I ended up wasting time wandering around the town because I can't exactly say to Riku that I skipped school just to stal– spy– see Riku on his school hour. And there's still the matter of Riku and that girl, I don't know how to face him after what I saw. In fact, I don't think I can face him today. But I realize that Riku needs me so I have to come back home today.
The memory of last night surfaces.
Nooo! Riku can do everything on his own now! He doesn't need me anymore! Sob. Life is cruel. What should I do now? My life has no meaning without Riku besides me. Ah, I know. This is a sign for me to end my own life, isn't it? Yes, this must be it. Riku doesn't need me anymore, so my life has no purpose.
It is at that moment that my phone vibrates. I look at it to see a reply from Hyoudou about my mail earlier, and my lips curls into a smile.
You're welcome, Onee-chan.
That's right. I have another little brother since this morning. That foolish little brother with a dream bigger than what he can achieve on his own. That foolish little brother who needs guidance in life. That foolish little brother. I think I can understand why his face overlaps with Riku and vice versa. It's because in the core, both of them aren't that much different. One with a dream of being a Harem King. One with a dream of finding the One Piece. I'm not kidding, that's Riku's dream.
I then remember that I haven't mailed Akihito for our tutoring session. Let's see, do I want to? After the rollercoaster of emotion that is today? Well, want or not, I need to ask Akihito first.
I missed school today. Still feel like tutoring?
Minutes later, I got the reply.
Are you sick? If so, then just rest. I have club matters to attend to anyway.
No, I don't. But if you don't want then okay.
Problem solved. For now, let's kill time by wandering around the town. This town is your typical town in Japanese, that is, crowded as hell. Fortunately, right now is not lunch rush nor the office worker's end of worktime. So it's not as crowded as those times. When I wandered at those times, commuting becomes a hassle and I end up just walking and absorbing the sight of forest of steel.
I usually avoided the crowds and waste my time in the riverbank, but with these thoughts inside my mind, I don't think the peace and quiet of nature is what I need. So I wander around in the town.
Meeting a fellow students of Kuoh Academy is certainly just a coincidence. But that's not the best part. Meeting a fellow students of Kuoh Academy who recognizes me is certainly just a coincidence.
"Ah, Hanazono Rise, was it?"
I recognize the guy whom I meet coincidentally. He is carrying a big case that looks like a guitar case. He is looking at me with an unreadable expression. Huh? Do I have something in my face?
"Mitsushima Kenzaki, was it? You got my name right."
"Sigh, and when I thought I got someone who doesn't recognize me…"
"Huh?" did I just hear it right?
"Ah, nothing. It's just that I made a bet with Kousuke about our popularity, nothing important."
"Who doesn't know the bassist of the Light Music Club? After last year's good performance the whole school tends to remember your face, name, class, and people especially girls to you, will try to ride on the popularity train hype and asked you out. Is that why you made that bet?"
His eyebrow twitches, but he keeps that unreadable expression unchanging. "You got my bet right. I'm annoyed that those girls always tried to ask me to go out with them. Do they even feel an attraction to me that is not based on my look or my name? Sometimes being dense like Nagai is a blessing. With how many girls interested in him, his thickheadedness, and good personality, I sometimes thought that he's a harem protagonist."
The only guy with Nagai as the given name in our school is Akihito, the fact that this guy is in the same club also helps.
"But if I remember correctly Akihito-san said that he already has a girlfriend. Was he just lying?"
If I know that those sentence is what I need to change the expression on his face earlier, then I'd say it with a better delivery line. Alas, I have to be content seeing the unreadable expression morphs into a shocked face. And by shocked, I mean the kind that 'I-don't-believe-what-I'm-hearing-it-must-be-a-lie-it's-a-lie-that's-a-good-joke-thank-you-please-tell-me-you're-just-joking'.
Seconds later, Mitsushima Kenzaki drops his guitar case and falls to his knees. "I can't believe this… Nagai is… Nagai is…" he then looks at me, "I don't believe you! Let's go see him now!"
He grabs my arm and drags me to the direction of Kuoh Academy. I try to resist, "Hey! I skipped today's school! I'm not even wearing my uniform! Don't drag me there now! And what are you doing here? Isn't this like, still the time for school? Are you also skipping school?"
"What are you saying, school is over. And I got permission to leave earlier because I need to fix my bass string. Let's go. The club is practicing now, Nagai is there. And also, how do you know Nagai?"
"We have the same English Course's class."
He mumbles something which suspiciously sounds like 'of all the people it's Nagai?' what does that mean? He knows me, and now he sounds like he regrets that it's Akihito who meets me.
"There's still the problem with my wardrobe. I'm in my casual, isn't the school forbids the student to wear anything except the uniform and gym clothes around school?"
"That's easy to fix. Mary has a spare uniform. I'll bring it to you."
"And then I change in front of the gate? Are you crazy?"
"Of course not, are you idiot? Just change in a public restroom or something."
"There are no public restroom near Kuoh Academy. You want me to wait for you, then go to change, then go back to school grounds? Fat chance. I'd rather go back home than dealing with you."
"Alright alright sheesh, just wait here before I bring you the uniform. Then we can go to Kuoh Academy. This way, I will be the one running around like a fool, that's what you want, right?"
Huh, when he phrases it like that, it sounds good.
"Yeah. I'll wait here. Also, if you don't come back in fifteen minutes, I'll go home."
"There's no way I'd make the trip in just fifteen minutes, and also, that kind of thing is what I should say when the situation is dire, don't just suddenly change the setting like that!"
"Then let's do a time attack mode. I have stopwatch features in my phone. If you exceed twenty minutes I won't agree with anything you say."
"So what's the difference between the former and the latter?! Honestly. Wait at least half an hour. If I don't make it in time, then probably something happened to me, wrap up your things and go to Kuoh Academy, examine my corpse, maybe you can find a clue."
"So it's a murder mystery this time?"
"My point is, just wait here alright!"
"Is it that important? Why does it have to be now? Can't you do it tomorrow?"
He shakes his head, "Tomorrow Nagai has his English Course class, you have it too, right? And also, tomorrow we don't have band practice."
"Why can't you just like, summon the others? Or meet him on lunch break? Why does it have to be now?"
"It's just have to be now."
We stare at each other's eyes. I can see the similar stubbornness reflected on his eyes. From what I can gather during the verbal war, he's quite similar to me. he doesn't want to stand out, he's stubborn, and he caught my jokes before coming up with a retort. Without realizing it, he's sucked into my pace, and I'm sucked into his.
It's not dissimilar to the way I spoke to Hyoudou the first time… kuh! Why does my head hurts?
"Oi, Hanazono? You alright?"
Clutching my head, I reply, "I'm alright, I'm just a little dizzy. Just go. Maybe it'll fade out when you come back."
"Are you sure? Let's go to Kuoh Academy, the infirmary is still open."
"And? The problem hasn't been fixed. I still can't go inside with this clothes. Just go, before I change my mind."
I see him biting his lips before nodding and take steps towards the school.
Retreating into a nearby bench, I let out a breath. Fuuuh. That Mitsushima Kenzaki, I don't know why he want me to barge into his band practice, but I think this is a good distraction from Riku. In fact, I want to see the famous Light Music Club practicing their song. Say what you want about them, but I won't deny the fact that their original song which they played during last year's festival is good.
I just feel like he and I are on the same wavelength, that's why we clashed just now. What's the saying again? If opposite attracts, then the similar clashes. Or was it something else? Nah. Also, it's fun just spewing words and words that automatically appears on the tip of my tongue and counter every response he gave. It's like speaking to Hyoudou before it became complicated… Ouch!
Huh? What was I thinking before? Meh, maybe not important.
In the end, it takes Mitsushima Kenzaki approximately forty minutes to go to Kuoh and back in ragged breaths. Seeing him this tired actually makes me smile. No, I'm not a sadist. "Well, someone clearly needs to be more serious in P.E."
"Says someone who doesn't experience it…" he speaks in between his breathes.
"Well, just so you know that this is what you want," is my last retort before I search for nearby public restroom and change there.
"So," I starts after I finished changing. "Why waste more time? Let's go."
"No… five more minutes, mom."
I click my tongue playfully, "Ken-chan, if you don't wake up now, you'll be late."
"Yes mom," Mitsushima playfully replies. I know it. I respond to his jokes as is he responds to mine. I can't help but grin at his reply.
"Seriously though, I'm tired. Can we take the scenic route?"
"As if there's scenic route in this town. I snooped around but found none."
"Your search skill is clearly inferior to mine. I know of one. In fact, it's the one I use to bring you those clothes."
My eyes twitches, the way he says it makes me annoyed. "So why did you use that when time is the essence?"
"Believe it or not the scenic route is shorter than usual route."
"You're kidding. How could that be?"
"Wanna find out?" he asks with a smirk. I reply with my own smirk.
Twenty minutes later, I stand in front of the front gate of Kuoh Academy with a shocked look on my face.
"Bu-But…" I point towards the shortcut with good scenery in disbelief. "How come nobody know this?"
"I don't know. But the less people know the better."
I nod in agreement.
What just happened is, Mitsushima Kenzaki brings me through the backyard of a big house, underground, back alley, and small forest instead of the usual roadside route. It's truly the scenic route, and we arrived in twentyfive minutes. I can't believe nobody ever tell me this before.
"Let's go. You don't know where the Light Music Club room is, do you?"
I follow him in silence, still processing the scenic route. Now if only I can extend that until my home, I can stal– tail Riku until he arrives at his school and still have the time to go to Kuoh.
Mitsushima Kenzaki brings me towards the third floor of the new school building, specifically the old audio visual room. From what I remember, the old audio visual room was there, but since Kuoh Academy became co-ed school, the room couldn't contain the number of new students, so they moved the audio visual room to the newer and bigger room. I don't know the detail on how it became the Light Music Club room, hmm, maybe I'll ask.
"Since when the old audio visual room became the Light Music Club's?"
"Oh? When we founded the club. This was just a storage room back then since the AV room moved."
"And when exactly did you found the club? I know it's new since I never heard about the Light Music Club on our first year, and suddenly at the festival you came."
"After the first mid-term exam."
"That long?" I ask as he opens the door. The sounds of musical instruments made itself known to my ears. I can hear guitar, keyboard, and drum. Make sense since the one who plays the bass is beside me. When we enter the room, the music stops.
"Welcome back, Kenzaki-kun," the one who greets him first is Kawada Mariana, otherwise known with her nickname Mary. She is a half-French, and plays the keyboard. Her European feature made her one of the candidates for the most beautiful girl in second year since if I include third years, then number one to four is already claimed. "Suddenly asking for my uniform like that. I wonder what's that for?"
"Not to mention you immediately went out, not even answering our questions," the one who spoke next is Sakuragi Kousuke. Since Kuoh is a prestigious school, they don't have the delinquent type of students. But if there is, Sakuragi Kousuke might fit that bill with his intimidating look and roguish appearance. But despite his look, his skill in playing guitar is good enough for the club to be the best performer. "Are you involving yourself with the Perverted Trio?"
"Hell no. Mary, I borrow your uniform for her," he points his finger at me, and this is my cue to step out from his back.
"Hello, I'm Hanazono Rise."
"Ah, Hanazono-san? What are you doing here?" from the drum on the corner of the room, Akihito Nagai looks at me in confusion.
"More importantly," Mitsushima suddenly cut what I want to say to Akihito for reply. "Nagai, come here. And Kousuke too."
"What about me?" asks Kawada.
"Sure," is Mitsushima's short reply.
Akihito approaches us with a "What's up?"
"Hanazono-san here said that you said that you have a girlfriend. Is that true?"
In an instant, Sakuragi and Kawada's head snaps towards Akihito's direction, both wearing a shocked expression.
"Huh? Yeah, I did say that. Why?"
"I know you want to have a girlfriend, but lying to your friend is not good for your health," Sakuragi finally snaps out of his shock and put his arm around Akihito's shoulder. "Are you that desperate?"
Shaking off Sakuragi's arm, Akihito replies with an annoyed tone. "I'm not desperate! I truly have a girlfriend."
"I need evidence," Kawada interjects. "If you can prove it to us, then I'll believe you."
"See? Why can't you all just like Mary? No nonsense and to the point," Akihito retorts towards his two male friends. "I can. Just let me call her."
"Nah, man. Calling her is cheap. Let us tail you on your date."
"Good idea."
"I agree."
"Hell no!"
Seeing them bickering like this, am I needed in the first place?
"What about you, Hanazono-san?" Kawada asks me. All eyes suddenly on me. Wait, why do you need my opinion? He's your friend. Well, he's also my friend, but the ones who doesn't believe him is not me. Why do you suddenly ask me?
"Does my opinion matters?"
Sakuragi opens his mouth before closing it again. "You got a point."
Kawada brushes off Sakuragi and asks her again, "Still, what about you?"
"Sigh, if you insist. I believe him. In the first place, I don't have any reason to doubt him, therefore I believe him. And besides, he and his girlfriend's matters aren't mine. I don't need to know anything about his girlfriend, since I don't have any connection to her or anything. The one who is my friend is Akihito-san."
The other four occupant of the Light Music Club room goes silent.
"She got a point," Mitsushima dispel the silence. "Very well then, Hanazono-san. You may go."
I take a deep breath, preparing myself. What Mitsushima have just done triggers me in a bad way. I even ready to use the rarely used profanities.
"Really? You dragged me, forced me to wait, dragged me again here, ignored me, and then you said I can go home? Really? Compensate for my wasted time, dammit! I can do something productive in this last one hour and instead I get dragged around by you to school only to see your comedic routine. And you easily dismiss me like that? Hell no."
Another silence comes. This time it is longer than before.
"What the hell Kenzaki, you dragged this girl around and then dismiss her? Isn't that a bit irresponsible?"
"To easily play with a maiden heart like that, you're despicable, Kenzaki-kun."
"Yeah. You're the worst."
"Now I'm the villain?"
"Well, not that you're the hero in the first place," I interject. Seeing the other three ganging up on him while not five minutes ago they were ganging on Akihito let me understand the dynamic in the group a little. They are four close friends who forms the club because of their mutual interest. "Anyway like I said, compensate me for my wasted time. Play a song."
And in an instant the mood becomes heavy. I don't understand why Mitsushima looks downtrodden, why Akihito turns towards the ceiling, why Sakuragi rubs his neck while averting his eyes from me, and why Kawada looks towards me with an apologetic look. I don't understand.
But I know enough that my words are the cause.
"Is it something I said?" I still ask for confirmation, though whatever they will say I know that I am the cause.
"Not exactly… it's just that one of our member isn't here right now."
One of the member? Ah, how could I be so stupid? The Light Music Club who performed in last year's festival consists of five members. And right now inside the room is only four of the five performers. Sakuragi at guitar, Akihito at drum, Mitsushima at bass, and Kawada at keyboard. The vocalist is not here. Akatsuki Runa is not here.
"I understand. I'll be going then. Kawada-san. I'll be returning the uniform tomorrow if it's okay with you."
Ignoring whatever they want to say, I walk towards the exit and go home.