Night Flower
Written: 12/12/2023
Chapter 14 is another buildup to the Sport's Festival. Keep in mind there is just over a month before the actual thing. That doesn't mean I'll cover everything that occurs within the month, you can guess through repeated actions and schedules what they would work on. However, I do want to bring some interesting interactions for the buildup.
We will get some interactions, which is what I am focusing on, especially since Munfurawa's past will be coming out a bit. Expect a bit more flashbacks, because his past will be revealed eventually, both his past on the island, and in the "dojo." Even if you predict what Munfurawa's been in, I think the overall lifestyle he used to live would be impressive.
Chapter 14: Sports Festival Preparations Part 2 – Training
"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Flashback (8th Grade Munfurawa)
Munfurawa began to run as fast as he could to his homeroom teacher. He didn't know what to do. He was in a state of disbelief and shock. But even still, he continued running, focusing on getting to the teachers, so they could do something. He was just a kid; how could he know what to do?!
"Noriko…"Munfurawa mumbled, clearly confused, "Why…"
He eventually burst through the door, everyone looked at him surprised due to the frantic expression he was showcasing. It was strange, to many students, who never saw this sort of behaviour from the usual quiet and loner Munfurawa.
"Munfurawa, did you delive-" The teacher never got to finish his sentence, as Munfurawa began to pull him towards the room.
The teacher for one, was very confused as well, but knowing that Munfurawa must have seen something traumatic, knew he needed to take charge. He had seen the faces kids like these made before, and knew it was no laughing matter.
Thus, he followed Munfurawa, until they found the biology room. "What's in the biology room? Why were you looking in there in the first place?" Munfurawa's homeroom teacher, Imai Masaki, had asked.
Imai Masaki was a normal teacher, relatively young compared to the rest of his coworkers, but he radiated an aura of joy and excitement that many students could feel. He enjoyed teaching and watching his students learn about the subject, regardless of how they performed on tests.
Many of the students, in particular, liked him due to his caring attitude, and potential to gain marks through showing what they had learned throughout the course. It seemed very unusual for a teacher, but again considering he was young, he felt the need to switch a bit up to match the environment they were in now.
Before he could ponder about the educational system, he opened the door, which Munfurawa mumbled to do.
Even when he noticed the hanging figure of Noriki, he too was shocked, in a similar fashion to Munfurawa.
"Oh my-…" Masaki wasn't able to think straight. He was observing what was in front of him, as if he was making sure what he saw was real. He thought at first, it was a shadow, poorly reflected from the composition of the room.
He didn't think, he hoped.
But atlas, the world was cruel, and he eventually confirmed to himself that indeed hanging, limp, was Hayashida Noriko. She had gone missing around a day ago, and thus they didn't know where she was. A search team was brought, as at first it was speculated she drowned.
However, seeing her here, like this, was a more tragic fate. When she had officially done the act to end her life, Masaki didn't know, it was any time here before a day had passed.
Masaki sighed, immediately calling emergency services. "Munfurawa, safely take her off the rope." Masaki commanded, and the boy listened, as he carefully took her off, hoping by some miracle she would wake up.
But she was unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse.
"Crap, alright you know CPR?" Masaki asked, and Munfurawa nodded.
"Alright…" Munfurawa responded, while Masaki began calling and notifying them of what was happening at their school. Because they lived on an island of around 50,000 people, services were usually performed by every individual. There was at most five major hospitals on the island. The nearest one from this school was in the major center of the village.
Once he finished, he looked at Munfurawa who was performing the steps to CPR.
He seemed to have safely removed the rope from Noriko's neck, which was red from the pressure being exerted. He seemed to have noticed, as he made sure they were on a flat surface.
As he placed her properly, he then placed his hands on the center of her chest, his shoulders directly over his own hands, elbows locked, as he began to perform a compression. Masaki noticed that Munfurawa had seemed to have been doing the CPR technique right.
He was giving a perfect chest compression towards Noriko, around two inches in depth, with a moderate and consistent pace. He showed no signs of slowing down, as he then began to open her airways.
He lifted her chin and began to give her some breathes. Her chest then began to rise and fall, meaning the breath was causing the chest to move, before he continued. He then got back and performed more chest compressions and breathing techniques, until the paramedics arrive.
Even when they arrive, Munfurawa was still focused on the motion, clearly desperate to get her vital signs back. He wasn't able to confirm for himself before the paramedics took her off. Munfurawa had begun to worry immensely, and Masaki knew why.
Noriko was the only person Munfurawa really talked to. Even if the girl herself openly was the one to approach him, he never did push her away or decline her offers. He did join regardless.
To perhaps see the one person he had actually gotten along with in this position must have terrified the poor boy.
Masaki sighed, "Let's go Munfurawa, the principal is already notifying everyone, the best we can do is continue with the day, and hope for the best."
Munfurawa hesitantly nodded, before he picked up something of interest. Masaki looked confused, before he realized it was a striped red and purple bracelet. What intrigued Masaki more was the fact that Munfurawa had chosen to wear it himself as they went back.
Whether it was for his own greed, Masaki was uncertain, but perhaps it was a way to cope with what he had just witnessed.
Little did Masaki know, that it wasn't the first time Munfurawa had seen a limp body due to suicide.
Eventually, after two hours, they were informed that Hayashida Noriki was dead. She had never regained her functions and vitals, with it implying she had been left for dead for hours before she was discovered.
By the time they had discovered her, it was too late.
Munfurawa was frozen at the news, and everyone within the class were shocked. Noriko was somewhat popular within the school, and hearing about the suicide of a peer was always difficult. Therefore, many within the school decided to set up some counselling with a trained expert in coping with such events.
Masaki had hoped Munfurawa would open himself up and try and heal from this incident. Unfortunately he didn't. Munfurawa had ignored and continued his routine. At lunch he went to the roof alone, trying his best to accept the fact that the one person who talked to him, was now gone.
He couldn't stay back after school, because he had to go to the dojo. Thus, he focused on his own schedule, with the burden of Noriko deep inside his own mind. The bracelet he had taken from the scene a reminder of the person she was.
He began to remember when Noriko had offered to buy Munfurawa a gift of a bracelet similar to hers. Considering he had never received one before, he felt very emotional when revealed. Unfortunately, she never bought it, as they had planned to a month later.
As for why Noriko committed suicide, Munfurawa never knew. He had left school to hang out with Noriko, whom took him to her house, and when he was there, he did notice the tense relationship she had with her parents. Perhaps it was family issues, he didn't know.
All he knew, was that he lost another person he held dear to him.
The following day when he went to the dojo, he was criticized even more for showing emotion. He was always struggling to be the perfect human they wanted, due to him being too emotional. But considering the circumstances he had witnessed, would one blame him for it.
It wasn't until Makoto came in and told them about the news of a girl in his high school, having committed suicide, their tones changed, and they began to focus on recovery, also using this as an opportunity to make his mind more covered up. A way to teach him to hide his feelings, and not showcase weakness, to not hesitate based on your thoughts, and to become better.
Munfurawa was changed, after the death of his first friend, Hayashida Noriko.
As for the aftermath, he was the scapegoat for the blame.
When he made was walking through hallways at one point, some groups of individuals came up to him, sneered, and asked, "How does it feel knowing you killed your girlfriend?"
Munfurawa, was clearly confused, "Girlfriend? She wasn't my girlfriend…" But even when he denied it, the rumour that he 'killed his girlfriend,' began to spread across the school, before it was controlled. The teachers did their best to confirm Munfurawa had no role in Noriko's death, but it was too late.
Noriko's own parents had called the police on him, claiming he had killed her.
Third Person POV
Munfurawa took a sigh, before he realized the individual in front of him: Mio Ibuki.
"Munfurawa-kun." She started, clearly nervous, which confused Munfurawa. Why was she now, using honorifics to describe him? They weren't close as all.
"Yes, Ibuki?" Munfurawa replied at last, and Ibuki held her own skirt.
"Do…" She started, clearly choking on her own words.
Munfurawa was clearly confused, "Do I what?"
Ibuki sighed, "You want to walk together?" She asked, and Munfurawa knew this couldn't be good.
"And how should I trust that you will not lead me to Ryūen?" Munfurawa asked, somewhat accusing Ibuki of leading him towards her dictator.
Ibuki looked down, "I haven't talk to him all today."
"Not enough, you could have talked to him about this last night." Munfurawa replied, making her own words futile.
Ibuki sighed, "Are you really thinking me asking you to have some lunch with me as a way to lead you to Ryūen?"
Munfurawa raised an eyebrow, "You never mentioned about getting lunch together."
Ibuki grunted, "That's what I came here for!"
Munfurawa looked on, pondering. If they would be in the open, then there was no way they could corner him or try to ambush him. With that being know he sighed. "Very well, let's get some food."
Ibuki looked on, a slight blush on her cheeks, "Really?" She asked.
Munfurawa nodded, "Sure, food is good." He shrugged, thinking not much of it.
"Well." Ibuki started, "Let's get some food."
The two began to walk together, not noticing the strange look from Kamuro, who sighed, clearly wanting to ask him something as well.
Eventually, the two got to the cafeteria, as they sat down.
Munfurawa looked around, "Where exactly do you want to eat, Ibuki?" Munfurawa asked, and Ibuki looked on.
"Perhaps some sushi?" Ibuki asked.
"Sure, I never had sushi before." Munfurawa commented, and Ibuki's eye's widened.
"Really?!" Ibuki seemed shocked, "Well let me treat you to one then!" She unexpectedly got up and made her way to a nearby store. She then quickly came back, three minutes later with some sushi.
Munfurawa looked at the contents, and was mixed. "Well, that is a unique look to food." He commented, and Ibuki chuckled.
Before Munfurawa noticed, he saw that Ibuki had raised her arm. In her hand, were chopsticks with a piece of sushi.
"Here, eat it." Ibuki commented, and Munfurawa nodded.
He opened his mouth and felt the sushi go inside his mouth. He chewed it, seeing Ibuki give a small smile to him. He then swallowed it, and hummed.
"Not bad, it was pretty good. But why did you feed me?" He asked, and Ibuki faltered.
"I-I just t-thought you would h-hess-si-tate." Ibuki stammered, clearly embarrassed that he caught onto them.
Munfurawa shrugged, "Alright, that's fine, I guess I'll do the same."
"Hah?!" Ibuki squeaked in surprised, before she noticed that Munfurawa had held his own arm out, with chopsticks on his fingers, with a piece of sushi in its contents.
Ibuki was frozen, clearly blushing at this act. "Uhh. I don't thi-"
"Come on, you made me do it, it's only fair." Munfurawa insisted, before he lowered his voice. "Come on, be a good girl and take it."
Ibuki squeaked in the response, before she hesitantly opened her mouth. Feeling her mouth filled with the sushi Munfurawa had given her.
"There, that wasn't too hard, wasn't it?" Munfurawa asked, and Ibuki nodded.
"Why is he such a sadist… He has to do this…" Ibuki thought. As she began to enjoy the time they had spent together.
Eventually, he got up, "Lunch is almost over, we should head out."
Ibuki then quickly got up, "Wait! Do you want to go out again after?"
Munfurawa shrugged, "Sure, but if you try to lead me to Ryūen, I won't forgive you."
Ibuki nodded, as she began to follow Munfurawa back to his class. "Why are you following me?"
Ibuki looked on, "I'm making sure you are back safely, after all if Ryūen did come after you, I am here."
Munfurawa shrugged, "Fair enough, I can see the logic behind that."
And therefore, the two began to walk towards Munfurawa's classroom. Ibuki was the first to walk up the stairs, with the angle of Munfurawa was in just behind her on the steps making him see too much. Respectfully, looking down, he failed to notice the smirk Ibuki was giving.
Once the two got up, Munfurawa went into his classroom, before Ibuki grabbed his arm.
"Yes?" Munfurawa asked, before Ibuki looked down.
"Remember you said we'll hang out after classes." Ibuki mentioned.
Munfurawa then realized, "Yeah, but remember we have physical assessment due to the upcoming Sport's Festival, so perhaps a bit later."
Ibuki nodded, "Very well, can't wait to see you again, Munfurawa-kun." Why was Ibuki excited to see Munfurawa again?
Munfurawa nodded regardless as he watched Ibuki wave a goodbye. Eventually he sat down, ignoring the looks he was giving by Horikita.
Azuma had already made her way to Munfurawa, "Hey! Where were you?"
Munfurawa shrugged, "Was invited for lunch by someone."
"Who?" She asked, a bit curious but also a bit jealous.
"Mio Ibuki." Munfurawa mentioned, and Azuma gasped a bit.
"You mean the girl who betrayed us during the island exam?! Why?!" She asked a bit enraged at the fact he was hanging out with her.
Munfurawa looked towards her, "She invited me to eat sushi with her."
Azuma flinched, realizing Munfurawa had spent his time with another girl.
"What exactly did you two do?" Azuma asked, wanting more details, with Horikita clearly eavesdropping in the background.
Munfurawa put a hand on under his chin, "She bought me sushi, and we fed each other, she then walked me up to my class."
Azuma took a breather, seemingly somewhat angry with the details Munfurawa was giving her.
She sighed, "I'm not angry with you." Complete lie she did, "But be careful around her."
Munfurawa chuckled, "Please, I'm the one bossing her around."
Azuma nodded in a bit, before she went back to her own seat. Munfurawa was unaware of the glares Horikita was giving him. Regardless, class continued, and Munfurawa got back to work. He wasn't concerned with many of the outside factors, just like back then, while he focused on his own benefits.
Once afternoon classes were over, they began to head to the gymnasium, where they were yet again preparing for a workout to boost their physical capabilities.
Munfurawa had actually gone early, as this was around the time Class A began to use the gym. To say they were athletic was putting a simple term. They had so much going on for them, and knew if the others of Class D were to see them, they would probably feel self aware and demotivated. Regardless, they still at the moment were incredibly determined, and that was nice to have.
"Munfurawa-kun!" Kamuro exclaimed being the first to acknowledge him. Munfurawa turned to see Kamuro running towards him, immediately wrapping her hands around his arms.
"What's with girls wrapping their arms around mine?" Munfurawa thought before he shook the thought out of his head.
Munfurawa nodded as Kamuro began to lead him deeper within the gym. "So, you chose to join us this time?"
Munfurawa looked on, "Nah I just came early, we can spend the last thirty minutes exercising together."
Kamuro seemed to have enjoyed that as the two began to run together, before doing some pullups and push-ups. Once again, Munfurawa chose to hold back so that he wouldn't cause too much attention.
"So how's your class when it comes to the sport's festival?" Kamuro asked, suddenly.
Munfurawa pondered, "They seem motivated into doing better. As for their result we could do better, but I don't think we'll be unprepared by the time the festival rolls around."
Kamuro nodded, "I can hope your words are true.
Munfurawa pondered, "Again, I'll keep you updated, I know we shouldn't be referring to our internal drama, however this is regarding the festival where we will be cooperating together."
Kamuro seemed like she wanted to say something, as she lowered her face, before she noticed that her class was leaving. Evidentally, she began to leave as well.
"Sorry Munfurawa, we can continue this tomorrow, bye!" Kamuro stated instead.
Munfurawa nodded, "See you tomorrow."
Once those of Class A began to depart, Munfurawa began to wait for Class D to enter. It had only taken around five minutes before Sudo and Sakura had joined. It seemed that he was going to show her some advice towards assisting her physical capabilities.
Horikita and Ayanokouji were next, with the two looking at Munfurawa in the corner, seemingly surprised that he was already there.
This time, Munfurawa chose the cardio section, alongside Ayanokouji, whom he hadn't talked to at all since now. They both nodded to each other as Horikita put them on treadmills. Horikita in particular, was forcing Munfurawa to do extra work, for reasons unknown to Munfurawa.
Regardless, it did catch some attention, particularly from Sudo.
"Yo, Munfurawa your stamina is pretty good! Same with you Ayanokouji!" Sudo commented, looking back to see the two continuing.
Munfurawa shrugged, "It's because of my martial arts club, helps with stamina and endurance is all."
Sudo smirked, "Well we will need that for the dashes and sprints."
Munfurawa nodded, as he knew that was probably going to be where he was. Sighing, he noticed Ayanokouji had stopped, clearly trying to get off. Around three minutes later, Munfurawa did as well.
"Good job, you two, make sure you don't hold back at the festival." Was all Horikita stated.
"Is it just me, or is Horikita even colder than usual?" Ayanokouji asked Munfurawa who shrugged.
"I don't know, the last time I talked to her was last night at our dorms." Munfurawa stated, which Ayanokouji nodded to.
"I see…" He mumbled, before he noticed Sudo taking out some unusual machines. It was then did he realize why Sudo was smirking. It has been around an hour and a half, and thus they were technically finished their physical assessment.
However, it seemed that Sudo wanted to try something else.
"What is this?" Munfurawa heard one of the boys ask, and Sudo smiled.
"It's a grip strength machine. We'll use it to gauge our strength, which in particular is important in tug-of-war, for example." Sudo explained, looking towards his class.
"I decided we should get an idea of how everyone is right now." Horikita then added, clearly implying she had told Sudo to get these.
Munfurawa sighed, looking at everyone else, as Sudo began to get everyone together. It seemed that even though Sudo lacked in the academics, he did excel in the physical and sports, and thus wanted to showcase his strengths and utility to the class. Regardless, it did seem that many within their class, especially the academical gifted individuals, were on board with what Sudo was doing.
"Anyways, we are putting those with athletic abilities higher in the recommended events, to increase our chances of winning. If we can potentially avoid losing class points, that would be perfect." Sudo remarked, as many began to whisper.
While they did have those who were low academically, wanting to get points, they were also risking to lose the chances to win.
"Regardless, we will all gain points with the class points eventually, so it is a compromise." Sudo explained, with Sakura nodding, as she finished another set of cardio workouts, panting as she caught her breathe.
"How was it?" Sudo asked.
"Terrible, but I went at a slightly faster pace this time…" Sakura mumbled, and Sudo patted her on the back.
"I told you, a little progress is progress, you'll be fine in no time!" He exclaimed, before they looked at the grip strength machine.
"Anyways we will take into account those who want to participate, but we will probably prioritize the athletic students more." Sudo concluded, as they began to get the strength of their arms. For now, they were going to do their dominant arm, before their "lesser" arm, to see which was stronger with everyone.
For most, they would perform well on their right hand, for obvious reasons, with the exception of a few. Even the girls were going to participate. Regardless, gender was not going to be used as an excuse to escape.
The class nodded, as they began to process their strength. "Does anyone know what the average grip is?" Yamauchi asked, with Sudo nodding.
"Around 40-50 kilograms, I would assume for females it's a bit lower, but I don't know." Sudo explained, as he decided to go from the order of class seat number. That way there would be no high standard to be set. They wanted to just get an idea of how everyone was on that category.
As a result, Soshi Miyamoto has the first, much to his dismay.
He then gripped the machine, clearly unaware of how it worked. All he knew was that he had to grip it as strong as he could. He then used his left arm, before he sighed.
Soshi Miyamoto – Right Arm: 47.2kg, Left Arm: 43.5kg.
He took a sigh of relief. He was in the average, which wasn't bad, but they needed for firepower if they wanted to stand out. Especially when the other classes were more potent with their abilities.
Satsuki Shinohara was next. She was a member of the volleyball club, and thus had some athletic prowess to her. Still, she probably excelled more in the sport, but at least her body was familiar with exercising.
Satsuki Shinohara – Right Arm: 46.8kg, Left Arm: 46.5kg.
She was more consistent in her ranking, which was fine, but again she needed more power within her grip.
Kokoro Inogashira was next, and she was the one with a stutter. Even then, she was relatively smart and athletic. Remembering that everyone in Class D had some form of defect, he could assume Inogashira's was her stutter.
As such, she surprisingly performed better than Miyamoto, or maybe not surprising.
Kokoro Inogashira – Right Arm: 50.2kg, Left Arm: 45.2kg.
Nene Mori was more on the average side, according to her own capabilities, which again was fine, but they needed more power.
Nene Mori – Right Arm: 44.2kg, Left Arm: 40.5kg.
Teruhiko Yukimura was next, and immediately felt nervous. There was no doubt he considered himself very weak physically, which Munfurawa knew, and was why he had taken him under his wing to train him more on endurance and strength.
Still, his result wasn't bad.
Teruhiko Yukimura – Right Arm: 44.7kg, Left Arm: 43.4kg.
He did seem happy with the result, even if it was below average barely.
Hirata was the first notable character who seemed to have passed the average. He had confidently gripped the machine and began to push himself. Eventually, it peaked in the 60s before he gasped.
Yosuke Hirata – Right Arm: 60.2kg, Left Arm: 57.9kg.
It was impressive, to many and poor Kei Karuizawa was nervous to continue.
This went on for most of the time, as they began to evaluate each other's strength.
Before, Ayanokouji went. Unlike most, he was called from a distance to perform. As a result, he was unaware of the average, something Munfurawa was aware of.
"What's the average?" Ayanokouji asked, and immediately Munfurawa answered.
"Around 55kg." Munfurawa quickly stated.
Ayanokouji nodded as he began to grunt as he gripped the machine. Munfurawa watched the numbers go through the 40s, slowing as he reached the top area of 50s. He eventually landed on a 60 before he stopped. He then performed with his left hand, and got surprisingly close with his dominant arm, he assumed.
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji – Right Arm: 60.8kg, Left Arm: 60.6kg.
Munfurawa sighed as he went, getting a bit lower than Ayanokouji.
Vikku Munfurawa – Right Arm: 60.2kg, Left Arm: 59.4kg.
Some notable high points were Hirata, Sudo, Ijuin (surprisingly), Horikita, Kushida, Hirata, Miyake, even Sakura and Sotomura had performed better than they had expected. Ayanokouji and Munfurawa were also there, even if they hadn't tried that much.
Overall, it wasn't bad. They seemed to have reached the average mark for the most part, with many out standers reaching higher.
As for Ken Sudo, he got the highest.
Ken Sudo – Right Arm: 72.5kg, Left Arm: 68.2kg.
The group nodded as they acknowledged their own improvements required, and thus began to head out.
Munfurawa sighed as he and Ayanokouji remained the only ones left. Sudo sighed, telling the class that they would have to work harder to increase this value for time of the Sport's Festival. It was almost like he had truly become a teacher, which was strange to everyone, seeing how serious and determined he was, for once.
Results: of Class 1-D strength grip test:
Soshi Miyamoto – Right Arm: 47.2kg, Left Arm: 43.5kg.
Satsuki Shinohara – Right Arm: 46.8kg, Left Arm: 46.5kg.
Kokoro Inogashira – Right Arm: 50.2kg, Left Arm: 45.2kg.
Nene Mori – Right Arm: 44.2kg, Left Arm: 40.5kg.
Teruhiko Yukimura – Right Arm: 44.7kg, Left Arm: 43.4kg.
Yosuke Hirata – Right Arm: 60.2kg, Left Arm: 57.9kg.
Kei Karuizawa – Right Arm: 44.4kg, Left Arm: 41.7kg.
Kayano Onodera – Right Arm: 45.2kg, Left Arm: 47.5kg.
Kikyo Kushida – Right Arm: 53.2kg, Left Arm: 50.9kg.
Ryotaro Hondo – Right Arm: 45kg, Left Arm: 45.5kg.
Hideo Sotomura – Right Arm: 43.8kg, Left Arm: 41.8kg.
Chiaki Matsushita – Right Arm: 53kg, Left Arm: 52.2kg.
Haruka Hasebe – Right Arm: 45.2kg, Left Arm: 40.9kg.
Haruki Yamauchi – Right Arm: 51.5kg, Left Arm: 48.8kg.
Akito Miyake – Right Arm: 58.8kg, Left Arm: 60.2kg.
Mei-Yu Wang – Right Arm: 43.2kg, Left Arm: 42.1kg.
Kyosuke Okitani – Right Arm: 49.9kg, Left Arm: 47.2kg.
Maya Sato – Right Arm: 42.8kg, Left Arm: 40kg.
Kanji Ike – Right Arm: 46.1kg, Left Arm: 50kg.
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji – Right Arm: 62.8kg, Left Arm: 62.6kg.
Suzune Horikita – Right Arm: 53.7kg, Left Arm: 48.3kg
Wataru Ijuin – Right Arm: 54.2kg, Left Arm: 52.2kg.
Airi Sakura – Right Arm: 44.5kg, Left Arm: 43.2kg.
Ken Sudo – Right Arm: 72.5kg, Left Arm: 68.2kg.
Vikku Munfurawa – Right Arm: 63.2kg, Left Arm: 61.5kg.
Sana Azuma – Right Arm: 58.2kg, Left Arm: 55.5kg.
Ayanokouji sat down, as Munfurawa looked onto him.
"You lied." Ayanokouji then stated. Munfurawa knew what he meant and nodded.
"Yes I did." Was all he stated.
Ayanokouji looked at him, "And why is that?"
"Because I knew you would try to do average to hold back, so I inflated the average to see if my thoughts of you pushing yourself back was correct." Munfurawa explained.
Ayanokouji remained silent, before he spoke up, "You do as well."
Munfurawa nodded, "Indeed I do, and my reasons are similar to yours, Ayanokouji."
Munfurawa had volunteered to put the machines back, as they were the only two remaining in the gymnasium. Munfurawa had once again told Yukimura, Hondo, and now Sotomura on advice to increase their strengths for the Sport's Festival. While they complained, they knew what was at stake, and were going to try and give it their best.
Thus, the three left with advice for later, they might come back as three, considering they feel most comfortable working with their own ranks than with those high above him. To Munfurawa, that thought reminded him of his time when he was in the dojo. No one could compete, and thus he was alone.
"Is that really all you can grip?" Munfurawa asked Ayanokouji who nodded.
"I highly doubt that." Munfurawa said as he brought the grip machine close to him. "Try actually, I want to see. There's no one around, and thus only I will see."
"I know you holdback, that's why I purposely inflated the number, show me your true strength." Munfurawa said at last.
Ayanokouji sighed, "We'll keep this between us, right?"
Munfurawa nodded, "Indeed, we will."
Ayanokouji sighed, as he gripped the machine with his right hand. Immediately, the scale shot up, with no signs of stopping around the 40 and 50 marks. Instead, it continued with no sense of slowing down.
By 70 and 80, Ayanokouji was still going. There was no sight of it slowing down.
90…
95…
100…
105…
It finally showed signs of slowing down, but Ayanokouji continued, by now, his veins were bulging out of his arm, and he was visibly grunting. It was almost monstrous, to anyone who may be around, which only Munfurawa was here to.
He was seeing the full strength of Ayanokouji, and even he was surprised.
Eventually, he even passed 110, but it was slowing to a halt by then.
Eventually, it stopped at 112.2kg, for his right hand.
"What the…" Was all Munfurawa said. "You are something else…"
Ayanokouji nodded, "This among the reasons I hold back."
"What about your left hand?" He then asked.
Ayanokouji sighed, as he did the same with his left hand. Once again, the scale continued, before slowing a bit around 105, and not grinding to a halt until he reached 110s. Still, for a left and supposedly weaker hand, Munfurawa assumed Ayanokouji was right-handed, his left hand got the same resuls.
"112.5?" Munfurawa was clearly shocked.
"I'm ambidextrous." Ayanokouji said merely, and Munfurawa sighed, mumbling.
"Of course, you are…"
Munfurawa sighed, looking at Ayanokouji taking in a breathe. It was strange, but he nodded.
"Your turn." Ayanokouji said at last, and Munfurawa looked on.
"Me?" He asked, and the emotionless boy nodded.
"You also hold back, so don't try to escape now." Ayanokouji stated, and Munfurawa sighed.
"Very well."
He too began to squeeze the scale, with his right hand. Just like Ayanokouji, the scale did not stop until around the 100-105 mark, grinding to a halt around 110.
Munfurawa was, like Ayanokouji, grunting as his veins began to bulge out of his arms. To Ayanokouji, it was impressive, considering Munfurawa's arms did not look that bulky as his.
"110.2kg…" Munfurawa mumbled, before he repeated the gesture, but with his left hand.
"110kg on the dot…"
Ayanokouji looked on in surprise, "I'm surprised you managed to get that close. Our differences are negligible."
"It's still less than yours…" Munfurawa mumbled.
"Sure, but you seem to be more specialized in cardio and endurance than me." Ayanokouji brought up, remembering some certain moments that he had witnessed around Munfurawa.
Munfurawa nodded, "True, but perhaps we can try that for another day. For now, let's put these back."
Ayanokouji nodded as the two put the machines back in their place, before they walked off together.
It was then did Munfurawa decided to bring something up.
"Ayanokouji, is there something off with Kushida?" Munfurawa asked.
At the mention of that name, Ayanokouji visibly flinched, which Munfurawa caught.
"Count of Ayanokouji to notice anything regarding people…" Munfurawa thought immediately.
"What exactly do you mean different?" He asked.
"In personality, it seems to be that she wears a sort of mask, to hide her true feelings, I mean no one can be that happy all the time." Munfurawa explained, to Ayanokouji, who seemed uncomfortable.
When Ayanokouji did not say anything, Munfurawa got somewhat suspicious.
"Ayanokouji, did you know, she has a more sinister personality underneath that mask?" Munfurawa stated at last.
Ayanokouji nodded, "Yeah, very early on."
That did surprise Munfurawa, "How early on?"
"Probably before you fully transferred here." Ayanokouji said at last.
Munfurawa sighed, that seriously was quiet some time. There was no doubt that Ayanokouji had known, judging from what he said, but the question was, why was he keeping it secret alongside her true personality.
Then it hit him, remembering something she had said.
"Did she blackmail you into remaining quiet?" Munfurawa asked, and Ayanokouji look off.
"Not really, just a manner of feigning ignorance." Ayanokouji replied.
If Munfurawa did not know about yesterday night, and hadn't recorded what he did, he would have believed Ayanokouji. However, right now he knew better.
He specifically remember one thing Kushida had stated.
"Ayanokouji, such a quiet and confusing brat, thinking he knows it all! I'm so goddamn lucky I managed to get him to stick quiet!"
"All men think the same, just a simple forceful motion and some fingerprints on my breasts, the threat of criminal activity is enough to shut them up, hehe…"
Kushida's monologue had revealed to Munfurawa that she had somehow managed to make Ayanokouji remain quiet.
Munfurawa sighed, "Ayanokouji, I know you are lying to me about feigning ignorance. I know you were blackmailed by her."
Ayanokouji's eyebrows rose at that, "And what is your proof?"
Munfurawa proceeded to take out his phone, and show Ayanokouji the recording of Kushida he had managed to record.
"Stupid, absolute dumbasses!" Ayanokouji's eyes widened ever so slightly, as he heard and recognized the voice as Kushida's.
"How dare they just look at my body! Absolute horny men! Especially Ike! Staring at my body with those stupid expressions! Like they want to see me naked?! Gah!" A sound erupted in his phone, which must've been Kushida kicking a nearby tree.
It wasn't until Kushida mentioned Ayanokouji did he clearly listen more closely.
"Ayanokouji, such a quiet and confusing brat, thinking he knows it all! I'm so goddman lucky I managed to get him to stick quiet. All men think the same, just a simple forceful motion and some fingerprints in my breasts, the threat of criminal activity is enough to shut them up, hehe…" That was what Munfurawa had received from recording Kushida.
Ayanokouji was clearly somewhat shocked, that Munfurawa had managed to find Kushida in another one of those episodes. While it wasn't the actual episode, she was admitting to forcing Ayanokouji to touch her breast, just so she could falsify a rape conviction if he ever were to speak out.
But again, this recording made it aware that's exactly what she wanted. That was why Ayanokouji went along with whatever Kushida wanted. And right now, Ayanokouji was looking at Munfurawa in slight shock.
However, it was something that Ayanokouji felt he would find out. The only reason he considered Munfurawa wouldn't was more because he and Kushida rarely cooperated or communicated. But from this little observation, he had spotted that? It was impressive.
Ayanokouji sighed, "Yeah, she was that kind of personality behind that."
Munfurawa nodded, "I thought so."
Right now, the two were walking over to their dorms. It was relatively early still, and the two were hanging out. Horikita seemed to have gone to her dorm immediately, probably focusing on her studies.
"Is ice girl okay?" Munfurawa asked, and Ayanokouki nodded.
"She's just busy with studying." Ayanokouji answered, and Munfurawa acknowledged that.
Munfurawa was somewhat confused as where Azuma went, as the martial arts club wasn't going today due to the sport's festival preparation. So for now, Munfurawa and Ayanokouji were walking around. However, even Ayanokouji wanted to rest, and thus he waved a bye, heading to his own dorm.
This left Munfurawa on his own, which he was fine with. That was, before he began to walk upstairs.
Once he made it halfway, he was met with a figure in a position he had never seen before.
"Ibuki?" Munfurawa asked, and noticed the position she was in. "What are you doing?"
Clearly, she was embarrassed, as she hadn't expected to see anyone. Right now, she was laying on the stairs.
One of her legs were on the stair below, while the other was laying down straight and pointing away from her body. Ibuki seemed somewhat shocked.
"Oh! M-Munfur-urawa, ugh why did you catch me now?!" Ibuki exclaimed, and before she attempted to get up from her position.
However, before she could, Munfurawa had already taken a photo of her. Shortly after, he then put his foot just over her behind to prevent her from moving.
She immediately froze upon the contact. "M-Munfurawa?" She meekly asked, clearly knowing she was under his mercy.
Munfurawa chuckled, "Out of all the things I've seen, this is the most interesting position I've ever seen someone in."
Ibuki was clearly embarrassed and nervous, her heart was racing as the feeling of Munfurawa's boot on her behind was clearly evidence, and her very own body began to shiver in arousal.
"How does he have this much control over me?!" Ibuki was pondering. She then heard another snap of a phone, and she looked up to see Munfurawa, taking another photo of Ibuki, below him.
"M-Munfurawa, can you please let me get up?" Ibuki asked.
Munfurawa chuckled instead, "I don't think so, the way I see it, you seem to be enjoying this."
Ibuki covered her facial expression by using the ground, clearly trying to hide her red face. She then proceeded to use force to get up, but Munfurawa was more powerful than she thought.
So much so that when Munfurawa had give her some space, she began to roll down the stairs. Munfurawa's eyes realized what was happening, and he attempted to hold onto Ibuki before she could hit her head after hitting the bottom of the stairs.
He ducked to his knees and held firmly onto Ibuki's body, as he overextended himself, making him fall onto Ibuki's figure.
"Ugh…" Munfurawa mumbled, not realizing that he had left himself exposed to falling like that. Before he could ponder further, he realized he was once again on top of Ibuki, this time he had somewhat pressed onto her torso.
Munfurawa was about to say something, before he got a good look at Ibuki's face. It was strange to Munfurawa, seeing the usually confident and resting smirk expression of Ibuki become one of more confusion, embarrassment, and timid-like.
It was kind of cute, Munfurawa thought, but he had to get himself out of this position and situation.
"Uh, Ibuki are you alright?" Munfurawa asked, and Ibuki shook her head.
"What happened did your head hit the ground?" He asked somewhat concerningly.
"Why is he so assertive one minute, but then dense?!" Ibuki thought to herself, before she got up.
"I'm so embarrassed, I never thought I could feel this way…" She mumbled, which Munfurawa barely picked up.
"You're so hungry?" Munfurawa asked, and Ibuki was about to shout at him for his ignorance before she sighed.
She realized she could use this to spend more time with him. Even if this whole interaction was embarrassing, it seemed no one else saw, and at least it was Munfurawa being that dominant. Besides, she kind of liked it.
Regardless, him thinking she was hungry made her realize she could spend time with him. Plus, she was feeling somewhat hungry, not starving, but definitely hungry. This was a nice way to get extra time with him.
So, instead of retorting to Munfurawa, Ibuki instead nodded, "Yeah, I actually am, want to have dinner together?"
Munfurawa, who seemed to have no one to hang out with, was probably going to eat on his own, like he did numerous times before. However, it seems that he was yet again going to be eating with another girl.
This time, like lunch, it was the girl whom most of his class hates.
Munfurawa sighed, as the two decided to order food.
"You can come into my dorm, since anyone from your class seeing me will probably garnish a bad reputation." Ibuki cautiously stated.
"I don't think so, that sounds like you are leading me to Ryūen," Munfurawa asked, and Ibuki sighed.
"Good point…" She mentioned, sighing as she realized he didn't fully trust him. As sad as it was, it was something that made sense, considering her ties to Ryūen.
Therefore, the two sat indoors, eating their preferred cuisines. Ibuki looked at Munfurawa's in particular interest.
"What's your deal with rice and bread?" Ibuki asked.
Munfurawa looked at his plate, "It's Kung Pao chicken, with a toast. The toast is for carbohydrates, and the rice is for protein and fats."
Ibuki looked somewhat intrigued at that revelation, "Didn't know you were so into dieting."
Munfurawa shrugged, "It's more of preferring a cuisine that matches my lifestyle. Considering I do martial arts and stuff, I need to eat quite the amount."
Ibuki's eyes perked, "You do martial arts?"
Munfurawa nodded, "Taekwondo, I even briefly sparred to student president."
Ibuki seemed very impressed at what she was told. "That girl, Horikita, seemed like she knew some moves."
"Ice girl? Never knew, but perhaps I could ask her. You like her or something?" Munfurawa asked.
Ibuki shook her head, "Nah she seems on my level of skill, it's a shame that she wasn't feeling too well when we actually had the chance."
Munfurawa nodded, "Very well, but you can approach her, she seemed angry at me, but then again she is always holding an annoyed expression."
"You call her ice girl."
"Yep, because it fits her. Her glare can sometimes be seen as an ice beam."
Ibuki chuckled at that, leaning a bit into Munufrawa, who seemed unaware of the contact.
"You're pretty funny, Munfurawa-kun." She exclaimed.
"Thanks."
The two remained silent before a bit, "So you know martial arts?"
Munfurawa nodded, "Yeah."
"So how many people have you fought here?" Ibuki asked.
Munfurawa pondered, "Well, I fought that girl, Azuma, sparring multiple times, I beat her most of the time. I briefly tussled with Yamada twice, Ryūen around five times, I lost count, and the student council president like I mentioned."
Ibuki was impressed, Munfurawa clearly had quite the reputation. "How long were you fighting for?"
Munfurawa pondered, "Since I was five, was enrolled because of some problems at school."
Ibuki whistled, "Damn, were you a delinquent?"
Munfurawa turned around somewhat surprised, "And what makes you think I was a delinquent?"
Ibuki shrugged, "Ryūen always mumbles how sometimes how you fight reminds him of those on the streets. He's not dumb when it comes to fighting you know."
Munfurawa remained silent as he let Ibuki continue, "In particular, how the way you fight is not of a typical martial arts fighter, apparently you committed to some techniques that he's seen before."
Munfurawa shrugged, "Personally they are just improvised techniques you learn as you perform kicking and forms."
Ibuki looked somewhat skeptical but sighed, "He thinks you are hiding something."
Munfurawa then turned to her, "And why are you telling me this? He's already told me he has some form of interest in me. Are you trying to get me to reveal something for him?"
Ibuki's eyes widened, "No! I just am curious myself as well. You clearly aren't normal, especially with the amount of embarrassment you put him through."
Munfurawa made a noise, "He just gets in my way of living my life, that is it. If anyone stands against me, I won't hesitate to bring them down." He said with such lack of emotion, that when he turned to stare at Ibuki, her eyes widened.
His face was incredibly scary, not to mention that he looked taller. He seemed very serious with his statement, and Ibuki knew very well he could live up to that statement.
So, all she did was nod to that. "I understand." Was all she mumbled, clearly too nervous to continue, as she looked down, trying to calm her chest from what had just happened.
Eventually, she looked up and noticed Munfurawa was eating out the rest of his food.
"Hey, can I have some?" Ibuki asked, and Munfurawa nodded.
Immediately, he brought a spoonful of the contents, before feeding Ibuki.
"Hey, it's actually good." She commented.
Munfurawa chuckled, "Sometimes the simpler foods are more pleasurable than hard to cook and complex cuisines."
"What?" Ibuki asked, clearly confused at what he had just said.
"I just said I prefer simple foods. I'm not an extravagant kind of guy, I enjoy the simplicity of these kinds of foods." Munfurawa stated.
Ibuki then nodded, "I see…"
Right now, as they were eating, they were outside on a bench, clearly enjoying the slowly dimming sky. It was still bright for everyone to see, and thus the two continued eating. Baring the incident and the stares, Ibuki could say she was enjoying this a lot.
She had never expected anyone from Class D out of all places to give her so much fun. But alas, here she was.
"So how's training for the Sport's Festival?" Ibuki asked all of a sudden.
"You will find out when the festival occurs." Munfurawa said, and Ibuki sighed.
"Very well, then." She mumbled as she finished her own food. Munfurawa had finished quite some time ago, and was waiting on Ibuki to finish.
Once she did, the sky was beginning to darken to the point where it was difficult to see. Thus, they decided to call it a night and head back to their dorms. Munfurawa had stated he wanted to check on his studies, and tomorrow actually go back to the martial arts club. Ibuki sighed, wishing she could have spent more time with Munfurawa, but she nodded.
"Alright, see you Munfurawa-kun!" Ibuki waved and Munfurawa nodded back.
As he went to leave, he noticed Horikita had opened her door.
"Oh, hey ice girl." Munfurawa started, but stared at the fact that Horikita had a compass on her.
"Uhh, what are you doing with that compass?" He asked, realizing Horikita had not said a single word.
"I'm going to stab you, obviously." Horikita replied with such a normal reaction that Munfurawa actually couldn't have taken it seriously, until he reminded himself that she actually had a compass.
"And what exactly is causing me to get stabbed by your compass, ice girl?" Munfurawa asked at last.
Horikita chuckled, "Just to ease my mind." Was all she said, before she attempted to stab him.
She managed to graze his left arm, as he grabbed the compass, and held onto Horikita. She began to struggle a bit, before she let go, before falling into his arms and hugging him.
The act surprised Munfurawa, who made sure to hold the compass away from Horikita.
"Umm, ice girl, you looked upset with me all day, and I didn't know why." Munfurawa commented, and Horikita sighed.
"You didn't talk to me at all." Was all she said, and Munfurawa wanted to facepalm.
"And I have to be the one to initiate it?" Munfurawa asked, and Horikita nodded.
"Then again, the first time we talked it was you who talked to me." Munfurawa pointed it out, and Horikita quickly separated herself from him, pouting.
"Whatever, good night, Munfurawa-kun." Horikita mumbled, before she realized he had her compass. Munfurawa was nice enough to give it back, but eyeing in case she tried anything.
"Goodnight, ice girl." Was all Munfurawa said, before he entered his own dorm.
It wasn't until then did he realize his left arm was actually stinging from the compass.
"What the hell? She actually hit me?"
A.N / So apparently I made Horikita into a tsundere and yandere, and Ibuki into a masochist. Good job. I have no clue why I did that, but we'll roll with it. I decided this time to give Ibuki some time with Munfurawa, as Horikita was getting most of the limelight with Munfurawa. Anyways, we are seeing the starting preparations for the sport's festivals.
I do actually like this format, of putting a flashback into Munfurawa's past, then doing some outside events during their preparations for the festival, it's fun to type.
Anyways, I will probably give Azuma or Kamuro more time with Munfurawa next chapter, we'll see. See you all next time!