The Grey Lie
Yu Ishigami sighed. Of all the times it could have rained it just had to be today. Usually, it never bothered him. He was cooped up inside his room all day playing video games anyways after school.
But in this very, very rare occasion, he wanted to participate at the sport festival. Maybe it was the cheer club he joined that knocked him out of his sense of nihilism he harbored. He guessed he wouldn't know because it was raining.
He stood underneath a structured tent, his arms folded as he overheard the rain tapping on the roof. Everyone scurried away with their tails tucked between their legs. They were sent home early as a result.
On the bright side, he'll be able to watch his favorite anime live. But damnit, he could catch up on his anime anytime. Today, he wanted to impress the girl of his dreams. Yu cursed Mother Nature.
Speaking of which, Tsubame Koyasu, the source of his affection stood underneath the tent opposite of his own. The pink haired girl with a red hair ribbon spoke to her classmates. Yu could tell she was disappointed too by the rain. Despite frowning, she was still cute. He couldn't help but admire her from a far.
Suddenly, Tsubame's fingers went to the strap of her gym bloomers to adjust it more comfortably. His face was burning red. He couldn't gaze away at all as his eyes went towards her thighs.
He looked up, and their eyes met. Yu felt his heart jumping out of his chest. He was caught in the act. Tsubame looked surprised, noticing him noticing her.
Instead, Tsubame smiled and waved enthusiastically towards Ishigami in the distance. He waved back shyly. 'Heh close call!' If anyone saw that, he'd be branded a pervert for sure.
"You're a pervert Ishigami kun." Kaguya Shinomiya said, carrying a box of sports equipment. She sat it down, alongside all the other crates. She was wearing her gym clothes, sporting a red bandana around her head. All in the name of team spirit.
"What did I do wrong now?" He sighed. Obviously, in Shinomiya's eyes, Yu knew that he could do nothing right.
"Except for not helping me with packing up? You're obviously leering at the girls opposite side of us." She spoke. "As part of the student council, you should know better."
And to her bafflement, he ignored her and still looked on. She marched towards the treasurer of the group.
Kaguya was curious to find out what type of girl he likes, obviously, one that was completely out of her league.
"Tsubame huh? She's out of your league." Kaguya smirked. Forget that it was out of his stratosphere.
"Whatever" He ignored her and went to start packing. Maybe now, she wouldn't hammer him on.
"I mean, I don't want to shame you Ishigami-kun, she's the Madonna of the school and you're... well." She didn't have to finish that story. He knew he was a sludge dredge to society with a permanent record who wouldn't amount to anything.
He walked past her with a box, not saying anything.
"Come on, don't be like that! Let's talk about your silly little crush!" Kaguya implored.
"I thought Chika was the love detective here." Ishigami joked. He went back to pack more things.
"Excuse me." He stormed by her, picking up way more than he could carry. He slammed it down rough, not caring if he damaged anything.
Usually, their hurled insults would bounce off Ishigami like water, but he seemed genuinely upset over her comments. Something that not a small crush could do, but actually love. Love like the one she has for the President.
The Ice Princess felt bad. She tried to make things better with Ishigami while maintaining her stoic integrity. "That's not to say you don't have good qualities. I'm sure-"
Yu stopped her right there. He shrugged. "You really don't have to sugar coat it, Shinomiya Senpai. I get it. There's nothing remarkable about me. I have no charm. No girl would ever like me."
Kaguya felt guilty. His self-esteem was now lower than his grade score. She fidgeted, trying to save the situation.
"Let's just forget this ever happened." Yu didn't want to make things any more awkward. "I want to go home and watch anime."
Today certainly rained on his parade. Kaguya nodded, although not feeling any less guilt stricken. They continued, packing all the fun sports festivities they've missed out on. The rain's downpour only worsened throughout the day.
First, the normal students left. Eventually, all the teacher's staff from Shuchiin Academy too. When it was only the student council remaining, Shirogane had to go to his part time job, Chika grew bored from the lack of games and departed, Miko was so tired from planning the festival beforehand that Kaguya told her to go home. She assured her that she and Ishigami had everything under control.
True to Kaguya's word, they finished everything neatly.
"Man, what a hassle to do all that. Didn't they bother to watch the weather forecast before taking everything out? They really could have saved us a lot of trouble."
Kaguya looked up at the dark clouds, standing beside him. "I guess that's the thing about summer rain. You can never predict it."
"HEY ISHIGAMI! LONG TIME NO SEE!"
Ishigami and Kaguya's moment of serenity was ruined by a group of people storming under their roof. They weren't from Shuchiin. They had grey school uniforms. Kaguya didn't recognize the school, but judging from Ishigami's defensive action, they were trouble.
Ko Ogino walked up to his former classmate with a puffed-out chest while his arm was hooked around Kyoko Ootomo in a prideful fashion. The golden brown haired and blue-eyed beauty he once had fallen for was holding his source of pain while glaring at him. Accompanying them was five other teens in the same school. He didn't recognize any of them.
Yu kept his cool. "Oh, it's you two. What do you want?"
Ogino acted as if he was breaking bread with a good friend. "Why for some good ol' fashioned revenge. You didn't think we'd let you go after what you did to us."
"That's right Ishigami, you bastard!" Kyoko yelled out. "Don't deny it. You know what you did."
He stood his ground, glaring at this vile peace of shit called Ogino, the thunder striking close to them. "Oh, you mean how you tried to buy my silence with Kyoko's nude pictures and how I beat the crap out of you because of it?"
Ishigami glared at Kyoko who hugged her boyfriend's arm and hid behind him. "You are really pretty but you have shit taste in men."
Ogino gritted his teeth, accusingly pointing a finger towards Yu. "NO! You beat me, took the phone straight off me and distributed those pictures."
Kaguya approached Yu from behind, whispering. "Ishigami kun, who are these people?"
He ignored Kaguya. This was a first time Yu was hearing about this. If Ogino attempted to bribe him, he wouldn't be surprised if he showed others the pictures and that's how it spread like a wildfire. This was him saving face.
"I would never do it. I never saw them. Let alone send them." He looked at Ogino and then Kyoko, who shot fire daggers at him.
"You hurt Kyoko-chan! You're going to pay Ishigami." The one student yelled.
Yu looked completely unfazed by the threat of this person he never saw before. "You know what I hate as much as a liar like Ogino? It's white knights who blindly defend any girl no matter how wrong they are. What did he promise you? More Kyoko lewds?"
Kaguya tugged the back of his shirt. "This is seriously getting out of hand. I'm ending this."
Ishigami looked over his shoulder and whispered. "Stay out of this Shinomiya. I've got this."
She rolled her eyes. Obviously, he didn't. It looked like this was going to escalate.
"Who's the girl Ishigami? Is that your girlfriend? Are you going to ruin her life like you did with my girl?" Ogino asked.
"No, she's my friend who happens to be a girl. Can't a guy and a girl just hang around and be friends?"
Kyoko glanced at Kaguya. "You better careful around Ishigami. The creepy introvert will use you too. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing."
Kaguya remained behind Ishigami. "I'll take my chances with him."
Yu smiled, relishing in the remarks his former crush made. "Trust me, I wish I was the monster you make me to be."
He then glared at Ogino. "I should have killed you when I had the chance."
His words spat with so much venomous hatred and conviction. Yu's hands formed into fists, ready to pummel him and his friends.
Ishigami looked back at the distraught Kaguya. The girl was slightly trembling but hiding it under her ice-cold demeanor. For her sake, he refrained from violence, however.
"That's exactly why we came prepared Ishigami!" Ogino obviously referred to his five lackeys who surrounded him and Kaguya. "You're not going to blind side me like the last time. If you're not going to apologize like the teachers said you should, then we're going to beat an apology out of you. You're going to grovel at my Kyoko's feet and beg for her forgiveness!"
The thunder struck again. Kyoko smiled vindictively while hugging Ogino's arm. He didn't think someone this sweet could be bitter and resentful.
Ishigami looked down on the ground, admitting defeat. "Just let Shinomiya Senpai go. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Ishigami kun..." She was seeing this protective side of him she never expected.
Ogino raised his brow. "You mean the girl? She can go. Our qualm isn't with her but you...eheh..you're staying put."
Kaguya declined the offer, staying with her fellow student council member instead. To everyone's surprise she walked up and stood in front of Ishigami with outstretched arms to protect him.
"Gentlemen, this is an established high school that prohibits any sort of violence. Now as you're aware, the sports festival was cancelled, so you being here can be regarded as trespassing. Please leave the premises immediately." If they didn't understand, she was also fluent in French too.
"Beat it squirt! Ishigami is going to pay for what he did to Kyoko-chan tonight!" One of the rival's school student's grabbed Kaguya by her upper arm and pulled her away from Ishigami.
"My, you're quite the brute." Her cheek twitched while she faked a smile. She was ready to lay down a world of hurt on this guy.
At that very moment, seeing someone lay a hand on Kaguya; something inside Ishigami had snapped. The thunder struck close by him. Next thing he knew, he grabbed a heavy metal ball that was used for shot put, slamming it hard against the skull of the teen that touched Shinomiya. It was a euphoric satisfying moment watching his teeth fly out of his mouth.
Everyone looked in absolute shock, even the stoic Kaguya. Ishigami stood over the unconscious kid. He dropped the ball as it seamlessly rolled away. 'Shit..'
"YU RUN!" Kaguya screamed at the top of her lungs.
He saw the other four ran towards him without a second hesitation. Ishigami took a defensive position, shielding his face with his arms. A barrage of fists was delivered on his forearms.
Suddenly, he felt a brimming pain on his side. A brutal kick was delivered to his ribs. The impact was so strong that it sent Ishigami flying from the structured tent and onto the center of the running track field.
He felt the hard torrential rain on his back. Holding his side, Yu struggled to get back on his feet. Ogino's four henchmen came running to him again. They didn't care about the current weather.
'These guys are trained in Judo. I have to be careful.' Suddenly, he regrets not taking any form of self-defense when he was being a neet. 'Damn, Ogino! Getting other people to do his dirty work!'
All of them charged at once at different sides, disorientating Ishigami. The student swung his fist as it landed on Ishigami's jaw. Yu grabbed a hold of a grey jacket, yanking the student to him so his fist could connect with his face.
Another student placed Yu in a rear chokehold. The loner literally used his head, pulling back at full speed so the back of his head could collide against the student's mouth.
Finally, he broke free from the grasp, allowing him to breath for a few seconds. Just to get a swinging kick from a martial artist kid. Thinking quickly, Ishigami swept his feet, tripping the trained fighter. He kicked him hard as a he laid down.
This was getting too much. Before he had the opportunity to collect his bearings, Ogino decided to finally participate in the fight. He speared Ishigami to the ground. The tables have turned now, Ogino started to lay his fists repeatedly on Yu, a complete reversal of middle school's event. He was unable to counter any of his moves.
Kaguya could only hopelessly watch in shock while Kyoko looked on with absolute glee.
Before he had a new lease of energy, one of the students who recovered kicked Ishigami's head. Yu could hear his ears ringing while his vision became blurry.
Another student joined, kicking the wind out his sails. He lost track when the entire group of five punched and kicked him non-stop. By then, he only accepted his cruel fate.
Ogino grabbed Ishigami's shirt. "Not so much fun being on the receiving end, huh?"
He slammed him back on the ground. "Grab his legs!"
Per Ogino's order, two of cronies took his ankles, dragging his injured body on the hard concrete. The rain was dropping on his face while he looked up at the dark heavens.
"Get him up!" Ogino demanded. They were close to the tent when Ishigami was hoisted up to his knees by two students, coming face to face with Kyoko and a traumatized Kaguya.
Ogino grabbed a handful of Yu's black hair. "Well, Ishigami, what are you waiting for?"
Yu locked eyes with Kyoko with a rebellious gaze. He was done being someone's doormat. "Go to hell...dumbass!"
Kyoko kicked him in the stomach. He hunched over in pain but was brought back to his knees by the henchmen. Again, she kicked him and again and again as she released all her frustration on Ishigami. He was laid down on the ground when she kicked him on his head and shoulder. Her foot was getting tired.
Ishigami was unconscious before he even apologized. All of a sudden revenge didn't seem so sweet. It just made her feel empty. The girl spat on him for closure.
She took Ogino's hand. "Thank you, Ko! I feel much better already. We can go now."
"You sure babe? He didn't say sorry!" Ogino in all honesty wasn't satisfied yet.
Kyoko watched Kaguya running to Ishigami, cradling the beaten and battered teen in her arms. "...I'm sure. I had my fill."
With that said, the power couple took off with their five classmates. A few of them however walked away crippled. They left Kaguya alone to pick up the pieces.
Kaguya gritted her teeth in frustration. Even with all her self-defense training, her body froze the entire time. She failed to protect Ishigami, and she failed as a student council body member.
She hugged the beaten and battered Ishigami, blaming her shortcomings for these results. All this time he suffered alone without saying a single word, enduring insults everywhere even from her own tongue.
The rain continued with no end in sight, leaving the two with only its harsh reality. There was no resolution to this conflict. The outcome was as gloomy as the weather.
When Yu woke up, he was back in his house. He was lying on his side. His head was resting on something. 'What was it?' He wondered. It couldn't be a pillow. The sensation was too different to be the case.
He heard a girl sighing in relief. "Thank goodness you're awake. I was starting to get worried."
His eyes shot open. He recognized the voice. It dawned on him. He was resting his head on a girl's soft lap, but not just any ordinary girl. This was Kaguya Shinomiya's thighs.
"...Shinomiya?"
She placed her finger on his head to keep him pinned down. "No sudden movement. You did get hurt after all."
"Fair enough." He didn't mind the comfortable position despite Kaguya scaring the ever-loving shit out of him. He stayed. She was still wearing the PE sweatpants.
"Honestly, that was one of the most barbaric displays I've ever seen of you, Ishigami kun."
"I'm sorry." It was a good thing he couldn't look the student council body in the eyes. He also lost the fight too, so he didn't even reclaim his honor to add insult to injury. He was ashamed.
"And yet..."
He shut his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the mother of all lectures, except it never came.
"You were a formidable warrior!" Kaguya proclaimed. "You were so brave Ishigami. You kept your nerves calm until that brute had touched me. It made my heart race when you stood up for me!"
"But I had my ass kicked."
"Be it as it may, you were super cool! If my heart wasn't taken already, then I probably would have fallen for you!"
He chuckled over the idea of them as a couple. "I was just looking for an excuse, anything really."
Yu kept discrediting himself at every opportunity.
"Well, a Shinomiya always pays their debt. So, as your reward you get to rest on a lap of a pretty girl. You should be honored Ishigami-kun."
He smiled and closed his eyes contently. "Not bad at all, Shinomiya."
She playfully ruffled his hair. "My oh my, getting cocky, aren't we? I can only imagine if it had been Tsubame in my place."
"Heh, so you know. Was I really that obvious?"
"I wouldn't say that obvious, but... yeah, actually you were."
"So much for subtlety." He said sarcastically. "I wanted to show off for her at the sports festival. Look how that ended up."
She combed his hair so it wouldn't cover his face. "You'll have your opportunity. Who knows she might be head over heels for you."
"Pfft, I wish!"
There was a silence. The only thing they overheard was the rain outside while it was getting darker.
"It's getting late. Can you stand Ishigami-kun?"
"Come on, I'm useless but I'm not that useless." He tried to pull himself up. He groaned in pain as his head sat back down on Shinomiya's lap.
"Don't overexert yourself. You're still hurt. Let me help." The smaller girl pulled him up along with herself. They stood up from the sofa.
"I got this from here." Yu assured Kaguya. However, she took him by his hand and led him to his bedroom.
He flipped the switch at the hallway. No lights came on. "No power?"
"There's a huge outage in your neighborhood due to the storm. Watch your step!" Kaguya warned him, tugging on his hand.
If circumstances had been different, then the idea of being stuck in a dark house with Kaguya would have been the ideal horror movie.
She took her old flip phone out while guiding Ishigami. "Hayasaka, it's me. I'll be staying here for the rest night. Yeah, I'm fine with it. No, Ishigami isn't that sort of guy. He won't try anything. I'm sure. You can take the day off. What should you tell my father? Ugh, just think of an excuse. Thanks, you're a lifesaver! No, that doesn't mean you can go after Miyuki! Hello? Hello!? I can't believe she hung up on me!"
He was half dazed. "What are we going to do in my room?"
She rolled her eyes, sarcastically adding. "I've decided it's the place where I am going to kill you Ishigami-kun."
"Huh. Whatever. Just make it fast and put me out of my misery." Yu humored her.
His room door squeaked open. Kaguya led him inside by hand. His room didn't surprise her. It was filled with anime posters and figurines as well as a gaming system with a television. He took his escapism seriously, and then again after today, she didn't really blame him.
"Bed." Yu said, jumping and landing face first on the squeaking bed. He groaned on the pillow, ready for a goodnights rest.
That was until he felt extra weight being pressed on his bed and then it hit him harder than Chika with a folded newspaper. Kaguya was on the bed on all fours.
"Uhh, Shinomiya. What are you doing?"
She acted completely natural. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm giving you the rest of your gift."
Yu could see a bit of her red bra under the collar of her gym shirt collar, making him turn red. Kaguya Shinomiya was objectively an attractive girl despite scaring the Bejesus out of him, there's no denying that but he never thought of her in such a way. She was more like a sister, and he wasn't a siscon either.
"You wanted to cuddle with Tsubame, right? I'm more than willing to be a placeholder for tonight for your bravery."
He wasn't certain how to feel about that.
"First some ground rules, no kissing! I'm saving my first kiss for..." Her face burned up. " ..for someone special."
"Is that someone the president?" His words were muffled against the blanket but audible enough for her to hear.
She gave him a stern look, ignoring his question and moving on to the next boundary.
"Rule number two, holding and touching is fine but nothing too inappropriate. I want my first time to be with someone special!"
"Is that someone the president?" He smirked, throwing shade again at the girl.
She groaned. "Do we have a deal or not? Stop wasting my time!"
It didn't take long for him to come to a conclusion. He yearned for any sort of contact; it didn't have to be romantic. He was just tired of being alone and wanted to be happy.
"Deal." He said quickly which surprised even Kaguya who had to maintain her dignity by clearing her throat.
Yu pulled the blanket open, allowing Kaguya to crawl in. He couldn't believe this was occurring. She rested her black hair on his outstretched arm. She smelled like cherries; the scent was pleasant.
"How cute, you are blushing! Now you can tell everyone you cuddled with a cute girl!" Kaguya teased, curling up against Yu.
"No one would believe me." A common thing for someone his reputation.
"Let's keep this a secret then." She winked at him. Kaguya moved her head closer. "You can hug me you know. I'm not going to bite."
Cautiously, his hand reached out, but he hesitated the last second. Annoyed by his reluctantly, she grabbed his hand and guided it to her lower back. "Like this."
Taking initiative, he pulled her close for the hug, feeling that warmness and connection that he yearned for. It was so good he had to prevent himself from breaking into tears of joy right there.
"So, is it as great as you hoped?" She teased.
"Y-Y-Yeah!" Yu stammered. With his other hand, he reached back and combed the Ice Princess's jet-black hair repeatedly "No wonder normies love this. Cuddling with cute girls are the best!"
She blushed hard. Somehow it felt like a critical strike delivered by Shirogane. "Me? Cute!?"
His chin rested on the top of her head. Yu's fingers undid her red hair tie, so he kept running through her flawless hair.
Her arms went around Ishigami's torso. She buried her nose in his shirt. "You shouldn't say it so casually. A girl might get the wrong idea, you know!"
"Eh? But you are cute Shinomiya when you're not a pain in the ass or scary."
"I'm sorry I didn't hear that correctly." Kaguya raised an eyebrow and looked up at Yu.
"N-never mind!" He stuttered in fear.
'Thought so!' She rested on his chest. Truth be told, she never thought highly of Ishigami, indifference is more like, until today. He was like a big protective brother over her. She felt safe in his arms.
Kaguya curled up against Ishigami, moving uncomfortably due to the throbbing pain in her arm.
"Shinomiya, are you okay?"
She shook her head. "My arm it really hurts."
Yu used the backlight of his phone to see and rolled up Kaguya's short sleeve. Her upper arm where Ogino's henchman had grabbed her was bruised and already turning blue.
In his eyes, she was hurt because she was associated with him. It looked really bad.
"Stay here. We have a med kit in the house." Despite being in a comfortable position, Yu stood up. Ishigami made his way to the dark kitchen, rummaging through the cupboards until he found his first aid.
He applied heating cream for the sore muscles and wrapped a bandage tightly on her arm, finishing with a ribbon tie, which she thought was cute. Her arm felt better already.
All this time he refused to give any eye contact. Was it out of shame?
Yu laid back down on the bed. Kaguya cuddled against him, throwing the blanket over them both. Along with rain, it sent a cold chill in the air.
Kaguya observed him up close. "I know how you're feeling. You're upset and blame yourself."
"It is my fault." He said plainly. "I couldn't protect Kyoko and I failed to protect you. You must probably hate me now too."
She rested her head against his chest. He continued. "And you know what pisses me of? He gets away with everything! He walks into the sunset and I have to watch it happen all over again."
His voice cracked as he pulled on his hair in frustration. "I don't want to live in such a world Shinomiya."
Before he had knew it, Yu started to cry, pouring his heart out to a girl he once feared.
She hugged him even tighter than, before. "Ishigami-kun."
Kaguya held him close, patting his back. Her voice was soothing. "Ssshhh..there there. It's okay. I'm here for you Ishigami-kun, okay. You don't hold back anymore. Let it all out."
All that bottled emotions he held on through middle school was finally released as the waterworks continued. Kaguya could feel the tears running down on her neck.
"I'm sorry. You got hurt because of me. It's better if you and the rest of the student council distance yourself from me. I don't want any of you to get hurt again and to have your name dragged through the mud."
"Don't say that!"
"It's the truth. I'm better off alone and dead."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Ishigami-kun, look at me. Don't tell me who I can or can't associate with. Because I can make my own decision and I choose you. You're a valuable member to our council."
Their foreheads touched. "A Shinomiya doesn't get intimidated. We aren't a powerful household for nothing."
Be that as it may, as long as they were together, everyone close to him had a bull's-eye on their back. He wouldn't want that. However, Shinomiya was as stubborn as ever.
"Besides, I know all those rumors of you being some perverted trouble making beasts is absolute hogwash."
"And how do you know that? They could be speaking the truth."
"Hmm! For starters, you didn't make any advancement even though you have a cute girl in your arms. A lesser man would have given in by now."
"I promised you, didn't I?"
She smirked. "What if I was Tsubame? I bet it would be a whole different story."
He blushed and locked his hands behind her back. He'd be lying if that weren't the case. "Well..."
Grinning victoriously, Kaguya moved her head closer invading what little space Ishigami had until he could feel her hot breath on his face. "Tsu-ba-me."
Seeing him all flustered over breaking his crush's name into syllables was icing on the cake. She didn't want to stop there. "What if I was Tsubame right now? Would you kiss me?"
His stomach turned into a tight knot. Her red bright eyes lit the darkened room. She had a gleeful smile. He heard from Shirogane about her trickery when the poor President was stuck with Kaguya in the dusty gym storage shed.
But to experience it firsthand was something else. Yu felt like molding clay in her palms. Kaguya leaned in even further. Ishigami shut his eyes closed, waiting for the inventible.
He felt something soft press against his lips. It was soft. Carefully, he opened one eye.
Kaguya pressed her index finger against his lips the entire time, spotting an incredibly mischievous smile alongside it. "Just kidding!"
His eyebrows furrowed. For someone who can be so mature at times she can also be so childish. "Very funny 4/10."
"How adorable! Are you by any chance disappointed Ishigami-kun?" She persisted.
"Whatever. I knew it was a test the entire time. You can't fool me." Yu had a poker face.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Tsubame will be more than happy to give you your first kiss." Her hand was condescendingly over her mouth in shock.
But in the meantime, there was another matter that had to be discussed.
Yu looked away from Kaguya. "By tomorrow, news about the incident will come out, I'm definitely going to get expelled."
"You don't know that for certain Ishigami."
"I do. It's how I'm perceived. I am the bad guy. Ogino knows it; Kyoko knows it and everyone know it. They're not going to hear my side of the story."
There was no doubt that Ishigami was held under a microscope. His father might be a big shot of a toy company, but Shuchiin warned them if Yu were in any altercation he would be kicked out.
"That's the way it is."
He continued, looking away out of embarrassed. "Shinomiya Senpai, can I ask that you keep holding me like this and tell me everything is going to be okay? Even if everything is not okay, especially if it's not."
She squeezed him tighter in the hug. Kaguya may look petite and frail, but she had a strong grip from all the archery lessons. "Everything will be okay. Miyuki is here for you. Chika is here for you, and I am here for you. You don't have to suffer alone anymore."
She combed the back of his head. "There, there. Now go to sleep. I'll keep your warm."
His eyes felt heavy. Maybe he received brain damage from the beating, but he found so much comfort in Kaguya's words. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep.
Kaguya combed Ishigami's bang away from his face, planting a kiss on his forehead. Just like she did with her baby nephew.
"Goodnight Yu."
Of course, on the day absolutely nothing is planned it would be sunny and clear. It was all about raining on his parade. When he woke up this morning, Kaguya was gone. She probably had to get ready for school and didn't want to be seen alongside him. School pupils see a boy and a girl, and a major scandalmonger begins.
With his hands tucked in his pocket, Ishigami walked to school. For the most part, his injuries were manageable. He had a band-aid on the bridge of his possibly broken nose.
Needless to say, it didn't go unnoticed from Schuchiin Academy students, who immediately gossiped the second he stepped past the entrance gate. News must travel fast.
"That's right say hello to the bad guy." He said quietly.
They made no secret that they were talking about Yu Ishigami. Their whispers were audible, and it infuriated him. At least have the common decency to be more discreet about it. He took the headphones that hung over his neck and placed them on.
The absolute silence drone out almost everything. He could only hear his calming breath while all their judgmental eyes looked on. Petals from the Sakura trees fell off and grazed his face.
Yet he smiled and closed his eyes. Come what may today, he was content. He stood up for himself. He did things his way. And at the end nothing is more beautiful than going out on your own terms. He could live with that, even with an expulsion.
"Ishigami!"
Tsubame Koyasu stood in front of the school's main entrance, making everyone's necks turn. The personification of beauty was running towards him. Seeing her nearly made him tear up.
Tsubame dived in Ishigami's arms, making everyone gasp. He was as shocked as the rest. Yu hugged the pink haired girl as if she were the last plushy available. She had a sweet apricot smell.
Before he knew it, Tsubame's lips clashed on his mouth. Now the people circled around them have even more reason to talk. Yu wrapped his arms around Tsubame's waist and started kissing her back.
He had NO clue where this was coming from, but damnit he was going to seize this moment before expulsion. Tsubame cupped his face, healing his bruises with her warm palms. Neither broke this kiss while they had hundreds of eyes on them. It made him forget about all the pain. Eventually, both gasped for air.
"Tsu-Tsu-Tsubame!"
The school's Madonna blushed. "Are you free on Saturday?"
It was like the kiss reset his brain's factory settings to default. He took a few seconds to respond. "Saturday is good. Yeah, I can do Saturday."
Tsubame smiled. "Good. We can talk about it at the club this afternoon. I'll see you then. I'm proud of you Ishigami."
Tsubame kissed his sore cheek too before reuniting with her blonde friend Rei Onodera, who gave him a thumbs up and a wink. Somehow even one of Ishigami's harshest critics gave him approval. They walked together and ignored all the spectators.
His head was in the clouds while he walked in and went towards the small lockers to switch shoes. Everyone kept gawking at him but for now he still had that amazing kiss lingering on him.
Ishigami entered the main hall and was greeted by a round of applause from school pupils and staff alike. His eyes widened as his anxiety started to spike up. 'What's going on?' It started to freak him out beyond comprehension. No one should be praised for what he did. It was so ominous.
He freaked out, sprinting up the stairs and past the claps and praise. Something wasn't sitting right. If anyone knew, it would be his fellow student council colleagues. Without a second of hesitation, he made a beeline straight to the room.
Ishigami barged into the council, swinging both doors open. Kaguya was in Miyuki Shirogane's arms, crying as she detailed the events of yesterday.
"And...then that one guy said he was going to do all sorts of bad stuff to me! He called me a female dog...and..and Miyuki I was so scared!" She sobbed. "I-I don't know what would have happened if Ishigami kun wasn't there!"
Ishigami had even less of an idea now, seeing the usual strong and perfectionistic Kaguya Shinomiya weep in his chest. The President simply comforted the girl.
Before his brain could process further, Chika Fujiwara, the school's secretary pulled him towards her in an embrace, crushing his bruised ribs while bawling her eyes out. The bubbly girl was hysterical.
"ISHIGAMI KUN YOU ARE SO BRAVE! I'M SORRY FOR BEING SO MEAN TO YOU! DON'T DIE ON US! WAAAHAAA!"
Ishigami didn't feel like he was going to die anytime soon, but with how passionately she was hugging him, she might as well finish the job Ogino intended. She launched multiple kisses on the top of his head just like she does with her floppy dog Pes.
He broke from her grip, not that he didn't mind all the attention from girls, but he was eager for some answers.
Shirogane marched like a man on a mission. The president grabbed Ishigami's shoulders and pulled him in for a hug, shocking the boy even further.
"I'm sorry Ishigami if I hadn't left my post for my part time job then maybe all this could have all been avoided."
"Prez..." Yu was taken back by Miyuki. "It's not your fault."
The blonde boy was relieved. "I heard from Shinomiya. Thank you for protecting her from those scumbags."
"I...did?"
Miyuki smiled. "Of course. All seven of them have been arrested early this morning. Kaguya have already identified them at the police station. They're facing some serious chargers.
Yu looked at Kaguya over Shirogane's shoulder. She was crying as she sat on the green sofa, Chika was hugging her from behind to console her vice president. Between the whimpering and behind the hands she used to wipe her tears from her ruby eyes, Ishigami saw a hidden demonic smile.
"How bad are we talking about?" He asked with a pale face.
"Well trespassing for one, since they jumped over the fence. Conspiracy to kidnap. Assault with a deadly weapon. As well as other additional charges. They ruined their lives before it even began."
'Shinomiya Senpai, what have you done!?' He thought. Kaguya feigned innocence. She softly blew on her tea before drinking it. Chika continued to do her best to keep the traumatized girl safe.
The president clenched his fist. "Good thing authorities managed to get to them first. If I got my hands on them..."
Miyuki broke the hug, smiling for his treasurer. "I was right for choosing you Ishigami. You are a good person and a hero. I'm in your debt."
He looked away. "...don't worry about it."
With that said, Shirogane picked up some files from his decks. "I need to send these documentations for the teachers before school begins. Keep an eye on Kaguya. She needs a friend."
He nodded. "Got it."
Ishigami sat next to Kaguya who had calmed down. When the president left, Chika took off shortly after. She forgot her board game club had a meeting this morning, leaving the two alone. Which begged the question...
"Congratulations on you and Tsubame by the way. I watched everything by the window. Who would have guessed, the loner and the Madonna of this school hooked up." Kaguya casually sipped her tea.
"Okay, what did you say?" He was scared to ask.
"Oh, I told her how you protected me from the people who wanted to kidnap me for ransom money. You requested I proclaim your undying to Tsubame should you not make it out alive. You even chased them away despite being outnumbered and injured. Needless to say she was moved."
"Really? Because I remembered this whole thing playing out differently." He said sarcastically.
Ko Ogino deserved to be punished, but not like this. He was dragging Kyoko and five other people's lives down with him; the latter's worst offense was that they were uninformed simps who didn't have the full story. This. This?
"This wasn't justice. This was petty revenge." Ishigami said.
"There is no real justice in this world, Ishigami. If there was, then yesterday would not have turned out the way it did." Kaguya closed her eyes and enjoyed the sweet aroma that the tea had brought.
"There's a way, there's always a way. This thing will be going to court."
She smiled. "It'll be my word against theirs. They're welcome to try."
It felt like they were two anime characters fighting in an open field discussing their opposing philosophy. "Kyoko...she doesn't deserve this. She'll be going to juvie, and she is going to have a permanent record."
"You mean the girl who sent her lackeys at you, who kicked you and spat on you? You heard what she said, she doesn't let go of a grudge. I won't let her hurt you again. I did this for you!"
Yu shook his head. "I never wanted this."
Tears started to pool in her eyes, genuine ones this time. The teacup was shaking in her hands. "I did this because I care about you, Yu! You're my friend! Hate me or fear me if you must, I won't let you go through that again!"
With his one arm around her, he pulled her in for a hug. Despite their clashing ideologies, it was her most tender moment. "Shinomiya Senpai, that was one of the kindest things you said to me."
Her head rested on his shoulder. He could only sigh from this irregular predicament they've caught themselves in. Kaguya was right in a sense it was only going to end in further heartbreak and bloodshed. Kyoko wouldn't listen even if he had concrete proof. She couldn't be saved because she didn't want to be saved. Ogino would continue to poison her and everyone around him with lies. So what? They conduct a bigger lie to fight his lie. It was a great white lie to throw his life in a whirlwind, and another great white lie to get his life back. From zero to hero.
Kaguya crossed her legs. With her family's wealth and political affiliation, she just ruined seven people's lives with a snap of her finger. She looked up to stare at him, her red eyes sparkling.
It dawned on him.
There wasn't just black and white, there was that morally grey area and sitting right in the middle of it was Kaguya. She was his angel. She was his devil. She was his savior. His worst nightmare. Kaguya put her index finger on her lips, letting Yu know that this will be their little secret. They'll be taking it to the grave with them.
"Care for some tea, Ishigami kun?"
Kaguya Shinomiya was scary.
Kaguya Shinomiya was terrifying.
Author's Note: And thus we have reached another Kaguya and Ishigami friendship story of mine. Thank you for reading and I'll see you on the next one!
Aidan.