Every Sin Deserves Punishment - Chapter 14: Yuu and the Cheerful Seniors

Chapter 14: Yuu and the Cheerful Seniors

I successfully avoided the grumbling of grumpy Makiyama. As the sun began to set, painting the hallways in a golden hue, no significant troubles occurred. Usually, around this time, I would be attending the Broadcasting Club’s activities, but I had already submitted my resignation. Now, I’m officially a member of the ‘Go Home Club’.

Being a member of the Go Home Club meant having plenty of free time. Most students would spend their time on social games, studying, or reading. Some might even work part-time, earning money to splurge on fashionable clothes and entertainment.

I didn’t have any particular hobbies. After being freed from classes, I mostly dedicated my time to studying and reading. I once considered getting a part-time job, but I had no financial worries due to the allowance I received from my maternal grandfather. Moreover, there was a possibility of encountering students from Seiki High School at my workplace. I was infamous, and while dyeing my distinctive hair could solve one issue, the incident of me barricading myself in the broadcasting room was still widely known. If I bumped into a student from Seiki, it would be awkward for them, and if my workplace found out about the incident, I might lose my job. With these thoughts, I never felt motivated to apply.

The same went for staying at school. The aftermath of the incident hadn’t completely subsided. If I studied in the library, it would make it difficult for other students to use the facility. My nerves weren’t thick enough to endure such a situation, so I decided to leave the school building as soon as possible.

“Ichigaya, do you have any plans today?”

As I was about to stand up, Yoshiki appeared in my field of vision.

“No plans. I’m heading home now.”

“Then why don’t you drop by the basketball club on your way out?”

“Why would I do that?”

Yoshiki had eventually joined the basketball club, and with his friendly nature, he had already become an integral part of the team, or so I heard. The fact that he was trying to recruit me indicated that he felt very comfortable there. However, a significant amount of time had passed since I became a member of the Go Home Club. I wondered why he had decided to invite me now.

“There’s someone who wants to talk to you. If you’re free, I thought you might want to watch the practice. It feels great to move your body, you know?”

“No, I’ll pass on that.”

Basketball was a team sport. Even if Yoshiki’s acquaintance was fine with it, other club members might feel uncomfortable. If they wanted to talk, they could come to this classroom. I had no intention of going to the gym.

“I see. Well, let me know if you change your mind.”

“I will.”

But that day would never come. I bit back my words and stepped on the hallway floor. Strangely, with each step, I felt like the path ahead was opening up. My classmates turned their gazes towards me and moved to the side of the hallway. Feeling uncomfortable, I looked out the window and tapped my shoes as I walked.

“Hey,  Moses-kun!”

A voice called from up ahead. I turned to see two girls standing there, waving cheerfully. That familiar liveliness brought back memories. They were probably still lighting up the Broadcasting Club with their personalities.

I passed by my former acquaintances, tightening my lips and suppressing the loneliness that nestled in my chest. I was no longer a member of the Broadcasting Club, and my connection with the seniors had long been severed. I reminded myself not to get involved and took a step forward.

A weight descended upon my shoulders.

“Don’t ignore us, oooooiiiii!”

“Uwahhhhhhhhhh?!”

My vision blurred as I was pulled and pushed. Turning around, I met the familiar, childlike face of Namisugi-senpai.

“Ignoring us, huh? You’ve got some guts, boy.”

Namisugi-senpai grinned with mischief. She still had that childlike figure. Next to her, the scheming girl who liked to trace her fingers along boys’ knees was smiling. It was terrifying.

“H-hello.” 

The awkwardness made my words falter. The smiles on their faces were the same as I remembered from the broadcasting room. That realization stung like salt rubbed into an open wound.

“Ichigaya-san, why did you quit the club?”

“Because my presence would cause trouble.”

“No one really cares about that though.”

A smirk escaped my lips.

“It’s a lie that no one cares, isn’t it?”

I remembered clearly. When I submitted my resignation in the club room, I noticed the subtle glances filled with doubt and fear. These two might not have been concerned, but to say that none of the members cared was definitely a lie.

Suda-senpai sighed softly.

“You’re right, saying that no one cares is an exaggeration. But it’s also true that some people haven’t changed their opinion of you.”

“That’s right. We were hoping for at least a word from you before you left.”

Suda-senpai crossed her arms and nodded in agreement. Reporting, contacting, and consulting were essential manners for adults, and they were no less important for students. These Senpais’ of mine and I weren’t strangers, and they had helped me in the past. The fault lies with me.

“I’m sorry.”

“UmU.”

“Be more careful next time, boy.”

I could tell they weren’t taking my apology seriously. I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“You guys seem to be having a good time as always.”

“Hey, this junior is insulting us again! Rude! How rude!”

“Yeah! That’s so rude of you, Servant Pudding!”

“Serve us too! Feed us!”

“That pudding tastes like volunteer work though!”

To be precise, it tasted like blood, sweat, and tears. It was fishy and salty. Even they would probably give up after one bite. Cannibalism should be stopped.

“By the way, For-the-Sake-of-Love—”

“Could we stick to one nickname, please?”

“Are you ever going to re-dye your hair that led to the ‘Servant Pudding’ nickname?”

Suda-senpai’s dark eyes fixed on my head. I knew exactly what she was getting at.

“Well, that was my war paint, but I don’t need it anymore.”

“War, huh? What was the outcome?”

“It didn’t even come to a fight. Winning or losing wasn’t even the issue.” 

Feeling pathetic, I lowered my gaze to the floor. Nakiri was never the one I should have sought revenge against. The revenge plot I had spent years preparing was flawed from the start. If this had been a match, I would have forfeited due to showing up at the wrong venue.

“I see. So, what’s next?”

“Huh?”

Suda-senpai’s unexpected question made me look up reflexively. She usually gave off a playful impression, but now she wore a serious expression.

“You’re not just going to end things with a loss, are you? I don’t know what kind of fight it was, but rarely is there a battle without a second chance.”

Another chance… If I could have that, how happy I’d be. All we really needed was a simple reunion. If I had the confidence, I’d just approach Nakiri and say, “Hey, it’s been a while.” But if a second chance came, I wouldn’t be able to punish myself anymore.

Namisugi-senpai’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her hand.

“No way… That Maki just said something really profound!”

“Wha”What?! The cool, intellectual beauty that I am always says smart things!” 

“Hmm, who are you talking about?”

“Why you little…! How dare you mock me, Futaba! I’ll show you!”

“Nuwahhhhhhhh!?”

Namisugi-senpai was grabbed by Suda-senpai by the top of her head, spinning her in circles. I watched them, feeling a deep sense of exclusion, but also a strange warmth at how close they seemed.

T/N: Demn author, why revenge ended so early.