(It was a long chapter, so please leave lots of comments :3 It's my only payment :c Thank you.)
CHAPTER 72 - Romantic Training. Part 2
"Words can hurt more than any weapon, but only if you give them weight. The insecurities and low self-esteem people have are the consequences of living in a society where appearance is everything, and the weak-minded and less attractive are left at the bottom. Is appearance everything? No! What defines us as people is our way of being, our personalities, and how we see the world. If you live your life to satisfy yourself and not others, you'll live happily without any regrets. The only thing that should matter is what you think of yourself and not letting what others think of you affect you. You are the master of your life. First, learn to love yourself, and when you're capable of that, you can afford to love others."
A long phrase that defines my way of seeing life.
My father cared more about the present.
My mother cared more about the future.
And me? A bit of both, since I grew up with those two ways of thinking.
But I also have my own way of living life: being myself and only worrying about myself. I wear my hair covering my eyes, not caring that people always criticize me, because I feel more comfortable with my hair like that. I hit men and women alike when they try to ruin my life, not caring if I'm labeled a misogynist. And I only worry about myself because I don't want to pretend I care about others.
There are exceptions, like Sylphie, whom I protect because I promised her father; Naima, because she's the girl I fell in love with; and Yuki, of course, my little sister. I think I should also include Ludius, since he's the only guy in class who's truly reliable. Naok too? Well, he hasn't caused me any problems so far, so I don't know. Bell turned out to be an immature and resentful guy who couldn't even protect Evelyn, and another guy stole her from him, despite what I did to help him win her.
Did Kaeyko save Evelyn? I heard on the news that they found the lifeless bodies of criminals involved in human and drug trafficking. Did Kaeyko have them killed? I knew the rich had a lot of power, but I didn't know he had that much.
Or maybe it was just a coincidence.
Whatever. My way of living has never affected me because I haven't allowed it… But a certain bitch was the only person who always tried to ruin my life, and I couldn't do anything to stop her.
One of the people I hate most in life.
"Tsk. Rossy. What the hell are you doing here?"
"Hey, that's no way to greet your beautiful childhood friend!"
"Beautiful? So funny. I thought I was the blind one, but you're worse. Want to borrow my glasses to see reality, idiot?"
… She punched me in the arm… It didn't hurt, but my urge to kill her is slowly growing.
"Hahahahahaha! As much of a liar as always! Fufu. Are you still too shy to admit I'm beautiful?"
"You still refuse to see reality, huh? This is a waste of time. President, kick this nuisance out of the school, or I'll file a complaint for bringing this girl here to screw up my life."
"You're quite the tsundere, Saiki. Don't be shy about showing your affection for her."
Don't play dumb, President. I'm pretty sure you know perfectly well I'm not faking my hatred for this bitch, and that smile on your face confirms it.
Having fun with this, huh?
"Rossy, what was it you wanted to tell me about my mother?"
"Your mother? Nothing. I just wanted to see you."
…
…
…
No, Saik, don't kill the president. She said she wanted to talk to me about something important related to my mother, and Rossy, whether I like it or not, is connected to my mother.
But I'll get revenge for this, sooner or later.
"So, if there's nothing else, Miss President of the council of idiots who just wasted my time, I'm leaving. Rot in hell, Rossy. Bye."
Tsk. This idiot hugged me by the neck and ruffled my hair with her fist, trying to hurt me or just annoy me.
Damn it, who gave her my location? I thought I'd gotten rid of this bitch for good.
"Don't mind him, this idiot has always been like this, acting rude to seem cool, but he's actually a good person, a sensitive guy who's afraid to express what he's really feeling and thinking."
"Oh, really?" the president said, smiling mockingly at me, knowing full well I'm not acting.
And yes, I hide what I think, but not what I feel. I hate this bitch and always will. Damn it, what's she doing here?
"Come in, we need to talk," said the teacher, who arrived with us.
"Hey, idiot, why are they letting a girl who's not a student in…?" Hmmmmh.
She… punched me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me.
… No… No… Breathe deeply, Saik.
We can't kill her. We can't hit her. My parents, for some strange reason, were fond of her. I can't hurt someone who was so important to them.
Ugh…
"You're still just as rude to teachers! Have more respect."
"Wow. You should listen to this girl. It'd do you good to follow her example."
Teacher, I'm not in the mood to put up with nonsense.
Let's get this over with quickly.
I entered the student council room by force when I tried to escape by running, but Rossy caught me and pulled my arm, forcing me to come in.
"You're still as stubborn as ever."
"Tsk. I was having such a good day, and a shitty teacher, a loser, and a bitch ruin it."
"Oh, you've got the guts to call me a bitch, huh? Don't you remember what happened the last time you called me that?"
"Shut up, I don't have time for your nonsense."
"I'm interested in what happened," the president said.
"He ended up half-naked in the school cafeteria. Fufu."
"Tsk."
I'd be embarrassed, but I'm so proud of my body that I don't care if others saw me in that situation. But what does piss me off and fill me with rage is knowing that Rossy got away with it back then, just because the teachers hated me and believed her instead of me, the victim.
Shitty school.
"Hurry up, stop wasting time. I want to go sleep."
"You still sleep in class?!"
"And what's it to you, nosy?"
"Who're you calling nosy, you shaggy-haired freak?"
"The only nosy one who traveled to this city from the Capital just to screw up my life."
"That's how you thank me for feeling sorry for you and coming to keep you company?"
"Wow, what great company. Everyone dreams of having a bitch by their side, annoying them every five seconds, huh?"
"Fufu. Those who fight love each other, don't forget," the president said.
"I'd rather die first!"
"One of the few times I agree with her."
Ugh, what a pain. I just want to leave.
"Just tell me why I'm here already. Don't waste any more of my time. I highly doubt it's something trivial, considering the teacher from class 3-A and the president of the council of idiots are here. What's going on?"
"It's about some stocks. Your mother was one of the main shareholders in my brother's company," the teacher said.
Stocks? I sold everything because I don't understand anything about business or the stock market. I sold it all to avoid problems in the future, so I shouldn't have any legal issues or anything like that. I spoke with my family's lawyer, and everything was settled, including taxes and all that.
I'm free of all that. Did the lawyer miss something? If so, and if I get in trouble, I'm suing him.
"I sold everything, and if there's an issue with the money from those stock sales, talk to my lawyer."
"You sold your mother's stocks, but not yours."
"Mine?"
"Your mother bought the same amount of stocks as she did, but she put them in your name."
I covered my face with my hands and breathed deeply.
Saik, Saik, Saik… Ugh… Calm down…
Mother, I knew you cared about my future and all, but you could've at least told me about these things. Shitty lawyer, why didn't you notice this? Damn idiot.
And why the hell didn't anyone inform me? Shouldn't I get updates on the value of my stocks or the company's current status? Damn it, I don't even know how this works.
Ugh… I hope the company hasn't gone bankrupt and landed me in legal trouble for owing a ton of money.
Lalo, Nergio, I hope you can cover for me. Should I prostitute myself and become Hanako's boyfriend? Maybe she can pay off her dear boyfriend's debts.
"Alright, get to the point. How much do I owe the government, and why so much? How long do I have to pay?"
"It's not about a debt. On the contrary, I'd like to buy your stocks."
"Sold."
"Wait, wait, wait, idiot! You don't even know if the company's growing, and the teacher might be trying to trick you into selling before their value skyrockets!" Rossy said, shaking my shoulders.
Why did he bring this up today, when Rossy showed up?
"Teacher, what does Rossy have to do with this?"
"Nothing. Why?"
"Then what's she doing here?"
"I don't know, the president brought her."
"I ran into her at the entrance, asking for you, so I brought her here for an emotional reunion with her dear childhood friend," the president said.
"Emotional, my ass… Hmmmmh."
Rossy covered my mouth before I could finish my insult.
"Forgive this mental retard, he doesn't know what he's saying. Idiot, be more polite to her! You're lucky to have gotten into a school like this despite being an idiot. Don't waste it."
"Oh, you still don't know, Miss Rossy?"
"Know what?"
President, I like to show off, but when it comes to Rossy, that'll only bring me more unnecessary problems and suspicions. Don't say what I think you're going to say.
"Saiki is…"
"The guy who rejected the student council president. That's me."
"R-rejected?" Rossy said.
"Yes, he rejected marrying me, but that's not important right now."
"These kids don't even know what they're saying. As if marriage were that simple," the teacher said.
"How complicated is it? It's just like dating, except with the fear that your partner might get tired of you and take half your stuff."
"I agree with Saik. Besides, in my case, I just need to have a kid to continue my family's legacy, that's all. What if I have twins? It'll be tough to decide the future company president if that happens," the president said.
"Pfft. Who'd want an idiot like Saik as a husband? I'd rather marry a pig than marry an expressionless, cold idiot."
"Well, as I was saying, Saiki is…"
"The love of your life, I know, I know. Sorry, but you'll have to give up on me."
The president caught on and smiled.
"Saiki is… Saiki is… Hey, you're not going to interrupt me again, are you?"
"Yeah, yeah, I won't play along anymore. Tell her the truth. Tsk."
"Fufu. Alright. Saiki is the top first-year student, the only one with perfect grades. 100 out of 100."
Silence fell as I covered my ears, because I know this idiot perfectly well and what's about to happen.
Alright, 10 seconds of silence have passed.
5… 4… 3… 2…
"Hahahahahaha!! Is this a joke?! Saik, the top of the class?! The idiot who stole my notebooks to copy my homework?!"
You spent all your time insulting me and never left me alone, always making my life hell. Passing me your homework was the least you could do to repay me for putting up with you.
Poor desperate guy who'll be your husband in the future. My deepest condolences for having to deal with you all the time.
Though I doubt anyone would even look at you. Even fat, virgin, ugly guys who'd only get laid by paying a woman would rather stay single than have you as a girlfriend.
You've been like this since we were little kids, and I highly doubt you'll ever mature. Not until you're a lonely 40-year-old spinster will you realize what an idiot you were. I wish I'd be alive to see you suffer, but I'll already be dead. I hope they let me watch you suffer from hell.
And while I imagined a homeless Rossy begging for change on the street, since she's so unbearable no workplace would tolerate her, she kept laughing and mocking me.
"The same idiot who failed the math exam, even when we all had the answers?! He couldn't even pass by cheating!! Hahahahahaha!!"
"Tsk. Teacher, can you kick her out of the school?"
"Come on, seriously, it's a joke, right?!"
"No, it's not a joke. I'm the student council president; I'd never lie."
Yeah, sure, you'd never lie. Right.
"Saiki is the top student and the future student council president."
"I'd rather die than work for the school for free."
"Still playing hard to get, huh?"
"Ugh, I should've made a bet."
"Too late."
"I know."
"Wait… Saik is the top first-year? I-it's not a joke? I thought this was an elite school, not for mental retards. Isn't this a school for geniuses?" Rossy said.
You're the only one with a mental disability, idiot.
"Two-fifths of the students got into the school because they passed the entrance exam. Two-fifths got in despite failing the exam because they showed other talents, like sports or arts. And one-fifth were chosen randomly, just to fill the classrooms. But Saiki not only passed the entrance exam as the only one with a perfect score, he's shown talent in the school's main sports, defeating the soccer and basketball team captains. I'd call him a prodigy, but Saiki hates that term, right?"
"Calling someone a prodigy only belittles their effort. Everyone's good at certain things, I won't deny that, but becoming good at what we do, even the best, is thanks to our effort, not because we're prodigies. Don't you agree, President?"
"Completely."
Wow. The teacher said the others were chosen randomly, but she never mentioned that other talents counted too. Did Sylphie really get lucky getting in, or was she admitted because she's the daughter of a former teacher? I don't think this school is corrupt, but knowing the class A teacher who tried to sabotage me to get me expelled along with Naima and the president, I'm slowly realizing that, yes, this school can be corrupt, like any other.
"Whatever. School always bored me, so I answered exams without reading them and copied Rossy's homework to avoid doing it, but that didn't mean I was an idiot. Only after my parents' deaths did I show my true potential, to honor the family name I'd tarnished by being lazy. I guess I learned my lesson the hard way."
I guess this lie is enough to—
"You had me feeling sorry for you my whole life, and it turns out you were pretending to be an idiot out of laziness?! You're dead!!"
Ugh… Hey, idiots, don't you see Rossy jumped on me, threw me to the ground, and is now punching me in the face with closed fists?
President, stop recording with your phone and get this bitch off me. I'm about to lose control, and I don't want to hurt her… Well, I do, actually, I dream of beating her until her face is unrecognizable, but I shouldn't.
"Give me back all the time I wasted passing you homework and helping you study, you bastard!! I should've known the son of two incredibly talented people couldn't be that stupid!! You completely fooled me!! Die, die, die!!"
"Just wait a couple of years, and your dream will come true," I whispered, but she didn't hear me. The sound of her fists hitting my face drowned out my voice.
… Huh?
Tears?
Her tears fall on my bruised face as my split lips and nose bleed.
… Yeah, putting myself in your shoes, it must feel like shit to know the guy you looked down on and thought you were better than turned out to be way better than you and just didn't show it out of laziness.
Don't worry, Rossy, you've always been better than me, at least academically.
"Why…? Not just me… Why did you even fool your parents? They'd never lie to me. They asked me to help you study. They asked me to always stay by your side. They asked me to make you a better person!! While I worked hard to make you a better person, you were laughing at us, pretending to be an idiot, just because of your damn laziness!! You know what?! Go to hell!! You didn't deserve to be the son of two wonderful people!! You took advantage of their trust, of the love they felt for you!! Did you forget how many times they told you over and over to improve your grades?! Did you forget your parents were criticized for having a son like you?! They were called bad parents because you were a wild idiot who fought with anyone who bothered you!! A lazy bum who did no good for anyone!! You slept in class, stole my homework, intimidated others, stole their lunches…"
"Hey, that last one's not true. They gave them to me to avoid making me mad."
"Isn't that the same thing?!"
"They brought it on themselves, so it's not the same. I only threatened to make certain videos I had about them public, and that was more than enough to make them my bitches."
"That's still bullying!! I thought you were just a kid with autism, but I realize you're just a bad person!!"
"Autism? I don't have autism, idiot."
"That's what your parents told me!! Or what?! Did you fool them with that too?!"
Do I have autism? Not that I know of.
Let's review the symptoms of autism in children.
Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, like trouble maintaining conversations or understanding non-literal language. Hmm… I don't think I have or had that problem, so I rule those out.
Difficulties in social interaction, like trouble making eye contact, showing empathy, or understanding social cues. Hmm… I think I only have the empathy part; it's hard for me to feel empathy for others, but that's it. I don't have issues with social or visual stuff.
Repetitive behaviors, like stereotyped movements, fixations on objects, or rigid routines. I don't think I have that.
Ugh, this is a waste of time. I don't have autism… But just in case, I'll keep thinking about it. I'm getting a bit scared. While Rossy yells about how awful I am, I'll keep thinking.
Restricted patterns of interest, with intense focus on specific topics and little flexibility to explore other interests… Oh, wait… I'm getting more scared. With the legendary ghosts thing, I stopped caring about anything that wasn't legendary ghosts… It must be a coincidence.
Sensory sensitivity, where people may be hypersensitive or underreactive to stimuli like lights, sounds, textures, or tastes. I don't think I have that. Yeah, I'm definitely not autistic. I may seem like it in some ways, but I'm not.
Difficulty adapting to changes in routine or environment. Nah, I don't have that either.
Difficulty understanding one's own and others' emotions, as well as expressing emotions… Oh… I think… Better not think about that.
Difficulty with imaginative and symbolic play during childhood. Did I ever play with my imagination? My parents and others thought I had imaginary friends because I talked to ghosts, but I never had imaginary friends, and I never used my imagination when playing. I always preferred classic games, like board games, hide-and-seek, tag… Oh…
Sleep and eating problems. I slept one or two hours a day, but that's because I was training. And I have no issues with eating; I eat a lot.
Delays in speech and language development in childhood. I definitely don't have that.
…
…
…
No. Yes, there are a lot of coincidences, but I'm not autistic. Autistic people are mentally retarded, and I may be an idiot who struggles to memorize book facts, but I'm not mentally retarded.
Besides, my parents never mentioned it. If I had it, they'd have definitely told me something.
"Ahhhhhhh!! You're lost in your thoughts again!!"
"Huh?"
Ouch. That slap did hurt.
"You're hopeless!! I'm done with you!! Do whatever you want!! You'll never change!! You only think about yourself and don't feel empathy for anyone but you!! You're a selfish jerk, and even though your parents died, you don't even try to change for them!! You have no heart!!"
"Shut up and leave."
"Tsk. Coming here was a mistake."
Rossy stood up and opened the door, and I could see several students outside, drawn by her shouting, including Sylphie and Ram.
Sylphie, seeing me, seemed to notice the blood in my hair and got worried, trying to approach me, but I shook my head to tell her not to come closer.
She understood what I meant and stopped, though her trembling body confirms she's still worried.
Ugh… Damn it.
"You're the worst."
"Yeah… I know."
"Tsk."
She clicked her tongue and left, slamming the door hard.
Ugh…
Damn…
…
…
…
I…
…
…
…
How…? How should I feel about this?
…
…
…
I hate feeling like this, not knowing how to react.
I lied to her about being a genius, but most, or rather, everything she said was true.
My parents were wonderful people, which is why I never used number 2 to be the best, as it'd be like cheating them. I preferred to make them proud with my own effort and without cheating. The only reason I use it now and cheat is because I want to be the best in school from the start, as I dream of truly becoming a genius before I graduate.
But, considering I couldn't answer a single question on my last exam without cheating… am I even making progress?
Or is my effort in vain?
I… don't know.
I don't know…
"Saiki…"
The president lifted my hair and started wiping the blood from my face with a handkerchief, the white cloth slowly turning a deep red.
Yeah… I deserved it.
"Rossy had plenty of reasons to hit me… Thanks for not stopping her."
"I wonder if it's true that you were a genius before coming to this school."
"Maybe, maybe not. Does it even matter?"
"Depends, but it's your life. You decide whether to tell me about it or not."
"Not for now."
"I understand… Wow… Even someone like you can cry."
"Cry?"
She took another handkerchief and… wiped my tears… I don't even know when I'm so sad that I cry.
Ugh, I don't know how to express my feelings, but that doesn't mean I have autism. I'm probably just crazy or a insensitive jerk who only cares about himself.
"Teacher, why didn't you stop her?" I asked, since it's weird that a teacher, even one who hates me, didn't try to stop her.
"You deserved that beating, and you know it. If you'd wanted to stop her, you could've done it easily, but you didn't. You can report me if you want, but I don't think that'll make you feel better about yourself."
"Ugh, you're lucky I want to beat you with cooler methods and in public. President, could you get me some water?"
"Of course. Teacher, go get the nurse. I don't think his nose is broken, but it won't stop bleeding."
"Alright."
The teacher left, and as he did, I could hear Sylphie's voice, like she was… crying…
Ugh… I don't deserve any compassion in this life.
"Is Saik okay?! Did that girl hit him?! Why didn't you stop her?!"
Her voice faded as she followed the teacher, and I sighed, exhausted.
I'm a horrible person, I know that perfectly well, but what hurts me most is having been a bad son and realizing it too late.
My sins will never be forgiven.
I have no salvation.
Ugh, I'll definitely kill myself after graduating, but not in a quick, painless way—it'll be slow and as painful as possible. It's the least I deserve.
"Saiki, you know, your dad was cute."
"I know."
"And funny too."
"Did you like him?"
"No, of course not, even I have my own tastes. I'm just saying because you look like him physically, except for the eyes. That'd automatically make you just as cute, but it's impossible for me to see you that way."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm disgusting."
"No, quite the opposite, you're pretty… is cool the right word? Cool, awesome, dark. I don't know, but your bad-boy vibe appeals to me."
"I'm not interested, my heart belongs to Naima."
"Fufu. I know. And I don't want to be second choice either. I'm just saying this because, nowadays, guys like you are more attractive than cute, outgoing guys. A cool, lone-wolf guy is pretty interesting, with that mysterious aura. You could use that to your advantage with girls, to manipulate them as you please."
"And repeat what happened with Naima? No, thanks. Besides, my chances of winning Naima over will drop if I do something stupid like that. I'd rather live my normal life and defeat you little by little. Your class has avoided expulsions, except once, when you couldn't use your protection point because the police were involved. You have 18 classmates left. I may not be able to beat you that many times, but your classmates are easier targets."
"You've got guts telling me all that. You ruin the element of surprise."
"Consider it a thank you for letting me see your underwear."
She immediately looked down, probably a bit embarrassed, but realizing her knees were touching the floor and her skirt was under them, it was impossible for me to have seen her underwear.
She sighed in relief and smiled at me.
"Since you're so honest, I fell for your lie. Well played."
"Thanks, thanks. I know, I know, I'm awesome."
"Wow. You can smile, huh? Interesting. It's the first time I've seen you smile."
Did I smile?
I touched my face… I'm not smiling… Did I really smile?
… Ugh… I wonder, am I becoming more human, or am I losing my sanity? I don't know.
"President."
"Yes?"
"Would you give me tips to win over someone like Naima?"
"My honest opinion?"
"Yes."
"Like I said before, I don't think you and Naima would make a cute couple. I'd say Sylphie would, but I think it'd be a relationship with no future; she depends too much on you, and that's annoying to watch. Ram, no, she only sees you as a rival in my eyes. Maybe Evelyn."
"She's already dating someone. Kaeyko, from class A."
"Kaeyko, huh? She got a good one. I think Kaeyko's like you, just more sociable. Let's see, who else…? Hmm… I think those are the only ones you have even a slight chance with, but I don't see a good future with them."
"I'm only interested in Naima. If I fail, I'll move on. Romance never really interested me in the first place. I just want to have a girlfriend at least once in my life."
"I see. Well, it's your life. Good luck."
She patted my chest, but I think it was just an excuse to touch it, since she's doing it right now.
"Where can I file a sexual harassment complaint?"
"In the trash."
"I think this school really is corrupt."
Knock, knock, knock
Finally, you're here, shitty teacher. I didn't know what else to talk about with her.
The door opened. Oh, it's not the teacher; it's a student.
"Hey, Okaina. What can I do for you?"
I think I know her, but from where? A blind girl… Blind… No clue.
"What are you doing on the floor? Are you busy? I can come back later."
"Yeah, she's busy. We were kissing and taking off our clothes. Hey, President, you shouldn't mess with a poor blind girl like that. What a pervert. Hmmmmh."
Ugh, she covered my mouth. Even the president has her limits, huh? I was just trying to be funny. I think I failed, since the blind girl's face is bright red, and I don't think it's from holding back laughter.
"Sorry, I'll come back later."
"Ignore Saik. I'm just cleaning the blood off his face because a girl hit him."
"Saik? From class B?"
"Let me introduce him. He's too shy to introduce himself."
"Don't speak for me, please."
"See? He's so shy he got embarrassed that I spoke for him. Isn't he cute?"
"She can't see, so don't make jokes."
"Don't worry, it doesn't offend me; I actually find it funny," the blind girl said, smiling.
… Wow. How could I forget such a pure soul? I met her in the library, and we talked about books together. Okaina. This girl reminds me a lot of Yuki, except Yuki's more outgoing, and Okaina's more chill. Her smile, unlike Ram's and the president's, which are full of enthusiasm, Okaina's smile is full of… How should I put it? Purity, innocence. Like a newborn's smile. That's how I feel seeing her smile.
"Here."
I took a lollipop from my pocket and brushed it against her right hand, where she's not holding her cane, which, by the way, stepped in dog poop and got it in my hair.
That's the downside of having long hair; when I lie down, it spreads over a good chunk of the surface. I don't blame Okaina, since she didn't do it on purpose, and I won't complain to avoid making her feel bad. The president noticed too and patted my cheek.
Hey, seriously, don't act like we're friends. We're supposed to be rivals. But I guess she's just treating me this way to lower my guard.
"For me?"
"Yeah."
"Thank you so much, Saik. Here, take this."
She took the lollipop and placed a small chocolate in my hand.
Nice trade.
"Thank you, Okaina."
"See, Saik? She's got a good sense of humor."
"At least he can see," Okaina said.
They both started laughing, though I prefer Okaina's laugh, which is more like a high-society lady's, covering her mouth to not laugh too loudly and keeping it as soft as possible. Like a "hee hee hee hee." The president's laugh is louder and noisier.
"By the way, Okaina, what did you come for?"
"I'm the new vice-president of my class. The student Kevs resigned from the position."
Kevs. Sounds like a dog's name.
Kevs, Kevs, come here, Kevs. Give me your paw, Kevs.
Yeah, definitely a dog's name. His parents hated him.
"I came to update the documentation and pick up the results documentation."
"Of course, hold on."
That fast?
"Wait, you already have the results?"
"Of course."
"Can you show me?"
"Oh, here? In front of Okaina? I know she's blind, but don't be such a pervert, Saiki."
"I'd better go."
I grabbed Okaina's arm as she was about to leave.
"Sorry for making you uncomfortable. Just ignore the dirty-joke pervert."
"Fufu. Come on."
She took some envelopes from the desk.
"Here."
Special exam results. Oh, I forgot they call it the special exam here instead of the special test. Even the teacher and others forget. Why do they call it the special exam, exactly? No clue.
The president opened the envelope and pulled out its contents.
Oh, it's the scores.
Students who survived the test:
Class A: 15 (4 island, 4 camp, 7 Capital.)
Wow, everyone survived the island.
Class B: 10 (6 camp, 4 Capital.)
Ugh, my little dignity, straight to the trash. Naima, I hope you at least give me a kiss on the cheek on our first date. The most useless ones dropped out of the Capital test. It wasn't that hard. At least Ludius didn't drop out.
Class C: 12 (2 island, 3 camp, 7 Capital.)
They're full of randoms; I only know Okaina, so I won't say anything.
Class D: 15 (4 island, 5 camp, 6 Capital.)
Same, everyone survived the island. Good job, Cristal and Hanako.
Class E: 19 (4 island, 7 camp, 8 Capital.)
Wow. Was Class E the best? They would've had 20, but one got expelled for failing exams.
And Class B was the worst, by far. Ugh.
Class A: 15 students
Survived island: 4 * 100 = 400 points
Survived camp: 4 * 50 = 200 points
Survived Capital: 7 * 50 = 350 points
Total points: 400 + 200 + 350 = 950 points
Class B: 10 students
Survived camp: 6 * 50 = 300 points
Survived Capital: 4 * 50 = 200 points
Total points: 300 + 200 = 500 points
Ouch. Island points would've really helped us. I can already hear Ram and Saoto's complaints in my head.
Class C: 12 students
Survived island: 2 * 100 = 200 points
Survived camp: 3 * 50 = 150 points
Survived Capital: 7 * 50 = 350 points
Total points: 200 + 150 + 350 = 700 points
Class D: 15 students
Survived island: 4 * 100 = 400 points
Survived camp: 5 * 50 = 250 points
Survived Capital: 6 * 50 = 300 points
Total points: 400 + 250 + 300 = 950 points
Class E: 19 students
Survived island: 4 * 100 = 400 points
Survived camp: 7 * 50 = 350 points
Survived Capital: 8 * 50 = 400 points
Total points: 400 + 350 + 400 = 1150 points
Therefore, each class has the following points:
Class A: 950 points
Class B: 500 points
Class C: 700 points
Class D: 950 points
Class E: 1150 points
These calculations are based on the number of students surviving each location and the points assigned per location.
The percentage of points they receive depends on the number of students who didn't drop out.
So:
Class A, 5 students dropped out. 25% less. Receives 712.5 points (rounded to 713).
Class B, 10 students dropped out. 50% less. Receives 250 points.
Class C, 8 students dropped out. 40% less. Receives 420 points.
Class D, 5 students dropped out. 25% less. Receives 712.5 points (rounded to 713).
Class E, 1 student dropped out. 5% less. Receives 1092.5 points (rounded to 1093).
"Classes A and D tied. Wow," Okaina said, since she knows the contents because I was describing them aloud for her.
"Class B, the worst, by far. Ugh, well… And I can't even earn points betting anymore because a certain young lady got mad and banned it. What a load of crap. Can't I at least sell protection points?"
"The student council buys them, but for 15,000 points. Didn't you know? Besides, it's not my fault you exploited the school's system so quickly."
"What surprises me most is that others didn't exploit it."
"There were others, they just weren't as lucky and ended up expelled."
"There were also cases of bullying over points, right?" Okaina said.
"Yes, but most, or rather, all bullying cases were resolved by the student council. Though now that transferring positive points is impossible, our workload has decreased."
"By the way, I have a question. Were there any cases of girls selling their bodies for points? Or anyone doing something stupid to earn points?"
"Not that I know of. The fights to avoid being last were tough, but most of the time, students ended up sacrificing the worst in the class overall, and that last-place student gave up and accepted expulsion."
"My brother studied here and told me some students pretended to bet, but it was staged, since they bought points with real money," Okaina said.
"I had to resolve a few of those, but it only happened with sponsored students, those who really needed the money."
"Now that I think about it, what a shitty system with the positive points. And buying a spot to change classes is relatively cheap. Didn't they think it through when they created it?"
"When someone from Class B bought a spot in Class A, the worst in Class A swapped places with the one from B. It was a constant battle to stay high and not get swapped. That's why they were relatively cheap, to intensify the competition. Though now that betting's banned, getting those positive points will be tough. The school's goal was to ensure students with the highest survival skills could graduate, since if they could stay in a high position, especially in Class A, they'd be perfect for certain government roles looking for that profile."
"Survive at all costs and be smart enough to be useful to others. I see," Okaina said.
"It's a miracle!" the president and I said at the same time.
We looked at each other, annoyed, since it was the chance for a great joke, and we both said it at the same time, tying.
"Hey, don't steal my joke."
"You said it wasn't okay to mock a blind girl. What a hypocrite, Saiki."
"She said she found it funny, that's why I said it."
"Don't fight, please."
She put her hands on our shoulders and smiled. Wow… What an innocent creature.
"Alright," we said at the same time.
It's impossible to say no to such an adorable, pure creature.
"The old system was about individual survival with little teamwork, but seeing the special exam results, I think teamwork is now way more important. Class E, though it started as the worst, surpassed everyone, and Class B, which started relatively well with Saik, the top first-year student, and Ram, one of the generation's favorites, was the worst in this special exam. It'll be hard to adapt to teamwork," Okaina said.
"Yeah, I agree, I hate teamwork. Ugh, I miss the old system."
"It wasn't my fault the system changed, Saiki, though it might seem like it. When they realized first-years like you and Tanya surpassed second- and third-years, who were supposed to be the best for surviving, they decided to change the rules to make it team survival."
"Are we government experiments?" Okaina said.
Well, it sure seems like it.
"Considering most graduates end up at top universities, yeah, it seems like it. But we're all here by choice; we knew what we were getting into."
"I didn't. I just heard they expelled you for failing an exam and decided to enroll. I found that pretty interesting."
"My brother studied here and said it was fun, so I did too," Okaina said.
"My dad's one of the main members of the school committee, so he enrolled me here to… you know…"
"Prove you're the best, huh?" Okaina and I said at the same time.
I'm not complaining. After all, the answer was obvious.
"Exactly."
Huh? Did the bell just ring? Ugh, I wasted so much time.
"Tell the shitty teacher that next time, he shouldn't go to the hospital for a nurse. Bye."
"I'll walk with you," Okaina said.
"I'm going to the bathroom; I need to wash my hair."
"Your hair?"
Ugh, I don't want to tell her about the poop in my hair, but I'll mention the cane.
"My nose bled, and since I cover my face with my hair, it got full of blood. Oh, by the way, Okaina, I think your cane stepped in something. I think it's… Oh, wow. It's dog poop."
"Poop? I'm so sorry, President. I didn't know. I'll get a mop."
Despite being embarrassed and nervous, she stays calm, and her voice sounds as serene as ever.
How pleasant.
"Don't worry. Come on, I'll help you clean it."
"Thanks."
We left the student council room. The hallways are empty; everyone's already in class.
Well, to the bathroom.
(Extra - Shadow Spirits.)
(Pov - ?)
Life isn't perfect, I know. I've known since my parents divorced due to my father's infidelity when I was just 10 years old.
To my eyes, they seemed like the perfect couple. They never argued, or at least not in front of me. Always so smiling and loving, the envy of any couple. But because he got horny with the neighbor, my father ruined his perfect marriage.
I moved in with my maternal grandparents along with my mother and older brother after the divorce. I won't say it was hard to get over, because for me, it was easy to move on with my life. Most of my friends' parents were divorced, and when I found out about the divorce, part of me saw it coming, which let me move forward despite the pain.
In my teens, I learned the reason for the divorce and promised myself one thing: always be faithful, and if I ever fall for another woman, ask my wife for a divorce before trying anything with someone else.
I finished my studies and dedicated myself to character design and animation, and in my free time, I was always with my family.
I married a girl I met in college, Amanda, and we had three beautiful children, two girls and a boy, the youngest.
We were relatively happy; money wasn't an issue, and we lived comfortably. I wish I could say the same for my older brother, but he was always a mess. He dropped out of school thinking being an "influencer" would bring more money than a job, but it all fell apart when he got involved with a minor and was accused of rape. Guilty or innocent? I know he was innocent. My brother may be many things, but never a pedophile. He loved older women.
When I met with him to offer my help, I could see in his face as he told me what happened that he was telling the truth. That girl couldn't get him to fall for her charms, so she drugged him and slept with him.
I tried to help him, I really did, with everything I had. I spent my savings on lawyers and private investigators. My wife was furious with me for it, but I had to save my brother. In prison, pedophiles get raped and killed. If he went in, he definitely wouldn't come out unscathed, even if innocent.
I tried, God knows I tried, but I failed.
They gave my brother a 20-year sentence.
I was filled with helplessness and anger. Anger at the girl. At those who sided with her. At God, for allowing this injustice. My brother may have been a womanizer and even an addict, but he wasn't a pedophile.
When I visited him, he looked so worn out, hopeless.
When he saw me, he only asked one thing: "Any progress?"
And I just shook my head, as I didn't dare give him false hope. I kept trying, but the money ran out, and my eldest daughter had just been born. I couldn't spend as much as before.
Hearing my no's, he'd return to his cell. I tried to get him to talk more, but he wouldn't listen.
Every visiting day was the same, until two years later, they banned me from visiting because he no longer wanted visitors.
That day, for the first time, I drank a beer in a bar, trying to see if it was true that alcohol made people feel better, but all I discovered was that I didn't like alcohol.
"Gross," I said as my tears flowed.
I tried to move on, living happily, trying not to think too much about my brother, until one day, on my second daughter's 17th birthday, my brother finally, after 20 long years, got out of prison.
I went to pick him up, and unexpectedly, he greeted me with a big smile.
"Brian!!"
He hugged me tightly as his tears and mine fell like waterfalls.
Despite all the pain he'd been through, my brother could still smile, giving me hope that he could enjoy the life he hadn't been able to.
Since he banned me from visiting, I started saving in a bank account under his name so he'd have money to start from scratch without issues.
I took him home, he met my family, and he lived with us for two months while he adjusted to the new society and changes.
I was happier than ever. I had a wonderful wife, amazing kids who never got in trouble and loved me, and my older brother. We were a wonderful family… until that day came.
Ten years ago, due to a misunderstanding with someone identical to me, my wife thought I was sleeping with another woman.
The evidence was clear, I won't deny it. She witnessed it herself and recorded it. That man was identical to me, even wearing the same clothes, but it wasn't me. What I hate most in life is infidelity; I'd never be capable of cheating on the person I love.
That man was identical to me and even wore my clothes, but it wasn't me.
I tried to convince them it wasn't me. While my wife recorded that man, I was fishing, as fishing was one of my favorite activities. I fished once a month to remember my late father, as it was something he, my brother, and I did since we were kids, and I didn't want to end that tradition. I didn't take any of my kids because the first time I did, they got bored and didn't want to come again. I respected their decision, so I always fished alone.
Unfortunately, my alibi was too convenient, and I fished in a relatively remote area, far from civilization, so I had no proof I was there.
My brother tried to defend me, but seeing the evidence, he stayed neutral and chose not to comment.
I don't blame him for not supporting me; after all, the evidence was clear. That guy was identical to me and wore my clothes. If I were a stranger seeing this, I'd definitely think it was infidelity, no doubt, but I'm me, and I know it wasn't me!
I tried to defend myself, but my wife just slapped me and shouted things I never imagined hearing from her mouth. What hurt most was when she took off her ring and threw it in my face, yelling, "I hate you!! I wish I'd never met you!!"
And my kids, aged 20, 17, and 15, witnessed it all. I begged my wife to discuss it elsewhere, but that only fueled her rage, and she shouted everything at me in front of them.
And they, old enough to understand, looked at me with disappointment and disgust.
One look was enough to destroy me, and I stopped listening. I know they shouted at me too, insulted me, wished me dead, but I don't remember anything. All I can recall are their faces, looking at me with disgust, disappointment, and anger.
They kicked me out of the house, and I moved in with my brother while trying to fix the problem… Until one day, while heading to a client meeting, I saw something that completely shattered the remaining fragments of my soul.
My wife and my own older brother, the one I helped so much, kissing in the café where I was meeting the client.
Seeing that, I didn't get angry or anything; I just turned around, called my job, and quit.
I got home, packed my things, finally signed the divorce papers I'd refused to sign, and left, but not before going to my youngest son's school and asking a teacher to give my kids certain letters—four letters, one for each of them. I left one for my brother too, on his table.
I moved to another country, far from the continent, to stop being a burden to them.
And here I am, trying to drown my sorrows with alcohol on the tenth anniversary of my divorce, but my body just rejects the taste, and I end up vomiting after finishing a beer.
I drink, go to the bathroom to puke, and the cycle repeats.
Ugh… I'm 55, and despite doing relatively well, I can't find happiness.
"Mr. Johnson, we're closing. I guess you're sober again, huh? Oh, my dignity as a bartender is getting more and more shattered. You need to take responsibility. Fufu."
"You're making me blush, Miss Moon, but you're too young for me."
"35 and still young? Oh, how flirty, Mr. Johnson! You sure know how to treat a lady."
She came closer and caressed my cheek.
"Want to join me for dinner?"
"Maybe another time, cutie. See you tomorrow."
"Hmmmmh."
Does she really want me to treat her like an adult when she acts like a little kid? She's pouting like a child.
And to think her personality with her other customers is completely different. Is she really in love with an old man like me? Ugh, she's probably after my money… No, she's not like that… But how can I know? Since my wife betrayed me with my own brother, I can't trust anyone anymore.
"Someday I'll give up, and you'll regret rejecting such a bombshell."
"Yeah, maybe, but we'll see. I'm not that easy to win over," I said, winking.
"Acting cool in front of me, huh? Are you really trying to make me give up? Because you're getting the opposite effect."
She kissed me on the cheek.
"One more year, Mr. Johnson. Just one more year."
"You should find someone your age. This old man's got one foot in the grave."
"Yeah, it's an option, but I don't want to," she said, winking.
I smiled and grabbed my umbrella.
"Send my regards to your daughter."
"I will. She says she misses her daddy."
"Ow. Trying to guilt-trip me?"
"Hey, you're the one who got attached to her first. Don't blame me."
"Ugh, yeah, I guess. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, handsome."
This woman is… Ugh, whatever.
I left the tavern and opened my umbrella, as the rain doesn't stop.
Ten years without seeing my kids in person has made me a very lonely person, which is why I'm wary when someone shows me affection. This woman and I have been friends since I moved to this city ten years ago, but to me, she's just a friend… Or so I think.
My feelings have been confused since the divorce. I don't know what I feel. Sometimes I think it's love, other times friendship, or even distrust or fear… I don't know.
I think I'm afraid of loving and getting hurt again, or maybe I'm just incapable of loving or trusting anyone again.
"What a load of crap, huh?"
I looked up and saw the big digital billboard advertising that my manga is getting an anime.
I'm the creator of a manga called Shadows Don't Define Us. It's about a boy fighting the Shadow Organization, monsters created from people's negative emotions. The story follows a shy, low-self-esteem boy who thinks his life sucks, and as the chapters progress, he realizes his problems are nothing compared to others'. While helping those people find happiness and overcome their issues, he slowly learns to value his life more and not let negative opinions sway him, because the opinion that matters most is what we think of ourselves. Letting negative comments influence us only turns us into shadows of our true selves, and it's better to live as who we are, always keeping in mind we can be better.
"They'll probably ask me to stretch it out."
What a pain.
I've already written the ending; I'll publish it in about three years.
I have another manga that also got an anime, but I finished drawing that one two years ago, and the anime had five seasons. It did pretty well, but this project is the most important to me, as it reflects the pain that, despite the damage it caused me, I was able to overcome and move forward.
I'm not happy, but I don't live my life depressed either. I enjoy it as much as I can.
My daughters are married, my son I think isn't, but he has a kid, and my ex-wife married my brother.
I was afraid that as my manga got popular, they'd come out to complain about me, but I think they erased me completely from their lives and ignored me.
What an injustice. My life was ruined because of someone who looks like me. Either I had terrible luck, or life hates me.
I'd say someone planned it to hurt me, but I always treated people well; I had no enemies. Ugh, I guess that's something I'll never know.
… Kate's daughter calls me daddy, huh? Or did she say that to tease me? I don't know.
Hana, Kate's daughter, was just a newborn when I met her. Kate's boyfriend abandoned them, but he didn't escape me. I used my connections and found his whereabouts. I told Kate, asking if she wanted to sue him, but she said she wanted nothing from him. She raised her daughter on her own, and I help out sometimes because, whether I admit it or not, being with her daughter, playing with her, and helping her study made me feel alive again.
But despite Kate's proposals, I'm afraid of having a relationship with her and becoming Hana's stepdad. What if my happiness was taken away again?
"I don't know if I could handle it."
Ugh… I'm too old for this.
"Help, help!!"
Screams for help? It sounds close.
I should call the police.
"Please, someone, help me!!"
No time!
Idiot.
I know I should call the police instead of running toward him, but if I waste more time, that man could die. For the first time in a long time, I'm getting the chance to save someone. I couldn't save my brother, my marriage, or my relationship with my kids, but if I can at least save one life, I'll die without regrets.
This way… An alley? Damn… Come on, idiot. Be useful and save a life!!
I entered the alley, and what I saw left me speechless.
"O-old man, save me!"
"I'll suck you off while you wait your turn, daddy!"
"You heard her, old man. Pants down!"
"Tsk. Gross. I prefer young ones."
T-three women? I-I think so.
Their bodies are grotesque and nonsensical.
One has a body made of eyes.
The second has holes all over her body, like someone who hates trypophobics created her.
And the third, the one raping that man, her body is made of… lips? And her head is giant lips.
M-monsters? Definitely.
M-m-monsters?!
"Hurry up, old man."
"Tsk. We don't have all day!"
Huh?! Is that woman throwing her eyes at me?! Gross, they're sticking to my body!
I tried to pull them off, but they won't come off, and my hands are stuck too.
D-damn it!
"Come."
Am I floating?! Does she have the ability to control those eyes?! Is this real?!
W-what the hell are these things?
"Oh! Girls, this is Brian Johnson, the creator of Shadows Don't Define Us! I'm a huge fan of your work, master! It's a shame I have to kill you. Would you mind telling me the manga's ending, please? Uwu."
Uwu? Did she say "uwu"? The hole-covered girl said "uwu" while pressing her index fingers together like a cliché shy girl?
This situation definitely makes no logical sense.
"What are you?"
"Huh? You don't know, master? Isn't your manga inspired by shadow spirits?"
"Huh? W-what did you say?"
"Oh, it was a coincidence, huh? Well, well. How interesting. Tell me the details while we have sex."
She started unbuttoning my pants.
D-damn it, I need to escape. Maybe if we work together, he and I can… Huh?
"Pfft. Only lasted two minutes. Tsk. Pathetic."
A-a mummy? No… They drained his life energy. These women aren't ghosts or some demonic spirit; they're succubi. Demons that feed on life energy through sex.
Will I die…? I'll die…
My family hates me because of a misunderstanding.
I don't know my grandkids.
My brother and ex-wife got married. My brother betrayed me. My ex-wife betrayed me because of a misunderstanding. I lost everything that day.
And now that things are finally going well, now that I have friends and a woman's interested in an old man like me, I'll die.
I knew it was too good to be true.
I knew something bad would happen soon.
Why, God? Why can't I be happy?
It's not fair. I've always been a good man, I donate most of my income, I treat people with the respect they deserve, I haven't committed any crimes, I accepted my family starting a new life without me and stopped fighting to avoid causing them more pain or shame.
Everything I did for my brother.
For my family.
For Kate and Hana.
Even now, I'm about to die trying to save a man I don't know.
What more must I do to satisfy you?
"I hate my life," I said as tears streamed from my eyes, unable to pretend this situation didn't hurt.
I don't want to die. Not yet.
I want to be happy. I want to someday fix the misunderstanding with my kids.
I want to be loved. I even want to love… To be happy…
I don't want to keep suffering.
I want to feel alive again.
Please, please…
"Someone save me!!"
"Hey, old man, clean your nose more often; it's gross seeing you cry with snot running," someone said behind me.
Huh? What? An incubus?
No… From the succubi's angry reactions, I think he's not their friend.
White hair, black eyes with white pupils, skin white as snow, tight sleeveless black clothes, black pants, and fingerless black gloves… He looks human, but those eyes and hair betray his true identity. An incubus or some kind of demon? He looks like a young adult, maybe 20, at least by his height and build.
"Who the hell are you?! This is our prey; go get your own!"
"Mouths, holes, and eyes. The spirits of three women who extorted people, selling their bodies and threatening clients with families to expose them to their wives. And I guess you, the eye one, are the mastermind who recorded everything."
"Tsk. Who are you?"
Huh? She didn't deny it?
The spirits of three women? Were they human? Why did they turn into these things?
"I've got homework to do, so let's wrap this up."
Uwaaaah!
As if I were a mere object, they threw me toward some trash cans. Ouch, my back. This poor old body can't take as much as it used to.
"Die!!"
Huh? Wow. The eye woman's body dispersed. Now the eyes are floating everywhere. What kind of attack does she have? Some hypnotic ability?
"Yellow Eye!"
Yellow Eye?
Yellow and eye?
Oh, I see why.
The eyes shot a yellow laser beam that hit the guy directly, but from what I can tell, it didn't hurt him at all.
"Impossible!"
"Bastard!"
The hole woman… took one of her holes with her hand? And threw it at him.
It hit his arm and… ate his arm?! The hole, upon contact, absorbed it like a black hole swallowing light!
What a terrifying power, but the guy remains expressionless and keeps advancing, ignoring the pain.
He's definitely not human. Why's he fighting them? Aren't they on the same side? Are they fighting over territory? Or… maybe… is he a good monster?
"I'll finish him!!"
The lip woman threw… a kiss. Like in cartoons. She threw a kiss, and small lips headed toward him.
When the lips reached his lips, they kissed him and almost immediately exploded.
"Hahahahahaha! That's all, idiot?!"
He's not dead; I hear footsteps. Did he survive such a powerful attack?
The explosion's smoke cleared with a clap from the guy, and he sighed.
"I want to get home early, so I let you do this. I don't want to drag out the fight. Activate: Revenge."
Revenge? Huh?! Laser beams, identical to the eye beams, shot from the guy's body and destroyed the eyes!
"W-what?!"
The guy spat something out. Huh? A hole?!
The hole landed right on the woman's chest and absorbed her in a brutal, inhumane way as her screams of pain filled the place.
D-dying by being absorbed by a hole in the chest. I don't even want to imagine the pain she felt.
"S-stay away from me!!"
The lip woman tried to escape, but the guy threw a kiss, the same attack she used, and when it hit her, she exploded, disintegrating her body without a trace.
The guy called his attack "Revenge," and I think I know why.
He reflected the attacks he received from the succubi, and he reflected them with double the power, maybe more.
A power that reflects attacks the user receives. What kind of monster or being is he? Where did he get a power like that?
"Mr. Johnson."
"Y-yes?"
"I hope your protagonist finds new love. I know your manga teaches overcoming problems and forgiveness, but that girl spoke badly of him and didn't invite him to her birthday party just because she was embarrassed of him. A girl like that, even if she's changed for the better, isn't worth it. Tsunderes disgust me. Don't let your readers' complaints sway you and do what you think is best. You and I both know you don't want your protagonist to end up with that crazy girl, even if she's the most popular female character. He's better off with the chubby, ugly girl; she deserves it. Bye."
He took the man's corpse and ran off, leaving me alone in this alley.
… He reads my manga?
Did he let me live because he wants me to keep drawing my manga? Or because he's one of the good guys?
"Ugh, I need another drink."
What the hell just happened? Who was he?
(Thanks for reading.)