Chapter 1

Ryouta’s POV

“Are you a couple?”

The question asked with a soft but full of hope voice, made as both look for the owner.

“No!” I shouted desperately to not be misunderstood.

“Yes!” He said happily almost at the same time as me.

My angry look didn’t impress him, but I couldn’t focus. My not used to exercising arm muscles started trembling, as I was desperately trying not to get even an inch closer to his face. The girl who asked us this ridiculous question was still observing us. She looked nice and her smile was from the kindest one I have ever seen. Our opposite answers didn't confuse her, worse I had the impression that it made her even more happy. Suddenly, she got on her knees, clapped hands and closed her eyes.

”Thank you to all the goddesses and gods of love or whatever being, who listened to my prayers and gave me a ship I can be captain of.” The girl sounded serious and that made me scared. Eyes open, the long braid tied with a hair bow thrown over the shoulder, ready to attack with another question. “So, how long have you been dating?”

My left arm gave way under the weight and put me dangerously closer to him, but at least this made the girl reconsider her situation. She stood up and really slowly started walking backwards. Her eyes were still focused on us and I was praying for her to be outside the room as soon as possible.

”You know what. Don’t answer me now, I will just enjoy what I already got, but you have to tell all the details later.” A soft giggle came out. “I won’t disturb your time together any longer.”

A second later after the door closed I fell on the floor with an unpleasant sound and knowledge that I hit something, which caused me much pain that I wouldn't wish for.

“You okay?” His face showed up over me with a worried smile. “I think my chest would be a much softer place to land.” This suggestion made me feel even more cringe, but I didn't want to go into this any further.

“Save it for the girls, I would still choose the floor.”

I got up slowly trying to avoid pain and not showing it on my face. This day for sure wasn't supposed to look like that. My unwanted companion was eager to help but I ignored his hand. The door - my goal and leaving this room.

“Do you know that girl?”

“No. I don't even know you.”

“Easy to retrieve. Shimada Katsuo.”

He introduced himself with a bright smile, not discouraged by my rudeness. At least I could do the same and then go, just to clear my conscience a bit.

“Nagata Ryouta.”

Nothing more and nothing less, at that point I wanted to end this conversation and meeting, regretting everything that happened.

A few moments earlier

Sounds started to fade, but the headache was not gone yet. I was just looking for a place where I could sit, close my eyes and enjoy a moment of silence. A little break from reality before going back to the people, their voices, small talks and lectures, later to the non stop talking twin monsters, my younger siblings. I saw that the room was empty and decided to check my luck, the door was open. There was no sign, which person or club this space belongs to, so I assumed it wouldn't be a big deal.

I could also go with the excuse that I felt a bit weak and just needed to rest for a moment. It wouldn't be far from the truth, my condition was getting worse and there was no way I could give up. I had a house and two fifth graders to take care of.

Five minutes was what I was asking for and I got even more, because I took a short nap I wasn't happy about. At first I got scared that I would be late for the last classes but when I realized there was still a bit left I decided to stay there for a moment longer if there was no one trying to kick me out.

The room was a bit cluttered with boxes but not furniture. A table and four chairs in the middle, the sofa under the window and two metal racks in the corners. They were fully stacked with those cartons, and a lot found their places on the floor. I shouldn't have but I got interested in what was inside. My guess was I was spending time in the room which was supposed to belong to either a newly found or just closed university club.

Something caught my attention. One of the boxes standing on the highest shelf couldn't be closed, so the content was partially visible and recognisable for me. It was my late grandfather’s favourite crossword magazine. The twins loved helping him, which mostly led to fierce fights between them about who was right, almost every time none of the kids was.

I don't think I would harm anyone if I would take and maybe try to solve one. I miscalculated the height of the shelf and had to stand on tiptoes to reach it. Inch by inch I was getting closer to get it off, and when it was in a critical moment, holding it with my hands and feeling its weight. Someone decided to scare me.

“Wanna join the club?”

I hadn't heard him coming earlier, so it frightened me a lot. The rest was a matter of seconds. The weight was overloading me, I felt like falling, but somehow, still have no idea how I managed to turn. I fell on another student, the one who scared me. The box fell out of my hands but at least we both stayed unharmed. But getting into that position, where I was almost lying on top of him, made me so uncomfortable.

“I didn't expect anyone to fall for me today,” he smiled brightly.

“I fell on you, not for you!” I corrected him. I was mad that he scared me and this situation was the result.

And then again the door was open and the girl showed up.

***

“Don't you think we have a matter to discuss?”

“I don't think so,” I answered and closed the door, without caring about his feelings.

This short episode of my life was finished in my opinion and I wanted to forget about it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately not everyone shared it with me.