I am far from being a good writer. Now, this chapter may seem a bit slow, but I don't like to rush things. So I'll be writing parts that some don't like, I'll try to combine action, but mostly focused on romance and a bit of tragedy.

This chapter focuses mainly on showing how is the daily life of Kamijou Touma, although he may seem a little different is due to certain circumstances.

Just as he said 'I couldn't save her' even though he feels guilty he's still the same boy.

About the environment, I chose the Shinmai academy, and is that Kamachi hasn't revealed the name of the school of Touma and feel foolish to write 'a certain high school' also as this It is something AU, I am focused on the supernatural side.

Yes, for now I will not write anything related to science.

In this story Esper or 'Oddities' are people with supernatural and non-scientific abilities. Now, Academy City, is a small city if I compare it with the canon and here doesn't have its own autonomy as in the light novel, instead it is rather a territory for schools, laboratories, technology development centers and a place technologically more advanced.

With this in mind I hope that everything will be clarified.

For the moment is everything. If you have a question or comment please write it and I am of course open to advice and ideas.

Thank you.

Shidu.