It was already 5 o'clock at the Tsurumi's house.
The sun was still shining in the sky, and while most people were still working or studying, a certain pet was quietly resting.
Kuro slowly opens his eyes as he begins to stretch, sleeping for several hours can be exhausting.
After waking up completely and doing his feline stretches, Kuro gets off the couch and goes to the kitchen where he still has the leftover food he left behind.
After finishing devouring the rest of his food, Kuro advanced to the front door and stared at him.
- It's strange that this guy still hasn't returned. That was the feline's thought.
Kuro is a cat, but he is quite perceptive, either with his environment or with the people around him.
That's why he could notice the change in his owner's arrival time.
- I wonder if he will come accompanied this time.
Kuro is very reluctant to deal with new people, but this differs greatly when these people come with Raiden or Rumi. Since, if these two come with someone, it is known that these people are good.
This is due to some negative experience with people, which made Kuro have hatred for them.
His ears caught the sound of footsteps near the door, so he advanced to the reception.
After a few seconds, the door opened, an exhausted Raiden entered the house.
''Nya, Nya''-It's strange that you are late in coming.
''Oh, Kuro, thank you for the welcome.''
Raiden bent down and started petting him.
Kuro felt joyful to be pampered, an experience he would have thought impossible years ago.
After petting him, Raiden went to his room followed by Kuro.
Raiden put down his suitcase and started to change, then lay down on his bed.
-It's strange, his expression is different, plus he has an aura of discomfort.
Animals are very good at picking up on the emotions of humans and even more so with people they get attached to.
''Nya'' - Is something wrong?
Raiden just watched Kuro and then kept looking at his cell phone.
''Nya'' -Don't ignore me.
Kuro climbed onto his chest.
Raiden focused his attention on Kuro.
''I'm pretty exhausted, Kuro, we'll play later.''
Raiden lowered Kuro off his chest, but Kuro climbed back on.
''You really are either a stubborn cat or you're too perceptive.'' Raiden heaved a sigh at not being able to defeat Kuro.
''Nya.'' -So, what's wrong with you?
Kuro's insistence only made him remember how annoying Yukinoshita had been during today.
''Really, why is she complaining if we achieved a better result in the end?'' Raiden couldn't understand why Yukinoshita was reluctant to accept his way of solving Koyama's problem.
He knows that violence is not always the best way to solve things, but in Koyama's specific case, violence is the quickest and most infallible way to solve it.
Of course, if it were another Koyama's request, it would be enough to give some ideas to solve it, but this time it was a case totally out of the ordinary.
Kuro couldn't quite understand his owner's words, but Kuro understood that Raiden was upset with another human.
''Nya'' -If another person bothers you, it proves that you are the alpha.
For Kuro who lived on the streets for a while, the territories were the place where the alpha could command others.
For example, in the house the alpha is the matriarch Tsurumi.
Kuro could be annoying and all he wanted with the other 3 members, but if he bothered the matriarch, Kuro knew from his own experience that it would not end well.
After all, Raiden's mother was in charge of punishing Kuro when he soiled the sofa or got into mischief.
Kuro witnessed how Raiden and Rumi could only listen on their knees to their mother's lecture for not taking care of Kuro.
So, if you can prove that you are the alpha in a territory, everyone else will be obliged to obey you.
Of course, in the service club this falls to the president. And if it were as easy as demonstrating might, Raiden would have already left that club.
''Although I can understand some of Yukinoshita's anger, behaving like them just shows that the only way to solve things is to stoop to their level, of course I have no problem with it, but Yukinoshita I guess, thinks differently.''
- She was bullied in elementary school, so she must not have good memories of people who do this kind of thing. Raiden thought deeply about the situation of the president of his club.
Kuro couldn't understand Raiden's words, but he noticed that his owner changed his exhausted expression. So, it could be considered that Kuro succeeded in cheering Raiden up.
No matter what happened, Kuro has a debt that he can never repay. That's why Kuro always makes sure to cheer up his owner in the few cases where his owner is overwhelmed, though it's a job that rarely happens, so most of the time he behaves like a pampered cat.
''I guess I'm partly to blame, I should have told him in advance what I was going to do.''
Raiden focused his attention on the ceiling.
''But today proved that Yukinoshita and I have a very different way of thinking, our last discussion affirms that.''
Raiden remembered how he should not have been part of the service club; it had been the sum of several coincidences that had forced him to become a member. But for this very reason, he could not leave the club, as Hiratsuka-sensei would also oppose this.
- This is for the best, I have no reason for the two of us to get along. Besides, I'll only be here until the end of the first year, from there I'll manage to get out of the club.
If Raiden could prove that he contributed to the club, Hiratsuka-sensei won't be able to object if he wants to quit.
Raiden let out a sigh and petted Kuro.
Kuro just purred at being petted.
When Kuro arrived, he was reluctant to be touched by anyone. Kuro even ended up attacking Raiden several times, but Raiden reacted faster and petted him without Kuro being able to do anything. It proved that a malnourished Kuro was no match for him.
Sure, Kuro is more agile and stronger now.
A few years ago, Kuro lived on the streets.
For as long as Kuro can remember, he was a stray cat, the first few months were difficult, but because he was so small, some people fed him. In addition, it was enough with little food to feel satisfied, but as Kuro grew up, things changed.
The amount of food Kuro could get from the garbage cans was not enough, and the best places had other cats that dominated their territories. So, if Kuro wanted to be there, he had to face the rival cat.
But not being in the best shape, this was very difficult.
Time passed, Kuro was very malnourished, traveling long distances in search of food became very difficult.
Unable to move due to hunger, Kuro decided to lie down on the ground.
It was already Christmas time, so the weather was cold. So, the weather was not in his favor.
A short time later Kuro felt a light shining on him, some high school boys had seen him and approached him.
Kuro had no strength to move or put up any resistance. Kuro witnessed that some cats were adopted by humans and never lacked food or a roof to sleep under.
So maybe this time Kuro would be lucky, and these guys would adopt him, but it was the opposite.
They held him and walked with him, his cold body was warmed for a brief moment, but everything changed when Kuro felt his body being thrown.
Quickly his whole being felt the cold water due to the low temperatures, these boys had thrown him into a nearby river.
Kuro could notice the expressions of these boys, as if sending a cat to its death was the funniest thing.
As the current swept him away, Kuro could do nothing, he had no strength, and the freezing water had numbed most of his body.
With his last thoughts, Kuro cursed the people.
The last thing Kuro could see was a shadow approaching him.
When Kuro awoke, he noticed a sweet smell next to him, the atmosphere had changed from a cold one to a warm one.
The comforting smell gave him enough strength to devour everything quickly.
After finishing his meal, Kuro felt more energetic, and being encouraged, he became alert, as he did not know where he was.
The sound of approaching footsteps made him alert.
''Looks like you woke up already.''
The owner of the voice was dressed in simple clothes and some drops of water still remained on his body. Since jumping into the freezing water was not the best thing for the human body.
If Raiden was asked why he did it, the only thought that came to his mind was a cat he had in his previous life. After several years this animal escaped from his house and never came back. This generated a feeling of guilt, and he never had a pet again, blaming himself for its disappearance.
So, when Raiden saw a cat in that situation, he did not hesitate for a second to go and rescue it, perhaps as a way to atone for the guilt of having made his cat escape from home.
A dangerous and risky action, but Raiden still did it.
Kuro was reluctant towards the approaching person. Kuro bristled and prepared to defend himself. From the last Kuro could observe, he hates humans.
Raiden approached and sat down nearby, when Kuro attacked, Raiden only moved his hand to dodge it.
Kuro was malnourished, so he was not fully recovered, it only made him a harmless cat for Raiden. Of course, if Kuro were in good shape, it would be different.
Kuro attacked with his remaining energy, but Raiden only moved his hand and gave him brief caresses.
Kuro exhausted all his energy and surrendered to Raiden's caresses.
Although it was not to his liking at first, being comfortable on a soft cushion plus Raiden's caresses made Kuro feel at peace after a long time.
Once Kuro fell asleep, Raiden informed his parents that he had taken in a cat from the street, they were not very happy, but since it was Christmas, and it was a request from their eldest son, they accepted.
The next day Kuro woke up somewhat better, during the course of the day he kept resting, but to his surprise, that annoying human had not appeared, instead a girl had approached him and left him food. Rumi was cautious and only came as close as necessary, as her brother had told her to be careful.
That day Rumi took care of Kuro's needs since Raiden was sick, but, fortunately, that day his parents took care of him until he recovered.
Raiden is not someone who gets sick easily, but a few times it happens, his condition is serious.
As the days went by, Kuro got in better shape, but he still needed to be checked by a professional.
Raiden approached Kuro with a cat cage. The visit to the vet was something to do.
Doing it by force would only make Kuro reluctant, so Raiden put the cage aside and put food inside it.
Kuro trusted by the smell, went inside and started to eat, but before he could realize it, he had already been caught like a mouse.
Eventually, Kuro was taken to a veterinarian where everything was taken care of.
After a few hours Kuro returned, and the first thing he did when he was released was to jump on Raiden, but Raiden moved and caught him on his back. Thus, creating a strange friendship.
Days and weeks passed, and Kuro was adapting, he felt comfortable in his new home, and although he wanted to deny it, he could guess that it was that boy who rescued him from certain death.
So, Kuro promised himself that if that human seemed distraught or needed help, he would help him in his own way.
Raiden sat on his bed and pulled Kuro onto his lap.
''I guess I was able to sort out my thoughts thanks to your help.'' Raiden began to caress Kuro.
''Nya'' -It's nothing.
Kuro just enjoyed his owner's caresses, because, even if it didn't seem so, Kuro realized that his owner is much more fragile than he looks.
Although people can show great strength, sometimes those people are the most fragile mentally, even more so if someone has already lost everything once.
Both the owner and pet were enjoying each other's company there.
Raiden Pov:
When you have things on your mind, time tends to pass faster, or at least that's the way I feel.
Once the bell rang signaling the end of classes, it was time for the students to go home, although for me there were still a few hours left before I was free.
I took my things and left my classroom.
Yesterday I was able to organize my thoughts since my last discussion with Yukinoshita had made them chaotic.
In the end, I decided not to do anything about it, if things happen, it's for a reason. So, apologizing or such things are out of the question since in the end I complied with the request.
I must say that Kuro helped me since I didn't want to think about the problem, and I preferred to distract my mind on the internet, but the insistence of that cat made me think about everything that happened.
Now I understand why people use their pets as psychologists.
Leaving aside that Kuro can graduate in psychology, I had already arrived at the door of the club.
Today is Friday, so after today I will have a break from Yukinoshita for 2 days.
Also, tomorrow is Rumi's birthday, so I plan to take a trip to Destinyland.
I already made arrangements to invite Yumiko and the others as well, although Kawasaki said that tomorrow she wouldn't be able to go since Keika has an event at her nest, so she has to accompany her.
So, I guess it will just be me, Rumi, Yumiko Ebina and Yuigahama.
Thinking about such things would have become impossible for me a few years ago.
I only just realized that I had been standing at the door of the club for a few minutes,
I put those thoughts aside and opened the door.
Yukinoshita was in her usual place, reading a book with her characteristic cat cover.
As she became aware of the presence of another person, her eyes focused on me, although they quickly returned to her book.
I guess we can't get along after yesterday.
I closed the door and headed for my seat.
Once I took my seat, I pulled out a light novel and focused my attention on it.
''I didn't expect you to come back.'' Yukinoshita said while still concentrating on her book.
I'm sure having an argument after yesterday would only make things more unbearable.
''I'm a member of this club, so it's the normal thing to do.''
''I don't remember members of this club having such a twisted way of doing things.'' There was some anger in her voice. It seems as if Yukinoshita won't make things easy for me.
''We all have different ways of working things out.'' I said in a nonchalant way as I don't want to ruin my hour of reading.
''Such an abrupt way that shows how little ability and no morals you possess cannot be called working things out.'' Yukinoshita said unhappily.
If Yukinoshita wants to piss me off, she's succeeding.
''The result was the best, no problems, but an immature girl is still dissatisfied with my solution, but ignoring her, I can say it was the (best) solution.'' I highlighted the last part as Yukinoshita's idea was doomed to failure.
''Your way of doing things didn't fix anything, you just behaved like another bully, bullying others to get what you want. If that's what you can call fixing things, I think you're thinking shows how immature you can be.''
For a 16-year-old girl to say that to me, I find that kind of hilarious when I am more than twice her age.
But she is right about one thing, the way I did things was not the right way, but if we go to the result, my way of doing it was the best. So, the rest doesn't matter, once you are an adult, you can understand that others expect results from you, not the way you do it.
When you graduate from university, companies are looking for a person who is qualified for the position, who meets the required expectations, it does not matter if you were the best in your class or the worst, the result is that you managed to graduate, and you can fulfill the functions that the company is looking for.
I knew some students that in the first years were the best, their understanding of the theoretical was the best, but when they performed in the work environment, to say that it was lousy is quite a lot. While others who did not know how to pass the year had impeccable performance.
It doesn't matter how much you know about theory, if you don't know how to apply it, you are useless.
It doesn't matter if you graduate in the best positions, if you don't have connections, it will be difficult to find work in specific sectors, while others who graduated at the right time will have a better paying position than yours.
I doubt very much that Yukinoshita suffers from it, being part of a wealthy and renowned family, things such as worrying about your future is irrelevant. Even more so if you are the youngest son since all the burden of responsibility will fall on the eldest son.
While the rest of us, who do not have the same opportunities, will only be able to get a minimum wage job for a while, if we manage to stand out in our area, we will be able to move up.
That is the reality.
My parents are an example of that.
My father had excellent grades in university but has a job that can be considered decent, while my mother had regular grades and currently has a more important position than this in the company where they work.
The connections and friendships you make will sometimes define what you can become in the future.
Leaving aside the cruel reality that society has, even more so in Japan where the work environment is hell for those who are not prepared. We just have to get used to it and cope with it, which I have no problem with since I never had a very high expectation about it. We can only move forward without looking back, the results are what will define us, not the methods we used to achieve them.
Because, if that were the case, most of the millionaire companies would have many charges due to all the crimes they committed to get to where they are.
''Reality is different from your fantasy world where things will have a smooth solution, society won't care how you managed to get to the result, only what you managed to do will matter.''
Yukinoshita should know.
''All your words only show that you have no ethics whatsoever, those words can be said by a criminal who has no scruples to achieve what he wants, no matter who he will have to hurt to achieve it.'' Yukinoshita said, somewhat irritated.
''Then you can label the whole Japanese society as a criminal. You know very well that nowadays the big companies didn't get to where they are by playing fair. So, if you want to call me a criminal, you can, I don't mind doing whatever it takes to get what I want.''
If Yukinoshita boasts of being someone intelligent and mature, she will know very well that I am right.
I watched her and noticed how she clenched her fists.
''I know that's why I want to change the way things are done. To show others that there are honest ways to achieve great things without the need to harm others in order to do so.''
''What a great way of thinking, should I give you the Nobel Peace Prize?'' Yukinoshita's words were just things said by someone dreamy, but in the end, it is the world that makes you see reality.
''I don't expect someone like you to understand, but I will!'' She said with determination.
Helping others in the service club can be interpreted as the stepping stones she will climb to achieve her goal, what stupidity.
''The higher you aim, the worse the fall will be. Once you see reality, it will crush you''.
''I'm willing to do it.'' Even with my words, she remained stubborn to an idea she can never achieve. There is nothing worse than aiming for something impossible.
I know this firsthand.
''I hope you won't break when you do.''
With these words, I ended our conversation, I wasn't in the mood to converse with someone who doesn't want to look into the truth of things.
We both returned our attention to our respective readings, the mood was not the best, but I have no reason to change it either.
In the blink of an eye the time passed, no one had come, so today was an ordinary day.
Yesterday was an exception since most of the time this place will only be used as a place to read.
As I looked at my cell phone, I realized that there were still about 10 minutes left until the club hour was over, so I continued with my reading.
But at that moment someone knocked on the door.
Hiratsuka-sensei couldn't be, since even if we gave her a lecture regarding it, I highly doubt she's going to change that fast.
"Go ahead." Yukinoshita, as president of the club, was in charge of welcoming our prospective client.
The door opened, revealing a girl, she had braids in her hair which is of a black color, it looks quite familiar.
''Hello, is this the service club?'' She asked.
''It is." I replied.
She was happy to hear my answer. ''I am Shiromeguri Meguri, second-year student., nice to meet you.'' She seemed to be in a good mood.
I managed to remember something about her, at the time she was a third-year senpai, of course at the moment she's a second year.
''Shiromeguri-senpai of the student council, right?'' Yukinoshita recognized her.
Shiromeguri-senpai nodded with a cheerful face at her words.
''I'm Yukinoshita Yukino, president of the service club.''
''Nice to meet you, you're Haruno-san's younger sister, right?'' Senpai tilted her head to the side as she asked this.
''That's right.'' Yukinoshita replied, but from her expression I could tell that she didn't like being recognized for just being Haruno's younger sister.
''Your older sister was amazing, the last cultural festival where she was the president of the student council was great, I could even say it was the best ever.'' Senpai said with excitement.
I remember that both Haruno and senpai know each other, so Haruno must have graduated last year, right when senpai was a freshman.
''I guess I went off topic.'' Senpai apologized. She focused her attention on me. ''And you are?''
Senpai looked at me as if she was trying to figure out my name just by looking at me.
''I'm Tsurumi Raiden, nice to meet you, Shiromeguri-senpai.'' I don't have an older sister to be recognized by my last name, so it's normal for me to be invisible to any senpai.
From what I know, the election of the student council president will be after the cultural festival, at which time senpai would become our student president. And from what you can gather, she is currently part of the student council.
''Nice to meet you, Tsurumi-kun.'' Shiromeguri-senpai said cheerfully.
I must say she's quite beautiful. Also, even though she seems to be a girl full of energy, for some reason this doesn't bother me.
''So, Shiromeguri-senpai, what do you need us to help you with?'' Yukinoshita asked.
''Hiratsuka-sensei told me that if we were short of extra hands, I could ask for it at this place.'' Senpai said with a beaming smile.
From her words, Shiromeguri-senpai's request is that the student council needs some volunteers, and what better than the service club.
''Exactly?'' Senpai had been very general with her words.
''We need someone to move various boxes, either to other classrooms or the gymnastics storage room.''
I see the heavy work is mostly things that the student council has to do as well, but with the cultural festival coming up, it seems as if they were very busy, so having some extra help will help them concentrate better.
''If that's all, I can take care of it.'' I said in a disinterested manner, as that kind of thing is no problem for me. In fact, any guy could do it, but most of them are busy in their clubs.
''You'd really be helpful Tsurumi-kun.'' Senpai approached me while saying this cheerfully.
''It's nothing.'' I avoided contact as for some reason I was blushing from her closeness, I seem to have a higher appreciation for older girls.
It's not that Shiromeguri-senpai is ugly either, she's quite pretty, and her proportions are well placed, and from the skirt she's wearing, I could see her slender legs, so I can safely say she's my type.
Although my type of perfect girl is pretty generic, a pretty enough pretty girl, nice figure, long hair and a strong attitude. Things that are way out of my league if I think about it carefully.
I got up from my seat to accompany senpai.
''I'm coming too.'' Yukinoshita said.
''I'm sure I can take care of this kind of thing.'' I said arrogantly, as the way Yukinoshita said this was provocative.
''Trusting you is something I can't do, plus you might make the service club look bad, and as president, it's my duty to make things right.'' She emphasized this last part.
''If there is more help, the better.'' Senpai said to lighten the mood, as it seemed that at any moment the two of us would start arguing.
I just sighed at that, and we headed to the student council room.
After a few minutes of walking, we arrived.
As we entered, I noticed that the place was empty, apart from the large pile of boxes there.
''The other members went out to do some things to get everything ready for the cultural festival, so I was tasked as secretary to gather staff to locate these boxes that are in surplus.'' Senpai was cheerful as she said this, she had already accomplished her goal, gathering people to do the job, so technically she was done with hers.
''No problem.'' There was already little time left for the club activities to end, so I wanted to get this done quickly, so I could leave.
I took the biggest box and loaded it up.
''That one goes to the cooking club.'' Said Shiromeguri-senpai
Now the problem is that I have no idea where the cooking club is.
But to my surprise, Senpai also picked up a box that was under mine.
She noticed my somewhat confused look.
''It's obvious that I'll help too, I won't stand by and watch others do all the work.''
I was wrong with my previous thoughts; it seems I misjudged her to think that I would just watch like a boss but help in this like a true leader.
''Shiromeguri-senpai, you have my vote.'' I said honestly.
''What are you talking about?'' She tilted her head doubtfully. Seriously, she's quite cute when she does that.
Now I feel as if I had enough energy to face the demon king if I were in an isekai world.
''Yukinoshita-san, you can take that box to the music club.'' Said senpai in a good mood, as she took my words as some kind of joke. Maybe she's still not thinking about running for student council president.
Yukinoshita lifted the somewhat large box without much difficulty, I guess she's not just a fragile flower.
''Tsurumi-kun, I hope you can do your job correctly this time.'' Yukinoshita said with a serious tone.
''You said it, my way is wrong to do things, but for these scenarios, it's perfect.'' I said in an arrogant manner.
''Then shall we go?'' Senpai said as she led the way.
So I started to follow senpai to the cooking club.
The walk was quite silent, except that senpai was humming a song, which I found pleasant.
Once at the door of the club, senpai knocked on the door and a few seconds later a girl opened the door, she looked a bit older, so she must be a sophomore or senpai, maybe she is the president of the club.
''We brought the utensils that you requested; it was approved your request.'' Said Shiromeguri-senpai in a good mood.
''Really!'' The girl who is my senpai was cheerful at Shiromeguri-senpai's words. ''Please come in.'' She said as she opened the door fully.
The cooking club was located in one of the home economics classrooms, but these were to only use the designated utensils, and if they wanted more, they had to make formal requests to the student council.
Once we left the boxes in a corner, we proceeded to say our goodbyes and leave the classroom, Senpai looked in a good mood at having new things. The other members also shared this excitement.
The excitement of having something to share with people close to you, something simple but striking to observe.
''By the way, Tsurumi-kun, do you have a somewhat pensive expression, is something wrong?'' Senpai asked.
Senpai is quite perceptive.
''I was just thinking about how Shiromeguri-senpai would make a great student council president.'' I said the first thing that came to my mind.
''Do you think so?'' She said as she seemed interested in my words.
''That's right, the way you do things shows that you are a good leader, and how other students showed respect towards you.'' When we entered the cooking club, the other members bowed towards Shiromeguri-senpai. Besides, even if she doesn't say it, she will inevitably be one, so there's nothing wrong with me discussing this with her.
''Our student president also told me the same thing, since the senpais have to focus on college exams, so she can no longer have the leadership of the student council.''
''It's normal, the senpais must be having a hard time.'' From my own experience I can say this.
''Although Haruno-san was the president of the student council until the time she graduated. Amazing, isn't it?'' Senpai was excited when talking about Haruno.
''I can imagine.'' For the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita, the university exam must have been no big deal, so she was able to relax and do both at the same time.
''When she graduated, the second-year secretary took over as student council president, and I, who was a first-year member, was chosen as secretary.''
''Then it's normal for the secretary to become the next student president. Besides, I don't see anyone else who is capable of that position.''
Of course, I only know Shiromeguri-senpai, so technically I'm telling the truth. She's a second year, plus she has experience, so she's the best candidate for this position.
''Maybe you're right.'' She said while making a big smile on her face.
Shiromeguri-senpai is so pretty and nice, I feel sorry for the other candidates running for student council president.
Putting aside our conversation, we decided to go back to the student council room to continue working, it's time to get down to work.
After a few laps around the school, the large pile of boxes had been reduced to only 3.
The bell had already rung indicating that the club's activities were over. So carrying these last boxes was the last thing left to do.
''These boxes are for the basketball club which is in the gym room.'' Sobu High is a renowned school, so its facilities were prepared for all kinds of clubs. So it has several gymnastics rooms that are assigned to the various clubs that request them. In addition, the school encourages students to interact with each other.
''With this we are done, so I can take care of carrying this alone.'' I picked up the 3 boxes and lifted them up, although the third one made it a bit difficult for me to see.
''Are you sure, Tsurumi-kun?'' Shiromeguri-senpai was worried about me, how cute.
''The activities are already over, so this is the quickest way to finish.''
While saying this, Yukinoshita took the third box and carried it with him.
''IF you tripped and broke something, it would only be troublesome, so stop being arrogant and do things right.'' She seemed to still be annoyed with me.
Our relationship is still at the same point where we left off.
There being no other way out, I accepted Yukinoshita's help.
"See you Shiromeguri-senpai.'' As this was the last thing, once we are done we can go home.
''See you later.'' Yukinoshita also said goodbye.
Once we said goodbye to Shiromeguri-senpai, we headed to drop off these boxes.
The way was silent, no one said a single word.
When we arrived at the gymnastics hall, it was already empty, the members must have already left.
The storage room had a lock on the outside, so Yukinoshita opened it, and we went inside.
The basketball club's storage room is quite large, as it is also used as a regular gymnastics hall.
Yukinoshita turned on the light bulb, which flickered a bit before doing its job, and we moved to the back to put the boxes away.
Once we arranged them, our work was complete.
As I was thinking about my way home, I could hear a voice.
''Looks like you left the door unlocked, are you an idiot?''
''I'm sure I put a lock on it.''
We could hear the sound of the lock being put on. After this, the footsteps became more distant, leaving us in complete silence.
Is this for real?
I approached the door, and just as I predicted, it was locked from the outside.
''Can't you really check to see if there's anyone inside before you lock it?'' Yukinoshita's complaints were well-founded. Although I could detect something strange in her voice.
''I guess we'll be here until someone finds us.'' What a shitty situation. But there was nothing else to do.
''And of all people, it has to be you, how hilarious.'' Yukinoshita scoffed.
''It's not to my liking either, so don't exclude yourself by yourself.'' I have no reason or reason whatsoever to converse with her during the time we are here.
Seriously, of all the possible clichés, staying locked up with the person you had trouble with is the most common.
I guess now I have to make friends with Yukinoshita and magically someone will find us and open the door at the right moment when we are both in a compromising position.
The only thing missing would be for us to be left in the dark.
And as if someone had heard my thoughts, the spotlight flashed a few times before going out.
Now the place was in complete darkness, my cell phone was left in my suitcase, so there was no light source.
''Yukinoshita what do we do?'' Even though I didn't want to, trying to think of something was the only way to get out of here.
Although I asked, there was no answer from the other party.
This isn't the time when she attacks me from behind and kills me, is it? So that in the end it would all turn out to be her plan to get rid of me.
Maybe I shouldn't have watched that murder documentary, it lets my imagination run wild.
''Yukinoshita you could at least say something par...''
Before I finished speaking, I felt someone approach from behind me. She then clings to me, but her touch was gentle, plus she seemed to be trembling.
''Yukinoshita, you...''
''Just for this moment, please.'' Her voice was brittle. Moreover, I felt her body trembling.
This emotion I know very well, it fears.
During my first months of life, this emotion dominated my mind, to the point that I would not stop crying, of course for a baby it was not out of the ordinary.
At this time, I have many questions, such as why the great Yukinoshita Yukino told me, please, when we are in a dispute. Or if she is afraid of dark places. Or maybe she has claustrophobia.
But the only thing that is clear to me is that I don't want to see her like that.
I've known her for a few days now, and she always comes across as arrogant, puts on airs and thinks she can do anything, even has a fantasy of changing society. But the Yukinoshita I've been able to hear now is just a girl who is afraid.
I could take her away from me, but I don't want to.
After the incident in the forest with Rumi, she gained a phobia of thunder. So on days when there are storms, she usually sleeps with me, and even though our parents suggested that she do it with them, Rumi said she felt comfortable with me. On those days she usually shivers and only calms down when I hold her hand. After all, even though she wants to look mature, Rumi is still a child.
And right now, seeing Yukinoshita in that same state infuriates me for some reason.
It's like taking a disappointment from your heroes.
To think that the great Yukinoshita might be trembling as a helpless child is something that never crossed my mind. But for that very reason, this is something I don't want to see.
I remember that a few meters away there were some mats, so we can use them to sit on.
''Yukinoshita.'' After saying that, I took her by the hands. I thought she would quickly pull away from me, but she didn't. For her to be like this, the fear she must have is deep. As if it was ingrained in her.
I started to move forward while making her follow me.
Once my legs made contact with something, I knew I had arrived.
I took a seat and after a few seconds, she did the same.
The place was in complete darkness, so I couldn't even see her face.
But as I took her hand, I still noticed that she was still shaking.
Seconds passed, but nothing had changed. To think that someone would find us was an idea that made no sense to me. Since apart from us, there was no other member of the club to worry about our absence, and since we didn't have our cell phones, contacting someone was impossible.
What a strange and cliché situation, it really sucks.
I could feel how Yukinoshita was still shaking, even though she was holding my arm to make sure she wasn't completely alone.
I wonder how Yukinoshita would be if she were completely alone.
But that's something I don't have an answer to, and it's not as I want to know either.
All people are afraid of something, so I can understand her. Even me, after all I've been through, I'm still afraid of a lot of things. I'd rather leave things in the back of my mind, so I don't remember them.
Losing everything can leave your mind in a chaotic state.
Acting as if nothing is bothering you to forget this can be the best thing. But at the same time, it is a double-edged sword because, if something bad were to happen, the damage would be much greater. A feeling that only appears in your most frequent nightmares appears.
Having nightmares was something recurrent in me in my first years of life. When I slept, I could only observe her face full of hate, saying those words that were the last thing I could hear.
It was a hell that I was able to overcome, that's why I understand people who are afraid, they remind me of me, so I can't stand by and do nothing.
Even though Yukinoshita is obnoxious and immature, she is still a person I once admired for her insight and maturity. Of course, at that time I was just a teenager, but, still, I don't want to see her in this condition.
Sometimes doing it this way is the way to sort things out.
I stood up to Yukinoshita's surprise.
''Tsurumi-kun?'' Her voice still had that tone of fear and doubt in it.
''If I remember correctly, you said that I was like a caveman who solves things by force, an idiot who just does things in a stupid way, a guy who should know how to solve problems in better ways, but you're right, life teaches you that words won't always solve things, so it's better to be cautious and end everything from the root.''
''I don't know...'' I guess she thinks I'll walk away from her because of this, leave her alone in the place where she feels most vulnerable. I'd like to, but I'd never forgive myself, even if it were for a joke or something, I'd never leave a person who reminds me of myself or someone close to me alone.
''You said so, didn't you?'' I decided to interrupt her as I advanced towards the door. I still remember the place where I was.
''I'm just someone who solves things by force, well, you should feel happy that I'm such a person, otherwise, you would never get out of this place.'' I said arrogantly since solving things this way is my thing.
I hope Shiromeguri-senpai won't be bothered by this.
The sound of the door being sent flying was audible, even though there was no one else around.
If there is no way, just create one. If there is no solution, just create one. If there is an obstacle, just destroy it.
Using my strength, I kicked the door and broke it. The doors in these kinds of places are a little harder than the ones in classrooms, but still, they're not that hard. Otherwise, it would have taken me several attempts to destroy it.
Of course, also, who in their right mind would destroy a school storage room door?
So, making them out of a super tough material would be a bad investment.
I turned around looking towards Yukinoshita, there was still some light left, so the opening I created illuminated towards her.
''The exit is ready.'' I said with a normal tone, as if destroying private property was no big deal.
She had an expression of surprise on her face, plus I could notice some tears in her eyes, which she quickly wiped with her sleeves.
She slowly stood up and approached me.
''You really are an idiot to destroy school property.'' Yukinoshita put on an expression I had never seen before. ''But, still, thank you.''
I couldn't hear the last thing she said since it was in a low voice, but I could imagine it.
''Yukinoshita-san, Tsurumi-kun!'' Shiromeguri-senpai's voice was audible.
She quickly approached us. And to her surprise, she noticed that the warehouse door had been knocked down and smashed.
Come to think of it, wasn't it enough to just knock it down instead of destroying it? I guess I got carried away.
''What happened!?'' Her surprise is justified, though that she came after I destroyed the door. Didn't that mean that, if I waited a few more minutes, everything would have been taken care of?
''When we dropped things off, some members of the basketball club thought they left the door unlocked, so they locked us inside.'' There was no point in lying.
''I can see it, but the door.'' She had a somewhat incredulous look on her face at the state of the warehouse door. ''I went to their club to thank them properly, but I couldn't find them, and since their things were still in that place, I thought something like that might have happened, and I came quickly.'' Shiromeguri-senpai was able to deduce that easily, seriously, it's unbelievable.
''Shiromeguri-senpai, in fact...'' Yukinoshita's voice sounded somewhat reluctant to speak.
Saying that someone else destroyed the door because you are terrified of dark places or being locked up was not an easy thing to say.
''I'm sorry, Shiromeguri-senpai.'' I bowed. ''I have claustrophobia, so being in an enclosed and dark place made me lose control, so I ended up looking for a way to get out of that place. I didn't measure the consequences of my actions, so I apologize.''
This was the only way for Yukinoshita not to confess about her fear, or that I destroyed the door for her to be free.
My performance surprised Yukinoshita, her face confirmed it. Moreover, Shiromeguri-senpai had a complicated face when she heard my words.
''You don't have to apologize; I should have foreseen that something like this would happen. Besides, I gave you a hard time because of my lack of foresight.'' She apologized. ''But don't worry, the student council will take care of the rest, I'm sorry again that you had a hard time, Tsurumi-kun.''
''Don't worry, Shiromeguri-senpai, these are things that are hard to foresee, so it's no problem. Besides that, if the student council should need help at any other time, I'll be happy to help.'' That's the only thing I can do since the student council will take care of sorting out my mess.
''The service club will be happy to help.'' Yukinoshita complemented my words. Now she already had that serious expression that characterizes her. That's how it should be.
''I'll take them at their word.''
After our small talk, we headed to the service club for our things.
I didn't expect to be locked up together with Yukinoshita, but I got to know a side of her that I'm sure she wouldn't want to show anyone.
A person's most vulnerable moment is something one should not show, as people will know your weak point.
Once I took my things, Yukinoshita did the same, and we left the club.
''Why did you do that?'' But before I started on my way, Yukinoshita's words stopped me.
''I don't like being locked up, so I behaved like a caveman using force to fix things.'' I said with an amused tone.
''I don't mean that, but because you lied to Shiromeguri-senpai.'' Yukinoshita said with a serious tone.
''For humans to feel fear is a normal emotion, if we didn't have them, we couldn't consider ourselves human, even I have fears too. But the hardest thing is to tell someone about them, but there couldn't be a worse situation if they found out about your fears in another way.'' There was no point in dwelling on the matter too much, so I decided to joke. ''Besides, I don't like being cooped up with someone like you either, maybe if you had bigger breasts and were more approachable, I wouldn't have had any complaints.'' I said this with a mocking tone
She just looked at me somewhat incredulously, but quickly put a smile on her face and then sighed.
''I guess expecting more from you is impossible, but, even if I want to deny it, using force can be the solutions for some situations.''
The atmosphere had changed between us.
''But first it is good to evaluate all the above alternatives. If there is no other method, it is feasible.'' To say that doing things with violence will solve everything is a lie.
''It looks like you can at least use that head of yours to think and not just focus on something as banal as a girl's body parts.'' She looked happy as she said this, plus she had her signature smile.
''You can't blame me, if you had more chest, it would be easier for me to deal with you.'' I said in a joking tone.
''Should I call the authorities for harassment? Or maybe solve this by myself?'' Yukinoshita said while looking at me in a way that denoted danger.
''Oe, oe, is that how you'll treat your savior, you should show more respect.'' I said with an arrogant tone.
''If I had known that my savior was a hopelessly depraved person, I would have preferred to stay there, even though I was in more danger in that place.'' Yukinoshita said with a somewhat curious expression.
''Even if you were the last woman on earth, I wouldn't lay a hand on you.'' I said arrogantly.
''I feel the same way, I should get an eye exam before I can be interested in someone like you.'' Yukinoshita said in a presumptuous manner.
''It looks as if we finally agree on something.''
After saying this, I turned to go home, many things happened, but everything ended well.
''Tsurumi-kun'' Yukinoshita's words stopped me through.
''See you on Monday, bye.'' Yukinoshita said this with a few smiles on her face as she waved her hand in farewell.
''See you.'' I said goodbye and continued on my way.
Seriously, Yukinoshita can look cute when she wants to, if I had kept seeing her for any longer, I would have fallen in love with her without hesitation. Acting as if a normal girl was the best thing for her.
With these thoughts, I headed home.
If you're wondering where I got the idea of Yukinoshita being afraid of being locked up and in the dark, it was from a fanfic. I simply took that idea.
Haruno should appear in 2 chapters. Yumiko and Kawasaki in 3 chapters. Maybe they'll say I'm forgetting about them, but they'll have a lot of prominence later on. I'm bad at balancing this.