CHAPTER 33 - Enemy Number 1. Part 4.
(Pov - Saik.)
Well, at least I won a cake. I hope that guy doesn't try to put something weird in it.
His actions are strange. I hope he doesn't try anything with Sylphie. I'd rather avoid having to kill someone from my group—that'd just cause unnecessary trouble with the ghost hunters.
"Ah, I'm wet. Well, I was supposed to get wet."
It's a bit cold, but I don't want to go back in the water. Where's the P.E. teacher?
Plus, I see blurry. I need my glasses.
"Hey, Saik, do you have a problem with the student council vice president?" Ludius asked.
"I think he's mad at me because I'll be the one responsible for his expulsion in the future."
"Seriously, you threatened him?"
"It's not a threat, it's a fact. I'll be the one to expel him. The student council made their move to ban betting, but that won't stop me from expelling him."
"Wow… And why do you hate him?"
"I don't hate him, but he's trying to ruin my peaceful school life. I'm only expelling him because he tried to threaten me."
Hating an insignificant person like the vice president is illogical. Why would I hate someone as irrelevant as him…? Oh.
Someone threw something at me, and I caught it. A… lollipop?
"You can consider it payment for the show."
Oh… Uh… Who's this?
"Sorry, I'm not wearing my contacts. Who are you?"
"You forgot my voice?"
Most women's voices sound the same to me.
"I'm the president."
Oh, yeah, I remember her now.
"Thanks for the lollipop. Free candy is never refused. By the way, if you think banning bets will stop me from expelling the vice president, you're wrong. Now I'm even more motivated to do it."
"I knew you'd be capable of it, which is why I did what I did. You know, to make it more interesting."
She started rubbing my abs.
"Wow, wow. Harder than I imagined."
"Where can I file a sexual harassment complaint?"
"Fufu. You're adorable."
She patted my head. I feel like a cat.
"I'll offer it one more time. Join the student council, you'll be my successor."
"S-Successor?"
"Saik will be the next president?"
"That position's pretty important in this school."
"What'll you do, Saik?"
Guys, is that position really that important? Well, considering the president controls the second- and third-year groups, it must be a big deal.
"I have a question. Why me? You don't know me well enough. Shouldn't you give that position to someone more trustworthy and capable?"
"I have a good eye for people, and you're quite special, Saik. I can tell just by looking at you."
"Did you fall for me? Sorry, I have to reject you—romance and love don't interest me. I've never had a girlfriend, and I'll probably die alone."
I hope you heard that, Sylphie. That goes for you too.
"Fufu. No, no, no. It's not love, it's admiration. Perfect score on the entrance exam. You were the first first-year to expel another student. You expelled two third-years. And, of course, the fact that you have all those positive points makes you even more interesting. You're a worthy successor."
"I see. Hmm… No, thanks. I'd rather not waste my time pretending I care about others. I'd rather not waste my time on that."
"One month. I'll give you one month to think about it. Don't disappoint me, Saik."
"President, can I say something?"
"Of course."
"I don't hate you, but you're starting to cause me problems. The vice president will be the first, but that doesn't mean the rest are safe. I'm a danger to the entire student council, not just the vice president. I want you to remember that."
"Wow, wow. Thanks for making my final year the most interesting, Saik. I expect great things from you."
She walked away, and I sighed.
Oh, more problems. Being president might bring benefits and all that, but it also means working for free. No, thanks. I'd rather keep my free time and sleep.
And I have other things to do. If I want the normal school life I'm aiming for, I need to do some things.
For example…
I looked at Naima, talking with her friends. My vision's blurry, but the feeling I get when I see her helps me recognize her.
Yes… She's the person I'm looking for. If I want to achieve what I want, I need to think carefully about what I'll do. It'll take time, but it'll be worth it… I hope.
What kind of girl is Naima? I don't know, but for the first time in a long while, I'm interested in someone. And for the first time, a girl interests me in a strange way. I hope I can achieve "that."
"You okay, Saik?"
"Yeah, why?"
"N-Nothing, you just got quiet."
"Sorry, I was thinking about something."
Naima… A girl who doesn't let herself be intimidated, huh? She'll be very useful.
•
•
Lunch break came. I grabbed my lunches and was ready to go enjoy my food with Yuki, but a certain person was waiting for me.
"Hi, Saik. I'd like to talk to you."
A girl. I think she's the student council secretary, and she's looking at me like I'm a nuisance. Hey, girl, the only nuisance here is you. I have nothing against you because I don't know you. Please don't add to my problems.
"Sorry, I can't, I have a date with my food. Bye."
I tried to leave, but she grabbed my arm.
"Then I'll eat with you."
"Oh… Why are the student council people so obsessed with me? I don't have time, sorry."
I freed myself and started walking, but this girl won't give up. She's following me.
"How do you plan to destroy the student council?"
"Saik, this girl's annoying!"
I agree, Yuki.
"You know the president controls the second- and third-year groups? Do you really want them as enemies?"
I yawned and scratched my left arm.
"I'm sleepy and hungry. Oh, I should've slept in class."
"You still have time to back off."
"Oh, right, the chest unlocked. I wonder if I have enough gems to buy a new character."
"You're no match for the president."
I stopped and sighed.
"You're pretty annoying. If I'm no match for the president, why are you bothering me? If I'm not a threat, why are you so worried?"
"The president wants you in the student council. It'd be a waste if you got expelled."
"Oh… Whatever. I don't care. I won't join the student council or change my mind about what I'll do to the vice president. Talk all you want, I don't care. Bye."
I kept walking. Good, she's not following me anymore. Thank goodness, finally some peace.
"S-Saik!"
Oh… Noel, seriously… I'm starting to regret my promise.
Sylphie caught up and started walking beside me.
"D-Did they threaten you again?"
"Something like that. It doesn't really matter."
Hmm… She's holding her lunch, walking at my pace… Yuki, I think you're going hungry again.
"You eating in the school cafeteria, Sylphie? I was planning to eat behind some classrooms."
"I-I'll join you. That's what friends do, r-right?"
"Yeah… I guess."
Goodbye, alone time with Yuki. Goodbye, peace.
•
•
(Pov - President.)
Saik has a cute friend, huh? I wonder if they're a couple. They look good together.
I open the window to watch them better. A cute girl with a guy like Saik. It's a good match, though I have a feeling Saik's annoyed by her presence.
No, it must be my imagination. That girl's cute, and from what I know, they're good friends. I'm probably just misreading something.
"President, what do we do about Saik? Because of him, one of our classmates got expelled."
"That idiot was doomed to be expelled. Saik just sped it up. We won't do anything for now. I'll take down Saik personally."
Since I came to this school, I've faced many special exams, intense and fun challenges. But Saik… For some reason, I feel like Saik has become the most exciting challenge I've ever had to face.
Don't disappoint me, Saik. I have high expectations for you, don't let me down. There've been many students who caught my attention, but they ended up being a big disappointment. You and that girl Tanya seem promising. There's also that girl Okaina, but she's blind, which will limit her potential… Well, I think I'm being a bit rude to her. Despite being blind, her academic abilities are incredible. I think I'll meet with her soon.
•
•
(Pov - Sylphie.)
It's nice being next to Saik. My food tastes more delicious. Before I met him, food had no flavor for me, but now it tastes really good.
"Hey, Sylphie, Naok and Ludius are playing today. You planning to stay and watch?"
"I don't know…"
No, Sylphie, they're your friends too! They don't harass you or look at you lustfully! I-I need to act like a good friend!
"Y-Yes. I think I will. I'll stay. You?"
"They're both playing at the same time. Bell will cheer for Naok, but I want to cheer for Ludius. Who'll you support?"
Oh… Ohhh… T-That's a tough question. I'm not interested in either sport, b-but watching a soccer game with Saik sounds really nice.
But I can't answer too quickly! I-I don't want him to think I just want to be with him.
T-Think, Sylphie. You're not that dumb, think of something…! Oh… Yes, I'm dumb, but you need to activate all your neurons, Sylphie! You have to agree to watch the game with him, but without him thinking I'm only doing it to be with him. Come on, think… Think… I-I've got it!
"Basketball doesn't really interest me. I think soccer's more fun. I'll cheer for Ludius."
Great answer, Sylphie! I knew I wasn't that dumb!
"I see. I find both boring, I'm just cheering for Ludius to make him feel supported and play better, more motivated. I hope they both win. We don't need the points to take first place, but now that betting's banned, earning as many points as we can is our best option. Though we don't need to worry too much about points—we've got a ton in our hands."
"Yes, you're right."
Thanks to Saik, I have 10,000 positive points. I'm no longer in the danger zone, thanks to him.
"Hi, Saik!"
Huh?
W-Who's she?
"Oh, hi, Cristal. You don't look tired, considering we were playing all night."
A-All night?! They were playing all night?! W-What kind of game?!
N-No… I-Is it that kind of perverted game?! A sex game?! D-Does Saik have that kind of relationship with that girl?! No!! Don't imagine it, Sylphie! Ohhh! My heart hurts just thinking about it!
"Yeah, it's weird, I'm not sleepy. But it was worth playing all night! We cleared so many missions, and I leveled up!"
Oh, t-they're talking about a video game.
A huge sigh of relief escaped me, and my heart started beating normally again. I-I thought they had sex all night… Ohhh! I imagined it again! It hurts to think about it! Stop imagining that, you idiot!
"I see. You got lucky. I'm super sleepy. I'll go home today and sleep for like 20 hours."
"Oh… I was gonna ask if we'd keep playing tonight, but I guess we'd better play tomorrow."
"Yeah, I think that's best. I don't have much time today. I'll stay at school to watch the soccer game and then go home to sleep."
"Then let's play tomorrow! See ya!"
She left. T-They seem like really good friends… D-Don't get jealous, Sylphie!
"Sorry, Sylphie, I can't help you study today. I'm really sleepy."
"N-No worries, Saik. Can we study tomorrow?"
"Sure, I'll meet you at your work."
"Thanks!"
Studying with Saik not only makes me feel calmer, but I learn better. He explains things so clearly that I have no trouble understanding. Saik would make a great teacher… That's right, I wonder if Saik plans to study something specific.
"By the way, Saik, what do you want to study? Do you want to be a lawyer, doctor, or something like that?"
"… My future, huh?"
Saik just rubbed his arm.
"I… don't know… I don't have anything planned… I'll think about something later… Yeah, later. What about you, Sylphie? What do you want to be?"
"Me?"
I haven't thought about that since my dad died. Ever since I was a little girl, I admired my dad because all his students loved him. He was a great teacher, and I wanted to be like him. Would I be a good teacher? I'm not smart, so I don't know if I could do it.
"Well… I wanted to be a teacher like my dad, but I'm not smart enough to be one."
"And you're giving up that easily? You won't even try?"
"I… I don't know… I'm scared of failing."
"I think you'd be a good teacher, Sylphie. As long as you work hard to achieve it, I'm sure you'd be a great teacher. For example, your shyness with me has gone down because you've worked to overcome it. And your results when we study have improved a lot. You're one of those people who, when they try hard, achieve their goals, so don't give up so easily, Sylphie."
"Y-Yes… T-Thanks, Saik. Hearing that makes me… h-happy."
Saik's words make me feel really good. I really want to be a teacher. My dad loved his job. I want to experience the joy he felt helping his students… But… But that's not my only dream. I also… want to have… a-a son or daughter… B-But that's not important right now!
"T-Thanks for all your help, Saik."
"… I'll tell you a little story my mom, who was pretty strict by the way, used to tell me. Once upon a time, there was a little boy who could see ghosts. Everyone thought he was crazy for talking to himself and stayed away from him. That little boy became a loner. And the ghosts were mean to him sometimes. They tried to possess his body more than once. The poor boy couldn't sleep at night, scared that a ghost would take over his body or kill him. Because of that, he couldn't focus in school and never did his homework. His mom tried to get him to study, but the boy couldn't concentrate because of his exhaustion. You know what the little boy did to solve his problems?"
"What did he do?"
"Every day, he stayed up at night fighting ghosts. Day after day, without sleep, he fought them, keeping them from taking control of him. And one day, he hit a ghost and felt the impact. Before, when he hit a ghost, his fist would pass through, but for the first time, he managed to hit the ghost as if it had a physical body. After years of suffering and thanks to all his effort, the little boy learned to control his power to see ghosts. After that day, he trained his power. The ghosts that used to hurt him were destroyed by that little boy. Now he could control the ghosts. They were no longer a problem, and he finally got the normal life he wanted… Tell me, Sylphie, what do you think would've happened if that little boy hadn't worked hard to keep the ghosts away?"
"I-I don't know… Die?"
"Maybe die, maybe he'd have gone truly crazy. The important thing is he tried. The poor boy only slept one hour a day, sometimes less. From all the fighting, his body was in so much pain. The ghosts attacked his soul, so he had no physical wounds, which is why his parents never realized how bad off he was. The pain he had to endure was indescribable. But all his effort paid off. The little boy learned to control his power, and the ghosts were a thing of the past… My mom told me that story to teach me that the efforts we make will bear fruit sooner or later, that I shouldn't give up easily when life throws problems at me… My mom was beautiful and smart. The beauty, I think, she got from my grandma, but the intelligence came from studying, working hard to be better, and she succeeded… So, Sylphie, don't forget that nothing in life comes without effort. You have to work hard to achieve your goals and not give up so easily."
"Y-Yes, you're right! T-Thanks for telling me the story… And how does it end?"
"The little boy got the normal life he wanted. That's the end. The ghosts were no longer a danger to his life, so he lived normally. Maybe he married a woman and started a family. Or maybe a man. It's also possible he died alone. I don't know, it's just a fictional story. But I like to think that little boy lived a long, happy life… Unlike my parents…"
"Saik…"
I understand you, Saik. Thinking about my late dad makes me sad too. I still have my mom, but you lost everything.
"Well, let's finish eating, lunch break's almost over."
"Yes, you're right. Want some of my food, Saik?"
"No, thanks, Sylphie. I want to save room for my cake."
"Oh…"
Saik's eating cake… I forgot he loves sweets.
"You should take better care of your health, Saik."
"Don't worry, Sylphie. Eating lots of sweets won't have any negative effect on me."
"How are you so sure?"
"I just know."
That confidence of his is so weird… W-Well, it's his body, his choice… But I really don't want anything bad to happen to him.
•
•
(Pov - Yuki.)
That story… The protagonist is definitely Saik. I'm such an idiot. I thought Saik was a prodigy at controlling his ghost-seeing power, but I was so wrong.
Every day, I see Saik studying so hard. With the little free time he has, he watches videos online to cook better. He's even learning to sew. He works so hard it's almost inhuman.
Saik is the definition of effort personified. How much has he suffered in his life?
"Saik… How many years did it take you to learn to control your power?"
"4 years. From age 2 to 6."
"Did you say something, Saik?"
"Nothing, Sylphie. Just trying to remember something from the past."
4 years of suffering, despite being just a little kid.
It's really sad, but also incredible. Thinking that Saik survived all that suffering as just a little kid is almost impossible to imagine. "Almost" because Saik did survive.
No wonder Saik's so cold with people. Pain changes people, huh?
"Don't worry, Saik, your days of suffering are over! I'll protect you from evil ghosts!"
I don't know if I can, but I'll try, I promise!
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
Yuki lay on the ground and put her head on my lap.
"Yuki is strong, she'll protect you, Saik!"
Well, I have my legendary ghosts to protect me, but it's adorable that you think you're strong, Yuki.
My past is something I don't like talking about. Why did I say that? I don't know, I just wanted to help Sylphie… I feel weird.
•
•
Lunch break ended, and we returned to our classroom.
Classes went on so normally it's boring. Math class was dull, and I almost fell asleep. I decided not to sleep in class for a while and focus more to avoid being caught off guard. I have Yuki to tell me important things happening in class, but I'd rather not take risks.
Classes ended. There's an hour before the game starts, so we decided to use the time to study.
Everyone left, and I pushed a desk next to Sylphie's.
I sat beside her and took out my books.
"We'll study math today. Math is boring, but once you get it… Well, it's still boring, but at least it gets easier to understand."
"Yes. T-Thanks."
"Don't thank me, this way we both study."
Studying with someone is nice, it helps me memorize faster… Wait… Math…
"Huh?"
My advanced math book isn't here. It's a really good book for learning. Did I forget it? That's weird.
"I'm going to the library, Sylphie. I need a book."
"What if we study in the library?"
"Good point, let's go."
I avoided the library today because I wanted to steer clear of the student council. I've seen one of their members in the library every time I visit, so I'd rather avoid it.
Well, doesn't matter.
We got to the library, and as I suspected, one of their members is here, reading. It's the girl who was harassing me. I hope she doesn't keep bothering me.
"Wait here, please."
Sylphie sat at a table, and I started looking for the book. The math books are… here. Perfect, didn't take long to find it.
"Excuse me…"
Just as I was about to grab it, someone tapped my shoulder with a finger.
I turned to see who it was. A girl. Wow, a blind girl. Her short black hair is cute. Bandages over her eyes and a smile on her face. An adorable smile.
"Oh, hi. What's up?"
"Could you grab the book up there for me? It's called The Art of Mathematics. I guess you can figure out which one it is."
"Yeah, sure."
A book for the blind, huh? This school's well-prepared for all kinds of students.
And this girl's tiny. Like 1.5 meters tall. She's adorable.
I reached up and grabbed the book. A book for the blind. Looks tough to read. I feel some admiration for this girl. I wonder if she's blind from birth or from an accident.
"Here."
"Thank you so much."
I handed her the book.
"You're welcome."
I grabbed the book I was looking for and went back to Sylphie.
"Let's start."
•
•
(Pov - Number 31.)
Hmm… Where's that idiot? My darling Saik gave me a mission. If I do it well, he'll give me a kiss! Fufu. And maybe something else.
He's gotta be around here… Found him.
He's changing clothes. Wow, everyone here looks hot and strong… Hmm… No, I tried, but I just can't get Saik out of my head. Only my darling Saik can excite me…! And gay sex… And guys kissing.
But my Saik excites me more!
Alright, this guy's the vice president. This is the idiot who dared to challenge my darling husband?
"Hahahaha! Gotta be a joke!"
This guy's nothing special. Why's Saik bothering to use legendary ghosts on him? He's not worth it.
This guy's so fragile.
"Well, whatever, I gotta do what Saik asked."
It's a waste, but Saik's the boss.
"Tch. Come out, Number 67."
Legendary ghost number 67, the ghost of health, appeared in front of me.
"Wow, wow. Saik gave me to you? I thought I'd already earned his trust. Do I need more feminine charm?"
Damn man-stealing slut. Just because you've got bigger boobs than me doesn't give you the right to try seducing my man!
No… I need to control myself. I have to do my job well.
"Saik gave me control over you for a while. You'll do what I say."
"Hmm… Wow, wow. I don't like women, but you're cute. Want me to give you a kiss?"
"Tch. You disgust me, slut."
I suspect she was a prostitute when she was alive, which is why she wears that hooker outfit. I won't let you near Saik!
Well, I can't judge others' clothes when I'm only wearing lingerie.
"Oh, you're rude. Saik treats me with more affection. I wanna go back to him."
"Shut up and do what I tell you. Obey, and there won't be problems, bitch."
I can't stand her, but at least it'll be worth putting up with her. Darling, I hope you at least let me give you a blowjob…! Oh, I sounded like a slut… Well, I'm only like this with my darling Saik, so I don't care.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
The game had already started when we arrived.
Wow, there's a lot of people here. Probably the players' parents and friends. Whatever.
"I'm not good at shouting, so let's cheer him on quietly."
"Y-Yes. I don't think I'd dare shout."
I'm too lazy, and Sylphie's shy.
Everything seems fine. 0-0.
The vice president takes the ball and heads for the goal.
He's about to kick, but…
His uniform gets dirty, and shit starts coming out, literally. Human excrement is dripping down his legs.
"I'll admit it's funny, but wouldn't it be more interesting to face the student council without using legendary ghosts, darling?"
I agree, Number 31. I'll face the student council without legendary ghosts' help. I did this for revenge. They took away the fun of betting—that's unfair, so I did this to get back at them.
"Gross."
"Yeah, I agree, Sylphie. That's disgusting."
The game paused for a few minutes, and the vice president left the field amid mockery and laughter.
He's even crying from embarrassment. It was pretty satisfying to see a smug guy like him in that situation. A situation that'll haunt him for a while.
"Uh… Well… Sorry for what you just saw."
Don't worry, it's not your fault. I'm partly to blame, but Number 31 did this.
Ludius took advantage of the break and came over to us.
"I expected more from the vice president. He really disappointed me."
"This is weird. He was feeling fine a few minutes ago. I'm sure the rival team did something."
"What'll you do now?" Sylphie asked.
"The game has to go on, we'll just replace him. I gotta go. Thanks for coming to watch."
Ludius went back to the field, and I pulled two chocolates from my pocket.
"Want one?"
"Yes, thanks."
Sylphie took one. Well, well, well. I hope the vice president doesn't leave the school over this. It'd save me time, but I'd rather expel him using legal methods. It's more satisfying.
"You had nothing to do with what happened, right?"
A girl stood in front of me, one of the student council members. Is she going to keep harassing me?
"No. It wasn't me. I want to expel the vice president, but I don't hate him. I'm just going to expel him for messing with me."
"You'll have to come with me."
"Why? I didn't do anything, I just came to support a classmate."
"Come with me, now."
"I won't. I didn't do it, I have nothing to confess. If you want me to go, I want a teacher to ask me."
"Tch. Idiot."
She left, and I watched her go. Wow. Nice butt and nice legs. She's probably popular with guys. I need to watch out for her followers.
"I'll probably be a suspect for this."
"D-Don't worry, Saik, you were with me the whole time, I'm your witness! You didn't do it!"
"Well, we'll see what happens. I'm gonna grab something to drink. Want anything?"
"I'll come with you."
"Alright."
Number 31, I gotta admit, you did a great job. You too, Number 67. I'll give you both more days off.
"Saik, Saik, the game's about to start again! Are we cheating?!"
I nodded slowly, and Yuki grinned happily.
"I won't let you down!"
•
•
More than two hours passed, and as planned, Ludius's team won.
11-0. Ludius scored 4 goals. Yuki slightly deflected the balls so the rival team's players couldn't kick them properly.
She helped for 30 minutes, giving them the advantage they needed. After that, she went to help the basketball team. I don't know if they won, but Yuki helped them a lot too—I hope they made the most of the advantage.
"It was a good game. Ludius played well. It had a bad start… Well, a disgusting start, but the rest was fine… I guess, I don't know much about it."
I agree, Sylphie.
Yeah, definitely a disgusting start, but they played pretty well. I think they could've won without Yuki's help.
I was walking Sylphie home. No need to stay at school anymore.
"I don't like soccer, but it was interesting to watch a full game. It's my first time watching a whole soccer match."
"I-It was my first time too… I-I mean, my first time watching a soccer game…! Kya! N-No! I-I'm a virgin, don't misunderstand! I-I mean…! I'd better not say anything else."
I turned to look at her.
"You're adorable when you get nervous."
"A-A-A-Adorable?!"
She's overdoing it now—it's not adorable anymore, it's a bit embarrassing to watch.
"Sorry if I said something weird. I'm not used to talking to people, so I don't know when I say something strange or awkward. Please, if I say something that makes you uncomfortable, let me know so I can avoid it."
"N-No worries, it's sweet that you care about that kind of thing."
I looked up. It's cloudy. Is it gonna rain? Shit, I left clothes on the line.
"We'd better hurry, looks like rain."
"Yes, you're right."
A strong wind blew. Is a storm coming?
… Oh… Sylphie's wearing white underwear. Nice thighs.
I immediately looked away to avoid making her uncomfortable.
"Kya!"
The wind's pretty strong.
Sylphie holds her skirt down, and I look around. This wind's dangerous.
"Walk behind me."
The wind's coming from the north, hitting me directly. If Sylphie walks behind me, it won't bother her as much.
"A-Are you sure?"
"This way, we'll keep people from seeing your underwear."
"Huh?! Y-Yes, you're right! Thanks!"
She stood behind me and put her hands on my shoulders. The wind hitting her will be reduced. This wind's dangerous. I hope my clothes don't fly away. I'm too lazy to buy more.
"Kya! So romantic, Saik! Sylphie's super nervous and red! You're such a charmer, Saik!"
"Oh, I hope my clothes don't fly away. I wish I had a little sister to pick them up."
"Yeah, yeah, I got the hint. I'll go get them! Fufu. I'll leave you alone with a cute girl. Don't take advantage of the situation, okay?! At most, a tongue kiss!"
Stop talking nonsense and go, my clothes are gonna fly away.
Yuki understood my look and floated off. Flew. Whatever.
After walking 20 minutes, we reached Sylphie's house. Raindrops are starting to fall. I just hope it doesn't rain until I get home.
"S-Sorry for the trouble, Saik."
"No worries, it was nothing. See you tomorrow, Sylphie. By the way."
I pulled out my phone and opened an app.
A pretty popular social media platform. Normal students have accounts on some social media. I was never interested, but if I want to experience a normal school life and be a normal student, I should have an account. Will it be useful? Honestly, no, I just made it to become a normal student. It'll only be good for talking to people.
"I made an account. I don't really know what it's for, but I remember you asked if I had any social media. Send me a request, if you want."
"Y-Yes, of course! You don't have a profile picture?"
"No. I haven't put one up yet."
"I see…"
She pulled out her phone, and a few seconds later, I got a friend request… Is this Sylphie's account?
"Why's your username Sylkas?"
"I-It's my nickname. You don't like it?"
"It's cute. And your profile picture's cute too."
A drawing of a white cat.
"Wow… You have a lot of followers but no friends. Any reason?"
"It'd be sad to have friends online but not in real life. I promised myself I'd make real-life friends first, then get online friends."
"I see… Well, it's an honor to be your first friend on this social media. You're also my first friend… Wow, wow. You're my first real friend and my first friend on this social media. Thanks, Sylphie."
"N-No, thank you, Saik! Y-You're my first real friend too."
I started checking her profile. She only posts drawings… Even adult drawings… Wow. She's talented.
"Two guys kissing. No wonder most of your followers are women."
"Ahhh! I-I'm sorry, I know it's weird, but…!"
"It's not weird, don't worry. You're talented… You even know how to draw on paper."
"T-Thanks."
… Wow… All of Sylphie's followers have profile pictures, most of them showing their faces. Is that normal? I'm new to this social media stuff.
"Is it normal to have a picture of your face as your profile picture?"
"I guess so, though you can also use a drawing or a meme."
Meme? I know the word, but not really the meaning.
"I see… This is new to me, sorry."
"N-No need to apologize… Uh… Saik, c-can I take a picture with you?"
"A picture? You gonna post it on your account? If you do, you'll… You'll… What's it called? Tag me? Mention me? Something like that."
"C-Clearly, I will!"
I think a picture's important. I shouldn't embarrass Sylphie.
I fixed my hair a bit… Good, my hair's not covering my eyes anymore.
"Should I smile or not?"
"N-No need if you don't want to."
"I see."
I got closer to Sylphie.
"What do I do?"
"W-Well…"
She got closer, and our bodies touched.
Sylphie's smaller than me, but I don't think I need to bend down.
"L-Look at the camera."
I looked at the camera… Done?
"D-Done."
Sylphie showed me the picture. Is Sylphie smiling? I thought it wasn't necessary. Well, doesn't matter.
"You came out great, Sylphie."
"Y-You too!"
A shiver ran through my whole body. Something bad's about to happen.
"Sorry, I gotta go, it's about to rain. Thanks for today."
"N-No, thank you!"
"See you tomorrow."
I started running.
This feeling… Something bad's definitely about to happen.
After running for two minutes, it started raining.
Oh, perfect, shit.
Whatever, I don't care.
I kept running until I reached the store where Iris works. It's closed.
"No!"
Iris's voice.
I entered the store. The door was open. They closed it quickly and didn't realize they left it unlocked.
I kicked down a door where the employees rest.
Two criminals, huh?
"Saik…"
Iris… Iris is losing energy.
Two people are trying to take advantage of Iris. One's trying to pull off her pants, the other's taking off her blouse. One of them is an employee at this store. A disgusting, fat man.
Iris is under the effects of a drug, she can't move… Damn it.
"Who the hell are you…?"
I kicked the fat guy in the head, and his face slammed into the floor. I broke his nose, but that's nothing compared to what I'll do to him.
"W-Wait, wait, t-this is a misunderstanding!"
He's trying to grab the knife in his pocket, but I kneed him in the face, breaking his nose too.
"You'll regret this."
The legendary ghost of pain appeared beside me.
"You'll regret this."
•
•
"Huh? W-What?"
Iris woke up. Good, I thought she'd stay asleep.
"Hi, Iris."
"Saik…? What happened to me? Huh?! W-Why are you carrying me in your arms?!"
"You fainted. I think it was from overworking. We were talking on the street, and you passed out."
It's raining too much. I'd better take her to my house, it's closer.
"My house is closer. Mind if I take you there? You need to rest."
"Y-Yes, of course! T-Thank you so much!"
The drug's effects erased her recent memories. I need to make sure she recovers.
•
•
I set Iris on my bed and gave her some of my clothes.
"This shirt stretches, don't worry. I hope you're comfortable."
"T-Thank you so much, Saik. I don't know what would've happened if I'd fainted on the street and no one helped me."
"It was nothing."
I dried her hair with a towel.
"We need to dry you off."
I dried her arms and face.
"Can you move?"
"N-Not much."
"I see… Your clothes are wet, you could get sick… Uh, this is awkward to ask. Can't you change your clothes on your own?"
Iris got nervous and shut her eyes tightly.
"N-No. I can't move."
The effects of that drug are disgusting. I can't remove them because that might bring her memories back. The effects need to wear off on their own.
"Can I take off your clothes and put dry ones on you? I won't do anything bad, I promise."
"… Yes… Yes, please. I'd appreciate it."
Alright… This is a bit awkward.
I started unbuttoning her blouse and took it off carefully.
White bra, huh?
No, Saik, don't think stupid things.
I put one of my shirts on her. It'll be short and a bit tight, but it's the best I could find.
I unbuttoned her pants and pulled them down.
Iris shuts her eyes tightly, avoiding any eye contact with me to not feel more embarrassed than she already is.
I took off her shoes, socks, and then her pants.
I put a pair of my stretchiest shorts on her.
I tucked her in well and sighed. Good, the awkward part's over.
"Done. You feeling okay, Iris? Not cold? Is the room warm enough?"
"Y-Y-Yes, thank you so much, S-Saik… Really, thank you for your help."
"Try to sleep. I'll go make dinner."
"T-Thanks."
I left the room and clenched my fists.
"Saik, Saik, what happened?!"
"She fainted, she's been working a lot lately… I need to pee."
"… Did you need to tell me that? Gross."
I went into the bathroom, and legendary ghosts Number 31 and 99 appeared in front of me.
"They're getting what they deserve," Number 99 said and vanished.
"Darling, I disabled and erased the security cameras. I took those men's bodies to one of their houses and made it look like they killed each other."
"Thanks."
I sat on the floor and sighed.
"It's been a long day."