Chapter 5: An undeserved break

"Guess I will skip practices for now" Akihiko concluded after I recounted to him what happened.

"Eh, but aren't you the baseball club (official) ace and the tournament is coming up after all!"

"So what, an innocent girl may get killed over this, you are all messed up. Of course, this would take priority over anything, even baseball"

That is… true. Akihiko certainly makes up his mind quickly. Now even if I tell him off because of the danger that guy still wouldn't step down. Heck, maybe I shouldn't have told him this at all. Or Yuuko, or anyone for that matter if I want to keep them safe.

But then again, I am under no illusion that this feeble me could finish this task by myself, an attempted suicide is already enough proof. So, if I am going to do this I will need help from my trusted friends. I already have a battle plan ready but more help will be needed, just three people wouldn't be enough.

There is a candidate in mind but… maybe I should consult with Akihiko first.

"Eh, you want Aoi's help, but wasn't she nearly killed"

"True that but why didn't the rot returned to finish the job. I mean its influence is all over the school maybe even more"

He seems to be deep in thought, probably going all over the reasons possible. I continue.

"This may sound cruel but if that thing returns then she would be dead anyway… might as well have her help"

Akihiko looks at me eyes wide. I also can't believe the day I could say something like this as well. The situation calls for some pragmatism I guess… this is still a scummy thing to say though. Finally, he relents but still seems rather uncomfortable.

"Alright, it's your decision, President. Do you need me to talk to her?"

"Nah, I will handle that. I need you to see if there are any other teachers who remember about me trying to kill myself… Actually, it would be great if anyone know how I survived that"

I forgot to mention it but Mamoru-sensei is actually Akihiko father. Because of that he is especially strict when it comes to us, yes I am collateral damage here. It is rather unfair but at least no one complains that we are getting special treatment. It is rather strange to see Mamoru-sensei who is just the sweetest suddenly switches to cold as ice when it comes to his own son.

Sighing, Akihiko heads to the teacher room before break end. Turning his head mid-way, he turns around to say one last thing.

"Just don't overwork yourself. This may sound cruel but you can't do anything if you break down"

Huh, didn't think I would receive a comeback, that was a good one though. Anyway, now to head off to meet with Aoi.

… I'm thinking back about last night, right… I definitely am. Ah, what can I say to her after that. To make matter worse, Aoi doesn't know about the rot at all. As much as I don't want to spread this story around, she deserved to know. After all I wouldn't have made it through last night without her.

That kiss though, it was my first. Her lips were so soft and for a moment I could feel her tongue washing away the rotten taste.

At that moment, I seem to have channel the great Benkei and die right there while standing as blood rushes to my head. The realisation fades rather quickly though and I return to life. But wait, after entering high school for just a few months, I have found myself a girlfriend and also had my first kiss. Now that development isn't too bad for someone who messed up his debut.

Too bad Yuuko wasn't the one who stole my lips… Wait, it should be the other way around. Ah, mother for just a second there, I have lost sight of being a man! But now…

Actually that is enough side-tracking, time to go and actually meets with Aoi. I'm nearly at my destination as well so this time should be spent thinking up what to say. After all, I am horrible in talking if unprepared. Too easy to push around I have to painfully admit.

As I approach a turn, however, there is sound of rapid footsteps coming around the corner. Even though I could hear it incoming reacting is a different matter altogether.

A resounding thud and I am sent flying as the bodybuilder ace slams at me with all of his might. Rolling in the ground, I can hear him yelling 'sorry' back at me. Geez, what's the rush, at least help me up a bit there. I can hear laughter coming from around, this must be a rather amusing scene to watch. Someone does come over and give me a hand, so there is that.

Reaching out, I grab the hand instinctively before realising who that is.

"Here you go, Pre-si-dent~"

It's Aoi! Talk of the devil. Well, I shouldn't be surprise to see her here, but the problem is I haven't prepared myself properly yet.

Taking a deep breath, Aoi drags me back up with just a single pull. Fixing my clothes, all I could mutter is a weak sounding 'thanks' as the memories storm my mind like the Huns. The girl, on the other hand, looks completely as cheery as normal.

"Come to think of it, I have been looking for you, President~"

Slinging her arm around my shoulders, Aoi drag me away with little trouble.

"Where are we going?" I asked while trying to escape her headlock to no avail.

"That-is-a-secret~"

So, with me in tow, Aoi goes all the way to the music club room. All the way, I can hear giggling, mocking my pathetic escape attempt. Inside are two other girls, both don't seem to be expecting me.

One of them I don't recognise, which is strange considered her peculiar appearance. No, she is definitely not of our school seeing that I can remember everyone faces. Despite that, the girl is wearing our summer uniform bar the jacket. One of her wrist is full of different colourful bracelets of every kind, hidden among them is a slender… brand name watch! The other is also filled with different hair ties, even the telephone cord variant. Her black hairband is rather tame in comparison.

But of course, being a healthy young boy that I am, the first thing that strike my eyes isn't those accessories. No, it's her rather well-developed voluptuous body! Her b… size is not overwhelmingly big or anything but still impressive compared to the girls on the island. There is also another detail that is certain to catch one's attention, that full black sheer tights though! I won't question it.

Her jet-black hair while short is in extremely good condition, it may rival Yuuko even. The bang is evenly cut with a split to the left. She introduced herself as Azumi

The other is Makoto, tall and attractive, she is quite reserved in spite of her popularity. Shuffling through quite a few different styles at the beginning of high school, she seems to have settled at just leaving her decently long hair down, the tips are slightly curled outside though.

Being Aoi's closest friends, I also got to observe her quite a bit during my 'investigation'.

"Well, he would do" Azumi commented as she tries to hide her smirk.

"Ah, you don't have to drag him all the way here like this"

Makoto answered nervously. Stuttering for a bit, she introduced herself proper. Finally letting me loose, Aoi grabs my shoulder tightly. I feel like my bones are starting to crack.

"Makoto-chan here wants to ask you something. You would listen right, President~"

Even though she is acting like her usual self, this grip really suggests otherwise. If I am not careful, heads will be rolling, my head!

At least the Makoto is nice enough to let me sit down probably. She even offers me some tea which I decline, it does smell real good though. After some formality, the room falls silent. Both Aoi and Azumi seem to be expecting their friend to be saying something.

Meanwhile, Makoto is quite fidgety, blushing even. I know that usually she can be quite shy but not like this. Wait, this setup, is this… perhaps a confession!

"I see you have something to say. Don't worry, just take all the time you want"

Well, I already have Yuuko so sincerely sorry. Although I must say I am quite flattered!

"Well, sorry for bothering you like this but… I want to ask you about Akihiko-san!"

"Eh?"

"You see, this girl here fancies that guy and since his birthday is coming up. She wants to ask of you for advice!"

Azumi interjected while a flustered Makoto tries to stop her. Now I feel like a dork for that hasty judgement, talk about over-confidence.

But why come to me though? Akihiko is born and raised on this island, almost everyone here including Makoto grow up with him. Besides, he has always been a very popular guy, well loved by actually everyone I have met. While I am close with him now true, I just came here a few months ago!

"Why don't you ask Kubota or Gou of the baseball club. They are Akihiko neighbours since… well the beginning, right?!

Sighing, Azumi steps on a chair to lecture me.

"So are we and that is the problem! They all know the same thing and there are tons more girls pinning for him. I mean, handsome, athletic and from a respectable family. Akihiko is hot stock here"

Um, hearing someone describing your friend like that is strange to the ears… Still, I can get what she is saying. Anyway, the girl continues.

"They are all too used to each other. You, meanwhile, are someone new so maybe you can spot something that we don't!"

That… actually make sense. But then, there is something I should ask.

"But if you like him… why not confess?"

I can hear Aoi clicking her tongue on that. Before Azumi can answer that, however, Makoto herself stands in.

"It's because to Akihiko-san, I am just one of his many friends. Of course, I try myself to stand out, approaching him more frequently and such but… he still looks at me the same way. Besides, I can't just confessing out of nowhere and hopes for the best. I need to do something special and please don't give me the 'your feeling is what matter'. There are lots more girls out there ready to pour their 'feeling' into this…"

She got a bit heated at the end there. The girl realises that at least.

"Sorry, I… shouldn't have said that"

She was certainly frustrated, the girl probably tried everything she knows already, probably asked for help from a ton more. Yet, she couldn't see any result.

Suddenly it reminds me of how lucky I am to be with someone like Yuuko. After all, I am someone with a lot of advantages already. My yellow hair and blue eyes are quite exotic after all. Also, I could sense the rot, a bond I share with her (and Akihiko). It was logical that we would hang out, us going out also flowed naturally. Having a strict parents, Yuuko barely shows herself on the street so many don't even know of her. Ever since the beginning I had no competition.

Despite all this rot business, I am still quite blessed after all.

Hm, now after realising all this, I can't keep on being this passive! Especially my life may end any moment now, it's time to initiate my own romantic events. That's it, after school today I am asking her out for a date! But now I should help Makoto first.

"Don't worry, I can understand where you are coming from. I will try my best to help then!"

"Really?" Whoa, she is certainly pretty smiling like this. Akihiko, you are one lucky guy as well, oh well it's not like I am jealous anyway.

"See, I told you the President would help"

"Um, why do you keep calling him that anyway?"

Azumi questioned but Aoi just laughed it off anyway. That was… simple, brushing off like that. She acted like it doesn't matter then others won't care. That is a very useful technique, I can't seem to use it though.

Anyway, back to the request. I rack my brain, trying to think of something Akihiko likes that is not well-known. Yes, there is something like it, he told me once while strolling the old library.

"I know that he is really interested in Western classic literature. He even mentioned some books he specifically wants once"

Now that is a weird one, Akihiko has read them from the library and yet he still wants physical copies. Hearing Makoto's eyes seem to light up, so at least this isn't known. Although why though, I wonder?

"So… do you have any suggestion?"

Funny fact, despite having a pair of glasses and being rather reserved, I don't actually read much or any at all. At least I still remember the examples Akihiko gave me, they should be enough.

"Well, I do have a few, want me to make a list for you?"

"Um, that would be great!"

The others stare as I write down the titles. They don't seem to recognise any in this, Azumi and Aoi are soon bored and return to chatting about something. Finishing, I give my list to Makoto. Her gaze seems so intense it may go through the paper even.

She seems to whispering something to herself, trying to name possible book stores I guess. Looking at her being this dedicated, I can't be help but wanting to help.

"Makoto-san, so have you thought of when to give him this?"

Looking at me with disappointed eyes, she answers.

"With everyone else I guess"

"Well, why don't you ask him out for something. To help with something for example, knowing Akihiko he would definitely help!"

Makoto thinks about it for a bit and starts to get red in the face.

"You mean… like a… date!"

"Maybe, but don't go tell Akihiko that"

We then go over some convincing excuses, while he would help anyway having a sound reason wouldn't hurt. The birthday boy himself might be busy on that day though. So it falls to me to see if he has to do anything, if needed I can set them even. If Akihiko actually has something to do, maybe it is best to do this before that date then. It is a shame to miss the birthday but then the present would stand out more.

After some time, Makoto has quite a solid plan ready.

"Thank you, for of all of this" She said sincerely, enough to make me blush slightly.

"Wah, you certainly are a thorough guy! Azumi said.

"That's the President for you, never do anything half-way!"

Ah, all of this compliments are making me redder and redder. Although I can hear Aoi whispers 'thorough in everything, even stalking even' at me. None of the others catch that at least. After a few laugh we realise that lunch break is coming to an end.

Azumi and Makoto already have their own bento so me and Aoi will have to get to the cafeteria fast. Saying goodbye, I left the room.

After such a long time concentrating on the rot, this is quite a refreshing change. The time for break is over though, time to get back to work. I ask Aoi if we could talk somewhere private. She reluctantly accepts.

"So what do you have for me then, President? Is it about Dorian-san?"

In the end, I could not make up my mind whether to tell her or not. I will have to gauge her reaction first then.

"Yes, he told me there is another painting like that in the school"

"Wait, really! Where is it then?"

Aoi really seems interested, I wonder how much do she care about this, about Dorian.

"This other one… it's very dangerous and capable of murder even. Our club was formed to investigate its influence in the first place actually. We never would have known that it is another painting though if not for Dorian…"

"So you are telling me that this is very dangerous then"

Aoi doesn't seem to flinch, even when I mentioned 'murder'. Although I could see that she is taking this seriously. She continues.

"I… know that, especially after yesterday. You didn't know it but the expression on your face was… harrowing. Your body was contorting, withering painfully. And you kept on asking to be released, to be killed. It was just… horrifying"

She paused as the memories came back to her all at once. Aoi looks a bit sick actually. I have never thought of this though, how would I look facing the overwhelming corruption. How I would reflect upon being imprinted by evil.

"After that, even I would know that this is dangerous!"

"Don't worry, I would understand if you don't want to help…"

"Of course I would help" Aoi immediately reacted, cutting me mid-sentence "Dorian told me what you did was for my sake. You had to face something so terrible that it reduced you to… that, because of me. It that is the case then I at least want to do something!"

Aoi finished her declaration right when the bell rings, it's time for class again. I tell her we will talk later and take my leave. Just as I am turning around, she grabs my sleeve.

"President, a girl is pouring her heart out here you know… Don't leave me hanging like that…"

Aoi face is blushing slightly as she looks to the side. Seeing her fidgeting like this, how can I say no. The next class belong to Kumiko-sensei though… Oh well, I will endure her punishment later then. We walk opposite of everyone else quietly to some place discrete.

Aoi doesn't even turn around to face me once. She, however, keeps on holding my sleeve all the way though.

"Just sit down wherever you like~" Aoi said as we return to the now empty music club room.

Looking around, I picked the same spot as before anyway. The girl, this time, drags a chair next to the window and settle down there.

"I'm ready, just lay it all out, President"

Her usual cheery self is now switched to a more serious attitude. Gathering my courage, I told her about the rot, about nearly everything, even my vision, all I left out is Elizabeth. Yes, I even informed her of her own demise.

After all, if Aoi is to help us, there's a high chance that her memory may resurface again. If that is the case, her knowing will make the remembering much easier to swallow. Of course, there is still a different between knowing and experiencing, especially when it comes to death. But in this case, every bit would help.

At first, she looked surprise, for a moment there was the face of denial. It was a hollow, was she trying to stare at it I wonder, the empty void of oblivion. Aoi then quietly accepted it, much to my surprise. Although I know that deep down, she is still trying to cope with the information. But for her to believe it so easily, maybe a part of her still remembers.

Although she did react quite strongly listening about my altered perception, even more than with her own demise. There is an almost empty expression as she tried to sort her feeling.

Next I told her next about my attempted suicide. The image of Aoi then is burned into my mind. It isn't anything overtly emotional or anything. It was more of a restrained expression, maybe that is what hit me. Aoi bit on her lips with her eyes open wide. She tries to close it, to look away but can't. Her hands reach out slightly for seemingly no reason, all rigid.

She was devastated but tried to hold it in. That girl tried to restrain it, what is inside. But in her eyes, I can still see it, the raging emotion. And all that was because of me.

Because Aoi cares.

"After all that, do you still want to help me?"

The girl stands up and proudly says.

"I am at your service now, President~"

She is still quite shaken but still maintain her cheerful look, Aoi is certainly strong. Looking at her trying her best like this is certainly contagious, even I now have a smile on my face. Can't believe that just this very morning I was going to give all of this up.

"But still, my help doesn't come for free though~"

"Um, what do you need?"

"Well, how about making me member of this club of yours~"

That was what she asked for? It's not like our (unofficial) club does anything aside from investigation. Besides, she spends most of the time during school time with her friends anyway. There is normal club time but… that's my time with Yuuko! Gosh, just thinking that make me feel like I'm full of ulterior motives.

With a smile on her face, Aoi continues.

"Don't worry, I won't jump in your lovey-dovey time, Pre-si-dent~"

"Wait… what are you talking about… ha ha"

"Geez, didn't you say yesterday that you have a girlfriend right. But normally I never see you with any girl, so of course you would hang out with her in club time like"

She got me, how can Aoi mention yesterday event so straight-face like that.

"Hm, let's see, is she your vice President, that Yuuko that you told me~"

"Well, you can say so… ha ha"

Technically this isn't really a secret or anything. It just that after so long with no one aside from Akihiko knowing, it just became so naturally. A discrete relationship, there is some romance in that. But when pointed out like it is more embarrassing than it ever has the right to.

Aoi is still not done with me though.

"So, is she the one in that drawing of yours? Right right! Oh my, President, you struck gold there~"

Ah, now I'm just being teased. Aoi has always known how to deal with me, ever since the beginning.

"Ha ha, with someone like that, of course I didn't stand a chance~"

That… Guess maybe this is the time for me to ask her "Aoi-san… why did you like me in the first place?" My question kind of came out of nowhere, maybe it was unfair but it was her who brought it up first.

"I was scared you know, hearing voice out of painting like that. You came along and shared that secret with me. Then last night, seeing you like that for my sake, it was rather touching so… Oh well, it was just a spur of the moment, it will pass soon"

"I… I see"

"What, you think I liked you before yesterday? You are quite a confident guy, Pre-si-dent~"

Looks at me, being toyed around like this. Still, that makes sense now that I think about it. Now I feel even more stupid, to take something like that so seriously.

"But you know, President?" Aoi continues.

"Huh? About what?"

She turns to me, her usual merry self is gone, in its place is a gentle look. Placing a finger on her soft lips, that girl strikes the final blow.

"That was my first kiss, you know"

Ah, now I am getting all worked up now. I try to hide my blushing face but exactly how I don't know. Meanwhile, Aoi is still smiling like that. Ah, I would rather her just laughing at me for that. This somehow hits even harder.

But still, I have observed her plenty by now. I got to see the normal cheery Aoi, the secretly studious Aoi, the pushy Aoi, the athletic Aoi, the troubled Aoi and even a de… an Aoi that has rested in peace. I truly have seen a lot of her, probably more than anyone at this school, at this island even.

But still, the girl in front of me with a hint of sombre is the most beautiful Aoi.

My heart even skips a beat, a few beats actually. Yes, I do have a girlfriend but at the same time, I am still a boy. Of course I would get nervous being with someone this alluring.

We spend the next moments in silent in this empty room together. I can't have it but leering at Aoi who is now looking out the window. She seems to be deep in thought, about what I don't know. The lights aren't actually on, no one is supposed to be here after all. We can still see clearly though with the afternoon shining through the windows. It makes this scene almost enchanting.

But this scenery itself puts fear in me. This is all just a fabrication of my mind after all, superimposed upon the world.

What if all of this beauty, Aoi included is just me deluding myself. After all, I have never seen an Aoi like this, what if what in front of me is just a fantasy. I don't want that to be the case.

This isn't about liking someone or not. In this mind of mind nothing is really forgotten, it is tiring and taxing. Soon everything becomes saturated. Now to me, the sight of Mt. Fuji, the lush green of the Kenrokuen Garden, the mighty Nachi Falls, even all that Miyajima can offer, everything is now generic good looking landscape. None of them resonate anymore.

This bleeds over into everything of my life. Books, television, manga and even people, they are all cliché. I never wanted to become like that though. I want to enjoy, to appreciate like everyone else. That was why I never liked this hyper eidetic memory of mine.

Ever since coming here, a new horizon seems to have opened for me but it isn't always present. The rot invaded my life so suddenly, so easily. Now there are this twisted vision of mine. None of this can be called boring. In face, when investigation started, when the Paranormal Activity club (unofficial) opened, it was all so exciting.

But of course, corruption wasn't what I had in my as something I ever wanted. No, what I truly appreciate is the scene of beauty, enough to shook this jaded soul of mine.

It was Yuuko, my Yuuko who is truly unrivalled in this heart of mine. She has offered so much, just to see her every day is enough motivation for me to go. For the first time in years, my dysfunctional imagination was fired up on all cylinders. What would she wear, what expression would she make, what side of her would I get to see. Now, to see all of Yuuko is my dream. Gosh, I need to reign back this mind, a boy imagination does contain what you might call 'perverse'.

Joking aside, I really mean it, Yuuko being my dream that is. I want to see it all, hers every nooks and crannies, both physically and mentally. Just thinking about that make me excited…

Anyway, enough of that tangent. My mind always side-tracked every time I think about that vice president of mine. What I meant is that I am a person who truly desire beauty. Now in front of me is one such example, just a thought of it being fake makes me nauseous.

I must see, I must know the truth.

And with that, I turn of my filter. What there is enough to bring me to my knees, lucky that I am already sitting down. Against the backdrop of corruption, Aoi is even more enchanting. At that moment, she turns around. When our eyes meet, I am thunderstruck, totally bewitched.

But why? She is pretty, there is no doubt about hat but nowhere near Yuuko's level. And yet there is still something about that girl called Aoi that is utterly tempting.

Ah, I want to know, I want to see it all!

My train of thought is rudely interrupted by the sound of the door opening. My filter automatically kicks in and everything turns back to normal. At this moment, a thought struck me. This untainted view is rather… quaint.

Anyway, back to our sudden visitor, who turns out to be Akihiko who is breathing quite heavily. I can even see droplets of sweat on his forehead even. He is going to say something but relents after spotting Aoi.

Guess I should introduce my confused friend to the Paranormal Activity club (unofficial) newest member. Akihiko is surprised with my decision but he doesn't seem to have any problem with it.

"Are you alright, why are you here during class time" I asked.

"So are we, President~" Aoi reminded me of our truancy.

Putting both hands on his hip, Akihiko stands up to breath properly.

"I was running everywhere looking for you, what else!"

For him to be this tired out, he must have been combing through the entire school to look for me.

"Do you have any news?"

"No, it's nothing like that"

"Then why do you have to rush to find me like that?" I asked, truly wonder what is going on.

Akihiko answers with just a small hint of anger in his voice.

"Well, you told me about investigating evil murderous force. Then you went and didn't return so I was worried. Turn out you are just chilling out here with a girl"

"Hey, you don't to put it like that!" I reacted quite fiercely, that was low of him.

"Then what is it like then, you sure took your time recruiting" Akihiko replied in a mocking tone.

"Well, things happened and I was dragged here you know"

What is going on? I have never seen Akihiko this annoyed at something, especially me. Then I come to notice Aoi who has been having the widest grin.

"You two sure are close friend~" She commented.

"What make you think that?" I replied, rather pissed off with Akihiko's attitude.

"Well, he is only complaining because he is worried you know. For him to get so worked up, you two must be close~"

I… didn't think of it that way. Judging from his state, he must have been searching for me in full sprint. Looking at me, Akihiko finally says.

"I was, so what? Anyway, sorry about all that. It was rather uncalled for"

"No, that was reasonable of you. I have to be the one to say sorry, worrying you like that"

"Nah, you were dragged away right. Of course, you wouldn't have been able to inform me"

"Naah, I should have dropped by at least before lesson"

"Naaah, that would have been rude of you"

… Ok, this is starting to get to my nerve again. Akihiko is also equally ticked off.

Meanwhile, Aoi couldn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing. Looking at her like this, now I feel idiotic for getting so worked up like that. In front of me is Akihiko who is also feeling embarrassed for that display.

We look up at each other and also burst into laughter. Finally settled down after a while. We decide to return for the next class. Luckily, Mamoru-sensei is being generous and so none of us receives detention.