CHAPTER 36 - Second Special Exam. Part 1.
My third week of classes began, and I must say it's the weirdest start to a week I've ever had.
Me, an unpopular guy with women and hated by my own class, received a box of chocolates.
There's definitely no mistake. The box is in my locker with my name on it. No error. I received a box of chocolates, and they're the expensive kind, not cheap at all. These are the chocolates you'd only buy for a special occasion.
"W-W-What?"
I should be the one saying that, Sylphie. Who has such bad taste to fall for me? A friend wouldn't give such an expensive gift to another friend. These are the famous love chocolates. Who wants to make me fall in love? I'll congratulate her; she guessed I love free chocolates.
Joking aside, it's impossible for these to be the famous love chocolates. I'm not popular with women, and I haven't talked to any other girls besides Sylphie, Tanya, and Cristal.
Ram isn't the type of girl to do something this foolish either… Well, whatever.
"Free chocolates."
I opened the box and tried one. Ah, the quality is simply perfect. Just what you'd expect from an expensive box of chocolates.
"Want one, Sylphie? They're delicious."
"U-Um… Saik, aren't you going to wonder who gave them to you?"
"Honestly, I don't care. Did you give them to me? Thank you so much."
"N-No, it wasn't me."
"It was me."
The president approached us, and Sylphie hid behind me, seeking protection. Sylphie, she's just the student council president, not a monster.
Trust me, real monsters are much scarier.
"And why are you giving them to me? Is it a bribe so I won't get the vice president expelled? Sorry, I have to refuse, but I'll keep the chocolates. What's given isn't taken back."
These chocolates are delicious. They're mine now; I'm not giving them back. I'll save some for Yuki.
"Your birthday was last Thursday, right? It's just a small, belated birthday gift."
I see. A birthday gift. I should thank her for the gesture, though it wasn't necessary.
"Well, thank you very much, Miss President. I'll take my leave now."
I walked past her.
"Even the most unpredictable can take predictable actions."
I stopped and looked into her eyes for a few seconds.
"Remember that, Saik."
"I will."
Better not pay her more attention. I continued on my way.
Even the most unpredictable can take predictable actions, huh? She's absolutely right.
Ignorance and power are a bad combination. Arrogance and money are a bad combination. There are good and bad combinations. Those combinations define us as people.
But leadership requires a strong will and knowledge. The president will definitely be a great challenge in the future. She's more interesting than I imagined. I mustn't let my guard down with her.
"Well, at least I have free chocolates. Want one, Sylphie?"
"Y-Yes. Thank you."
If the president keeps giving me free sweets, I might end up accepting her offer to be the next student council president. After all, I've confirmed I prefer eating over sleeping.
Well, not really. I won't work for the school for free.
"Hey, Saik! Come here!"
Cristal is calling me. I wonder if she wants to play.
I was about to enter the classroom, but I'll go to her instead. Maybe she wants to tell me something about the game.
We couldn't beat a boss yesterday because we were under-leveled; I hope she found a way to defeat it.
I moved away from Sylphie and approached Cristal.
…Good, Sylphie didn't follow me. She already went into the classroom.
"Good morning, Saik!"
"Good morning. Did something happen?"
"Nope. Just wanted to say hi. Come, I want to introduce you to a friend. She plays too. The three of us can team up to play."
"The three of us? That would increase the enemies' level, but I think it'd be more fun."
I guess. Having more characters fighting on the screen would look cooler.
"Yup. I agree. Come, I'll introduce you."
As long as we just play and they don't talk to me in real life, I don't mind meeting more people.
I entered her classroom with her, and I immediately felt eyes on me. After all, I've become somewhat famous among the students. Second and third years know me thanks to the student council president, and first years know me for getting the highest score on the entrance exam and for being the first to expel another student.
Who is she going to introduce me to? I hope it's not someone weird or annoying.
"Saik, this is Hanako. Isn't she cute?"
Hanako, huh? I've always thought that name is pretty… Wait… This girl… Why does she remind me of Number 31?
"H-H-Hi!"
Hmm… She's nervous. Why?
"Hi. You've got a cool hairstyle. I don't feel so weird covering my eyes anymore."
"T-Thanks."
Her hair is so long it covers her eyes. A hairstyle just like mine. Big chest, huh? She must be popular with guys.
What I find most interesting about her isn't her hair; it's the ghost that's touching my crotch and stomach.
It started licking my face. Weird.
The ghost of a blonde woman in a school uniform, but this woman died at 40.
Her breasts are too large and stand out because of her open cleavage.
The ghost of a prostitute? Or maybe just a pervert.
"Kya! S-So cute and strong!"
Is it licking my crotch? This just got awkward. Well, I'll just ignore it.
"C-Can you give me your number? T-To play together later."
"Sure."
This girl isn't shy; I don't sense that in her. Why is she acting like this with me? I don't know.
I gave her my number. I don't think she'll bother me much.
Oh, I need to get to class… Hmm… There's still 15 minutes… I have an idea.
"I have to go. I want to go mock the student council vice president a bit before class starts. Bye."
"Let's play this afternoon, Saik!"
"Yeah, sounds good."
I said goodbye to them and left the classroom.
•
•
(Pov- Hanako.)
I-I-I did it! I took my first step! Screw you, 91, I did it! Saik isn't the arrogant guy you said he was! He's not Shadow, but he's totally my type!
"Fufu. See? Saik seems like a cold guy, but he's pretty friendly."
"T-Thanks for introducing me to Saik, Cristal! H-He's even cooler in person!"
"So… why do you like Saik? Personally, I don't believe in love at first sight, and this is the first time you've talked to him."
"I-It's a secret."
Of course I fell for him because of his looks! Yes, I know it's wrong to fall for him just for that, but I don't care! Our bodies are so compatible!
"Fufufu. That guy isn't Shadow; his heart rate didn't change even though I was licking his crotch. He's not Shadow, but that doesn't make him any less cute! I want to masturbate. Lend me your body, Hanako 2!"
We'll do it later, Hanako 1. We're at school; we have to wait.
Cristal went back to her desk, and I took out my phone.
To think I found it boring when my brother sent me to keep an eye on Saik, but when I saw him for the first time, my heart rate spiked, and I had an orgasm. If that's not love, then I don't know what is… Or so Hanako 1 told me. I've never felt like this in my life.
It's love, or it's the side effects of having a pervert friend who takes over my body to masturbate… Yeah, I'd rather call it love at first sight.
"S-So cute…"
I hope he accepts my friend request. He said he'd only accept people he knows in real life. S-Should I tell him to accept me?
"H-He's so cool…"
The photos he posted on his account are just perfect. I masturbated for two hours looking at his perfect pictures.
Saik… It'll take time, but you'll be mine… All mine.
"Fufufu. If we want Saik to be our sex toy, we need to get rid of certain nuisances."
Sylphie, huh? That bitch is my only rival. I need to kill her without anyone noticing.
"And not just Sylphie; don't forget our main goal."
"B-But Shadow is impossible to find."
"Just trust me; I'll make Shadow show up. Shadow is a guy who doesn't care about others' well-being, only his own safety and life, and that's his weakness."
Hanako 1 caressed my cheeks and smiled at me. That smile gives me chills. S-So creepy.
"Saik will be ours, and Shadow will die. A happy ending for both of us. You'll stop being your sister's shadow. This world will have a future queen, and that queen's name is Hanako."
"Y-Yes… Yes."
I'll stop being my sister's shadow… They'll finally see me.
"They'll beg for your forgiveness on their knees."
The roles will reverse.
"You'll have everyone under your beautiful feet."
They'll obey me.
"You'll be the most important and famous person in this filthy world. And when that day comes…"
"No one will keep calling me useless."
"Fufufu. That's the spirit."
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
"What's he doing here?"
"It's him."
"What's he planning?"
The third-year students are watching me too much.
Well, I'm a first-year; it's rare to see a first-year in this part of the school. And, well, being an enemy of the third-year students makes me stand out even more.
Here it is, Class 3-A.
I walked in without asking for permission… Oh, he's not here.
Well, I wouldn't dare come back to school either after all the humiliation he went through.
Hmm… His seat is empty.
I sat on his desk and took out my phone. If I'm right, any moment now someone will try to kick me out of the classroom, and that's what I want.
Oh, Sylphie posted a drawing… No, it's like a manga. Did she decide to create her own manga?
Hmm… Oh… Well, well… The protagonist saves a girl from loneliness. A romantic comedy between a friendless guy and a friendless girl. Well, well. Both want to make friends, and I think love will blossom between them. The art isn't professional, but it's good.
I'll share it.
I shared the first chapter on my account.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?"
I turned to my right. A guy with glasses is talking to me. He looks intellectual.
"I guess I'm sitting on a desk while using my phone. I thought you were smart based on your appearance. Guess I was wrong."
"You know what I mean. Go back to your classroom."
"Hmm… Actually, I came to mock the vice president. I'll wait for him. I want to make fun of him a bit."
"Hmph. You're more annoying than I imagined."
"I'm only like this with my enemies."
Ask 89; I always mocked him whenever I saw him. I guess I'm a bit childish with that.
I opened the box of chocolates and ate one.
"Waiting for Akito, Saik? He won't come today; he's hospitalized."
"Hi again, President. That's a shame; I wanted to mock him."
I moved away from her.
"You're not like that, so I assume you're planning something. I hope it's something interesting."
"Well, well…"
I stopped and turned to look at her.
"I guess I've been found out."
I approached her and lifted my hair so she could see my eyes.
"I just want a normal, peaceful school life. I'm not here to entertain you. If you keep bothering me just for fun, I'll have fun destroying everything you've worked for when I get you expelled from this school."
She caressed my chin and brought her face close to mine.
We're almost the same height; I'm just a bit taller than her.
"So far, you've proven you're someone worth my time. I have a feeling one of us will be expelled before the school year ends. Give me a worthy battle, Saik."
"I will."
I messed up my hair and moved away from her.
I extended my fist.
"And I hope you give me one too."
"Fufu. That's the plan."
We fist-bumped. A fist bump that officially marks the start of my fight against the student council president.
It won't be a fistfight like the ones I'm used to; this will be a battle of strategy and knowledge. The winner will be the one who manages to bring the other down.
She'll sabotage the special exams I participate in, and I'll do the same to her. The winner will be the one who avoids their own expulsion.
"Good luck, Saik."
"Same to you, President. Bye."
I left the classroom. Just one year. There are three possibilities, three outcomes, and in two of them, I get the peaceful school life I want. Expelling the president, getting expelled myself, or reaching a stalemate and letting the president graduate without expelling me. Once she graduates, my worries will disappear, and my school life will continue without issues.
I just have to wait.
•
•
I entered my classroom two minutes before class started.
I left my backpack on the floor and sat in my seat.
"I heard some interesting rumors. Is it true you started dating the student council president? No one dares to ask her out because she brutally rejects them, pointing out their flaws. She's famous for destroying anyone's self-esteem. And to think someone like her would ask you out. Well, well."
She has a talent for knowing people's strengths and weaknesses after just a short conversation. I'm not surprised she's that cruel.
She's like a dictator who must punish the useless who think they're worthy of dating her. She has a status to maintain. She wouldn't date just anyone. She wouldn't fall for someone because of their looks or social status; she's looking for something more.
She kept looking at me the same way even when I showed her my eyes. According to Iris, Sylphie, and Yuki, my eyes are beautiful, but I didn't sense anything unusual from the president when she looked at me. She doesn't care about appearances; she's looking for something more.
She's looking for someone better than her, someone who surpasses her, someone who can overcome her talents. She's looking for someone capable of facing challenges and not giving up.
Well, well. We both have the same tastes. Fortunately, I've already found the perfect girl. With proper guidance, Naima will become someone incredible; she just needs the right direction.
"Oh, hi, Ram. If you're talking about the chocolates she gave me, it was just a birthday gift. She and I are enemies, not dating. By the way, want one?"
"No, thanks. Is today your birthday?"
"It was last Thursday."
"Oh… Happy birthday?"
"Thanks… I guess."
I tapped Naima's shoulder.
"Tch."
She clicked her tongue. I love that personality of hers.
She turned to look at me with annoyance.
"What do you want?"
"Want a chocolate? Take advantage; they're the expensive kind."
"Chocolate, huh? I'll take one."
She took one, and I ate another.
Well, she didn't thank me. I like that. Do I like being treated badly? I don't know.
Class started, and the teacher stood in front of the board.
"There will be new rules."
The teacher explained the new rules. In the past, weak students, those who couldn't earn points or didn't have friends to give them points, were expelled. Positive points were very hard to earn, but now that students realized they could earn a lot by betting with others, they decided to create new points. Class points.
Now there's a new rule. You can't give positive points to anyone. Fortunately, I was able to give points to Sylphie before that rule was applied. I have a theory that in the past, they didn't ban that rule just because they wanted students to bet among themselves and let the fittest survive. I strongly agree with banning point gifting. I don't know if in the past someone sold their body for points or something like that. Desperate students at the bottom would do anything to avoid expulsion. Better not think about it.
Currently, we all have 100 class points. Groups A, B, C, D, and E have 100 class points. Depending on the results of the special exam and the exams held in the last week of the month, we'll know if we move up or down. Our behavior in class, attendance, and submitted assignments will also be considered.
Before, the classes with the most capable students were in Class A, but now it will depend heavily on the class's teamwork and not so much on individual work. For example, the student council president. I'm 100% sure that the students in her group are in Class A thanks to her.
"The special exam will end on Friday, but another one will start in early October. You need to sign an authorization form; we're going on a school trip."
"A trip so soon?!"
"Awesome!"
"Where are we going?!"
Everyone got excited about the news, except the cold ones in the class, Ram and me.
I glanced at her. She's as expressionless as I am. If she had a more sociable personality like Naima, maybe I would've been interested in her.
"I assume you've already investigated, Ram."
"And knowing you, you've done the same."
"I bet they'll make us survive on a deserted island."
"I bet it'll be in a forest. There are more elements to survive."
"We'll see."
I did my research. Our seniors had a similar test. Personally, I'd prefer to visit an island. I know how to fish and cook anything.
Ram raised her hand.
"Where are we going?"
"There will be four different locations. The two Raikon islands, which are owned by the school. The Raikon camp. And finally, the Capital. The Capital is the easiest destination; you'll just need to find a job to survive for three weeks. At the camp, you'll have to do tasks to earn food, the right to use the bathroom, and sleep under a roof. Those who go to the island will have to survive on their own, hunting their own food and doing their business on the ground."
Everyone grimaced at that. It's gross, but it sounds interesting.
"Teacher, did you say three weeks? Why so long?"
"Don't worry, you can withdraw whenever you want. You'll have a protection bracelet; we'll be monitoring the students' heart rates, and it'll have an emergency button. Just press it, and we'll come for you. Of course, if you withdraw before the special exam ends, it will directly affect your class points. You'll participate in pairs, not trios, just pairs."
I raised my hand.
"Saik."
"Will we choose our partner?"
"No, it'll be random."
"And can we use positive points to buy things?"
"Yes, that's what I was getting to. You can use the positive points you have to buy food, water, or whatever you need to survive. Silence, please."
The teacher connected her computer to the board, and the list of students appeared.
"Remember, it's all random. Those who survive on the island will receive 100 class points. Those who survive at the camp will receive 50. And those who survive in the Capital will receive 50 as well. The percentage of points you receive will depend on the number of students who don't withdraw. Let's begin."
The teacher did something on her computer. She opened an app and pressed a button. The app closed, and then our destination locations appeared next to each student's name. I see, I see. I got the island. Thank you.
"The camp? Ugh, I wanted the island," Ram said.
She turned to look at me. No need to turn around; I feel her eyes on me.
"Saik, don't you dare fail."
"Do you think I'm the kind of person who gives up?"
"Fufu. Good luck," she said, smiling.
Get away; you're not the Ram I know. I prefer the expressionless one.
"The island?! Noooo! I don't want to, I don't want to!"
Naima complained. Well, I don't blame her; she's a woman. Being on an island without a bathroom or a bed is gross and uncomfortable for her.
"Don't you dare give up so soon, Naima. We'll get 100 points if you don't quit," Ram said.
Naima just glared at her angrily and looked away.
"Tch. Damn it."
She knows perfectly well that messing with Ram, one of the best in the school, is a bad idea.
"T-The camp?"
Oh, Sylphie will be at the camp.
Hmm… Bell and Evelyn, one of the worst in the class, are also going to the island. They'll probably end up losing.
"The rules are very simple. Those on the island, cooperation between different teams is not allowed; everyone will have an assigned area and can't leave it. At the camp, you'll have your instructions. And those in the Capital can't receive money from anywhere other than the job they get."
I need to clear up a doubt.
"Teacher, is it possible to be expelled?"
"Yes. If we discover anyone cheating or doing something illegal, they'll be expelled."
Hmm… I need to think carefully about the moves the president might make.
"Now look at your partners."
The teacher pressed a key on the keyboard, and names appeared next to our names on the list… Oh. Is this fate? This time, I didn't cheat at all.
"Naima, huh?"
"With Saik?"
Naima turned to look at me.
"Don't try anything weird, weirdo."
"Don't worry, I won't."
I didn't expect this. I think it's fate or just plain luck.
And Sylphie will be with Ram, huh? I hope they get along, considering Ram looks down on her quite a bit.
Oh, I got an email.
"In the email you received, there's a download link for an app. In that app, you can buy the materials you think you'll need. Obviously, you'll use your own positive points. You have this hour to discuss with your partners what you'll do."
I downloaded the app and opened it. Hmm… Swimsuit, huh? We won't be allowed to bring any luggage. I see. A change of clothes will be necessary.
"Hey, Naima, how many positive points do you have?"
"Just 89."
"I see."
The swimsuit costs 30 points.
"What color do you want your swimsuit?"
"Huh? Are you… going to buy it for me?"
"You're a lady; I know perfectly well how uncomfortable it must be for you to be in a gross place without a bathroom and with someone as weird as me. Don't worry, I'll buy what's necessary."
"…Thanks… Black, please."
Alright. 30 points down for the swimsuit. 60 points down; I'll buy two for her.
That's the maximum I can buy. 120 points down; I bought two for myself. One for sleeping and one for bathing.
A fishing rod, 1,000 points… Well, well. It's too much, but the rod looks expensive.
"Teacher, do we have to return the things we buy?"
"No, you don't have to. You can keep them."
"I see."
No wonder it's expensive. I'll buy it. Hooks, fishing materials like worms, etc… 2,500 points. It's pricey, but it's to survive three weeks.
So far, I've spent 2,620 points.
Hmm… Men's and women's underwear. Also regular clothes.
"Hey, Naima, here, buy the clothes you want. You can only buy two outfits. Which ones do you want?"
Naima looked at me for a few seconds and stood up. What's she doing?
She moved her desk and joined it with mine.
"Teamwork will be necessary. I don't trust you, but I know you're not an idiot."
"Oh… Thanks. Which ones do you want?"
"Hmm… The white outfit and the red one, please."
Oh, please, such sweet words.
Two outfits consisting of blouses and skirts.
I bought those. 200 points down. I'll buy the black outfit and a white one for myself.
200 points down.
"3,020 points spent. Hmm…"
"That much?"
"I have more, don't worry."
Hmm… Underwear is cheaper.
"Here, buy your underwear. I won't look; I know it's uncomfortable for women when men see that."
"Oh, yeah, thanks."
She took my phone and gave it back after a few seconds.
Now I'll buy my underwear.
200 points down. 3,220 spent.
"Socks."
Four pairs, 100 points. 3,320 points.
"We'll need canned food, water jugs…"
"And a bathroom. Buy the bathroom, please."
The bathroom is one of the most expensive things. 5,000 points. I think it's designed to reward those who managed to earn so many points in a short time, like me. Or maybe it's one of those items so hard to get that it makes people feel inferior for not being able to buy it? Maybe that's it.
"Alright."
I bought the portable bathroom. 8,320 points.
"Ugh, that hurt to spend. Well, you're a woman; you need privacy for that… 5,000 points, huh? You owe me a dessert, Naima."
"I'll make it up to you. Thanks."
Each can of food costs 50 points. I can only buy four cans. Each jug of purified water costs 100 points, and I can only buy one.
I bought all that. 300 points. 8,620 points.
Hmm… Is there nothing to start a fire? Oh, there's a tent. 3,000 points.
I can only buy one. I don't plan on sleeping outside every day. We need to be fair. If we're going to be partners, we need to work as a team and do things properly. No one will do less than the other. 50/50.
"Naima, listen carefully, we have two options, choose. Share the tent, or I use it one day, and you use it the next."
She sighed and closed her eyes.
"Ugh… It's a tough decision…"
She sighed again and opened her eyes.
"Phew… Ugh… I don't like sleeping in the cold, but I don't want to sleep with you either… Ugh… I'll trust you, but if you touch me, I'll press the emergency button without hesitation."
What kind of guy does she think I am?
"Naima, I'm a man, but I'm not a pervert."
"That's what you say."
"Ugh… Believe me, if I wanted a girlfriend, I'd have one, but I'm not interested in romance or sex. I just want to finish my studies and get a job so I don't starve. Don't worry, I won't touch you."
"…Alright, but I won't let my guard down."
I bought the tent. 3,000 points. 11,620 points.
"That's everything we need. The rest are unnecessary expenses."
Who needs beach toys? And they don't sell knives. Well, at least the cans come with spoons.
I'm still disappointed they don't sell something to start a fire. I'll have to improvise.
"Saik, thanks for spending so many points. Fufu. I'll buy you a sandwich as a thank you."
"Don't worry, I still have plenty. And thanks, I'll gladly accept that sandwich."
I offered her my hand.
"I hope we get along."
"Yeah… Same."
She took my hand. Her hand is soft… Yes, she's definitely the person I was looking for. She has the potential I'm seeking.
"I thought you'd be annoying or arrogant, but you're pretty nice."
"Thanks… I guess."
I made a small step forward, but it's something. I hope it continues like this in the future.
•
•
(Pov- Sylphie.)
I-I really wanted to be on the same team as Saik, but I wasn't lucky. I don't know if it's bad or good luck to be on the same team as Ram.
I-I think it's bad luck.
"I-I'm not spending 500 points just for the right to three guaranteed meals. W-We can get food by working."
"Don't be selfish; you have 10,000 positive points. 500 is nothing. If we want enough energy to work, we need those meals."
"B-But it's too much."
"But think about the benefits."
…What would Saik do in this situation?
"Oh, you worry too much about points."
She stood up and grabbed my arm.
"Come."
"W-What?"
She pulled me up and… Huh? W-We approached Saik. He's talking with Naima. T-They seem to get along… I-I'm a bit jealous, b-but they're only talking because they're partners.
"Hey, Saik, how many points did you spend?"
"I spent 11,620 points."
"W-What?!"
I wasn't the only one shocked; even Ram is.
"W-What all did you buy, Saik?"
"I have the points needed to make this special exam my vacation. I just took advantage of the situation, Sylphie. Don't you think the same, Naima?"
"Yup. I think I got pretty lucky being on the same team as Saik. A beach vacation sounds pretty nice."
They'll be alone… On an island… Together… W-What jealousy!
Why didn't I get paired with Saik?! It's not fair! M-Maybe if we were together on that island, something would spark between us. We'd get to know each other much better and… I-I don't know. M-Maybe I could've made him fall for me… I-It's not fair!
"See, Sylphie? Compared to the stupidity Saik pulled, spending 500 points is nothing."
"Y-Yes… You're right."
D-Don't get nervous, Sylphie… Leave your nervousness behind.
•
•
(Pov- Kaeyko.)
A big sigh escaped me. This situation is… annoying.
"Ugh, what a drag."
"Let's do our best, Kaeyko!"
"Yeah, whatever."
The Capital, huh? I wanted to go to the camp or the island.
And I'm paired with an overly energetic guy. That'll be pretty annoying.
Oh, and I just moved out. I'll be gone for three weeks. What a waste of money.
•
•
(Pov- Hanako.)
The island, huh? And according to Hanako 1, Saik will be on the island too. I-I hope we get the same island.
I-It's forbidden to invade another person's assigned area, but I have Hanako 1 to spy on him for me.
"We'll have so much fun together, Hanako!"
And I'm paired with Cristal. I-I'm glad. She's someone who doesn't treat me badly.
"Y-Yes."
I-I'll really enjoy this special exam.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
Lunchtime started. Perfect, I'll eat alone for the first time in a while. Eating with Yuki is relaxing, but eating without company is even more so.
"Come on, Saik."
"Huh?"
"For the sandwich I promised you."
"Oh, I thought you were joking. Thanks."
Naima and I left the classroom together.
"Putting aside that we'll be living around bugs, being on that island will be fun. I hope my parents let me go. They're a bit strict, but they'll let me since it's a special exam. What about you, Saik? What are your parents like?"
"They're dead, so I'd rather not talk about it."
"Dead?"
"Literally. They died this year."
"Oh… Oh… I'm sorry."
"Don't worry, you didn't know. I don't like talking about it."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why don't you comb your hair?"
"Out of laziness. I like having long hair, and I don't want to comb it all the time. I'd rather not bother."
"I see… And you don't care what others say about you?"
"No. It doesn't affect me."
"I see."
Hmm… I preferred the Naima who treated me badly. I think I'll run a few more tests.