CHAPTER 26 - A… Special Exam? Part 6
(Pov - ?)
"Son, you should eat something."
"Big brother, you'll faint if you don't eat!"
Why are they looking at me with concern? Do they actually care about me now? I don't need anything from them.
"Yeah… You're right."
"Will you eat with us?"
"No."
I grabbed a banana from the fridge.
"This is all I need."
I left the house without saying goodbye… It's not polite, but I don't care.
No matter how hard I try. I swear I really try, but… I just can't trust my own family.
I can only trust my grandma and my dad… I can't trust my little sister or my mom… I just can't.
"Kaeyko!"
…Another annoyance.
"Are you going to school? Let me walk with you."
…She disgusts me.
"I don't like repeating myself. Stay away from me."
"But… Kaeyko, I know you're mad, but that was a long time ago… Can't you forgive me?"
"You had all of middle and elementary school to apologize or debunk the rumors, but you didn't. Don't come near me again…"
…What was her name?
I forgot.
I know her as "soulless bitch," but I can't call her that in public.
"…I forgot your name, but I've made it clear I don't want you around me."
I put on my headphones and kept walking.
•
•
I left the store with instant food.
I won't get full with just a banana.
"Look, the school pervert."
"What? Did you forget us already?"
"Aren't you the losers who always ended up crying when you tried to hit me?"
"Fufu. But we're not the same anymore."
"Did you get dumber? I thought that was impossible."
Do they think I'll be scared just because they have three more guys with them?
"That's the guy I told you about. The one who likes touching little girls' butts."
Ah… When I was 8, I tripped in the school courtyard while playing with… With that girl whose name I don't remember.
I accidentally fell on her, and we hit the ground.
My face landed on her butt, and she called me a pervert.
Others started calling me that too, and I tried to explain it was an accident.
No one believed me because she said I also touched her butt with my hands.
A lie she told because she liked the attention she was getting.
Girls stayed away from me, and guys took the chance to hit me and take advantage of me.
And in middle school, they also spread a rumor that I tried to steal a kiss from a beautiful girl whose name I don't remember. Since she was very popular and had lots of friends, the bullying I faced got worse. Every day, they insulted me, hit me, humiliated me… And my family did nothing? I could never trust them. My mom never believed me when I told her I wasn't a pervert. Why? Because she knew the girl who said I touched her butt. My mom thought she was a sweet, kind girl, so she believed her over me.
The same goes for my little sister, who mocked me for years, calling me "pervert brother," "disgusting," "useless pervert"… Insults I can't get out of my head, not because they hurt, but because I heard them for years, every damn day.
I endured it all until I got fed up.
I started training and exercising to defend myself, and when I was ready, I began hitting back anyone who tried to hit me, no matter the consequences.
I got into a lot of trouble, but I didn't care.
Nothing mattered anymore. Not the insults or what they say about me… I don't care about anything.
"I see… Since you can't beat me, you brought more people… Wow… You're really cowards."
"I'll wipe that smile off your face…!"
Someone punched him in the face… Huh? It's the first time someone's defended me.
"No security cameras, and few people around this early. Perfect."
That guy fell to the ground, blood pouring from his nose.
The others tried to attack us, but they only have muscles—no speed or reflexes.
We dodged all their hits and struck back.
A massacre—we took down all five.
I'll admit, it was nice to have help.
"Thanks… You go to the same school? What class?"
"I'm in group 1-B."
"I'm in 1-D… Thanks a lot… Can I know your name?"
"Saik."
"I'm Kaeyko."
"…Wow… That's hard to pronounce."
We started walking together.
I recognize Saik's name. He got pretty popular at school for expelling a third-year student on Monday.
And he also got the highest score on the entrance exam.
He's pretty strong… This guy's too cool.
"You've got good reflexes, Kaeyko. Do you practice any fighting techniques?"
"No, I just mimic self-defense videos I see online."
"Oh… I see."
"And you?"
"You could say I just dodge and hit."
"I see."
After walking for a few minutes, we reached the school… And an annoying girl approached me.
"Good morning, Kaeyko!"
"…Hi?"
"Have you thought about what I said?! Would you go to the movies with me?!"
…Lots of girls ask me out, but I always reject them.
And if they're too persistent, I say I'll think about it and leave so they stop bothering me.
This girl didn't get the hint.
"…Sorry, I don't want friends or anything like that… Please stop talking to me."
I ignored her and kept walking.
"A handsome, popular guy… Have you ever been in love?"
"No, never, why?"
"I'm researching that stuff, that's why I'm asking… I can tell you don't trust anyone. Let me guess… A sad past?"
"…You could say that."
"Hmm… You don't trust people… You're good-looking, but you're not interested in friends or a girlfriend… Hmm… Did you suffer some kind of betrayal in your past, and that's why you don't trust anyone?"
"Yeah… Something like that."
"Hmm… Did your girlfriend cheat on you, or did you suffer from bullying?"
"The second one."
"I see… The person you considered a friend betrayed you, right?"
"Yeah… Though I've already moved past all that…"
"Saik!"
…Is he friends with that girl?
"Are you feeling better?! Does your head still hurt?"
Ah… This girl… The one who never debunked the rumors about me and the supposed kiss I tried to steal.
"…Who are you?"
"Huh? Y-You don't know who I am?"
"No… Ah… Yeah… I recognize your face, but I don't know your name."
"I'm… Danna."
"I see… Yeah, I'm feeling fine."
I don't want to be near her, so I'd better leave.
"Want me to give you yesterday's homework? No worries, that's what friends are for—I'll pass it to you."
"Hey… No offense, but I don't consider you a friend… I didn't even know your name… And I don't want to be your friend either."
"Huh?"
Wow…
I stopped and turned to look at him.
Saying that to a girl… Wow… That's harsh… But satisfying.
"I already did the homework."
Saik walked over to me.
"From your reaction and look of disgust, I could tell she's the one who betrayed you. Thanks for the info—it'll be useful," he whispered.
"Useful?"
He walked away without saying anything else… Well, she was one of the people who started the rumor that I tried to kiss her, but we were never friends.
Could that be considered a betrayal? I don't know… And I don't care.
I'd better head to my classroom.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
Alright.
Sylphie and Danna are out of the question.
Neither of them could interest me.
Danna could betray me, and Sylphie's too shy.
Hmm… Though Danna's too beautiful and popular for me, I wouldn't have had a chance with her anyway.
But considering I managed to make an older woman fall for me, it's not impossible to think a popular, beautiful girl could fall for me too.
It's all about getting to know the girl and her personality.
But I won't even try to be her friend—that girl could betray me. I'll stay away from her and never talk to her.
"I'm sleepy."
Considering I only slept two hours, it's justified. I stayed up until 11 p.m. talking with Iris about various topics. She laughed a lot, though I wasn't trying to be funny… Is my personality funny even when I'm not trying to be? I don't know.
But the important thing is she considers me a friend.
After walking her home, I did my nightly exercises for 2 hours, studied for 3 hours, and slept for 2 hours.
But it doesn't matter—I'll catch up on sleep here in class.
I entered my classroom, sat at my desk, and yawned.
"I'm hungry…"
Right, I haven't had breakfast… What should I have?
"Hmmmmmh!"
…What an adorable pout Yuki's making. She looks so cute when she's mad.
Is she seriously still upset? I thought she'd gotten over it.
"Still mad, Yuki?"
"Of course!! You're so mean! You ate a whole pizza by yourself and didn't give me a single slice!"
"It's your punishment—I told you I don't want her to get interested in me."
"Hmmmmmh!"
Ah… She crossed her arms and closed her eyes while pouting… I can't take her anger seriously when she looks so adorable.
…Only two people are here… Hmm… I think I have time.
They're talking among themselves—I don't think they'll notice me.
I scooted my chair back a bit and grabbed Yuki's arm.
"Huh?!"
I sat her on my lap and pulled the desk closer.
"W-What are you doing?!"
Oh, she's blushing from embarrassment. How cute.
I opened my backpack and pulled out a lunch.
"I bought you the most expensive pizza on the menu, so I think it's the tastiest."
I opened the lunch, and the delicious smell of the pizza slices made her drool.
"Sorry about yesterday, but I had to punish you."
"You're forgiven!"
I took a slice and brought it to Yuki's mouth.
She took a bite.
"Delicious!"
And I pretended to take a bite so no one would suspect a piece of pizza disappeared.
"Thanks, Saik! I knew you wouldn't leave me hungry—you're not that cruel!"
Yuki started kicking her legs while savoring the food in her mouth… Wow… I feel like a dad with his daughter.
"Seriously eating pizza this early?"
Oh… I think her name's Naima.
I like this girl, but I don't know why.
"I'm not eating—I'm feeding a ghost."
"Tch. If you're gonna tell a joke, at least make it funny, weirdo."
She sat at her desk and ignored me.
…It wasn't a joke.
"Hahaha! I love it when you tell the truth, and no one believes you, Saik."
It's hard for normal people to believe ghosts exist.
•
•
(Pov - Kaeyko.)
I entered my classroom and sat at my spot, seat number 20.
Ah… I really wanted to sit by a window, but I got unlucky.
…Everyone's gathered with their teams, discussing the points they've collected.
I pulled out my phone and checked how many points I have.
Ah… Only 108 positive points.
I did well on the entrance exam and with trash collection, but that won't be enough.
The tasks available on the board are boring and give too few positive points.
Helping middle and elementary school students study has long-term benefits because if a student improves their grades, we get a bonus for good work, but I don't have time for that.
I don't have the ability to teach anyone.
I need to focus on tasks and the exam we'll have next week.
I don't think betting my points with someone is a good idea.
For now, I'll just make sure I'm not the worst student in my group.
"So… Are you really going to ask Saik out? Seriously?"
Oh… That name…
I turned to my left… That group of girls mentioned Saik.
Is it the same one?
"If Saik agrees to go out with Ninkia, the chances of him joining our group increase."
Ah… I get the situation now.
Tanya, the supposed class leader, is using Ninkia to get Saik to join our group.
Well… Hmm… Honestly, Saik seems like a decent guy. He doesn't hesitate to hit someone, and I like his style.
And he's smart and takes risks—it'd be really beneficial to have him on our side.
But the methods Tanya's using are disgusting.
"He's a weirdo who doesn't comb his hair, but his body's great. I'd love to touch those muscles. I'll only go out with him for a bit, and if he doesn't agree to join, I'll dump him."
"I see…"
Should I warn him?
…No… I barely know him—it shouldn't matter to me.
And it benefits me if he joins… I'll let it slide.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
Ah… Having Yuki on my lap is keeping me from sleeping.
Why won't she get off? She's done eating.
"Yuki, if you're finished, get off."
"No way! It's super comfy sitting here! Let me stay a bit longer, please!"
…I can't say no to those adorable eyes.
"Ah… Fine."
It doesn't bother me that much, but I don't exactly like it either.
I'm not a pervert who enjoys having a little girl on his lap, so Yuki's safe from dirty thoughts.
"Take your seats."
The teacher entered the classroom, and everyone greeted her, except me, since I can't stand up with Yuki on my lap.
"Now that everyone's seated, I'll show you the current results."
Results?
She connected her laptop to the board, and a graph appeared.
"Keep in mind these are the results so far—they can change."
Saik's Team… Doesn't sound great, but I guess it's named after me because I have the most points.
First place, with 5,908 positive points.
Ram's Team, second place, with 405 points.
Saoto's Team, third place, with 365 points.
Danna's Team, fourth place, with 336 points.
"Really… there's a huge gap," Ram said.
I could feel eyes on me, but I ignored them while eating a piece of pizza.
"So far, the team made up of Saik, Sylphie, Naok, Bell, and Ludius is in first place… Honestly, this is the first time in the history of this school that a first-year student has earned so many points. The points Saik earned this week are the average a smart student earns in a semester with a lot of hard work and effort. Congratulations."
I raised my hand.
"Did I win a prize?"
"…No."
"Ah… I see…"
I kept eating and pulled out my phone.
I hope the chest is open so I can continue the mission.
I opened the game, and Yuki sighed.
"Saik, sometimes I forget how much of an idiot you are."
Huh?
I didn't get it.
…Ah… Naima's sniffing the smell of my pizza… And her stomach growled.
Thanks to my weird hearing, I heard it.
"As you know, to advance and move up to a higher class, you need to earn points and…"
Blah, blah, blah. I already know that.
"Hey…"
I tapped Naima's shoulder.
"What do you want, weirdo?"
"Want a slice of pizza? I'm full."
"You're giving away my food, Saik?!"
Don't get mad, Yuki.
"…Fine. Thanks."
She took a slice, and I started playing my game, ignoring what the teacher's saying.
"Saik, she hates you—why are you nice to her?"
I have my reasons, Yuki.
Very personal reasons, Yuki.
•
•
(Pov - Number 31.)
I'm tired of being here, watching these people. And I don't have enough evidence to kill anyone.
I'm bored… So bored!!
"Ah… I'm bored… I want to masturbate watching Shadow take a bath."
"…How does Shadow put up with you?"
Being around this woman is boring. Ever since Saik defeated and captured all the legendary ghosts, the ghost hunters in this organization only catch weak ghosts.
It's boring!
Being around Saik is way more fun. I can watch him bathe, exercise, study, sleep… There's so much material that turns me on! I can't help but masturbate while watching him!
As the only legendary ghost who always helped him and stayed loyal, Saik lets me be free every now and then. And I use my free time to sexually harass him! We even have dates. Fufu… Though Saik only sees me as a friend… He doesn't even see me as a sexual friend! Just a regular friend! The most progress I've made with Saik is getting him to touch my breasts… And he only did it because I told him I'd teach him how to bake a delicious strawberry cake!
At least I had an orgasm just feeling his hands… I miss him so much!
But I have to settle for giving him little kisses on the cheeks.
…Fufu. I'll take this chance to mess with this woman. What was her name? 90? Whatever.
"So, how does it feel to be outdone by an 8-year-old kid?"
"What are you saying?"
"Shadow, at just 8 years old, defeated legendary ghost number 100, the most powerful legendary ghost, capable of conquering the world. If Shadow hadn't defeated it, everyone in the world would already be dead and doomed to be zombies."
"Tch. Don't forget he's the one who provoked it in the first place."
"Fufu. You really believe that?"
"What are you trying to say?"
"Shadow gave up when he realized it was impossible to find legendary ghost number 100 without endangering the world. When he discovered the world could be at risk if it woke up, he decided not to wake it and settled for having 99 legendary ghosts in his power."
"N-No…"
"If you hadn't entered the place where it was resting, legendary ghost number 100 wouldn't have woken up."
"Y-You're lying…"
Fufu. She's getting nervous and scared. That was one of the saddest and most painful experiences of her life. Seeing her like this is delightful.
"Why do you think Shadow wasn't there when you arrived? Shadow told you many times he wasn't evil, but not good either. If you had any brains, you would've realized Shadow wouldn't dare attack number 100 because it would endanger the world."
She's crying. Fufu. Now she feels guilty.
"You caused the deaths of over 1,970 members of the global organization. I think your husband died too, right?"
"Shut up!"
She tried to hit me, but I'm a ghost, and a legendary one at that. Even though she has the power to destroy ghosts, she's far from being able to harm a legendary ghost.
Her fist just passed through my body and did nothing.
"You hate Shadow because you think he was responsible, but he wasn't even involved in waking number 100, you idiots."
I'd better go take a bath—I'm bored.
I disappeared from that place and appeared in the bathroom of Saik's house.
"She was crying. Hahaha! Idiot."
That was funny… Well, now I'll bathe and… W-Wait… Is that…?
"Saik's underwear?!"
S-Saik's so lazy, he probably took off his clothes and forgot to pick them up after his bath.
H-His dirty clothes… The clothes he wore when he exercised… His sweat… His scent…
"Thank you, God!"
I grabbed it and started sniffing it.
"It smells delicious!"
•
•
While Number 31 masturbated sniffing Saik's underwear, he felt a chill and sighed.
"Why do I feel violated?"