Chapter 58: Afterward.
—OoOoO—
The heat of the sun is becoming intense, and the classroom is getting stuffy, even though the sun isn’t yet high in the sky. All the windows were left open to improve air circulation and allow the cool sea breeze to enter. However, the distinctive aroma sometimes also tickled the nose, and it wasn’t uncommon for people to catch a summer cold. Fortunately, the students in this class seemed to have strong immune systems, so such trivial matters didn’t affect their health.
In fact, Yumiko, who just days ago seemed to be under the weather, is starting to show signs of improving complexity.
“Hey, Hayato, what are you going to do this summer?”
The question reached my ears, waking me from my light reverie. My eyes, initially probed on the empty soccer field through the window, shifted to the source of the voice. It was a well-built, above-average-height boy named Tobe. This kid often asks me out of the blue, even though it’s just for small talk.
Of my group, only Tobe was around me while Oka and Yamato didn’t seem to have returned from the toilet yet.
“This summer, eh? I don’t know. I haven’t planned anything yet,” I reply.
“Oh, is that so?”
The boy I’ve known since freshman year replied with a big smile and then took out a piece of paper from his pocket.
“What’s that?”
“You see, I knew you’d be struggling about your summer vacation plans. That’s why I put together a list of recommendations.”
Tobe’s reply made me wince a little bitterly.
Struggling to decide, huh? Is it what it looks like? Even trivial things, like what I want to do during the holidays, I couldn’t decide for myself. Even for something as insignificant as this, I still need to listen to other people’s advice.
When was the last time I decided something for myself?
The image of Hayama Hayato that seemed so perfect, the mask I had so diligently carved, was nothing more than a thin curtain that hid weaknesses I couldn’t admit. Growing up with an idol of my heart, I unconsciously traced every step I left behind, as if my life were just a shadow of someone else’s story. At every crossroads, I chose something not because of my own desires, but to suppress the gazes and expectations that continued to suffocate me. People called me special, holding me high with praise I never fully believed. But in the end, when all the applause died down, I could only stare at my own reflection and whisper softly, what have I ever really done?
“Hayato?”
Tobe’s voice interrupts my reverie again.
“Something wrong? Your eyes look zoned out,” the boy said again.
“Ah, no, it’s not like that,” I reply quickly while shaking my head slowly, “It’s just that the recommendations you wrote all look fascinating that it makes me confused.”
A diplomatic answer. I could have just turned them all down because they all seem dull. No, actually, there’s one thing I’m really looking forward to during summer break.
“I know, right? I’d love to do it all, but I still have to work part-time,” Tobe replied enthusiastically.
“Oh? That’s a news for me. Is there something you’d like to buy?”
Tobe’s face turns bright red upon hearing my question. He glances left and right, as if to make sure no one is listening. Then, he leans in toward me, bringing his mouth to my ear with his left hand covering it.
“I wanna save up to ask someone out on a date on the next school trip.”
“Huh? Really?”
It’s pure shock on my part. I could even feel my eyes widen when I heard it. Meanwhile, Tobe pulls back with an awkward gesture.
“I mean, I don’t know if it’s gonna go well, but I can’t hold it in any longer, you know? Like, I at least wanna give it a shot, right?”
Tobe says it shyly, his cheeks flushed. It’s clear that he wants to try his best. As a friend, I should be happy, or at least enthusiastic, right?
However, that feeling doesn’t register in my mind at all. The smile etched on my face was merely a decorative gesture, meaningless. Instead, a sense of discomfort lingered in my mind.
The girl Tobe likes. In truth, this guy is incredibly naive, and his thoughts are easy to read. There’s no way I, who spends my days with him, would overlook that. However, that’s precisely the problem. Even without him having to do anything, the answer is already clear. And if that happens, it won’t be good for me.
Ding Dong!
A sound from the speaker hanging on the front wall of the classroom catches my attention, as well as the other students’.
“Announcement to Hayama Hayato-san from class 2-F is kindly requested to come to Hiratsuka Shizuka-sensei in the staff room. Once again, for Hayama Hayato-san from class 2-F, is kindly requested to come to Hiratsuka Shizuka-sensei in the staff room. Thank you.”
The announcement silenced the entire classroom. Although most of the class had already left for lunch, all activity at the school came to a complete halt, and everyone stared at me immediately after the announcement.
“Did you do something, Hayato?” Tobe asked.
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Then, why did sensei call you?”
“Well, I wonder why.”
Honestly, I don’t really remember doing anything worthy of being summoned to the staff room over the speaker. No, this is even a first for me. I’ve always behaved like a model student and done my best to make the teachers and the school proud. Though if it were Hiratsuka-sensei’s usual behaviour, she wouldn’t summon her problematic students over the speaker. Instead, she’d always call them personally if she wanted to give them some extra lectures.
That’s right, just like how Hikagaya-kun always sleeps and daydreams rather than paying attention in class, Hiratsuka-sensei always comes and calls him out on it whenever he makes her angry.
—OoOoO—
I’ve been to the staff room a few times before, but this is my first time meeting with Hiratsuka-sensei. Usually, I only come here to get the clubroom key or help deliver materials from other teachers. Meanwhile, Hiratsuka-sensei is a competent and organised person. She never asks her students to do menial tasks like carrying materials or fetching things. Therefore, almost impossible to get some extra credits from her by doing such things.
That’s why this is my first time standing next to Hiratsuka-sensei’s desk. I expected her desk to exude professionalism, like the work ethic she always displays. But no. Overall, everything on her desk was neatly arranged. However, I never expected to find a Nintendo Switch lying there, something that doesn’t fit with her perfect reputation.
“Don’t get me wrong. I only use this in my spare time.”
Sensei’s words force me to end my observation. However, being caught staring intently at her desk makes me feel a little awkward.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to question your credibility or anything,” I said, bowing slightly.
“Well, don’t worry about that,” she replied with a wave of her hand, “Put that aside. I know lunch breaks are precious time. So, I won’t take up any more of your time.”
Oh, I’m glad she got straight to the point without further ado.
“You know I’m the supervisor of the service club, right?”
“Yes, I do. Yukinoshita-san is there too, isn’t she? She’s helped my group out a few times.”
Hiratsuka-sensei nods at my reply.
“So, I’ve scheduled summer activities for them. The elementary school my friend teaches at is about to host a summer camp, and I plan to have my kids volunteer since they are understaffed.”
It’s actually a good plan, considering it’d be difficult to decide on summer activities for them, given that the club doesn’t have any specific activities. However, the way Hiratsuka-sensei called them her kids… surprised me a bit.
“However, even with their participation, it seems the required number of staff is still not met,” Sensei continues, “That’s why I plan to bring in kids from my class to fill the quota. And I think you and your group would be perfect for this job.”
“I don’t mind, though. But why us? I mean, Yukinoshita-san and Yumiko once had a falling out.”
“Well, there’s no particular reason as I’m fine with anyone,” Sensei replied, leaning back in her chair. “But Yuigahama is your friend, isn’t she? So, it’ll make it easier for all of you to communicate at work. Besides, I also want Yukinoshita and Hikigaya to learn to compromise with others.”
“Compromise?”
Hiratsuka-sensei seemed to nod slowly.
“As you said, Yukinoshita and Miura used to have a feud. Though, I think they’re quite close since she and Hikigaya once helped Yuigahama and Miura learn to bake. That’s why I want them to learn to put their egos aside and work together.”
Hiratsuka-sensei put her hands on the table, holding the edges and visibly stretching.
“Well, it would be nice if they could at least communicate and make up. I don’t have high hopes, though.”
So, basically, my group is prioritised because Yuigahama is one of us, and Hiratsuka-sensei wants to mend the history between Yukino and Yumiko. It wasn’t a bad offer, actually. I’ll accept it from the start, anyway. Besides, since she’s a teacher who could do almost anything, it’s hard to look good in her eyes and get extra credit. So, this might be an opportunity.
However, there’s something I want to make sure of.
“Is this will be an official activity?”
“Hm? Can you explain what you mean?” she asked back.
Thus, I racked my brain, trying to find the right formula of words to say, but still hiding the main meaning of the question.
“Well, my parents worked as lawyers for the Yukinoshita family. So, I know them quite a bit.”
“I know, but I don’t find any correlation with your question.”
I’m not sure if it was just me or what, but the pressure Hiratsuka-sensei is exerting seems to be increasing. Yet, her expression, tone, and even her body language show no change at all. However, somehow, I felt like I was being interrogated.
“Excuse my vague language,” I softened my tone a bit, “What I meant was, Yukinoshita-san’s sister is quite the nagger. She probably follows her around just for her own amusement. So, I was worried that this might make Yukinoshita-san uncomfortable or disrupt the camp. Therefore, if it was a strict activity for your students only, we can prevent her to coming with us.”
“I see. Haruno, huh?”
Oh, that’s right. If I’m not mistaken, Hiratsuka-sensei was quite close to Haruno-san when she was a student here, wasn’t she? They even performed together in a band at Haruno-san’s last cultural festival and some people even said she was her favourite student.
“I was planning on inviting her, too, actually. So, whatever happens is already part of my calculations.”
My eyes widen slightly upon hearing that statement, but I quickly return them to their normal appearance. Hopefully, she doesn’t think my reaction was strange.
“I appreciate it. If you have planned it that way, everything must be fine, then. And personally, I don’t mind helping the Service Club. I’m sure the others are excited to do it too. So, I’ll get back to you after discussing this with them.”
I put on my best smile, assuring her that everything I said was sincere.
“Thank you, Hayama. I’m glad to hear that.”
“Don’t worry, Sensei. You can count on me for anything.”
What’s wrong with me if I can’t decide what I want to do? What’s wrong with me constantly trying to meet other people’s expectations to cover up my shortcomings? No, even those two things are wrong.
I know what I want, and I know what I need to do to get there. Even if it means living up to other people’s expectations, I don’t care as long as I can get closer to what I want.
Haruno-san, I know you’ve always drawn a clear line ever since you realised my feelings for you. Haruno-san, I know you’re an outstanding master of persuasion, capable of keeping our distance and giving me signals that you’re not interested in me, yet still keeping things between us and our families from becoming awkward.
However, Haruno-san, as long as I don’t confess my feelings to you directly, you know you’ll never be able to truly reject me, right? You’ve always been the perfect figure and kept everything in order despite your seemingly chaotic nature. But, Haruno-san, that’s precisely the irony. As long as you maintain that image, you’ll never be able to push me further than this. As long as that’s the case, my chances of winning you will remain open.
That’s why, Haruno-san, I’ll eventually find you no matter what. And I’ll use this summer’s activities to get closer to you.
—OoOoO—
Damn it! Fuck! Fuck! Die, you bastard!
It’s the second day of summer camp, but I haven’t done anything to show my best side to Haruno. It’s been two fucking days and I haven’t found an opening to approach her! Instead, Haruno-san has been showing off her affection for that Hikigaya guy!
I let my guard down! I really let my guard down!
I did see them at Chiba University. More specifically, they were alone in the cafeteria. However, I tried asking Yui to ask Hikigaya what they were doing there. Apparently, it was just a substitute for the industrial visit Hiratsuka-sensei had suggested after he messed up his proposal, and Haruno-san was only there as a guide. Of course, I also asked the acquaintances I had made at Chiba University to keep tabs on Haruno-san’s daily life, and their accounts matched Yui’s.
Damn, I really should have considered that they were indeed close at the time. I thought Haruno-san’s response was just her usual petty attempt to give a sign of her disinterest in me. However, I never imagined that Haruno-san was truly close to that bastard.
I mean, what’s so good about Hikigaya? He’s a boring guy. His daily life is the same as that of the average guy, if not worse. His academic grades are only average, and he almost sleeps at every opportunity, even when the teachers are teaching. Sometimes he comes in nearly late and immediately falls asleep on his desk without a trace of guilt. Many teachers even reprimand him, and it’s no secret that Hiratsuka-sensei often scolds and punishes him.
Considering Haruno-san’s personality, she should never have been interested in such a guy. In fact, she never even paid her two ex-boyfriends. She was never the first one to initiate any moves, and it was always someone else who approached her first. Despite that, she accepted them out of pure curiosity and broke up with them after two weeks just because she was feeling bored.
However, this is the first time Haruno-san has shown interest in someone other than her sister!
What does that boring guy have? What’s so good about him that I don’t? My face is definitely more handsome. My charm is obviously greater. My physique is definitely better than someone who seems slow, doesn’t participate in any sports, and is a lazy person whose class routine is dominated by sleeping.
Haruno-san, why do you set your eyes on him, but not on me, who has known you since your childhood?
“Hayato, are you asleep?”
Tobe’s soft whisper makes me flinch slightly. Luckily, the hut is dark enough that no one would be able to see my face.
“Not yet. What’s wrong, Tobe?”
“Oh, thank God. Yamato and Oka are already asleep. If you sleep too, I won’t have anyone to talk to.”
Just kill yourself if you can’t sleep, you bastard!
“That’s why you shouldn’t drink coffee in the evening, Tobe.”
“I know, right? But I want to try to look like Hikitani-kun.”
My eyes widened as the name was spoken.
“I mean, after spending time together chopping wood, he’s actually a pretty chill guy, you know?” Tobe continued, “He seems to be experienced and has a unique charm that even Yukinoshita-san’s sister is attracted to. His siscon tendencies are quite over the top, though.”
Hikigaya! Hikigaya! Hikigaya! Why is everyone talking about him? Seriously! What’s so good about that boring guy?
“By the way, do you think that Hikitani-kun has been going out at night since yesterday because he wanna find a chance to be alone with her?”
Damn, I really want to punch that lousy mouth!
“I don’t know, I’m not quite sure either. But didn’t he say he was going to the kitchen because he was hungry?”
I hope my words sounded natural. I didn’t want to appear suspicious, especially in front of Tobe. He may be stupid and insensitive, but he still has some beneficial qualities in keeping my group together.
“Anyway, talking about him makes me really want to try soaking in an onsen at night too,” I said as I got up from where I was lying.
“What? Hayato? Are you serious about taking a bath at this hour?”
“Why not? Do you want to join me?”
Tobe shook his head in response, which was a response I had already predicted.
“Nah, I’ll pass. My parents said taking a bath too late at night is not good for young people.”
Such a stupid person who believes in superstition. But of course, you’d back off. I knew it. After all, if I thought you’d join me, I wouldn’t have invited you in the first place. In fact, I’d be making every effort to keep you here.
Soaking in an onsen at this hour? Don’t be ridiculous. Even if I weren’t as superstitious as he was, I wouldn’t do it. That isn’t my goal from the start. However, imagining that thief Hikigaya alone with Haruno-san in the middle of the night, I couldn’t sit still until I confirmed it with my own eyes.
—OoOoO—
My family and the Yukinoshita family share a close and deep bond. In terms of status and caste, the Yukinoshita family, a Japanese conglomerate, is indeed several levels above us. Furthermore, my parents’ status is no more than that of the law firm they employ. However, beyond business matters, my mother is a close friend of Mrs Yukinoshita’s, which deepens our relationship beyond just that of employee and employer.
That’s why I thought I could take it slow, not rushing to get Haruno-san, so people wouldn’t think I was an ambitious man after their money. I also stayed calm even though she had two boyfriends because I knew she was never serious about them, and never even entertained any of their intimate advances.
Moreover, I knew that no matter what, Haruno-san wouldn’t be able to bring just any man into the family. Mrs Yukinoshita would never approve of anyone who doesn’t meet her standards, which are certainly top-notch. Finding such a man would be nearly impossible. Furthermore, the Yukinoshita family’s children are both girls. So, she would undoubtedly be very selective in choosing their partners.
And among all those options, I am the safest, most trusted, and number one choice.
Supposedly, it’ll continue like that forever.
But what am I seeing? Haruno-san and Hikigaya, pinning each other down and kissing on the ground? I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but had they just confessed their feelings to each other? There’s nothing I could do but hide and watch their depraved actions.
Like, Haruno-san, why are you flirting with him like a lustful beast? You’re supposed to be the most noble woman in the world! You shouldn’t be doing such a despicable thing! Your elegance and charm should never be touched by the filth of those filthy, lustful hands!
But why? Why, Haruno-san? It should have been me! I’ve known you since we were little, and he’s just a new person who recently entered your life! Why are you never fair to me, Haruno-san? You should know that my love for you is greater than the entire world and everything in it!
—OoOoO—
“How frustrating! How frustrating! I came all the way from Okinawa to Chiba to meet her, but she chose another man! You damn bitch! I’ve given you everything! I’ve sacrificed so much for you! But you chose a man you just met!”
The chatter makes me open my eyes, waking me from the nightmare that has been swirling around in my head since I witnessed the disgusting sight last night.
I turn my head, taking in the scenery around me. The highway is full of passing vehicles, pedestrians crowd the sidewalks, and the heat of the sun feels like it’s stinging my scalp.
Right, that disastrous summer camp had ended in a humiliating defeat that blew up all my chances of getting Haruno-san.
Now I’m sitting alone at the bus stop. Without anyone to accompany me, alone amidst the crowd, mourning my failed love story. No matter how many buses stop, my body can’t move, as if my soul has been attached to this place with my sadness as a glue.
“Excuse me, did my chatter disturb you?”
I turn my head towards the source of the voice as I feel the man is trying to speak to me.
“No, it’s fine. I don’t care anymore.”
There’s no response from him. Instead, he seems to be staring at me with his eyes fixed on mine with worry.
“Your face looks wrinkled. Have you had a bad day, young lad?”
“No, it’s nothing,” I reply briefly.
“It’s about love, isn’t it?”
My eyes widened slightly at that guess. I want to spray him, spit on him in anger, to stop him from bothering me. However, the last of my energy was gone. My body felt weak, accompanied by pain in my chest.
“I’m sorry if I come across as too intrusive, but seeing your listless expression reminds me of my own suffering,” the man continued in a weak tone.
“What do you mean?”
“You heard my complaint earlier, didn’t you?”
The man hung up his words to look me straight in the eye.
“I came all the way from Okinawa to meet a woman I’ve known for years through a dating app. But when I arrived, I saw the disgusting sight of her being intimate with another man.”
“That’s your fault. You shouldn’t have gotten carried away with a random woman on dating apps.”
Giving such a curt reply is entirely unlike my usual self. But I don’t care. My heart is broken, and my mind is in turmoil. I don’t have time to deal with a stranger’s ramblings. On the contrary, he should be thanking me for listening to his nonsense.
“I didn’t get carried away. It’s not like I was just chatting with her over text,” the man replies emphatically in his defence. “We’ve known each other for years and have seen each other quite often. When she comes to Okinawa, I’ll host her. And when I have business in Kanto, I always make time to stop by Chiba.”
Well, cases of people falling into traps or scams on dating apps are pretty common. However, I can’t deny that those apps have also helped many people. Judging by the story, this person seemed to have had a decent relationship before the crash.
I actually wanted to ignore the man. However, our shared fate of failed love makes me want to hear his story.
“If it was going so well, why did your woman choose another man?”
“Well, maybe that’s mostly my fault. To begin with, we’re not in relationship. So, calling her my woman is a bit inappropriate.”
The man seems to pause as his words sound fragile. His eyes stare wistfully at the concrete sidewalk, as if a glimpse of his past is reflected there.
“I was naive because I thought I was the only one for her, the best option she had. I put off confessing my feelings because I assumed she wouldn’t fall for anyone else.”
My brow furrowed when I heard that statement. For some reason, it felt like a jab at my heart.
“But I wasn’t completely wrong, you know?” he continued, looking at me, “It’s not like the man she chose is a good person or better than me!”
His breath seems to be ragged as he says that.
“I have a handsome face! I have a great job, wealth, and a secure future! All the women flock to me like ants to sugar! But why does it happen that when it comes to the woman I love, she turns her face away from me?!”
That crashing out, I could completely relate to him. Every word he said seems to resonate with my heart.
Even though I don’t know what his job is or how rich he is, I can see that he has looks that are far above average.
His long black hair glistened in the sun, styled in a top knot, with part of his bangs hanging down. His skin is pure white, with defined facial features. Even though he’s sitting, I could see his perfect posture. Although he only wears a suit like an office worker, he doesn’t look like a boring guy. If anything, he looks like a band member with those ear piercings.
If I had to point out one flaw, it’d probably be the stitch marks that split her forehead horizontally. However, that shouldn’t be a fatal problem, as misfortune can happen to anyone without any strings attached.
“I… I think I can understand that sentiment,” I replied softly.
“Oh, could you?”
I unconsciously nod at the question.
“Recently, the woman I’ve liked since childhood also chose another man. What’s worse, the man she chose was utterly pathetic, nothing compared to me.”
When I remember the sight of Haruno-san kissing that bastard Hikigaya, my heart feels like it’s being sliced into pieces by a rusty razor blade. The blade wasn’t sharp or large enough to kill me instantly. However, the small, rusty blade made the pain excruciating and left a scar that was prone to further infection through the rust flakes.
“I see,” the man muttered, “Experiencing the same fate, could this meeting be predestined? However, a wonderful woman falling in love with a trashy man, I thought such things only happened in dramas.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t sound right. Almost like something wrong on her head.”
“That’s it!!!”
I’m shocked when the man suddenly shouts while holding my shoulder.
“That’s it, young lad! I also think it’s impossible for the woman I like, such a brilliant woman, to fall in love with a trash unless there’s something wrong with her head!” he said passionately.
I open my mouth to respond, but I stop myself when I see him about to continue.
“I always thought there might be some unexplained external factor influencing her decision making?”
“You mean, like being threatened by the yakuza or something?” I ask.
The man seems to stare at me blankly, and his eyes blinked several times as if he didn’t believe my stupid remark.
“Well, maybe that could happen, but I doubt that a woman as brilliant as her could willingly get involved with the yakuza.”
He’s right.
Putting aside the woman he likes. In Haruno-san’s case, there’s no way the Yakuza could threaten her. The mafia might seem intimidating to normal people. However, the Yukinoshita Family is the real deal. They’re a conglomerate with assets that those illegal businessmen can’t even imagine. Mrs Yukinoshita is a shrewd businesswoman with extensive connections. At the same time, her husband is the Cabinet Secretary, literally the Prime Minister’s right-hand man and the second face of the national cabinet.
Both financially and politically, the Yukinoshita family is way too powerful for those losers to shake. Furthermore, even without the family name, Haruno-san would never fall for their tricks.
However, that’s precisely what confuses me.
“If it wasn’t threats from the Yakuza, then what? Are you saying it was brainwashing?”
“That could be. I can see that possibility, but brainwashing wouldn’t make the woman I like act so naturally around other men.”
That response makes me reflexively raise an eyebrow. But I remain silent, waiting for him to finish.
“So, I think maybe she was bewitched by that man. Or maybe, she was cursed to never look away from him.”
“Bewitched? Cursed? That doesn’t make sense.”
“You’re absolutely right, it doesn’t make sense, likewise their togetherness,” the man’s words sounded creepy, “Do you think a woman as great as her falling in love with that trashy man makes sense? Because to me it doesn’t at all.”
He’s… got a point.
Haruno-san was too powerful both individually and from a family background. No amount of cheap tricks or foolish threats would work on her. Of course, there’s no reason for a woman standing on top of the world like her to date a lowly man in the first place. But what if there was another factor I hadn’t anticipated? And if she was indeed under a spell, that’d explain why she fell in love with that bastard Hikigaya.
“That’s why I intend to save her from the influence of that evil curse,” the man continues.
“Save… her?”
“The woman I love now is definitely unaware that she’s being bewitched. Therefore, it’s my duty to save her.”
That’s right. If I can save Haruno-san from Hikigaya’s evil influence, she’ll surely understand how deep my love is!
“But how? How can we deal with something we can’t even perceive?” I asked.
The man smiles at me.
“If she was indeed bewitched using black magic, doesn’t that mean we have to use the same black magic to ward it off?”
“That’s actually makes sense. But how?”
Again, the man lets out a meaningful smile.
“Actually, I’ve done a lot of research on it. My dedication to saving my beloved is immense, you know? If you’d like, I’m willing to share my knowledge of magic with you, young lad.”
Since I was little, I’ve always been warned not to trust strangers easily. This warning is actually quite reasonable, considering you never know what might happen to you. However, if I told anyone about my concerns, they’d probably just think I was crazy and overly obsessed with Haruno-san.
Right, they don’t understand at all. They’d probably just say that love with such a high-class difference is normal. However, that only happens in telenovelas. Haruno-san isn’t that unreasonable a woman. Although she gets bored easily, it seems chaotic, and she isn’t interested in boring things. She’s a devoted family person. For someone like her, there’s no way she’d fall for a lowly guy like Hikigaya unless she’s been bewitched!
That’s why this man is the only one who understands me. Only those who have suffered a similar fate can understand my pain. Therefore, if anyone can save Haruno-san from that curse, it must be me alone.
“Before that, haven’t we not formally introduced ourselves, sir?”
“Oh, you’re right. My bad, my bad.”
The man gives an awkward smile. However, it quickly vanishes, replaced by a confident smile and piercing eyes.
“Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Suguru Geto. Nice to meet you, my friend.”
—To Be Continued—
Author Note: And cut!
Hello everyone, how are you all? A simple question. If there’s something that drives a highly intelligent person insane, what do you think it is? I think if anything can change a person drastically, it’s definitely love that becomes an obsession. Just like Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, who should have been a very rational and science-oriented figure, became very obsessed with the occult and spirituality after his family died one by one.
In this chapter, I wanted to portray that obsession with Hayato. As someone burdened by high expectations and never deciding anything for himself, Haruno was the only thing he’d ever wanted since childhood. Seeing Hachiman steal her away, Geto sank his fangs into the boy.
Well, that’s pretty much what happened, lol. And that’s all from me, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and see you again soon.