Chapter 11
“Break up with with Ichinose senpai already!”
Umm, but we already broke up?
Let’s bring the story back to this morning.
It’s been 6 days since I’ve been living as Aika. Also, it’s the morning of the 3rd day I’ve been attending school.
When I was done putting my shoes from the shoe rack on, that girl came up to me.
“Shinozuka Aika. Is it true that you lost your memories?”
“Yes, that’s right. I am Shinozuka Aika.”
Besides Seta-san it’s the first time a girl has called out to me so I responded with a huge smile.
The girl was about the height of my shoulder with twin tails and almond eyes. C-Cute!
She looks like the dolls I’ve seen online.
When I was looking at her while grinning,
“Ack!”
I felt something cold on my face. The thing that fell was a soaked wet cloth.
“If you’ve lost your memories then break up with Ichinose senpai already!”
“Huh?”
Her yelling caused the people around us to start paying attention. If you are so inclined to know please just talk to me.
The irritated girl threw another cloth at my bewildered self. I instinctively dodged. Hey I might possibly have good reflexes!
“I really don’t like you! Ichinose senpai likes Mamiya senpai you know! You’re just in their way, ugly!”
I wonder what this feeling is. Rather than at the cloth being thrown at me, I’m more shocked that she called me ugly since Aika-chan’s face is so cute.
I’ve heard that your personality shows on your face so maybe my character is so twisted that Aika-chan’s face started to become ugly….. Aah, I feel bad for Aika-chan.
When my feet were starting to stagger from shock, someone came from behind to support me.
“Are you okay?”
“Tanaka-kun.”
I looked up at the one supporting my shoulders and saw a worried looking Tanaka-kun.
“What happened?”
“It-it has nothing to do with you!”
The twin tailed girl took a few steps back as if she were panicked and her eyes looked cautious.
Tanaka-kun looked at my face and the towel that fell by my feet, then furrowed his eyebrows and made a somewhat scary expression.
“What did you do to Shinozuka-san?”
“Like I said, it has nothing to do with you! It’s that girl’s fault! Because she won’t break up with Ichinose senpai! You better break up with him!”
Biting on her lips out of frustration, the girl quickly ran away.
I don’t know who that girl was but she was telling me she wanted me to break up with Ichinose senpai. Speaking of breaking up, haven’t we….. wait? Now that I think of it I still haven’t talked about us splitting up. So then that must mean Ichinose senpai and I are still going out?
Dokun~
My heart sped up and my face was getting redder.
“Are you okay Shinozuka-san? Don’t take what she said to heart.”
Tanaka-kun picked up the cloth and was worrying over me. Not good not good, I need to thank him.
“Thank you Tanaka-kun. I’m all right.”
“Really? Then that’s good.”
Tanaka-kun is so nice. I want to return the favor sometime.
Tanaka-kun put the cloth away and after I cleaned my slightly dirtied face in the sink we headed towards the cla.s.sroom.
I want to go meet Ichinose senpai now, but I don’t know which cla.s.s he has. Now that I think of it Tanaka-kun did say that the committee members ate on the second floor during lunch.
All right, I’ll go tell him during lunch. Speaking of lunch, I wonder what I should get today.
The cafeteria was crowded as usual. As I was pondering what to get in front of the meal ticket machines, I heard a familiar sound of cheering. It helped because it immediately let me know that the student council members were coming.
I bought a ticket for naporitan and went to the back of the line where the student council members were. Mikoshiba-kun was so tall that I was able to instantly find them.
“h.e.l.lo, Mikoshiba-kun.”
“Shinozuka. Are you getting used to school?”
“Yeah, it’s really fun.”
“The two of you really seem to get along. You aren’t going to greet me too?”
Right next to Mikoshiba-kun, Sakaki-kun peeped his head out. Beside him was Chiba-kun but I don’t see Ichinose senpai. Too bad.
“Who are you looking for? Ahh, you want to see Kazuki? Too bad but I think Kazuki is happily eating his bento with Sakurako right now.”
Sakaki-kun was grinning and laughing happily. Did something exciting happen?
“h.e.l.lo Sakaki-san. I wanted to tell Ichinose senpai something but if that’s the case I’ll tell him after school.”
“Something you want to tell him?”
“Since I didn’t tell him properly yet I’ll tell him that we’re breaking up and that Ichinose senpai should go out with the person he likes.”
“Ah—….about that huh. Wait a second.”
He took his smartphone out of his pocket and was doing something with it.
At any rate I’ve been sensing people’s glances around me for a while but I wonder if it’s because the student council members are here? To think that every time they show up, students gazes gather on them, the student council members must be pretty impressive. As a fellow student council member I need to work hard.
“I’ve contacted Kazuki so once you finish eating go meet him in the student council room.”
“Ehhh, you went out of your way to contact him? I feel bad having you do this. But I will go on my end.”
“It’s all right. Also it’s not the kind of conversation you want other people to hear.”
How considerate. I didn’t think that far ahead.
But I feel bad making him wait so I’ll eat my lunch quickly and wait in the room for him instead.
“Shinozuka, are you also eating on the second floor?”
“I know that it’s special but I prefer the fir—….”
“That’s good, let’s do that. All right, let’s go Aika-chan.”
Without waiting for my response, Sakaki carried the tray with the neapolitan and took me with him to the second floor.
Now that I think of it, that means he wants me to eat lunch with him? Really? Yay, he’s so nice for eating lunch with me!
“Today I decided to try the neapolitan.”
On the round table, delicious looking meals were lined up. I can’t hold back the sound of my stomach growling.
The walls of the second floor were red and were adorned with pretty paintings. There were stylish white tables with chairs facing each other. Against the wall a fluffy looking sofa was prepared and slightly gave off that image of high cla.s.s.
But the people eating on the second floor were so quiet that they weren’t as lively as the first floor. In spite of these things the second floor has, the first floor still seems more nice and fun.
“Mikoshiba-kun, I’m amazed at how high your karaage is piled up. As one would expect from you.”
“Fried food again? Good grief, you’ll get a sour stomach.”
Chiba-kun, who was saying complaints while eating, had a honorable j.a.panese style meal. It appears to have a restaurant level quality. Afu, to think that they had something like this too. I wonder if this is normal?
“I can’t go to the student council room later since I have to partic.i.p.ate in club activities today so best regards.”
“Okay, good luck.”
I wonder what club Sakaki is in? I’m curious but I was even more interested in the food so I didn’t ask.
Because, Sakaki was eating a hamburg steak. It’s so popular that it’s a contender for one of the highest ranked side dishes for little kids. Moreover, the place he cut with the knife had juice seeping out….gulp, ahh, it looks so good.
Why is it that other people’s food always appears more tasty? It’s troublesome.
“You want some?”
I’m not sure if it’s because he noticed that I was staring at it but he cut a bite size off and held it out in front of my eyes.
“Oh no, then you’ll have less lunch Sakaki-san.”
“Don’t worry about it. Here, open wide.”
The delicious looking hamburg was being swayed in front of my eyes. Uuu, please forgive me for being weak against temptation.
“O-Okay then…..thank you for the food. A—n.”
The hamburg went into my mouth instantly. The moment I readily bit down on the j.a.panese style hamburg, the juiciness spread throughout the top of my tongue. It has a soft texture. This is,
“Delicious.”
The hamburg was so good and the taste of salt and pepper was very nicely put in. I also want to try the demi glace version of this. No, I have to try it out!
“…..Shinozuka, do you also want to try my karaage?”
“No, I feel bad.”
“Don’t hold back. Eat it.”
He grabbed a piece with his chopsticks and put it in front of my eyes like Sakaki did. Kuu, the smell of the karaage is stimulating my stomach.
“Okay then I’ll have just one piece. A—n, afuafu.”
Apparently it was just fried so it was piping hot, the outside was crisp while the inside was soft and juicy.
What is this, it’s the first time I’ve had karaage this good.
“Mufufufu, it’s so good.”
When people are eating good things, they smile. Certainly, delicious meals have the power to make people feel blessed.
“…Hey, Aika-chan. Do you want to try a bite of my fried shrimp? It’s very good.”
“If that’s the case then how about my meatb.a.l.l.s?”
For some reason they keep offering to feed me their side dishes but if I do they’ll have less food. When I tried to refuse,
“There’s not very much s.p.a.ce left in my stomach so I would be happy if Aika-chan ate it for me.”
“Yeah, since after this I’m going to the store. Don’t worry about it, here.”
I was a little bewildered but it would be a waste if these side dishes got cold so I’ll just try a bite of each.
“It almost looks as if we’re feeding a baby bird.”
Finishing my lunch, I quickly headed towards the student council room. I ate a little too much so my stomach hurt a bit but my heart feels fulfilled with happiness. I’m glad they’re nice people.
When I knocked on the student council room door, I head Ichinose senpai’s voice coming from within. Darn it, I was going to wait for him first.
“Excuse me. Sorry that I called you out like this.”
“No it’s fine. Do you have any business?”
I’m not sure if it’s just my imagination but Ichinose senpai’s face seemed dark. Is he mad that I called him out so suddenly?
Ahh, now that I think of it wasn’t Ichinose senpai eating his bento with Sakurako-san…. What have I done!? To think that I got in the way of the two of them’s happiness. I need to apologize.
“I am very sorry to have bothered you during lunch!”
“That’s okay. What do you need?”
Although I lowered my head, the response I got was in a cold voice. It’s making me sad. Not because Ichinose senpai is mad or sad but I’m sad because I’ve created an unpleasant situation.
“Um, I heard that we’re are dating from Sakaki-san.”
“……Ahh.”
Ichinose senpai continued to read the book in his hand without looking at me. It’s as if to say that he wants me to hurry up and get this over with, he’s not even glancing at me. It made me think that the smile I saw on his face at the park was an illusion and that he might actually loathe me.
My hands, my feet, they’re shaking. I want to run away from here but I have something I need to tell him so, you can do it, me!
“I’ve heard that you have someone you like senpai.”
“……….”
“If that’s the case, then you should break up with me and go out with the person you like!”
“Huh?”
Finally, Ichinose-senpai raised his face. When I think that my face is being reflected in his eyes my chest hurts. I just thought this but my chest only hurts when it’s about Ichinose senpai. I wonder why?
“I’m very sorry. I really should I have told you when I saw you on Friday. I’m so very sorry that the me before pulled you apart from the one you like.”
When I finished saying everything I wanted to say, senpai made a bit of a troubled face.
“That’s the reason why you called me out?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, okay.”
I few moments later, he put the book he was reading on the desk and stood up from his chair then slowly approached me.
“I got it. Thank you Aika.”
Ichinose senpai smiled softly. As soon as I saw that smile, the nervous tension released from my body, making me collapse on the spot.
“Are you okay!?”
The surprised Ichinose senpai grabbed my arm and kneeled down to my height since I couldn’t get up as if to meet eyes with me. Ahh, he’s attractive today too.
“I’m okay. I was so relieved to see your smile that I lost all my energy. Aren’t you upset about something?”
“Did I look that upset to you?”
Ichinose senpai put his hand over his mouth as if to cover it and inclined his head in doubt. He must have not been aware of it.
From the moment he entered he had a tingling atmosphere, and when I told him that I thought he was mad because I bothered him during lunch he said,
“I’m not upset. It’s just that being called out by Aika has……never been a good memory.”
He gave me a bitter smile. Then my ear twitched sharply.
From my experience so far, I can tell that it was not something pleasant. I know I probably shouldn’t ask but I’m so curious.
“Um, so for example?”
I’m frightened but I tried asking. Please Aika-chan, I pray that you never injured Ichinose senpai.
“……I’ve been clung on too, had my arms linked to hers, things like that. Also there was umm, ki-”
“Nooooooo!!”
To think she’s done such a thing!
It’s true that Ichinose senpai and Aika-chan went out but to think that I would cling onto Ichinose senpai myself….. no way no way no way no way no way!!
Just thinking of it is making me embarra.s.sed so I covered my face with my hands. I can’t even look at Ichinose senpai!
“Aika?”
“Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry! I’m never going to do something like that again. Ahh, really oh my gosh….”
Aika-chaan, you’re too bold you know.
I suddenly realized, I wasn’t embarra.s.sed at all at having Yuuya-kun seeing me naked so why do I think it’s so embarra.s.sing to cling to Ichinose senpai? Much less being naked is,
“Noooooooo!!”
“Calm down!”
My face is so hot I can’t handle it. I thought even my ears were flushed since it felt like my face was burning.
In order to calm down the disturbed and panicked me, I grabbed my head and shook it violently.
Gebububu, my brain’s shaking. Ah, this feels kind of familiar.
“Did you settle down?”
“Au… sorry for causing trouble. Um, senpai.”
“What is it?”
“I won’t cling onto you anymore so feel relieved. Be happy with Sakurako-san.”
I took deep breaths as I informed Ichinose senpai. With this Ichinose senpai and I are just senpai and kouhai to each other. From now on we can liven up the student council together and I can enjoy the fun student life I want.
“Ahh.”
“Fufu, you really like Sakurako-san don’t you senpai. Right now you have a very gentle smile.”
“Don’t tease me. But I do really like her though.”
I’m not sure if he’s thinking of Sakurako-san, but I think he has the same gentle smile he always makes but something’s different about it. It feels more, affectionate.
…….zuki
Why does it feel like tears are going to come out? I wanted to see senpai’s smile but it’s somewhat painful to look at.
“…I’m leaving now. Thank you very much for coming here.”
“Well, today we’re explaining how the athletic festival is going to go so I’ll be here again after school.”
“Okay, excuse me.”
Once I exited the student council room I quickened my pace as if I were escaping.
I didn’t want to remain there. I don’t know why but I didn’t want to stay there any more.
The chime sounding the end of lunch rang so the other students in the hall began to start running like me. As I was heading towards the cla.s.sroom all I could think about was Ichinose senpai’s smile as he was saying that he liked Sakurako-san.
“…..Huh?”
Before I realized it the tears were rolling down in large drops, no matter how much I wiped them they wouldn’t stop, and I don’t know why.. But as soon as I knew that I was crying not only were the tears falling but it also let out in my voice.
“Uu, uu…..why, are tears, falling?”
I should be used to pain by now but the ache in my chest was unbearable and difficult. Although it’s about myself I don’t know and some indescribable sorrow was overflowing, I couldn’t move from where I was until the tears stopped.
“I see, the person herself is unaware. Sorry, Aika-chan.”
Since fifth period was self-study, no one minded that I was a little late.
But only Tanaka-kun noticed that my eyes were red and seemed concerned. Since I didn’t know the reason myself I told him nothing was wrong though he didn’t seem convinced.
I got ahold of myself and decided to try my best during sixth period. The fact that I have difficult things and happy things happen are proof that I am living.
Sixth period is practice for the athletic festival. For the three legged race, working together is important. I counted the steps out loud with my pair, Tanaka-kun, as went around the gymnasium.
“One two, one two.”
We were slow at first, but we gradually gained speed. Tanaka-kun matched my steps so it was very easy to run fast. When I stumbled he worried about me, unlike the other pairs which were yelling at each other. He’s like bodhisattva. Next time I’ll worship him.
“One two, one two, Uwaa!”
I’m not sure if it was because we hadn’t tripped for a while and I got careless but our breathing got out of sync. Unpreparedness is one’s greatest enemy.
Tanaka-kun lost his balance and started collapsing towards my direction, of course I couldn’t stop this so we fell on my back.
“Ouchhh.”
“S-sorry! Are you ok-”
“Yes, I’m fine. Do you have any injuries, Tanaka-kun?”
Tanaka-kun hung over me, who had fallen on my back, and his face was very close. Ahh, I’ve discovered a mole on the nape of his neck.
“Uwa, s-sorry!”
In a panic, he tried to get up and separate from me but did he forget? Right now we’re practicing for the three legged race so Tanaka-kun and I are tied together tightly by our ankles. That’s why,
“Oww..”
“Ah, sorry! Hold on.”
He pulled my foot and I felt pain on my ankle, then Tanaka-kun panicked and tried to get me up by pulling my arm.
But with the entanglement of my foot and the recoil of pulling it now we’re falling towards Tanaka-kun’s side.
“Ouch, are you okay Tanaka-kun?”
“Y-yeah….Sorry about earlier.”
“Oh no, this is just practice so you don’t need to worry and we can just get up again anyways. Besides that, I’m just glad that we didn’t get injured.”
It would be a disaster if we accidentally twisted an ankle.
Since we were still in the situation with me on top of Tanaka-kun, we slowly got up and once again resumed practice. Let’s aim for number one!
“….this must be one of the side benefits of doing this.”
“Did anything happen?”
“No, let’s try our best.”
“Yes!”
Cla.s.ses ended, and as I was heading towards the student council room I ran into that girl again. The girl with the twin tails and almond shaped eyes had her arms folded and was glaring at me with an irritated look.
“You’re late!”
What. Did we have a promise or something? I don’t ever remember doing something like that though. But it seems like she was waiting for me so I guess I’ll apologize for now.
“You waited for me? I’m sorry.”
“Who would wait for someone like you!”
What, so which one is the truth!?
“So do you remember what I said this morning?”
By this morning she must mean about breaking up with Ichinose senpai. It’s possible that Ichinose senpai asked her to do it.
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Then why don’t you break up immediately! You lost your memories so there’s no reason for you to be by senpai’s side any more!”
Her voice resonated throughout the corridor. She pointing at me and saying the same things as this morning so it seems like she doesn’t know yet.
“Me and Ichinose senpai-”
“I already know what you want to say. You don’t want to break up right?”
“Well,”
She interrupted my words and said the exact opposite. I happened to just remember that my doctor once to me to listen to what people say until they finish. Now I can understand that feeling.
“You know what? Ichinose senpai has Mamiya senpai. The two of them have such deep feelings for each other that there’s no place for someone like you to slip in between them.”
“Well, that’s why-”
“Don’t you know that this is all in vain? You’re trying to do something pointless and hurt them in the process. What you’re doing is the worst you know!”
“Umm,”
“Break up with Ichinose senpai already!”
As I was saying we did already break up. Listen to what I’m saying—.