Every Sin Deserves Punishment - Chapter 13: A Slightly Risque Mishap

Chapter 13: A Slightly Risque Mishap

A/N: Chapter 2/Arc 2 begins.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A rustling sound echoed as I pulled tongs from a plastic bag and reached down to grab an empty can at my feet. The metal teeth scraped against the aluminum, producing a harsh, grating sound.

“Thank you.”

When I turned around, an older lady stood behind me. Despite her simple attire, there was a refined air about her. If she wore a kimono, one might mistake her for a noblewoman. Like me, she held a pair of tongs and a garbage bag, her hands covered by work gloves. The contrast between her demeanor and her task brought a sense of familiarity. 

I interrupt my trash-picking and straighten up.

“Why are you thanking me?”

“Because you’ve been diligently picking up litter. Some kids just do it for extra credit and slack off when no one’s looking, but you’ve been working hard from the start without getting distracted. That’s admirable.”

Her smiling face was warm and genuine, without a trace of malice. I could tell she was praising me from the bottom of her heart, which made me feel a bit embarrassed. I forced a smile to cover my shyness.

“No, I’m just doing it because I like it.”

“You’re really helpful. Everyone was scared of you because of your unusual hair color, but you’re a good and diligent kid.”

The older lady spoke fondly, and I shifted uncomfortably. Since the entrance ceremony, my hair has been gradually returning to its natural black color. Only the top of my head is black. It’s like a pudding hairstyle. Because I also volunteered for these activities, some students had taken to calling me “Servant Pudding.”

To be honest, I don’t like it. I’d rather be called ‘For the Sake of Love’ than that. It’s better than being mistaken for a romanticist, and hearing that nickname always reminds me of my childhood friend.

Since we parted ways in Shibuya, I haven’t seen Nakiri. To sever my lingering attachment, I left the chat room and have been avoiding her as much as possible in the school building. I sent the audio data that proves my crime, but no one has accused me yet.

She’s probably waiting for the right moment. Retaliation loses its impact if the target has nothing to lose. I don’t think Nakiri would be happy about someone else’s misfortune, but I made her cry. A sinner must be punished. The punishment must be given by Nakiri for it to have meaning, and I couldn’t accept it otherwise.

I also put in a lot of effort to gain my current life. If possible, I don’t want to give it up. It’s selfish of me to think this way, but it’s because of this feeling that the punishment is valid. I want to leave because I like her. I want to lose something because it’s valuable. What a contradiction. People are truly contradictory beings. I laugh to myself at my racing thoughts.

“You’re almost done with trash-picking. Do you have any plans after that?”

“Yes. I plan to study at the library.”

“Oh, you’re so diligent. It’s Saturday, so why don’t you invite a friend and go out?”

“I will go out with a friend. I’m going to the library to teach my friend.”

The friend I’m referring to is Yoshiki. He’s the only classmate I’m close to right now. Since the incident during lunch break, I’ve been feared by those around me. It’s difficult to make new connections. I have no reason to go to the library, but it’s a request from my current friend. I have no choice but to accept.

“Well, you should take a break sometimes. You look quite tired.”

“I’m fine. I’ll rest properly.”

I put on a smile. Even though I said I was fine, the older lady’s expression remained concerned. I appreciate her concern for me, even though we’re not related, but I wish she wouldn’t do that. Her kindness is like poison to me, a tainted soul. I now understand how a vampire feels when exposed to sunlight.

The volunteer work ended after a short time.

◇

With words of appreciation echoing in my ears, I returned to my usual weekend routine. Clad in my favorite sneakers, I made my way to the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library. During my walk from Hiroo Station, Yoshiki messaged me, saying he’d arrived early and secured a table on the third floor. It seemed he was eager to study, which made sense since he was the one who suggested the study session.

I must respond to my friend’s enthusiasm. I received my library card and put my bag in a locker. I walked through the library’s unique silence, filled with knowledge, and passed through the barricade of shelves.

“Huh?”

I arrived at the meeting spot, but Yoshiki wasn’t there. He was the one who designated the seat, so he should have been there first. It’s unnatural for him to leave the seat to go to the bathroom without any books or stationery plastered on top of the table. Yoshiki isn’t stupid enough to risk someone else taking his seat.

I took out my smartphone and asked about his location through the chat app.

No reply. Maybe he got sidetracked by a book or was wandering somewhere. Either way, it seemed like it would take quite some time before he could come back.

I decided to wait for a while and sat down in a chair. I didn’t feel like opening my notebook. I casually looked around. The room was spacious, with shelves and tables, but there was enough space for a full-speed dash. With no other people around, the room felt even more spacious.

After a few minutes of daydreaming, I turned on my smartphone and checked the chat app.

It had been read, but there was no response. Yoshiki wasn’t the type to ignore texts, so maybe he was in a situation where he couldn’t respond. It seemed like it would take a bit longer for him to show up.

“Should I read something?”

I got up from the chair and headed towards the shelves to look for a book. I didn’t have anything particular in mind. I casually browsed the books, looking at the spines. I crossed the aisle and was about to turn around when I stopped.

I held my breath and instinctively hid behind the shelf. I unintentionally imitated a spy in a spy movie.

“Why is she here?!”

I whispered under my breath, trying to stay quiet. The library was so still that even a low murmur could be heard. But I couldn’t stop myself from speaking.

Please let it be a mistake. I cautiously looked around the aisle, hoping it was a mistake.

It wasn’t a mistake. Walking through the aisle was a beautiful girl with flowing long hair and graceful movements. She seemed to effortlessly draw attention. It was her—my childhood friend who I haven’t seen in months, Nakiri.

I pulled my head back and looked around for a place to hide. When I jumped out from behind the shelf, Nakiri was looking towards the window. She didn’t know I was in the library yet.

I carefully and quietly moved back to my table. It would be safest to hide under the one I was using—no one would notice me there unless they came close. I could explain everything to Yoshiki when he arrived and ask him to distract her.

I quietly returned to my seat and gathered the tools on the table. I crawled under the tabletop and waited for Nakiri to sit down.

I heard footsteps approaching. I saw a pair of ankle-high boots from between the chairs and the table. I didn’t have time to look closely before, but now I could see that she has good taste. The color coordination with her clothes is perfect. I couldn’t help but stare, and the distance seemed to distort.

The footsteps kept coming closer. The small boots I saw earlier gradually grew larger.

Just how far does she plan on sitting to?

I thought to myself.

Suddenly, the chair in front of me moved back. I reflexively jumped to the side, landing in the empty space next to me. It was a miracle that I didn’t scream. I congratulated myself for holding back my scream.

But why? Why did she sit here? There are plenty of other empty chairs. Why did she have to sit here?

My frustration was drowned out by something. I looked to the side and saw a well-shaped leg nearby. The skin-colored legs, extending from under the skirt, transformed the dimly lit space under the table into a bewitching interior. She must exercise regularly. The muscles on her thighs were slightly pressed against the chair, causing them to bulge.

Beautiful.

No, stop! That’s just the stress of the situation talking! It’s like that weird late-night tension! This is not good for my mental health. My heart was pounding, and I was finding it hard to breathe. What if she could hear it?

I have to escape.

But how? I’m surrounded by chair legs. To get out from under the table, I have to push the chair. If I do that, my presence will be revealed. In this state, I can’t even ask Yoshiki for help. Is this a checkmate?

“…Is he in the bathroom?”

What color does Nakiri like?

As I struggled with these indecent thoughts, Nakiri’s muttering shook the air. Apparently, she was waiting for someone. Why did she choose today of all days? Does that person have a grudge against me?

I have to leave. Right now, I look like a suspicious person to anyone. From the perspective of others, I look like a pervert trying to peek at Nakiri’s underwear. I don’t want to be convicted of peeping, even though I’m waiting for my punishment. It would be terrible to be convicted of such a crime.

Desperate, I considered throwing my pencil case to distract her. If she went to pick it up, I could escape. There was a shelf nearby, so if I timed it right, I could hide behind it and slip out unnoticed.

While trying to determine the direction to throw the pencil case, my gaze shifted. From the oddly restless tips of her shoes, it wandered up to her calves. Almost reaching her soft, plump thighs, I hurriedly shut my eyes tight. That was close—if I let my guard down, I’d get drawn into the depths of those beautiful legs. It was like a black hole.

Is it White? Or Red?

Stop! Focus! Don’t get distracted! I’m not thinking about that! Dispel lust! Dispel lust!

“Hmm, did I get the time wrong?”

As I counted the digits of pi, the sound of a chair being pulled back shook my eardrums. The world-class legs moved away, and the boots that tapped the floor disappeared around the corner.

It’s my chance! I have to escape now! I quickly crawled out from under the table and left the quiet space. I walked carefully, making sure Nakiri didn’t see me. I felt bad for Yoshiki, but there was no way we could hold a study session now. I quickly retrieved my belongings from the locker and left the building. Outside the entrance, I saw a slender back. Nakiri was talking on the phone, holding her smartphone to her ear and moving her pink lips.

I quickly left the library, feeling relieved.

I had a terrible experience.

Well, it was eye-opening, it was truly a breathtaking sight. The view was breathtaking beyond anything else, yet it felt like I had really fallen into being a pervert, and that brought my mood down. Shikura Yuu, the one Nakiri liked, didn’t do such naughty things. It hurt my heart, as if I had betrayed my childhood friend twice. Was I happy, or sad? Lonely, or irritated? With a whirlwind of mixed emotions, I headed home.

◇

I went to school after the holiday. I thought there might be an angry chat from Yoshiki for skipping the study session, but there was no message from him. It was his fault for being late. If he had arrived on time, I wouldn’t have had that pleasant experience. We could have had the study session somewhere else. Everything would have gone perfectly.

I’m not going to apologize. In fact, I’ll be the one getting mad. With that decision made, I stepped into the school entrance, slipped on my indoor shoes, and marched down the hallway toward the classroom.

“Hey, Ichigaya!”

As soon as I opened the classroom door, a hand went up. It was my only friend, Katou Yoshiki. I’ve been saved by his friendly smile, but today, I was irritated. I stomped my shoes on the classroom floor and headed towards my friend.

“Yoshiki, what were you doing on Sunday?”

My voice became rough with frustration. It’s true that Yoshiki’s tardiness messed things up, but there was also some personal resentment mixed in. This is no different from taking out my anger on him.

Yoshiki scratched the back of his head.

“Sorry, sorry, I thought it was next Sunday. By the way, did you go to the library?”

“Yes, I did. That’s why I’m angry.”

“Hmm, that’s strange…”

Yoshiki tilted his head. I frowned at his expression.

“What’s strange about it?”

“Hmm, nothing. Anyway, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you someday, so forgive me.”

Yoshiki put his hands together in front of his body. I sighed in frustration.

“Fine, fine. Buy me a juice today.”

“Of course. I’ll definitely be on time next time, so let’s do it again.”

“Are you planning to have another study session?”

“Well, I don’t understand the materials. Anyway, look forward to it.”

“Why do I have to look forward to a study session for you?”

“Just because.”

Yoshiki laughed carelessly. It’s strange how my frustration fades when I see his innocent smile.

“Hey, Yoshiki, weren’t you supposed to be on duty today?”

“Huh? Oh, crap! Today was my turn!”

Yoshiki stood up, and the chair legs made a loud noise. In the first period, we have chemistry class. The duty is to carry the experimental equipment to the science room. If we skip it, the teacher, Makiyama, will grumble. It’s a matter that will bother the whole class.

“Please, Ichigaya, help me!”

“I’ll help you, but you owe me one.”

We both went out into the hallway. We didn’t have much time before the first period. We quickly walked down the hallway.

I reflexively stopped.

Nakiri was standing there in her school uniform. She was talking to a boy whose name I didn’t know. They seemed to be on good terms.

What were they talking about? I strained my ears, but the noise around us made it impossible to hear. Was he the one she was supposed to meet at the library? Did they spend time together, dressed in fashionable clothes, in that quiet space, just the two of them? Wasn’t that basically a date?

My heart ached. I pulled my lips together and turned around.

“Ichigaya, where are you going?”

“Let’s go this way. It’s closer from these stairs.”

“It’s not that much of a difference.”

I didn’t feel like persuading him. I put my foot on the stairs.

“Seriously, you two are hopeless.”

A sighing voice passed through my ears.