It smells.

I threw up right after I take a dump.

Not because of the smell of my own shits, but because my stomach is twisting, making me feel very nauseatic.

I flush down all this mess in my toilet, a bitter reminder of how much Claustrophobic has affected me so much in my daily life.

“I need to stop eating dinner outside my room…”

Eating dinner in my own room sounds trivial, but for the sake of my good health, it’s more important than it sounds.

Realizing that I must look like a mess right now, I took a shower while I’m still in the bathroom.

Last time I check it was 5:36 am, school is still far away, but I might as well.

As I take a hot shower, several thoughts flow right into me.

For example, how much of a heaven and hell yesterday has been, having dinner with two girls but feeling obnoxious after that just because of a fucking elevator.

And about my breakfast of course, if I eat breakfast in my room, I’m going to have a really bad time in school later. Holding back the urge to vomit for more than half an hour is literally hell, heck, let alone 30 minutes, I doubt anyone can hold back the urge to throw up for more than 10 seconds.

And if I throw up at school, I’ll be attending class looking really sick.

With that said, it’s final that I won’t be having breakfast in my room.

As I finishes my shower, I quickly get out and put on my uniform, I also wears my jacket, if the teachers and student council ask, I’ll just say that I’m sick.

“Well, not that I’m lying…”

Since I have yet to own a lunch box, I pass on making lunch.

The important quest at hand is where can I find a place that serves breakfast at this hour.

Which also reminds me, I can always ask Mike about it.

So I grab my phone and calls Mike immediately.

After a while, he picks up the phone.

“It’s early dude, why would you bother anyone at this time of the day?”

He asked and then yawn, maybe he’s still asleep when I call him.

“Sorry Mike, I wasn’t feeling well and decides to have breakfast outside today, do you know a place where I can get one?”

“Not feeling well? You okay man?”

Wow, he’s actually worried, his voice is different.

“Yeah dude, for now, that’s why I called, this is rather important for me…”

“Breakfast huh…”

He stays quiet for a while, probably thinking.

“Sorry bro, I can’t think of any place that serves breakfast this early…”

“I see, thanks then, sorry to bother you this early…”

“Actually, if you wouldn’t mind Pizza and instant noodle for breakfast, you can come to my place, I have a bunch of them.”

Instant noodle for breakfast is not half bad actually, beats going to school with empty stomach.

And without me realizing, I arrive at the lobby already.

This kind of thing that really confuse me.

Every time I think or talk to someone in the elevator, I never feel sick.

“Reno? You still alive?”

“Alive still.”

“So?”

“I think I’ll take you up on your offer…”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting…”

“Yeah, thanks dude.”

“No problem.”

He hung up, another free breakfast, at this time and situation, I am really grateful to have a friend like Mike.

“Kind hearted bastard…”

I make my way outside, Mike’s place is not far from the school, if the way to my apartment is either right or go straight, his is to the left.

I walk in silence as the cold stings my face, I’ve lived here for probably a month, but this coldness stings more when I’m sick like this.

“Good thing I didn’t eat breakfast in my room…”

After a while, I notice that I’m the only one that walks at the street, well of course, who in their right mind would walk outside this early.

I pass by the school gate, there’s an elderly person cleaning the school gate from fallen leaves.

“Well, there’s him I guess…”

He notices me walking by, he smiles and greets me, so I do the same to him.

I still can’t believe that the people here can be so nice and polite sometimes.

And there are also a couple of students walking to the school already, judging from their collars, they are 2nd years.

“Probably clubs and student council work, very diligent of them.”

And here I am, searching for breakfast instead of going straight to school.

Well, I don’t intent to skip school, so there’s nothing wrong with it.

After a while of walking pass the students from my school, which gave me a curious looks, I arrive at Mike’s place.

A small, 2 story building apartment, pretty rundown if I have to be honest, but then again, Mike is not exactly rich like my parents.

I make my way inside, going straight to his room, at the 2nd floor.

I knock, and knock and knock.

And then I can hear the sound of the door being unlocked.

“Hey, you manage to get here safely.”

“Of course, I’m hungry not dying.”

“Whatever, c’mon in.”

I step inside, the room is small, and as messy as ever.

Messy, but clean.

“You need to tidy up man, how many times have I warn you, girls don’t dig messy room.”

“Some of them do.”

“Oh yeah? You have a girl?”

“Not yet, some day though…”

“Some day when you decides to clean up your room, I mean, where are you suppose to make out in here? The bathroom?”

“Some chicks dig that too.”

“Not comfortable man, I can imagine it already.”

“Yeah, like you ever make out with someone before.”

Well, I almost make out with someone yesterday. Almost.

“I’ll beat you to it.” I said

“Yeah right Romeo, surrounded by cute girls on your first week already right?”

“Lucky me.”

“Fucker…”

He and I knew each other for a while now, I visit him from time to time, mostly to hang out, beats sitting in my room alone.

So I just sit down while he takes out 3 instant noodles from the cupboard.

“three?” I asked

“Yeah, I usually eat two.”

“Can you make it four?”

“Sure…”

And with that, he takes out four instead.

God bless this generous soul.

He pours hot water into the cups, it’s already steaming hot, so I guess he already prepares them from before I arrived.

Satisfied with the amount of water in the cup, he picks up the cup and walks to me.

“Here you go dude.” He said while handing me two cups.

“Thanks again Mike, you saves me from my impending doom.”

“Sure, at what time does school starts again?”

“At eight.”

He looks up, to the clock hanging on his wall, which says 6:56 am

“Damn, you’re early as fuck.”

“I know right.”

“What are you going to do after breakfast?”

“Head to school of course.”

“And what then? Chick hunt in the morning?”

“I don’t think there are many students to begin with, considering how early this is.”

“Well, some students came an hour earlier.”

“But they have something to do like clubs or something.”

“Don’t you? Ain’t you joining the council or something?”

“Oh yeah, but the senior said that our work starts afterschool today.”

“So you wrote on a form and that’s it, you’re a member?”

“Surprised?”

“Of course, was it always that simple?”

“I don’t know, I’m curious about that myself, it can’t be that easy right?”

“You do know the council works hard right?” He said

“Yeah, I love challenges.”

“Well it’s fun as long as you think of it like that.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Aren’t you always working alone in that store?”

“Well yeah, but working there is easy, and the pay is nice too, enough for my daily needs till I finish college.”

“You’re not going to class or something?”

“I already finished college dude, you forgot?”

“Then what are you still doing here?”

“Awaiting graduation.”

“And what will you do next?”

“I’ll live here of course, trying to find a more steady job than a store clerk.”

“And find yourself a girl dude, at this rate, you’ll be too old to have a wife.”

“Girls will come to me once I’m successful.”

“I’ll just hope you won’t be a grandpa when that time comes.”

“Heh, life is easy if you choose to make it easy young man.”

“Oh? And I’m suppose you are old? Talking wise and shit…”

“Motivational speeches in the morning is good for one’s mental condition…”

“Not if it’s from you.”

“Whatever dude, I think our food is ready…”

We open the cup lid, and there it is, instant noodle.

God damn, the smell is so nice when you’re hungry.

As I tried to savor the amazing odor of this heavenly dish, I can hear Mike slurping at his noodle already.

“Damn Mike, slow down.”

“Enjoy it while it’s hot.” He said without pulling the cup away from his mouth

“You’ll burn your tongue dude…”

“Trust me…” He swallows hard “It’s worth the pain…”

Fuck that shit.

“No it’s not…”

“Believe me man, trust me on this one…”

And he keeps on eating the noodle without even taking a breath.

I pity those noodles, their dying wish were probably to be chewed and enjoyed thoroughly, not head straight to a person’s stomach.

“How about no?”

He puts down his cup, and starts with his second cups.

“Sure, whatever floats your boat.”

So I eat in silence.

At least, I intended to, but Mike keeps on slurping like we are on an eating contest.

He finishes his noodles in less than 3 minutes, while I finishes in about 5 minutes.

“World’s wonder man…” he said

“What?”

“Noodles always disappeared faster than they arrive…”

“Well yeah, if you eat like a barbarian then surely so…”

“I think it’s a custom here to slurp your noodle.”

“But maybe in a more subtle way dude, you’ve live here longer than me for fucks sake…”

“Well, not that I care anyway…” He said

“Those around you does…”

“Like you?”

“Not me though, I used to do the same like you, so it’s not much of a surprise for me…”

“See, so slurp hard, those around you won’t give a rat’s ass…”

“Just saying Mike, just saying…”

He gives me a glass of water to push down the noodle in me.

“So you going now?”

“Yeah, thanks again dude…”

“Sure, if you need help again, just call me, from food to condoms, I can provide you with it…”

I want to say fuck you Mike, but then again, maybe next time, I do need the condoms.

“Yeah, you’ll be the first to know.”

I walk outside, the air outside is more fresh than in his room.

“Hey Romeo…”

I look behind me.

“Your jacket…”

Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

“Oh shit, thanks dude…”

“No sweat.”

I don’t feel cold anymore, maybe because of the hot food I just ate.

But for safety measures, I put it on any way.

Before I head downstairs, I check my phone just to make sure what time it is, it says 7:07 am.

Satisfied that I’m not staying too long, and relief at the same time that even if I take my time walking, I won’t be late.

Since I have no further business with Mike, I quickly head downstairs and into the street, where there are already a number of students walking to school, most of them are in pairs, it’s good to see that most of the students already have friends, as for me, I walk down the path to school alone, for I don’t have any other friends than Mike, Miura, Ryu, Suzuki, Komiya and the twins.

“Maybe the council is an opportunity for me…”

I walk in silence, the morning breeze blows, giving me the chills, but I don’t feel the cold anymore, just the chills, and here I thought those two things are the same thing.

I want to go back to my apartment just to drop off my jacket, but then again, I remembered that’s not a very good idea, since I just ate breakfast like 10 minutes ago.

When I arrive at the school gate, none of the student council members by the gate were wondering why am I wearing a jacket, among them, I saw the senior that handles my form yesterday, he greeted me, but not by my name.

“Well, there’s a time for everything right…?”

Right, they’ll know me eventually, being a fellow member of the council and all.

As usual, I head to my shoe locker, changes my shoe and head straight to class.

The class is almost empty, there are only a small amount of students in here.

I check my wristwatch, it says 7:15 am.

“Well, this kind of change ain’t so bad once in a while.”

As I walk inside, I spot an introvert in the front row reading a book.

I walk to her and calls her, it took a while for her to shift her attention from the book.

“Hi…” I said

“O-oh, Good morning Reno.”

“Good morning.”

“You’re early today.”

“Yeah, something came up, so I woke up early. What about you? Are you always an early bird?”

“Y-yeah, it’s always quiet in the morning, and the atmosphere of a quiet class in the morning is nice for reading.”

“I see, you came to school with Suzuki?”

“N-no, we rarely go to school together, but we always go home together.”

“I see…”

I look around again, Miura and Ryu have yet to arrive.

And I also notice that some of students in this class are looking at us while talking between themselves.

Maybe, I should back away from Komiya for now, if she notices this she might get nervous, and it might affect her concentration to study later.

“Well, talk to you later then. Enjoy the book.”

“S-sure, later…”

As soon as I sit down, I quickly gaze outside, there are a couple of students playing basketball.

“Basket huh, I did think of that before…”

“Hey Reno…”

I look the opposite way from the window, a classmate is walking towards me and told me that someone is looking for me outside.

I say thanks and hurried outside.

Just when I exited the classroom, two 2nd year students are waiting for me, their faces look familiar.

“Hey Reno!”

It’s the girl I met when I got lost on my first day here, damn, what’s her name again?

“Umm, I’m sorry, but what’s you name again senpai? It’s been a while, I kinda forgot.”

“Really? you forgot about me that quickly?”

“I’m really sorry.”

“Well, it’s okay, my name is Manako Sayuri, be sure to remember it this time okay?”

“I’ll be sure to remember it.”

The other one is the male senior that accepted my form the other day, I wonder what business do they have with me?

“As for me, I believe I haven’t introduce myself, My name is Ishida Jun, Nice to meet you.”

“My name is Reno Mikhael, Nice to meet you too.”

“Right, now that the introduction is out of the way, I want you to come with us to the student council room.” She said

I look at my watch, it’s 7:30 am, class is still 30 minutes away, so I guess it’s fine to go.

“O-okay…”

“You’re not curious as to why we ask you to come?” Ishida said

“Well, of course I am…”

“We’ll explain, but later, right now, we are drawing too much attention to us.” He said

I look around, and I can see that some students are curious about us.

After he said that, Ishida and Manako starts walking, and heads for the stairs, I follow them immediately.

What business do they have I wonder? Am I in trouble? This soon?

“Don’t tell me it’s because the walk with Sona yesterday…”

I’m feeling nervous, searching for the correct way to explain that’s she’s actually a student here, and the way she dress is because of her open personality.

But before long, before I can even find the answer, we arrive at the student council room already.

Manako opens the door, then Ishida and me soon follow.

To my surprise, there’s no one here, well, it’s too early to start working on whatever they are doing in here anyway.

When I’m inside, Ishida politely told me to sit down, so I do.

“So Reno, welcome to the student council! I know you’ll be joining since the first time we met.”

Oh yeah, she did told me to swing by.

“Well, what my friend said kind of makes me want to join the student council.”

“And I’ve read your form too, it’s a nice reason to join.” Ishida said

Nice reason that I made up on the spot, yeah, good job me.

“O-oh, I see, thanks.”

Ishida looks at me, as if realizing that I must be nervous and confused at the same time.

“Relax, we won’t do anything stupid.” He pauses “We called you here because we need an extra hand with something.”

I let out a relief sigh, that’s a load off my ass.

“Okay, what kind of work exactly?”

“Before that, I want you to know the truth about the student council.”

The way he said that is actually kind of scary.

“The truth?”

“Yeah, the student council…”

He looks at Manako, who in return looks back to him.

I don’t like this silent treatment, it’s making me nervous, more than an elevator can make me.

“We’re short on member.” Manako said.

“Short on member? How short exactly?”

“Including the first years that are serious about joining in, right now we only have 7 members.” She said

What?

“7 members? Really?”

“Yup…”

Despite this grim news, Manako is smiling and actually pretty happy.

Why? How can she be like that? Student council member with only 7 member?

“Can I ask why?”

“Well, maybe because none of the students are interested in joining I guess…” He said

“Yep, it’s common knowledge that student council works are hard, and they think it’s a hassle, so they decides not to join.” She said

That’s straightforward.

“Okay, you’re pretty honest…”

“It’s the truth though, because of that, we really appreciates the three first years that decided to join.” She said

“three?”

Sonia, me, and who’s the other one?

“Who’s the other first year?”

“Hmm? I think his name is Aogahama or something.” She said

Ryu decided to join? So he didn’t bail on me yesterday, thank god.

“I see, we’re in the same class.”

“Yeah, but he haven’t arrive yet, and so is Sonia, so you’re the only one we can get.” He said

“Better than nothing…” She said

She said while smiling again, she’s the type that smiles easily huh.

“I understand the situation, I have one question though…”

“What is it?” Ishida asked

“Am I really a member already? Is the process really that simple?”

“Usually not, but because the lack of member last year and most probably this year too, we decided to make the joining process 90% easier…” He said

“More like, 99% easier…” She said

“Well, you can put it like that I guess…” He said

“Which reminds me…” She said

Manako search inside a drawer, rustling sound can be heard, probably something that made out of metal or iron.

After a while, she pulls her hand from the drawer and toss me a pin made from iron.

“Since you’re a member now, put it on the front side of your collar.”

She points the front end of her collar to show me where I should put it.

“Always have it on you hear, and in case you lost it, tell me immediately, but do your best so that won’t happen.”

“Right, thank you.” I said as I put it on.

The burden feels heavy actually, the object itself is light, but it feels heavy at the same time.

Is this the power of responsibilities?

“Let’s get working then, and head to class before it starts.”

Ishida Picks up a stack of papers, and told me that I need to sort this out with him, after we sort it out, we give it to Manako so she can approve it.

“She’ll approve it?”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that she’s the vice president, and the president gave her his permission to approve this on his behalf.”

“Where’s the president by the way?”

“He’s a third year, and there’s one more third year too, but they are busy with something else, that’s more important than approving a bunch of pointless papers.”

Pointless? Then why are we doing this?

“Hey! We need this paper for the upcoming festival, don’t call it pointless!”

“Whatever, let’s wrap this up already.”

Festival? What Festival?

I have so many questions in my head, but Ishida keeps prompting me to work instead of asking questions, so we can finish before class starts.

Manako keeps on stamping the papers and sign it one by one with cheerful attitude.

Despite the shitload of works before her, she manages to keep her mood high up, I wonder if she’s always like this, if yes, then she’s probably dependable.

After a while of sorting what seems to be an endless stacks papers, Ishida stops and he also told us to stop.

“Looks like we have to continue after school, class starts in five minutes.”

“Aww…” Manako pauses “Let’s skip class then!”

Ishida sigh, and I’m surprised, I mean, what kind of vice president says that kind of thing…

“Let’s not skip class over something trivial can we? It’s another thing if it’s important, but this…”

So they do skip classes, wow, I can feel the privilege flowing into me already.

I wonder what else we can do under the name of the student council.

“You can leave now Reno, but be sure to come back again later, with the others if you can.” Ishida said

“Okay, I’ll be sure to drag them along.”

“Thanks for the help!” Manako said

“Sure, it’s part of my job too though, See you later.”

“Yeah, Later.” Ishida said

I make my way to class, with only five minutes until it starts, I walk with increased speed, but tried my best so it won’t count as running.

Luckily my class is near the stairs, it’s a pretty short trip from the student council.

“Maybe, I should calm down a little bit…”

The hall is already empty though, of course, being the classes starts in five minutes and all.

I enter my class, luckily nothing special is going on, maybe everyone is already accustomed to my presence.

I quickly sit down on my chair before the teacher arrives.

“Where were you?” Miura said

“From the student council.”

“What? You got scolded on your first week?”

“Hell no dude, I join them remember?”

“Oh yeah, Ryu joined them too.”

“I know, the senior told me so.”

“Congrats dude, now you’re one of the rule geeks now.” Miura said

“What?”

“Never mind him man, so why did you go there?” Ryu said

“There are works to do, I’ll return there again after school though, you should too, there are works to be done.”

“Sure, let’s go together.”

“Of course.”

We keep on talking for a while, but no more than five minutes, because the teacher comes in, she looks intimidating actually.

After the teacher’s introduction, she jumps straight to the lesson.

And she also kindly reminds us the basic rule of science, which is the subject she will teach us.

She said that, with every action, there’s always a reaction.

Huh, I believe the philosophical equal for that is with every action, there’s always a consequences.

I guess, scholars back then love to copy each other words, change it and claim it for themselves.

“Should have copyright it back then.”

The class itself is pretty enjoyable, she knows how to be a proper teacher, unlike the history teacher, everyone have this focused look on each of their faces.

This kind of teacher deserve a reward.

The class went on smoothly, way too smooth actually, because without me realizing, the lunch break is here already.

That’s the thing with classes that are actually fun, it seems to end quicker than the other class.

“So, you gonna have lunch with us Reno?”

I look over to Miura.

“Which raises question really…”

“What kind?”

“Why do you always invite me even though I never bring my own lunch?”

“Well, I don’t know, maybe because I’ll feel bad if I didn’t at least invite you.”

“Even though you already know the answer?”

“Well yeah…”

“Huh, okay, thanks for being considerate, I never thought you have it in you.”

“Sure, now you better go before it’s too late.” Miura said

“Go where?”

“You’re probably going to reel in another chick to you right?” Miura said

“Why the hell would you say that?”

“Well, it’s been like that since the first day.” Ryu said

“No it’s not…”

“At first it was Komiya, and then Suzuki, and then Sonia.” Miura said

“We kind of wonder who’s going to be next.” Ryu said

“If you’re gonna wonder, might as well hope that I’ll get a cute one.”

They look at me simultaneously.

“Dude, save some pussy for the rest of us, you greedy bastard.” Miura said

“Like I said, I have no power over such thing.”

“Whatever man…” Miura said

I grin, to Miura especially, showing him that I’m more alpha than him, have been proven true thus far.

Because I’m not feeling hungry, I decided to check on the student council room, I also have some questions for Ishida.

When I’m about to go up the stairs, I can feel someone tugs my uniform.

I turn around, and Sonia is there before me.

Or is she Sona?

She did say that she’s going to school today, well, at least, I kind of make her go.

“Which one are you?”

“Can’t you tell?”

“If I’m asking, that means I can’t right?”

“True I guess, but you were able to tell the difference yesterday.”

So she’s Sona huh, the way she looks is the exact same with Sonia.

The only way I can tell the difference is when she’s wearing her everyday clothes or when I look closely at her eyes, which I’m not going to do in school.

“So you’re Sona huh, well yesterday I stared deeply into your eyes before I can tell that the color is different.”

“Okay, very conservative of you.”

“Sure, so what can I help you with?”

“Nothing really, I just saw you going for the stairs instead of the cafeteria, so I’m just curious.”

“I see, I’m going to the student council room.”

“Oh…” she scans me up and down. “So you’re one of the rule geeks huh?”

Again? Really?

“Okay, first of all, why would you say rule geeks? We’re not the disciplinary committee, and two, that’s rude.”

“So what? You guys still work by the book anyway, not so different if you ask me.”

“Different, not all student council members are rule geeks.”

“Like you?”

“Why me?”

“Because you said so…”

“I’m just saying…”

“So, you’re a rule geek?”

“I’m not, damn it, stop saying that.”

“Fine…” she looks the other way “Oh, Sonia is done with her toilet business, I better go, see you later geek.”

“fuck off…”

She sticks out her tongue to me.

Rude ass bi-

“Oh, I need to hurry…”

Leaving all that weird matter behind, I return to my original objectives.

When I arrive in front of the room, I immediately slides the door open.

There’s only Ishida inside.

Finally, a guy I can approach.

Wait that, is so wrong in so many ways.

“Hmm? Reno? What are you doing here?”

“Well, I’m actually curious about something, and I came here hoping to find at least you or Manako.”

“Sure, if you have questions, then you can ask me right now…”

“Well, the biggest question right now is, Manako sen-“

“Oh, before you continue, you can drop the whole senpai business with us…”

“Huh? But, isn’t that rude?”

“Well, technically yes, but it’s been a kind of, tradition, you may call it…”

“I don’t understand…”

“Yeah well, I don’t understand either, but the president told us that this has been going on for many years…”

“Is it really okay?”

“Yeah of course, I was confused and hesitant before, but it kinda grew on me since the seniors always scold me when I called them senpai.”

Weird tradition.

“Okay then…”

“But remember, this only applies in the student council…”

“Yes, wholly noted.”

“So, the question you were about to mentioned…”

“Oh yeah, Manako said something about a festival. What festival exactly?”

“Oh that, think of it as a welcoming party for the first years.”

“Welcoming party?”

“Yes, it will start Friday next week, until Sunday afternoon, student council stays until dark though.”

“What kind of festival is it going to be?”

“Just you regular festival, couple of booth here and there, but not too grand, and it will also be the day where all clubs are open for recruitment, so the first year can observe each club while also enjoying food and all that stuff.”

“Wow, okay, this is unheard of.”

“Yeah, this school is pretty different from the others.”

“So, I’m guessing we’ll work hard from the first day huh?”

“You guess right, so, the next question…”

“Right, you said that there only seven members, but how come at the first day of school I saw a lot of 2nd years wearing a badge that says student council?”

“Oh that? They are not a member of the student council, only a bunch of helping hands, they will only help for the first week only though.”

“Helping hands?”

“Yeah, the president is good at making other people indebted to him, so he can make the others do his bidding anytime he wants.”

“Indebted?”

“That’s a question that will be answered by itself, trust me.”

“I see, then, I believe that’s all for now.”

“Okay, you’re not going to have lunch?”

“Maybe no, I’m not feeling hungry.”

He smiles.

“Good, then you can help me with the job from this morning.”

This is supposed to be a break, why would I work in break time?

“But I thought we will continue it after school?”

“Well, we have nothing else better to do right now, so what better way to fill this empty time other than to continue the works from before?”

“Well, I can’t argue with that logic though.”

“You understand quickly, an attitude that seems to be missing from many people these days.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

With all that said and done, Ishida and I continues our work from this morning, but Manako is not here to approve it, so we just sort the papers like before.

We work in silence, seems like Ishida is like me, we like to be quiet when we are working.

Since Manako is not here to distract us with her constant cheering and the noises she makes, we finishes faster than we expected.

I look again at the work before us, all the papers are sorted neatly, ready to be approved by Manako.

“Well, that’s fast…” Ishida said

“You took the word right from my mouth…”

“That’s all for right now I guess, the next job would be checking the supplies for the festival, but it would take a lot of time to finish, so we’ll start on that later on.”

“Okay…”

“Let’s go back to class, we’re done here.”

“Sure, I’ll head on first then, thank you Ishida.”

“Yeah, thanks to you too.”

I open the door and head for the stairs, when I’ve reach downstairs I see Suzuki, she’s talking with someone.

Not wanting to be rude, I only look at her, and she notices my presence, so I nod, silently saying hi.

She smiles widely and nods back.

I enter the classroom, and one thing that I notice immediately is Komiya is sitting on her chair reading a book.

“Wait a minute…”

I approach her immediately.

“Komiya.”

She’s startled by me suddenly calling out her name, weird, I made sure that I don’t shout.

“R-reno?!”

“Yeah, it’s me…”

“C-can I help you?”

“Yeah, one question.”

“S-sure…”

“Aren’t you and Suzuki always had lunch together?”

She closed her book in an instant, more like, slam it shut.

“I-I forgot!”

She said with the volume set out to maximum.

“Woah, no need to raise your voice that high.”

Everyone is looking at us.

“I-I’m sorry! I need to go now.”

“She’s by the shoe locker.”

“T-thanks!”

She burst out of the classroom while carrying two lunchboxes.

I look at my watch again, there’s only 10 minutes left till class starts again.

“Well, there she goes…”

With that over with, I walk to my seat, Ryu and Miura won’t stop staring at me.

“What?” I said

“What’s that all about?” Ryu said

“Komiya?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, I just reminded her of something important for her.”

Miura squints his eyes.

“Hmm, can we know?”

“I don’t know, maybe…”

“Then tell us…” Miura said

“Well, it’s just that Komiya and Suzuki always have lunch together, and I asked her why she’s not with Suzuki today.”

“That’s kind of you.” Ryu said

“Yeah, very Romeo-like…” Miura said

“Dude, I’m just being polite…”

“Of course, I understand, by the way did you know something Reno…”

“Know what?”

“Apparently Sonia from next door has a twin!” Miura said

He raised his voice a little, as if trying to make me excited about it.

Well, if I don’t know about it beforehand, then it will surely work the charm.

But too bad Miura, that’s old news for me.

“Huh? Yeah, I know that…”

Miura lets out a long Noooo…

“Damn, she’s probably already under his charm by now…” Ryu said

“What?”

“Damn you Reno, like I said, save some pussy for the rest of us!” Miura said

“What the hell?! There are plenty of cute girls in this School!”

“But a foreign girls?! And twins on top of that?! You can be in an awesome harem!” Miura said

“So that’s your goal, to be in a harem of cute girls?”

“Of course! Don’t you know how lucky you are?” Miura clears his throat, as if indicating that he has regained his composure “You’re living every man’s dream right now.”

“Don’t you know that we are just being friend?”

“That’s a start damn it.” Miura said

“Well, besides it’s only our first week, I still have a long way to go.”

“Like I said, it’s a start.”

“And besides, what makes you think that they think of me more than just a friend?”

Ryu sigh, rubbing his temple.

“They say ignorance is bliss.” Ryu said

“No man, he’s just being dense.” Miura said

“Or are you the type that plays hard to get?”

“Like I said, he’s just one dense motherfucker.”

I just sit there, confused, instead of answering my question, they just keep talking between themselves.

“Well anyway, good luck man, I’m sure one of them will try to make a move on you, sooner or later.” Ryu said

One did just that yesterday, I wonder how much of a panic attack these two will get if I told them that right now?

“Whatever, I’m cool as long as you don’t lay a hand on her.” Miura said

“Her?” I asked

When I look over to Ryu, his expression change to being sad for a while, before he notice me and give me the, you know who, expression.

“Oh her? The one that was playing tennis the other day?”

“Yeah…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t steal your crush.”

“Thanks dude, at least, wait till I get a definite answer from her.”

“Oh yeah? When is that? I recall you hardly have the guts to talk to her.”

I can hear Ryu laughing.

“Yeah, let alone Reno dude, you need to make a move before someone else ask her out.”

“I’m trying dude, trust me, I really do.”

“Do you know what they said?” I said

“What?”

“Stop trying, start working.”

“Yeah, literally, just do it.” Ryu said

“Don’t think about whether she’ll say yes or no, just get to know her first man, the rest will come after that.” I said “Like you said, being a friend is a start.”

“Easier said than done guys.”

“I know, but beats wasting your time thinking how to approach her.” I said

“Well, I get what you’re saying, but what about the opportunity, timing, and place?”

“We’re in school bro, high school, this place is more than enough setting for love to bloom.”

“Especially after school.” Ryu said

“You two were in the same middle school right? Start a conversation from there.”

Miura keep nodding his head while holding his chin.

“I see, I never thought of that before.”

“Really? that’s the basic of the basics.”

“All right, let’s say I do as you said, what then? What should I do next?”

“See, this is the kind of thing that keeps you in the loop, the endless loop.” I said

“Yeah, he just said, just approach her first, the rest will come after that.” Ryu said

“Naturally, you will find something to talk about with her.” I said

“I can’t help but worry man.”

“And where have been worrying take you all this time?” Ryu asked

“Hmm…”

“Nowhere dude, that’s where.” He said

“Yep, no progress whatsoever.” I said

“When should I do it though?”

“After school.” I said

“Exactly, after school.” Ryu said

“That fast?!”

“What do you mean that fast? There’s no such thing when it comes to approaching a girl.” I said

“And besides, you have been delaying since middle school, so it won’t count as too fast, more like about damn time.” Ryu said

Miura is restless, he keeps rubbing his head.

“I don’t know man…”

“You need to man up.” Ryu said

“If you really like her, then you need to commit yourself.” I said

“Yeah Miura, you need to go already.”

For a while, I notice Ryu’s expression is changing again, despite all the cheering and support, I think there’s something he’s hiding from us.

I should ask him later.

“Then I will go.”

“Finally.” I said

“But I want you two to come with.”

“What the hell?” I said

“What’s the point in us coming with you?” Ryu asked

“No no no, you don’t understand, I mean watch me from afar, that way I’ll be more confident, knowing that I have two friends watching over me.”

“But we’re just watching…” I said

“Of course.”

“And don’t you dare look at us while you’re talking to her.”

“Why not?”

“Like I said, man up, do it yourself from that point onward.”

“But you two better be there, tennis court, after-“

Ryu shush, and points his finger to the door.

Apparently the teacher has arrives.

Well, that’s the fastest ten minutes I ever had.

After the teacher stands in front of the class, she starts speaking in English for no obvious reason, well, maybe it is obvious, right now we’re learning English according to the schedule.

Because English is my native language, I rate her English 8/10, understandable, but she keeps making some mistake, like using the wrong words, well, it’s a common mistake if you are a non native.

Since learning English is something that have to be practiced over and over, she told us to translate a sentence that she said in Japanese into English.

But for some reason, she never told me to do that.

Maybe she knows that I will nail it perfectly anyway.

That’s fair but not fair at the same time, where’s the equality here?

The class went well, it’s pretty lively actually, the teacher knows how to be fun and educating at the same time, kinda feels like elementary school all over again.

After hours of studying, I look at the clock on the wall, it’s almost 4 Pm.

I poke Miura from behind and signal him to look at the clock, he gives me a determined nod.

Nice.

Minutes later, the time is here.

After the teacher walks out, Miura stands up immediately.

“Let’s do this damn it!”

“Don’t shout asshole, you’re disturbing the whole class for no reason.” I said

“Yeah, can it dude.” Ryu said

“I can’t help it! Even though I’m scared, but I’m excited at the same time! The latter being the most dominant!”

“Like I said, stop shouting.”

“Let’s go!”

The bastard is not listening to a single word I said.

“No stopping him now Reno, let’s go.” Ryu said

“Right behind you.”

“But where should we wait though?” Ryu asked

I think for a while, maybe that spot where I met Sonia? It overlooks the whole tennis court if I’m not mistaken.

“Hey Miura, we’ll go our separate way from here, don’t worry, we’ll keep our promise and watch you from afar.”

“Okay, wish me luck guys!”

He rush out of the class, kind of remind me that one time in my room where it took him less than three second to go to the front door to grab some drinks, and return in almost an instant.

“Where should we watch from Reno?”

“I know a place, let’s go.”

I almost forgot.

“Before we go there, can we go to the class next door first, I need to tell Sonia to come to the student council room.”

“Sure.”

We head out, to the destined land, but before that, I have some business with Sonia.

So we head to her class, I search around, and Sonia is talking with Sona in front of the class.

I called her name, for some reason, both of them responded to my call.

She told me to go in, so I did, after I told Ryu to wait for me.

“What is it Reno?” Sonia asked

“Nothing much really, there’s a message from Ishida that you should come to the student council room after class to receive several info and further instruction on what to do.”

Sona look disappointed for some reason, maybe they were about to go home together?

“Well, okay, I’ll drop by.” She said

“Are you also going there?” Sona said

“Of course, but I have something to do first before I go there, tell that to Ishida in case he’s asking.”

“Umm, who’s Ishida?” Sonia asked

Oh right, she doesn’t know.

“He’s the second year that received our form the other day.”

“Oh, I see…”

“Well, if you understand, then I will be going now, see you two later.”

I head outside again, and Ryu is waiting for me there.

Halfway to the spot overlooking the court.

“By the way Ryu…”

“What is it?”

“It’s just a hunch, but…”

“I’m listening.”

“There’s something you’re hiding from us right?”

He smiles.

“My face gave it away huh…”

“Yeah, your expression changes every time me or Miura mentioned her.”

“I see…”

“Is it a secret? Can you tell us?”

“It’s not a secret I think…”

“You think?”

“Well, I’ll tell you about it when we reach the spot.”

I only nod is respond, I’m really curious about this now.

After he said that, we stay quiet for the rest of the walk, and not long after, we arrive at the bench overlooking the entire court.

“This is a nice place…”

“I know, lots of nice view…”

Ryu sits down on the bench, while I’m still standing trying to find Miura, but it doesn’t take long though, he did say tennis court, and there he is, already talking with a girl.

“Well, looks like he did it.”

“The thing I mentioned earlier…”

Shit, here we go…

“I’m listening…”

“She never told me to keep it a secret anyway...”

“She? The girl? You two knew each other?”

“She’s uhh…”

Somehow, he stay silent for a while, looking nervous.

“She’s my cousin, and we are really close ever since we’re a kid.”

That’s it? That’s no reason to be so nervous.

“Okay you two are cousin, so what?”

“That’s the thing Reno, I know a lot of thing about her that a lot of people don’t…”

“Like what?”

“Keep in mind that I told this to Miura too, but he doesn’t believe me and keep going for her any way…”

“Stop with suspense man…”

“I’m sorry…”

He went quiet again.

“So…?”

“So, here we go…” He inhales deeply “One thing you should know about her, is that she’s a lesbian…”

Okay, that’s simple…

“I mean, what?!”

“Surprising huh, and Miura knows about this too.”

“But he decides to go for it anyway?”

“Yeah, I’ve told him the truth, but he said, I’m not buying that…”

“So you know he’s going to get rejected from the beginning?”

“Yeah, that’s the sad truth…”

“But…”

“Stop it Reno, the only way for him to understand is to know that it’s futile…”

“You’ll let your friend be heartbroken?”

“Well, I did warn him Reno, more often than you can imagine…”

“That’s just…”

Cruel, if Miura already have feelings for her for so long, than getting rejected because she’s lesbian is more devastating than to learn that she love someone else.

Because you have no chance whatsoever with her.

If she loves someone else, then Miura can at least wait till the right opportunity so that she can start to like him.

But if she’s not into guys from the start, what hope does he have?

“Can’t we do something for him?”

“No, believe me, I’ve tried doing so since long ago…”

“So all we can do is just watch?”

“Yeah, that’s the cold truth…”

He stands up again.

“With that said, why don’t you go to the student council room, I believe our heartbroken prince is going to need some company after the rejection.”

“What? But Miura won’t confess to her right away…”

“She knows how Miura feels about her.”

“Really? how?”

I can’t help to glare at Ryu.

“Woah, don’t look at me like that, I didn’t tell her, it’s just Miura keeps trying to get close to her that she kind of realize it herself.”

“And what does that have to do with Miura being heartbroken right about now?”

“Because she’ll tell him now herself, I’ve told him before, but he said he refuses to give up until he hears it from her directly, that way, he can have a definite answer.”

He walks away, presumably to where Miura is.

“I’m sorry Reno, and thank you, for making Miura do this, I say it’s about time he give up and knows the truth.” He stops “The truth I’ve been trying to tell him since years ago.”

“Tell him…” I gaze over to where Miura’s suppose to be “I’m sorry…”

“Of course…” He walks again “Tell the student council seniors that I’ll be busy with something important okay?”

“Sure…”

After he leaves my sight, I sit down on the bench, staring far away.

“Being heartbroken this way, learning and accepting the truth the hard way…”

When I notices it, Miura and Ryu are already walking together.

Even from afar, I can tell that they are walking quietly, Miura is not his usual self.

“One hell of a consequence this is, right Miura?”