Chapter 33: Escape

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Translator: Soafp

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“Alright, that’s it for today. Your homework is—”

First, second, and third periods ended.

It was around 11 AM.

While enduring my hunger, I somehow managed to take a breath.

I’m keeping up with the lessons… No, actually, the classes feel like heaven. I wouldn't say I love studying, but the task of simply cramming in knowledge is enjoyable. Tests, and eventually the college entrance exams — I have clear goals.

And most importantly.

It’s quiet ——

“Hey, Toumachi!”

At the end of class, Hiiragi-san came flying over.

Just like during the previous breaks between first and second periods, she’s constantly coming to my desk.

“……”

And diagonally to my side, Yumesaki-san is still seated, silently observing me.

Isn’t this seriously bad?

This is way too different from the way things were — just last week.

And this situation is by no means a good one. Talking with people is way too high of a difficulty level for someone like me, who's been committed to a life of solitude.

“Toumachi, you're always alone, right? You don’t have any friends?”

“……”

And now I’ve realized something.

Hiiragi-san has no mercy.

And Yumesaki-san? She surprisingly laughs… especially when I'm flustered or panicking.

“…Pfft.”

Like now.

“Friends, huh…”

“Fuhahaha! What's with that tragic expression?”

And the devil (Hiiragi-san) laughs even more.

The phrase “laughing at a rolling chopstick” might as well apply here. In this case, I'm the one rolling, right on the palms of their hands.

“Do you think I even have any?”

“Of course not! You’ve always been alone, just studying. You never seemed like a fun person!”

“My heart is about to break (Yep, you’re right).”

“Gah—snrk, fufu…”

The devil’s companion next to her let out a snicker.

At least Yumesaki-san seems to be enjoying herself.

“But actually, I do have friends.”

“……?”

“Huh?”

“That’s normal, though?”

“—(Heart stopped)—”

“Pfft, haha… I can't… stop laughing…”

I’m done for.

Being around them is shortening my lifespan.

Maybe I should throw a curveball!

“Then why is Hiiragi-san talking to someone as ‘boring’ as me?”

“Eh?”

At this point, I've gone full-on desperate.

It's not even self-deprecating humor anymore, just plain self-deprecation.

But honestly — it's something that's been bothering me for a while now.

“You’re different now, Toumachi.”

“Eh?”

“You used to always look down, but now you’re looking at my face when you talk.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Something's changed! Right, Ichigo?”

I couldn't react to her relentless follow-up.

“Hmph.”

“Ichigo thinks so too!”

That was definitely her agreeing just now.

But… being told I'm ‘different' doesn't feel bad at all.

“Thanks.”

“Then next time, I'll invite you to a group date!”

“Wait, what?”

“Toumachi, you’d make it more fun!”

“N-no no no.”

“Don't you want a girlfriend?”

“Huh…?”

Hiiragi-san's words flowed like a torrent.

A girlfriend… a girlfriend.

I'd never even thought about it, so I couldn't find an answer.

That's the ultimate goal between men and women, right?

No, that's not it. What is it, really?

I mean, until yesterday I didn't even have friends.

A girlfriend, huh.

The more I think about it, the more confused I get.

“A girlfriend, girlfriend… what even is a girlfriend…?”

“Hahahaha! Toumachi's broken!”

“Pfft, haha…”

Ding, ding, dong, dang—

And then, the bell rang.

Hiiragi-san and Yumesaki-san laughed as they returned to their seats, leaving me frozen in place.

I resolved that during the next lunch break, I would escape from the two of them and find some peace for myself.

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Fourth period.

I work on my favorite subject, math.

My brain, which had been exhausted (?) from the break, starts recovering (?) as I focus on the string of formulas.

Even as I tremble at this mysterious reversal of energy, the enjoyable class soon comes to an end.

Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.

Is this what relativity is? I wonder what kind of love life Einstein had.

Ding, dong, ding—

“Alright, that’s it for today.”

“—!”

The bell chimes.

As my classmates begin to stand up, I make a dazzling move (self-proclaimed) to rise from my seat first.

It takes Hiiragi-san an average of 4 seconds to reach me.

So—3 seconds is all I need.

I just wanted to say that.

Count three.

I slip forward diagonally to the front of my seat.

Count two.

Anticipating the movements of my classmates all standing up at once, I step, step.

I dodge them all.

Count one. By now, Hiiragi-san can no longer see me.

Count zero.

I'm already standing in front of the classroom door.

Too bad, Devil Hiiragi.

This match is mine—

“—Ah—Hey…—”

I walk briskly into the hallway.

…From behind, I hear what sounds like someone calling out to me.

I'm sure it's just my imagination.

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“…Haaah…”

I exhale.

“…Huh…?”

Then, I realize something.

I was so desperate to leave the classroom that I came out empty-handed.

I left my stale bread roll and all my study materials for the library back in the classroom.

“I’m done for…”

Oh well.

I’ll go back to the classroom and eat once I’ve had my fill of peace and quiet.

For now, I sit on a one-person bench in the courtyard (my personal bench).

First, I need to update my fellow thread-dwellers on this harsh reality—

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【I think I'll change according to >> 5 Pert 6】

1: Username: 1

It's rough…

2: Username: Anonymous in Love

Oh? What's up, what's up?

3: Username: Anonymous in Love

What's wrong? Wanna talk about it?

4: Username: Anonymous in Love

It must be tough with rainbow-colored hair…

5: Username: Anonymous in Love

Go for a shaved head (totally not bald)

6: Username: Anonymous in Love

Same thing, really.

7: Username: Anonymous in Love

Savage, lol

8: Username: Anonymous in Love

Don't worry, just go ahead and share your troubles, 1.

9: Username: Anonymous in Love

Lately, I've been having trouble sleeping…

10: Username: Anonymous in Love

I'm telling you, this is 1's problem we're talking about!!

11: Username: Anonymous in Love

Hurry up or this'll turn into a sleep advice thread, 1.

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This is kind of heartwarming.

Some comments are a bit off, but the fact that they're willing to listen to my troubles during a weekday afternoon? That's pretty nice.

Now that I think about it, I wouldn’t have made it this far without these guys.

The internet truly is a warm place.

This is the coziness of the Reiwa era (cold joke).

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12: Username: 1

The gyaru next to me and the gyaru on the other side of me keep talking to me all the time…

13: Username: Anonymous in Love

………………

14: Username: Anonymous in Love

>>9

I recently found a great pillow.

15: Username: Anonymous in Love

If your back hurts, a good mattress is the way to go. Get an expensive one.

16: Username: Anonymous in Love

Yeah, there's nothing like a good sleep after a hard day's work.

17: Username: 1

Please don't ignore me.

This isn't some humblebrag.

18: Username: Anonymous in Love

Found a good thread, huh? This is now a sleep advice thread.

19: Username: Anonymous in Love

Yep.

20: Username: Anonymous in Love

! This thread is now supporting men struggling with sleep issues!

21: Username: Anonymous in Love

Rainbow-haired guy should have trouble sleeping from his own hair color.

22: Username: Anonymous in Love

Lol, anyway, if it's tough, try reading a book (random suggestion).

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“…”

I knew it (invincible).

Maybe I'll just head to the library.