Chapter 19: People should know

Translator: Soafp

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　After all the morning competitions were over, it was time for lunch. As for the results of the competitions, Yuki and Miyamoto-san made it to the semifinals, while Obata-san and I were eliminated. The third game was against a guy who used to play soccer in junior high school, and unfortunately we could not win.

　Now we are sitting on a bench in the corner of the grounds. Because I don’t think it’s a conversation we should be having with a large group of people around us. Thank goodness everyone had lunch today.

“Uhm, …… so, about the story….”

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　While eating my lunch, I told them what happened between me and Ryosuke in the third grade of junior high school. I couldn’t talk about what had happened up to that point because I didn’t have time and I was afraid to expose my face …… no, it’s not that I don’t trust the two of them or anything, it’s just that I didn’t know what was going on. But this face is the face that destroys relationships. I don’t want to show it because I don’t want to destroy our current relationship.

　I told them what Ryosuke said to me at school, about how I was bullied because of it, about how my childhood friend reported me to my family and they also treated me badly, and about how I now live alone. I told them those things.

“Something like that.”

“……”

　Yuki was eating his lunch silently, perhaps because it was a story he knew, but the two of them had stopped using their chopsticks, and I had to occasionally tell them while I was talking that they had to eat, or they wouldn’t be able to finish during lunch break.

“Well, it’s not that I want you to do anything by talking. I just wanted you to know.”

“What about Hosokawa-san?……Why did you look so vexed when you were talking to Hosokawa-san?”

“……She’s the childhood friend I was just talking about.”

“That’s?! I didn’t know she was such a person…….”

　By such a person, I assume she means someone who would report information she wasn’t sure about to my family. After Obata-san, Miyamoto-san asked me about it.

“Eh, so is it Hosokawa-san’s fault that there are rumors going around now?”

“I’m just saying ……, well, she’s the source of the rumors.”

“How terrible ……”

“No, she’s not that bad. …… Maybe the reason she started the rumor was because she wanted everyone to be on the lookout for me. …… Besides, now that I think about it, it’s my fault for not denying it properly.”

　When I came back to the classroom after my beating, Sumika looked surprised. That is why she did not spread the rumor, probably for the reason of trying for bullying or something like that. I think Sumika was just telling me to be careful because he is the one who did this to me.

“Well, even though……. “

“…… it’s too late now. By now, the rumors are fading, and it’s best if they just fade away.”

…… maybe I am lying to myself. Maybe I’m really just scared. I don’t like the idea of denying it now and not being believed again.

“It was a long time ago, and now that I have friends like this, …… I’m okay with it. If you have any trouble with this rumor …… or anything else, let me know. I’ll definitely do something about it.”

　–Kīnkōnkānkōn

“Oh, there’s the chime.”

“Uee⁉ Crap, I’ve got to hurry!”

“Ah, do you want me to leave your lunch in the classroom?”

“Please do. Thanks.”

　After saying that, Yuki handed me the empty lunch box and ran toward the gymnasium. There was still some time left before the semi-finals started, but we were probably supposed to meet earlier.

　I saw Yuki off and stood up with my bento in hand. Then Miyamoto-san stood up as well and spoke to me.

“Thank you for telling me, Ishikawa-kun.”

“Thanks for listening.”

“Yeah.”

　Then she said, “Well, I have to go, too,” and made a short run toward the gymnasium.

“Ishikawa.”

“What?”

　As I was thinking about how I might go to the cheerleading squad after slowly cleaning up, Obata-san tapped me lightly on the shoulder and whispered to me.

“Sorry.”

“What?”

“I’m really sorry for saying horrible things when we first met and for doubting you until now.”

“…… It’s fine. It’s normal to be suspicious and wary. I’d rather worry about someone like Miyamoto-san, who is not vigilant.”

“Mizuki is ……I’m really sorry.”

　She was about to say something, but then she stops and apologizes again.

“It’s okay. Rather, thank you for believing my story.”

　Obata-san looks a little refreshed when I say this. Then she exhales loudly, “Whew ……,” and slaps her cheeks with her hands between them. ……Eh, what’s wrong all of a sudden? Your cheeks have turned quite red,…….

“Okay, well, good luck with your cheering this afternoon!”

“Ou.”

　Ah, it’s like a switching ritual. Come to think of it, I’ve seen the same thing done before, though not so forcefully.

　And so, back to our usual energetic mood, Obata-san and I headed to our respective classrooms to put down our lunch boxes.

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