Cold. Her lips were so cold. It was a pleasant feeling. It was so pleasant that I've lost my senses for a split second. My impulses were triggered instantly by the feeling of her breath literally ticking my nostrils and her lips ever so slightly brushing against mine. I slowly opened my mouth and stuck my tongue out as it made contact with her lips, feeling something akin to licking an ice popsicle. She let me in, my tongue meeting no resistance as it brushed over the insides of her mouth, feeling the roughness of her upper teeth, of her palate. Even that moment was brief, as I felt my tongue suddenly being pushed aside by her own. And in that split second our tongues began fighting for dominance. Meanwhile, the only thing I could see was her face from up close as I didn't close my eyes. The feeling of deja-vu washed over me as I gave in to this spur of the moment impulse, and I was certain something like this has happened before, in a past life.
We went on like this until we ran out of breath and our lips parted, her pretty face getting out of my view as she got up to her feet.
But I was too shocked to get up. I don't know what confused me more between the fact that she chose to kiss me when she could've ended me or that she kissed me in the first place. I was no stranger to being kissed by a girl the first time you met them (now I remembered what the deja-vu feeling was, cause last time this thing happened to me it left me with months of heartbreak afterwards), but being kissed by a girl after I fought her was a whole new experience. As I was convinced by the fact that she wasn't after my life, a new wave of theories began to form in my head about the reason why I was being stalked by this snow gal. It's possible that she wanted to mate with someone the same species... but why me? Are "Yuki-onokos" that rare? In the first place, I'm not even fully snowman, I was half-human and now I'm half-devil. Wouldn't the genes of the child be more pure if the Yuki-onna went for a full blooded snowman and not a damn half breed like me? I realized that I have been acting way too impulsively in automatically labeling her as an enemy due to how she was stalking me but now I need some information on why she did it, something to either confirm my suspicions or give me the real reason why I suddenly became her target. So the next thing I did was to choose the communicative approach.
I slowly got back to my feet a little later than she did and was now facing her. I got a whole lot of questions in my head that I wanted to ask her, especially considering our passionate exchange earlier, but the first thing that came to mind was...
"Why were you stalking me?"
It perhaps was the most natural thing to ask someone who had both beaten you to a pulp and kissed you while you were lying down on the ground. So natural that I've managed to ignore this fact to focus on the reason she was on my tail in the first place. I know that if she wanted to harm me, she would have done so already, but would you really expect me to believe she fell in love with me at first sight and stalked me all the way here just to get a kiss? There's gotta be a catch somewhere...
At my question, she tilted her head to the side and run a finger through a few strands of hair that were loosely hanging around her chin.
"I saw you fighting that devil to save your friend. You were one of us, but at the same time you were a devil... and yet... you smelled like a human. It picked my interested, so I wanted to learn more of you~"
I don't see why she would come to that conclusion, but apparently that's the reason she started keeping tabs on me. I can't come to describe how absurd everything she said sounded, and yet it seems like she was stalking me ever since and I never even noticed... Besides, how can you start a sentence in a tone of voice so low then end up so cheerful? Are you bipolar? What did I just get myself into? I felt a throbbing headache that made me want to push my fingers into my eyes so I could wait and bleed inside my shell. Or inside Michelle.
As if to reinforce the point I mentally made about her bipolarity, she began fidgeting around with a blush on her face, while her eyes were shining so brightly I swear I could see them in heart shapes like in an anime.
"I wanted to know more about you. I watched the way you act, fight, talk, and I thought it was sooo cool~"
She spoke with an ever so slight hint of warmness in that ice cold, even tone as she was addressing me. I see... so she's a loner. She must have thought that I was the same as her and while I can't deny being lonely for most of the part... I can no longer get attached to people hahaha. Besides, you could have just approached me instead of stalking me for I don't even know how long and looking up things about me including my name and probably my home address. Everyone would be creeped out if they heard a stranger saying they know a lot of things about them, even if that happened after such an erotic moment as a French kiss on a dark alley in the back street. Alas, a male stalker looks even more creepy than a female stalker, even though both are equally messed up from an ethical point of view... but double standard comes in play again. And as a result we should just fall in line with it. I bet the readers think me taking a peak under her skirt is more wrong than her stalking me to the point she seemed to have gotten information about me. Suck my dick, you pricks. The author too.
She stared at me... lovingly(?) as she moved to grab my left arm. As I was a couple of inches taller than her, she rose up on her tiptoes and brought her lips close to my ear as if she was about to whisper something.
"If you'll be mine and I'll be yours, we'll never be lonely again~"
Again, bipolar girl here said something cheerful, totally contrasting what she said earlier. I sighed. The offer sounds tempting but I don't even know your name. Besides, trying to be seductive by whispering stuff in my ear? Don't you think that's a bit of a cliché move? I did feel the heat in my cheeks rise as I was probably blushing, but that's only because it's the first time in my entire lifetime that a girl did that to me. It's such a new feeling that I neither know how to describe it nor how to feel about it. So let's just say I'm confused and leave it at that. Yeah.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't even know your name, much less know what you're like as a person, so lemme put the answer on hold."
Though if you want a one night stand, I'm your guy. It's a lot of lust, not a lot of love, baby. If you want something serious, though, you'd have to get to know me. I'm not being arrogant or anything, it's just stealing my first kiss with doesn't mean you stole my heart as well. I know us loser loners are taught not to be picky and take the first chance that comes our way, but sometimes doing just that would means you get to experience a lot of emotional suffering. Source: Me.
"I see... My name is Yamamoto Haruka. Nice to meet you, Kokonoe-kun~"
She introduced herself in that kind of high pitched voice which would be considered moe, all while placing her right hand on her hip. I sighed internally. Why would you start acting cute all of a sudden? It doesn't suit you at all.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too, I guess..."
She flashed me a small smile and we fell into a confusing silence. At least for me.
This conversation, and generally everything that's happened, feels so weird and out of context. Someone who's better than me at fighting comes out of a sudden, kisses me and almost confesses to me, like everyone would be-... wait a minute... better than me at fighting, huh? Maybe it's not such a bad idea to associate myself with this girl after all. In fact, I think I just came up with the best idea I've had in a while.
I laughed inwardly. Haruka-chan, you and I are going to get along so well...
"So, Haruka-chan... mind if I call you that?"
"Not at all."
Being on first name basis with her is going to help me build some sort of relationship with this stalker of mine. And right now, despite her creepiness, I needed to learn her tehniques in case I had to fight more stray devils or serial rapists... I'd prefer to avoid killing them, if possible... If not, cut their heads off... No mercy... Just like I did the other day...
I took a deep breath, trying to get my mind back on track. I swear, sometimes I can't stand myself anymore. Not that i could before, but it's gotten even worse since that incident. Well, getting back to where I was... I want to at least build a functional relationship with this girl, at least until I learn how to fight. Then, depending on how creepy she gets with the stalking, I could decide to cut her off my life or keep her. I'm not an open door, so I sure don't let just anyone in. You sounded like a yandere, and if you want to monopolize me, then you'll have a little surprise as you dance in the palm of my fingers. It depends on how loyal you prove yourself to be.
"So, Haruka-chan, are you from around here?"
"Yes, I live in an apartment complex near the city library."
Oh, God, how much I suck at this meaningless chatter...
"You live in Kuoh, 30 kilometers from here. You sometimes commute in here to visit your mother who works at an electronics store at the shopping plaza. Other times you just come in here when you feel like it."
Scary. This girl is scary. I'm not a wuss, but everything about her sent chills down my spine. What did I get myself into?... No, I had to calm down. Remember what I want from this girl. I still sweatdropped though.
"You're pretty observant, aren't you?"
"I am."
I sighed. Am I a trouble magnet or something? I know I've been bullied in two fucking lives, admonished by my peers and labelled weird and creepy, but even that bullshit had to have a limit somewhere... Oof. Did it now? It doesn't seem like it no matter from what angle I try to look at things. Eh. Looking at the bright side, at least she's a good kisser... To say I felt like Aono Tsukune when he met Shirayuki Mizore would be putting in mildly when in truth I felt like Cody from Total Drama when he met Sierra. The man was right about one thing: everyone wished he'd have a stalker girlfriend until they get one. Why did plain old boring me have to be in that gang? I've always been the type to avoid unnecessary trouble... Seriously, what's with this scenario? This is starting to slide in cartoon territory. Author, I thought you were a Japanese novelist, since when did you xenophobic pricks start taking references from Cartoon Network? I thought Western culture was supposed to be poison for the greatest nation in the world. Maybe I'm exaggerating. Honestly, it seems no matter how many years I'd live in this country, I'm still just a foreigner with the right disguise. Still, fuck you, Author-san.
My random rant aside, her description killed every mood I might have had to further drag this conversation. I know, I lose motivation easily, but this time there's just no other way around it. I expect her to say she knows where my porn mags are (they're not under the bed as you'd expect, I have a special place on a shelf at my desk for them; not to mention it's locked and only I have the key to it) or worst case, what color my underwear is. If she knew the latter, it'd only be fair to ask her to show me her panties... wait, why am I digging my own grave?
"I see... unfortunately, I suck at conversation so I don't know what to say and even if I did, you admitting to have found out everything about me in such a short time is a mood killer."
At this, the strange girl actually let out a laugh - yes, a freaking laugh - and closed the distance between us. Then she poked my nose. Woman, don't you have any notion of fucking personal space? I don't like to be touched, godamnit.
"You're pretty funny. I like that~"
Is my suffering a reason for your entertainment? Gofamnit, I'm not a masochist. If there has to be one of us tied, gagged and toyed with, you'd be the one, not me... Wait, why am I getting excited at the thought of fucking my stalker? Being near Hyoudou contaminated me. Yes, that must be the reason. I refuse to believe it's because of my subconscious finding enjoyment and arousal in being stalked... Despite my line of thought going in a dangerous direction, I suceeded in keeping a poker face. Or at least what I thought was a poker face with a slight blush on its cheeks cause I could feel the blood pressure going up on that account.
"Am I?"
"You~ are~"
She stuck her tongue out and closed her eyes. Critical hit. My stalker can't be this cute. Someone help me.
"Hey. Wanna go out on a date with me? It's probably the only time you're ever gonna date a girl so you should take that chance~"
Are you inviting me out or insulting me? Pick one, damn it. Besides, who invites someone at a date the first time they met them? But this girl is way past the point of rationality, honestly. Perhaps it's the result of loneliness. Why does loneliness hurt people so much at times? I was fine living with it 40 years of two lives and I'm still fine. No, I'm not some sort of Scrooge, cause this isn't a Christmas story in the first place. Get it? Though, unfortunately, I can say she's technically not wrong about this being technically my first date. Haha, I'm a loser baby so why don't you kill me.
____________________________________________________
You'd think the arcade is a pretty weird place for a date... Alas, here we are, playing games. I'm not gonna lie, this girl grew on me quite a bit for that reason alone. Is she some sort of gamer chick? Cause the way she moves screams skills and experience. I'm not a gamer myself, I just enjoy a couple of games, but I can appreciate girls who prefer this sort of thing so much more than the rest of them. If I didn't have someone already hunting my existence, I'd probably take you as my wife, Haruka-chan, I'm sure we'd be a great couple... if only you'd stop stalking me and winning so much games against me. Really, it's getting on my nerves, especially the latter.
"I won again"
She said that with a flat tone while flashing me a victory sign. The score was 9 to 4 for her, so yeah, I was utterly and certainly dominated. What game were we playing? Air field hockey. I was surprised I even managed to score points against her, that technique was out of this world. Still, the way she was flexing it in my face was a turn off. You're getting too full of yourself. It's a sore sight for both my eyes and my eardrums. God help me...
As if she became disinterested with the game, she got up from her seat and slightly tilted her head, gazing at me.
"I'm bored. Want to go grab something to eat? Your treat~"
Sounds like a plan... wait, my treat? How did it end up being about who's paying? I mean, sure, at a date the boy is usually the one to pay for the girl, or even more fairly, both parties pay for their own part. Can't we go for the second option? Or you don't have any money on you?
"So you can pay money for cigarettes but spending it on a cute girl who's willing to go out with you is a no-no?"
As if she read my mind, she asked that in her usual blank tone, before slightly pouting. I'm never gonna admit that I found that pout cute. And of course she knew about me smoking, could she have not when she was on my tail for I don't even know how long? Thinking about it tho... how was only now the first time that I sensed her?
"That was a good one, I'll give you that."
At my reply, she stuck her tongue out.
"You are going too keep that a secret, right?"
As if she was enjoying the very sight of my suffering, Haruka giggled mischievously.
"Who knows? Maybe."
I've suceeded in keeping this a secret for years, I'm not going to let a snow girl expose me. Perhaps noticing my glare, she started to laugh.
"I was kidding, haha~"
This girl is killing me, quite literally.
After that, we decided to go take a meal somewhere. Somewhere cheap, since I can't say I have the money for something fancy. I could tell she would like that but I could care less about what she would like. In my past life, I never spend one cent on a girl (ok, I was unpopular with girls too so I guess you can take that into consideration) and I'm not about to start now. Then again, I don't pay for pussy you rookie, choppa on my hip, it's shootin. Rip to X, Rip to Peep, Rip to Juice. And rip to me, soon enough... wait, it happened already.
We stepped out of the arcade and made our way to the shopping center located literally five minutes away from the place. We decided, or rather I decided, to stop by a cafe. A rather cheap one, since I didn't want to waste a lot of money on this date. But honestly... can you even call it a date at this point? I sighed inwardly, asking myself what the hell am I even doing as we made our way inside.
I haven't been to this place before, but it was a nice shop, really. It was a rather spacious place, with a dark green theme, which made up for an unusal but refreshing aesthetic. The walls were decorated with paintings of coffee... I kinda want to take back my comment about the nice aesthetic now. We took a seat by a table near the window and soon enough, a waiter came to take our order.
I ordered some black coffee, while Haruka went for a strawberry parfait. Sigh, I'd actually have to pay for that. Why do women like fancy stuff anyways? I'll never understand. I mean, yeah, for me a parfait is something fancy, I come from Romania where you can afford at best a 1 RON ice cream... and believe me, they suck. A bag of waffers would be the supreme dessert. Haribo jellys are only for legends and I bet only politicians and bussinessmen can afford something like macaroons... ok, maybe I'm exaggerating. Old habits.
"Nee, Kokonoe-kun"
And suddenly I was snapped out of my reverie when I heard my voice being called just to see a hand literally waving around five inches near my face... Godamnit, I was having thoughts of my home. Don't interrupt those. Hmph.
"Sorry, I must have spaced out."
I said that to the girl who was facing me from hear seat on the opposite side of the table.
"You know it's rude to ignore a girl when she's talking to you, right?"
She said that in such an icy cold tone of voice that I actually felt stronger chills than when she was stalking me. What are you, a yandere? Seriously, quit that shit, it's a turn off.
"I tend to space out a lot. It's not like I can control it"
I replied evenly, with my tone dropping one degree lower than hers. Two can play this game.
She actually moved to pinch the bridge of my nose, all while saying "I'm not mad about it, baka". Come on, gimme a break. Why the need to get so physical from the first encounter? Body-touchy girls are the worst. I'll always think that. Rather, would you please get away from me before I even try to get the wrong idea? It would be much appreciated. Besides, you can't be both cold and cheerful at the same time... pick one. Damn it.
"So, what were you saying?"
It feels funny to be asking that afterwards, but I just wanted to see how she would react to that. If it was something trivial, I could just pretend I didn't hear it again.
"Nee.. how did Kokonoe-kun become a Devil?"
Going straight for the blind spot, huh? I shaked my head. Certainly, before I had to become a murderer as Prez's lapdog, I thought I was the only supernatural being in this world. Okay, wasn't convinced of it, but I entertained that possibility. Quite a lot. And it backfired on my ass the day I met that stray. I'm not proud to admit that.
"I met a stray, got my ass handed to me, read: died, and this readhead chick just pops out of nowhere and ressurects me as a Devil. Back then I had absolutely no idea that part meant slavery."
"Basically, you were weak and unlucky"
I sighed inwardly. Sure, woman, if you put it that way I can't actually argue back no matter how many things I want to say in my defence. It all goes away the moment I remember the real reason I was in that abandoned factory the day I met that stray dog. Another 3 years and I wouldn't have to hide this unhealthy habit of mine anymore. But for some reason I felt like these 3 years would pass harder than the 40 years which passed to get me here in the first place. I felt the beginning of a looming headache.
"Spare me. I didn't had no contact with the supernatural up until recently. I didn't even know I wasn't fully human before a while ago"
This statement seemed to have shocked her, as I can see she had quite the hard time believing me. She didn't answer though. Yup, she just made a purpose out of making existence harder for me, didn't she?
"I actually thought I was a chuunibyou whenever I'd use my ice powers. I was waiting for the moment to wake up with someone telling me that I'm cringe and I should stop having these subconscious delusions and just go to a psychiatrist to seek professional treatment."
Okay, that was a joke more than anything but I wonder if she'll get it or if she'd really believe me. Haruka raised an eyebrow suspiciously. Godamnit, like every time someone does that I feel like bursting into laughter. Meanwhile, her expression was as blank as a paper sheet. Finally, she spoke up.
"You're kidding me, right?"
Yeah, apparently I couldn't have taken it anymore as I burst into full blown laughter. Her mood swings aside, that reaction was worth 1000 points in my book. She looked at me with accusatory eyes and a pout formed on her face. Cute. Too cute. I need to look away. Or change the subject.
"But really, I never got a chance to get to know about these things, so I supposed I'm just as weak and unlectured as a noob in Elder Scrolls."
I gave a self-deprecating laugh.
"Certainly, you do seem inexperienced..."
She put her hand on her chin and hummed that in thought. After a while, her expression brightened as if she just had an idea. If it is what I think it is...
"I could train you if you want to."
She said exactly what I wanted to hear. Mission passed. Respect -69. I put on a suprprised expression as if I immediately brightened up after I heard her words. I swear, sometimes acting is too easy, even if I'm myself 90% of the times.
"Seriously? That would be a great help! Thanks!"
Never forget how to look thankful when someone offers you help. I swear it works everytime... Haruka put on a mischievous grin as if she was ready to tease me for some reason.
"Anything for you, darling~"
I don't know how to fake blushes, but somehow I could tell I was heating up. Darling? What the fuck? I can't believe she actually... shaking my head. I took the last sip of my black coffee and noticed Haruka was halfway through her own drink. Of course, she noticed me looking.
"Want some?"
I immediately glanced at the straw in her cup. She was offering me a taste, which meant I had to take a sip from that straw which was touched by her germs. I come from the COVID-19 era, where even shaking hands with someone in greeting would be frowned upon since you could catch the virus from physical contact. Such fucked up times they were, it honestly made me feel glad about the fact that I died when I did. And no, I didn't die of the virus. We're talking about a "disease" with a worldwide mortality rate of 0.8 to 1%.
I still couldn't help but laugh when I think of the memes someone would make in this situation in coronavirus era. Let's have an indirect kiss, which means both of us would be infected and quarantined. Yay, two weeks behind close doors! Brilliant! And the best part is that we won't be quarantined together. Yaaay!
"Yeah, thanks.."
She handed me the cup and I put my lips on the straw, taking a sip. First time ever eating parfait. It was good. It was really good. I still wouldn't spend my money on this kind of thing too often, but I just had to experience this. Haruka placed her hands on her slightly reddened cheeks and giggled like a maiden in love.
"I just had an indirect kiss with Kokonoe-kun. Oh my~"
Seriously... I thought of something serious like getting infected with a virus that's keeping the whole planet in quarantine while you're concerned about such a small thing as an indirect kiss. I'm a man who thinks about serious issues, such as the global warming and the reason why the world economy is so fucked that the rate of unemployement has rised up to alarming numbers. Actually that shouldn't be my concern since I'll never be employed again haha... fuck. Am I a chuunibyou for thinking my other life was a nightmare or for thinking this one is a delusion? My brain trembles.
"Sneaky, what can I say..."
I actually pouted. At this point, I'm wondering who's playing with whom. For some weird reason I couldn't pinpoint, I pictured the girl in front of me as a Dominatrix and was wondering why did it suit her so well. It's Hyoudou's fault, everyone around him ends up being perverted, he infected me with his germs. Oh, you don't believe it? Just wait until he corrupts the girls too. Don't say I haven't warned ya.
...
After finishing up her parfait and leaving the cafe, Haruka insisted I go along with her shopping. And I was supposed to wait up while she was in that dressing room... and just as I thought it was taking too much, I became lost in my own thoughts.
I said I wanted to get stronger, but why was I even aiming for that? Just so I could keep killing? And what should I even do then? Should I get stronger in order to be able to free myself? Free what? There's no way I'd get to live the rest of my days in peace if I piss off Hell, those demons will be coming after my ass. I felt a looming headache as the question of my future was indirectly and unwittingly brought up by my mind. Give me a fucking break.
I left out a sigh. I guess I'll just lay low for now. I never have a long time plan, all the shit I end up doing is pretty much made on the spot. Just keep tabs on the people around me and act if any of them pose a threat. I guess that's the best I could do for now.
___________________________________________________
It was 9pm by the time I got home. First thing that greeted me was the sight of Mother lying on the couch, watching TV. The moment I entered the house, she tilted her head and looked at me with those dull eyes you'd see in anime (great, another TV Tropes element).
"Where were you until now?"
She asked me that with a neutral voice, her tone neither reprimanding nor particularly worried. I suppose she just asked the question since it's rather unusual for me to not be here by the time she gets home (and that's why she was so surprised when i had my first sleepover, at a girl's place no less). It looked like she was exhausted so I guess it must have been a rough day at work. It's not my fault you're working overtime like the average Japanese woma-... actually, it is, for being born and forcing you to provide for the two of us while Father is hell knows where. I was once cashier at a Profi store back in my past life in Romania, but that store wasn't as full of people or as stressful as Mother's job. That aside, I guess I should answer the question instead of spacing out and getting stuck in my own thoughts.
"I was out with a friend."
More like I had a date with my stalker, but it's not like I could tell her that without getting her either extremely doubtful of my words or paranoid in case she somehow believed me, so I just had to keep my mouth shut about the details of that meeting. Besides, she kept pestering me to get friends all throughout the years, so now that I actually got some (?), she might very well get off my case with that. It's a win-win situation.
"Glad to see you finally... haaah.. made friends."
She yawned mid-sentence. It's no wonder, she'd usually be out like a light as soon as she came home, but today I guess she waited for me to get home, which should have further exhausted her. I guess I should have let her know I was out so she'd stop worrying about me but I was so caught up in the whole thing with Yamamoto that I forgot to.
"Mom, you should go to sleep"
I said that in a deadpan, and the next thing she did was get up the couch while trying to suppress another yawn.
"Haaah... think I will. Goodnight, Takashi"
I nodded in reply and took a seat on the couch, proceeding to get lost in my thoughts about this extremely bizarre day. The TV ran in the background, but I just let it open since I needed the background noise, for some reason. It was set on the news channel, so at some point one certain report distracted me from my thoughts.
"A serial killer was reported in Nagano. The unidentified killer is believed to be responsible for a number of 15 deaths that have been happening in the city lately."
Great, just the type of news I needed. Well, it's not my business. May the local authorities handle it if they're so preoccupied about this whole thing. Besides, I doubt I'd even be able to identify this serial killer, but maybe the cops would be able to put the clues together to get the missing part of the puzzle.
"The killer doesn't seem to have a specific kind of target, his victims ranging from people in their 50s to high school boys. The only clue the killer left at the scene where the crimes took places is the painting of a pentagram, drawn red. DNA tests have confirmed the symbols were written in the blood of the victims."
A freaking pentagram, out of all the things he could draw... I don't know whether to laugh or to bang my head on the walls (though people said I'm headstrong so that would most likely result in broken walls). So the culprit seemed to be some Satanist... or is it just one culprit? Maybe it's a whole Satanic cult waiting for the right moment to emerge. I mean, there's been a lot of Christian churches getting burnt to the ground in Japan lately, it's been on the news, you'd have to wonder if there's some retards who have taken the example of freaking Varg Vikernes and fucking Mayhem in their quest to get a plus in realness for their black metal band. Honestly, I've never liked those types of metalheads, they're fucking elitists who shit on you if you listen metalcore, calling you a poser and whatnot, when their idol is fucking Varg. I'm about to throw up remembering how many edgy wannabe metalhead school girls got wet seeing "that angelic smile". Ewww.
I shook off my thoughts and turned off the TV. It was still 9:30 pm and I had nothing better to do than to play some game, so I headed for my room and did just that. It's so comforting, the walls of my room, after so much time spent outside. My poster with Bullet for My Valentine on one wall literally staring into my soul... I'll get it down from there when they release Venom. Some would argue Temper Temper was trash but I liked the tune of it. Tears Don't Fall 2 was fire.
I didn't know what game I wanted so play so I guess I was going to go for some Left 4 Dead.
Suddenly, however, my phone rang. I checked the screen to see who it was and, to my surprise, Midorikawa was calling me at such an hour. Did she find out about my date with Yamamoto or something? Will my head hang on a pike, Game of Thrones style? I sighed. I pressed the answer button and got my phone close to my ear, ready to listen to whatever she had to say. It might seem corny but she's one of those people I'd always listen to whatever they want from me. She let me, a complete stranger, sleep in her house the first day we met, what more could I ask for when it comes to loyalty?
"Hello, Kokonoe-kun, I hope I'm not disturbing you at this hour"
Why you gotta be so formal, lol, we're friends. Also, what's with the scared voice? I somehow could tell she wanted my help with something, but she seemed terrified of something. Does she want me to beat up someone or shit?
"No, it's no problem. What's the matter?"
"Ne, Kokonoe-kun, did you hear the news?... About the serial killer in the city?..."
Oh, so that's what it was about... I could barely repress a sigh. Really? That's why you're so alarmed? That Satanic punk is going to be apprehended by cops in no time at all, so you could just chill. Of course, I'm not as tactless at to completely disregard her fears and, judging by her tone of voice, I have some reason to believe she her fears are somehow justified so I opted for a more neutral response.
"Yeah... I've heard about it... Man, this city sure has gone crazy. First train molesters, now serial killers..."
Why am I making it sound like it's not a big deal and everything that happened lately was bound to happen at some point? I mean, even if that's what I believe, I'm aware this is not what I should be saying in a conversation with people. And no, being blunt and hiding the stuff that's better off hidden under the carpet have no links whatsoever.
"Kokonoe-kun, a boy in my school was found dead in his home..."
She spoke all that with a trembling voice. Hmm, then all of her fears actually start making sense... She probably has seen that boy a couple of times, even if there was probably a lack of interaction between them, she was still traumatized by what happened and thought she might be next. I see. I wouldn't normally do that, but we're talking about Midorikawa here, so I had to protect her in case anything happened... but I was stuck since telling her that I have her back is basically revealing my position. Damn it.
"I'm sorry to hear that..."
"What if I'm next, Kokonoe-kun?..."
"It's gonna be alright, Midorikawa.. If anything happens, I'll have your back!"
I just blurted that out without thinking. Damn it. I really am as thoughtless, but I couldn't stand the sound of her voice sounding like it's about to break down into tears.
"You will?..."
As expected, she sounded like she didn't believe I could do anything. Well, that's just to be expected. I know what I'm saying sounds like empty words, but I actually have something to back it up. I'm gonna start training with Yamamoto to improve my ice control and I'm gonna get even better. And then whoever wanna fuck with me or the people I care about, I'll destroy them. Even if I have to suffer the burden of my guilty conscience with all this blood on my hands, if they can be safe, then it's worth it.
I sigh inwardly. I'm starting to sound like one of those cliche heroes I'm trash talking. For fuck sake.
"Yes, I will"
The next hour was spent talking to Midorikawa on the phone, trying to calm her down. She cried for a while, then we decided to change the subject and talk about whatever and before long there was no reply, a signal that she fell asleep. I hung up and continued playing my game. Truth be told, I wasn't even that worried about this thing. There was still a 10% chance of the next target being Midorikawa, is what I thought. She, however, felt like she was next.
I wondered who's in the right.