I Was Falsely Confessed to and Exposed in Front of Everyone, so I Jumped off the Roof - Chapter 14

Kagiroi-san has been staying over more often lately. She said she was worried about my eating habits.

“It’ll be ready soon, so just wait a bit.”

“I’m sorry for making you do all this.”

“Instead of sorry, I’d prefer a thank you.”

“…Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Kagiroi-san’s smile was so gentle that it felt like it melted something frozen inside me. It made me feel warm. The table was filled with all kinds of food.

““Thank you for the food.””

The food was really good. It was healthy too. I thought that if she ever became someone’s wife, she’d take care of things properly.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. It’s nothing.”

“If you have any preferences for seasoning or taste, just tell me.”

“Yeah, got it.”

I knew this relationship wouldn’t last forever. Kagiroi-san wouldn’t always be by my side. So for now, I decided to just enjoy this meal, here and now.

♢ ♢ ♢

Today was the day I was going to a cosplay event with Sumire. When we met at Ikebukuro Station, she wasn’t really in disguise.

“Huh? Ruika-chan, what’s with the sunglasses?”

“Manwa-san told me to wear them so people don’t recognize my face.”

“I see.”

“I think you probably feel the same way.”

“I kind of want to be recognized and surrounded by people!”

That way of thinking was fine, too. But I had my own reasons to avoid being noticed outside of the media. So I shouldn’t expose myself. I could just say no to Sumire’s invitation, but I wasn’t cold enough to refuse her earnest request. I was still halfway there.

“Some famous cosplayers are coming today. I’m excited.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. The top cosplayers are amazing. They look so good in photos!”

“You’d be fine now, wouldn’t you?”

“That would be nice, but I might still need to be with Ruika-chan.”

We walked while chatting about nothing in particular. On the way, we passed a game center and saw a claw machine.

“That stuffed toy is cute.”

“Do you want it?”

“A little.”

Hearing that, I stood in front of the machine, put in some coins, and grabbed the stuffed toy.

“Eh? No way! Amazing!”

“I’ll give it to you.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah.”

“Thank you so much!!”

Sumire hugged the stuffed toy tightly. Watching her, I silently pumped my fist in my heart. Then we kept walking. We passed in front of a music store, and my feet stopped.

“Is something wrong?”

“The bass…”

“What about the bass?”

“No, it’s just that basses are so cool.”

“Yeah? They are. People who can play instruments are really cool. I’m terrible at them, so I envy you.”

She was so honest and was smiling so warmly. Why wasn’t a girl like her by my side back then? I couldn’t help but think that.

“Is that you, Ruika?”

A familiar voice called out. I turned and saw Watajima and his friends.

“It’s really you, Ruika! Long time no see! I’m so happy!”

A chill ran through me. The past keeps catching up, no matter what.

“Ruika! Won’t you go out with me?!”

What is this guy even saying?

“What are you talking about?”

“Everyone got separated because of him. But I still feel lonely if you’re not by my side!”

That’s his own fault, though. Watajima put his hand on my shoulder. Just like before.

“Forget about him! That’s why you should be with me…”

No, I can’t forget him. The one I don’t care about is him, right here in front of me.

“Kyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!”

“Ruika?!”

I screamed. A nearby police officer looked over.

“This man is harassing me!”

I shook his hand off my shoulder and pointed at Watajima. The officer ran straight toward us. I grabbed Sumire’s hand and ran.

“Ruika-chan?!”

“Don’t look back and just run!”

“Ruika!? What’s going on?!”

I ignored Watajima’s shouting from behind. We crossed a big street and melted into the crowd. After running a bit, we finally reached a park.

“Ruika-chan… Did something happen with those guys before?”

“Yes. Something I wish I could forget.”

“I see. Was it painful?”

“I guess I don’t really have the right to talk about it.”

The muscles in my face wouldn’t obey me. I wanted to hide it with a smile, but my mouth trembled.

“Do you want to cry?”

“I can’t cry.”

“It’s okay if you cry with me.”

She pulled me into her arms. That was all it took to break the dam. My body shook as I let the tears fall. I cried.

“Yeah. It’s fine. It’s not your fault, Ruika-chan.”

But it is my fault. It’s all me. Yet the tears wouldn’t stop. I felt ashamed for crying and for having been one of those people’s groups. None of it could be forgiven. I was still a selfish and pathetic mess.

♢

After crying my heart out, Sumire took my hand, and we arrived at the cosplay event.

“Cosplay is fun. You can become someone completely different.”

After putting on a wig and costume, Sumire did my makeup. When she finished, I looked like a different person. There wasn’t a trace of tears left.

“Just for now. Play along with my little game.”

“Game?”

“Yeah. Your character is like a knight who always protects my character. So cool.”

It was a character far from who I really am. But Sumire smiled brightly.

“You’re my Knight, Ruika-chan. My life feels bigger and better because of you.”

I had only used her. Yet she thanked me. If she knew my past, she’d probably despise me. That scared me.

“That’s why I like you, Ruika-chan.”

I didn’t deserve to hear that.

“That’s why you’re my Knight! Now, let’s go to the event! I want everyone to see you! My Knight!”

She grabbed my hand, and we walked into the crowd. Many people took pictures of us. So please… just for now, let me look like a Knight.

♢ ♢ ♢

I was a cosplay photographer by trade. But photographing cosplay can be really frustrating. What I’m looking for is art. I have no patience for cosplayers just showing off for themselves.

I was tired of mannequins striking fake poses with no love for their characters. And then Ruika-san appeared. Her cosplay was “the real deal.” For her, cosplay wasn’t just a hobby. It was a performance. It wasn’t play; it was acting.

Ruika-san’s dedication to protecting Sumire’s character was genuine. How can I say that for sure? During a break, some male cosplayers tried to bother Sumire.

This kind of flirting happens often. The outgoing male cosplayers are known for always chasing after female cosplayers. At that moment, it looked like Sumire might fall into their trap.

But Ruika-san bravely confronted men who were even taller than her. It was technically against the rules, but I couldn’t help capturing that moment with my camera.

What this photo captured was true art. Being able to take it is my pride. If possible, next time I hope to photograph Ruika-san as a princess. (Excerpt from the autobiography of a future Academy Award-winning director)