7. Hanase Rin

Hearing her response, the ever so composed and confident Shiro Hanase faltered.

For a moment, she forgot how to breathe. Almost immediately.

Just mentioning her name was more than enough to crush her spirits.

All of her optimism was gone, replaced by a sense of discomfort.

The tremble was visible, clear in the way her fingers fidgeted with her hair and in her overall posture. That wasn’t a name that should’ve been taken so lightly, after all.

"Really...?" she said, letting out a slight smile.

Possibly the fakest I’ve ever seen from her—or who knows, maybe most of them were.

At this point, I couldn’t help but wonder who she was trying to reassure.

Definitely not me, obviously.

I’m not quite sure about the history between them, but it definitely couldn’t be something pleasant. If anything, it might be as terrible as the clash between existentialism and nihilism.

Like two ideas that shouldn’t be compatible with each other.

Yet... as absurd as it was, it existed. 

I appreciate you for reconciling both, Mister Albert Camus.

Again, that was indeed absurd, or wasn’t it? 

Never mind, maybe you wouldn’t get the joke. I couldn’t care less either way.

After all, sometimes things don’t need to be explained just to make you feel,

“Wait, that’s not right.”

Well, anyway...

Should I introduce her like some kind of final boss villain in a game?

I don’t think so. Wait, never mind.

Hanase Rin. Koudai High School’s current student council president.

Alright, that’s all. The less you know about her, the better it is for your own good.

I prioritize your safety, so it’s not like I’m threatening you by saying that, of course.

Although, that might already be too late—you were already involved.

So, consider this as your only warning. 

I will never take any responsibility after this.

Why? You’ll understand eventually. 

Not that I’d recommend it.

What happened next had absolutely nothing to do with me.

"H-hey, what—"

She grabbed my sleeve.

Oh, dear God. Why am I an atheist?

I muttered to the so-called highest existence I would never comprehend.

"You’re coming with me. No matter what."

Her eyes were swollen, a contrast to her tough appearance as she dragged me along.

I just sighed as her hand tightened around my collar.

“What does that have anything to do with me? And even if I go, can I even help?"

"It’s your own problem.”

"Ha-na-se Shiro-san."

I put emphasis on “Hanase,” unwilling to be mercilessly dragged into this mess.

"Ugh, you are such a mess."

"Uh, Nanase-san. Sorry for interrupting, but... that’s not right."

"Huh?"

Okay, Kuze-san, I get it. But you’re raising a death flag by saying that.

Damn, what a bold move. Stupid, but still bold.

That sudden interruption, I guess, was basically asking for a proper burial.

Rest in peace, Kuze Yuuki-san. 

Your very existence will never be missed by anyone in our class.

"What is it? Trying to speak for the sake of speaking?"

"N-no! It’s just..."

"She said she was missing you. And no, it’s not really a serious talk."

"She’s just worried about you."

If you really believe that, you’re the one who’ll get devoured, Kuze-san.

I’m not sure what happened, but Nanase-san had already let go of my collar.

Meaning I could finally breathe. About time, as she seemed to be having an existential crisis.

Speaking of which, maybe Hanase Rin really just wanted to talk things out.

Which is the most generous assumption, at best. 

Overly naive at worst.

However, similar to her sister, she isn’t the type to lay it bare.

With her as the subject, “talking things out” is just a subtle way of making a point.

"Okay, I’ll come with both of you."

I said, even though deep down I just wanted to go home as soon as possible.

* * *

Shortly after, we arrived at the student council room.

And there’s no need to explain what it looks like. You can just imagine the usual one.

You know, a desk in front of the window here. A sofa there. 

Some shelves and cupboards lined-up against the white walls.

Yeah, sorry. I’m just too lazy to explain it.

"My, my, always bringing him with you, my sis?"

That was exactly the kind of greeting you would expect from the almighty prez.

"Not your business, prez."

"Ehhh, I thought you were gonna address me as ‘onee-chan’ like usual, Shiro, my dear?"

Well, there you go—the ping-pong game of teasing between the two.

"Not really. I just don’t think I should talk to you alone, prez."

That formality... can you next time do that to me instead of your own sis?

"Awww, that’s so cold. Don’t be too formal like that..."

"My dear junior, Hanase-san~"

Soon after, her glance shifted toward me.

"And then there’s my ex—showing up and getting closer to her younger sister."

"Kamiya Akira-kun."

I gulped, not sure how to explain exactly the way it goes.

Or do you want a clear one so I won't be accused for this?

Simply said, I was such a hot mess when doing that.

Never try any of these stunts at home. Seriously, I beg you not to.

"Anyway, you may leave Kuze-san. Your job is done here."

Too frightened to say anything, she bowed down and trying her best to escape in a walking pace.

Good intuition, Kuze-san.

Okay, wait—no. I should have been the one to leave.

Both of them in the same room would be the end of me.

"Now that she's gone. Akira..."

"What the hell is this? Trying to hit two lovebirds with one stone?"

"How funny."

I didn’t say anything and just waited… waited for the right moment.

And obviously, it confused the prez who now glared at me. 

Her eyes were sharp. That 4K HD clarity you could ever find in any movie ttheatre.

As the tension eased with no dialogue left, I braced myself to speak in front of her.

"So..."

"What do you want this time, Rin?"