When Two Wounded Hearts Find Solace In Each Other, Snow White (The School's Beauty) And I Were Mistakenly Labeled As A Silly Couple. - Chapter 8: Once Again, Comforting Snow White.

Once Again, Comforting Snow White.

“Shirayuki…”

During the lunch break at school, I got worried when I couldn’t find Himeno in the classroom. So, I decided to search for her and found her again on the rooftop.

However, this time was different. She was sitting there, completely drenched from head to toe, crying just like yesterday.

It seemed like she not only faced more remarks from the girls but had also been drenched with water today.

If only I had noticed a bit sooner. But the impact of skipping breakfast left me feeling hungry, and that’s probably why I didn’t immediately realize Himeno wasn’t in the classroom.

Her face was visibly worse than yesterday, and with tears and her entire body wet, I couldn’t tell if the wetness was from her tears or the water they poured on her.

“Takahashi-kun…”

Her sorrowful indigo eyes turned toward me, looking so devastatingly lifeless.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t notice right away.”

Moving swiftly to Himeno’s side, I took off my blazer and gently draped it over her shoulders. April had brought warmer temperatures, but sitting soaked for so long could easily result in catching a cold.

“Takahashi-kun, it’s not your fault.”

While it’s true I didn’t do anything wrong, a moment’s reflection hinted at the possibility of Himeno being targeted again.

Knowing what the girls said to her yesterday, it’s clear there’s a chance she might face further harassment.

“But, I’m sorry. Can I, just for a bit… borrow your chest, Takahashi-kun?”

“Of course.”

I nodded, extending my arms to embrace Himeno, mirroring yesterday’s comforting gesture, allowing her to bury her face in my chest.

Her body temperature had dropped due to being wet, and perhaps the mistreatment by the girls contributed to the subtle trembling in Himeno’s body.

She must have endured something really harsh.

Hearing that girl bullying can escalate, it might be worth considering some solutions. However, for now, my priority is comforting Himeno in my arms.

***

“Thank you very much.”

Himeno seemed to regain composure when the lunch break ended, marked by the chime of the bell. Perhaps the brevity of the remaining lunch break contributed, but it appeared she had been more deeply hurt than I initially thought.

Being subjected to cruel words and drenched with water would undoubtedly leave emotional scars on most people. While Himeno hadn’t done anything wrong, it seemed her popularity among some boys irked certain girls, prompting them to engage in such actions.

If exposed, such behavior could result in suspension, or even expulsion – a serious offense. Bullying is a prevalent societal issue, and consequences should rightfully follow.

Embracing the thoroughly soaked Himeno had left my own clothes wet, but that was the least of my concerns at the moment.

“Hey, do you want to stick together from now on?”

“Together?”

Himeno, now composed after her tears, tilted her head in curiosity.

“Some girls don’t like you because you are popular, right, Shirayuki?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“In that case, if you’re seen with a specific guy, the girls might stop bullying you.”

While consoling Himeno, I pondered this idea. Shirayuki’s excessive popularity seemed to be a source of dislike among certain girls. Perhaps the ones bullying her harbored feelings for a guy who admired Shirayuki. Considering this, it struck me that being together might shield Himeno from such mistreatment.

“I’m not particularly handsome, so girls won’t be jealous of you being with me.”

My average looks and slender frame of around 170 centimeters should blend in fine. If Himeno had a specific guy, most admirers would likely back off, and the jealousy-driven bullying might subside.

However, being with the immensely popular Himeno might invite envious glances from guys towards me.

“But, Takahashi-kun, is it okay? I mean, you have a crush on your childhood friend, right? Even though you said you were rejected, you seemed to be on good terms when you walked to school together.”

“Did you see that?”

“Yes. It looked like you two were a couple.”

Given the proximity of our homes, it wouldn’t be strange to run into us on the way to school. However, Himeno’s face, though it might be my imagination, seemed a bit sad.

“Marika only holds hands with me.”

“Huh? Could that mean you both have mutual feelings?”

Seeing young people holding hands often triggers the assumption that they’re in a relationship.

“No, that’s not the case. Marika sees me as a little brother. So, it’s more like she’s a doting sister with a touch of a brother complex.”

It’s a familiar trope, something you might come across in romantic comedy anime when childhood friends take on a sisterly role, leading to various misunderstandings. Since Marika perceives me strictly as a younger brother, there are no romantic feelings involved.

“I see.”

Himeno seemed somewhat relieved, and for some reason, her cheeks reddened as she murmured.

“How about we stick together then?”

“If Takahashi-kun is okay with that, I don’t mind.”

As if granting approval for being together, Himeno playfully tugged at the cuff of my shirt.

However, there was a hint of embarrassment, and her blue eyes glanced slightly downward.

“Alright. Staying like this is not a good idea. Shall we go to the infirmary?”

Returning to the classroom in her soaked state would only lead to surprise. Also, considering her current emotional state, attending class properly seemed impossible. It would be better to go to the infirmary, where there’s a female nurse, and she could use a towel to dry herself.

“I think it’s better to be with you like this, Taka-…kun.”

Himeno, who had been lightly tugging at the sleeve, didn’t seem to want to let go.

“Taka-kun?”

Being called by a nickname caught me completely off guard. I never expected anyone, especially Himeno, to use anything other than my given name. My eyes must have widened with surprise because, truth be told, it was the first time someone had addressed me like this.

The embarrassment surged through me, and I could feel the heat rising to my face. Unfortunately, without a mirror around, I couldn’t confirm the extent of my blushing, but it was probably quite evident.

Himeno seemed to share the embarrassment. Her face, from her hair to her ears, turned a vivid shade of red. It was endearing to witness her shyness.

She explained that using nicknames might be a good idea for friends, and with a shy yet determined expression, she requested to be called Himeno. Her voice, usually straightforward, took on a sweeter, softer tone that sent a peculiar warmth through me.

“Himeno…”

I had to reciprocate, and although it felt a bit awkward, I called her by the nickname. The whole situation, from suggesting we stay together to this newfound level of intimacy, was a whirlwind.

“Y-Yes…”

Himeno’s bashful reply mirrored my own embarrassment. I couldn’t help but think about the fact that I had just skipped a class, and the prospect of Marika finding out made me uneasy. Despite all that, the idea of spending more time with Himeno seemed increasingly appealing.