I Ended Up Pretending to Be the Boyfriend of a Beautiful but Tough Classmate for Just a Month, but It Seems That She Has Awakened Her Yandere Tendencies Because of That. - Chapter 53

Chapter 53

♤

Around the end of the fourth period.

Once again, I got a message from her.

“I wouldn’t mind talking on the phone.”

Another message from Takamiya that made no sense. I still had no idea why she was avoiding me.

Maybe she had some thoughts for the upcoming election, but if that was the case, she could at least consult with me.

Honestly, I was getting more and more frustrated at her self-centeredness when, despite being in class, she messaged me again.

I hadn’t even replied yet, but my phone rang.

“I’m not angry, by the way.”

After reading the message, I looked at Takamiya, and she was blushing slightly, looking at me.

Why is she embarrassed? It makes me feel embarrassed too…

Well, whatever.

If she’s not angry, then that’s fine. First, we should have a proper discussion, whether it’s on the phone or in person.

The time is getting closer, after all.

◇

It was lunch break.

Takamiya practically ran out of the classroom, so I decided not to chase her and instead went toward the gym slowly.

If I went behind the gym, the teacher wouldn’t be around, and it would be safe to make a call.

Even though I thought that, the phone rang again, but I ignored it.

Finally, in a place where no one could see me, I called back.

“Hello? Where are you now?”

“I came to the back of the gym so the teacher wouldn’t catch me talking on the phone.”

“Huh. What are you doing in such a place?”

“Did you even listen to what I said?”

“Well, if you’re going to make a call, you could’ve just done it at opposite ends of the rooftop, why go all the way there?”

“It’s weirder to make a call while we’re both on the same rooftop.”

She said she only wanted to talk on the phone, so I came all the way here just for that.

“Well, I’ll let that slide since we don’t have time right now. Anyway, did you find any useful info about the election?”

“Nothing in particular. I guess I was relieved that Takamiya’s popularity with the girls is still high. As for the guys, it’s a total loss.”

“Huh. Well, it looks like the efforts we made are showing some results.”

“Not so much in this case, but we knew it already. Now, we just have to hope that there are enough people who don’t care about us.”

“Right. So, what are you doing now?”

“…Not really doing anything.”

“Isn’t Maria in front of you? Oh, maybe you’re with Mika? Come on, someone’s with you, right?”

Just as Takamiya started interrogating me, I was about to tell her to stop when—

“Yo!”

I looked up at the sound of footsteps, and Mika was standing in front of me.

“Huh?”

“Wait, there’s someone with you, isn’t there? Don’t think I’ll forgive you for cheating at such an important time.”

“No, it’s not like that. Seriously, no one’s here.”

“Hmm. I’ll stay here then. I’m going to check for myself.”

The phone cut off abruptly.

“…Damn it.”

“Haha, sounds like a hassle. So, are you coming over here?”

“Yeah, I guess. What about you, Mika? Is there something you need?”

“Mm, I was just wandering around and spotted Suzukaze-kun. Your hair looks good.”

“But, ever since I cut my hair, I feel like Takamiya’s been a bit distant.”

“She’s just embarrassed. Isn’t she cute?”

“…I guess.”

It’s hard to talk to her, honestly.

It feels like she’s reading my mind, and I can’t believe she came to see me without any particular reason.

“You’re making such a serious face. It’s not like there’s anything really going on.”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

“Heh, I kind of get what you want to ask. It’s about how I know what people are thinking, right?”

“…Are you going to answer that?”

I really couldn’t figure out how she knew exactly what was on my mind.

I half-expected her not to answer when I looked at Mika.

“Well, today’s a special day, so I’ll tell you.”

She smiled smugly and put her hand on her waist, striking a proud pose before she began to speak.

“You know, the day I saw Riara’s dad and my mom having an affair… after that, for some reason, I became able to know what people are thinking or what they want to do. It’s like, everything—gestures, breathing, all those little details—they come to me. You could call it an awakening? Cool, right?”

“Is it because of the shock from that day?”

“Maybe. The doctors said it might be something like acquired savant syndrome. But I guess it’s not really that because they’ve never seen this kind of symptom before.”

“Savant…?”

“Haha, I know you like those complicated words. But, apparently, you get it from a strong impact to the head or something. It’s probably because I went through something like that that day. It was really hard for both me and Riara.”

She stretched her arm up, looking up at the sky.

“…That must’ve been shocking. If I were in their shoes, I’d probably still not be able to get over it.”

“Heh, I don’t think you would, Suzukaze-kun. I’m just weak, so I ended up like this. After seeing the ugly side of people, I couldn’t stand it, so I distanced myself from humanity.”

“…I’m not sure if this is the right way to put it, but don’t you think your ability is a blessing in disguise?”

“Mm, it’s a double-edged sword. I think people’s feelings should only become visible after you’ve spent a lot of time with them, talking and sharing moments. But for me, I get a pretty good idea of what someone’s thinking just by seeing the surface, so I don’t feel the need to understand them more. That’s why everyone at school, even the teachers, all look the same to me. Their faces just look blurry.”

By the way, she mentioned her vision is 2.0.

She said that while teasing me, giving me a mischievous look as her big eyes stared at me.

“Maybe my field of vision’s just too wide, so I can’t focus on the nearby stuff.”

“…Does that apply to Takamiya too?”

“No, not to Riara. She’s special. For some reason, I can see her clearly. To me, she’s the only light that illuminates the darkness. I’d do anything for her. I wouldn’t regret dying in her place.”

“…That’s amazing. To be able to care that much for someone.”

As I listened to Mika’s story, I began to feel uneasy. Could I really do that for Takamiya?

Could I care for her that much?

While I was caught up in these thoughts, Mika smiled again.

“Heh, Suzukaze-kun, you’re special too. I can see your face clearly.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You’re probably a lot like Riara. You’re kind to others, so you get hurt, and you’re tough on yourself, so you get hurt. I can feel your identity as someone who’s awkward and helpless.”

“…I think you’re overestimating me.”

“Maybe. But I recommended you to Riara because you were the only one who stood out in this school where everyone looks the same. I could tell you understood the fear of hurting people and the pain of being hurt. So I thought, if anyone, you wouldn’t hurt Riara.”

In front of Mika’s straight gaze, I swallowed my rebuttal and humility.

She probably already knew exactly what I was thinking.

“One thing. Why are you telling me all this today?”

“Just because. I felt like talking. Good luck with your speech later.”

Mika looked at her phone. “Oh, I think Riara’s about to come,” she said, then left in a bit of a rush.