Chapter 2: Ugly dude

Both Kenta and Ghost stared at the girls in horror as Ayame stomped the ground, clearly frustrated.

Ayame: Well? Don’t just stare at each other—say what you’ve got to say already!

Yui tugged on Ayame’s arm, holding her back just enough to prevent her from striking them while Ghost and Kenta remained frozen with fear.

Yui: Calm down, Ayame! You’re making way too much noise. And you guys… what smack were you talking about us?

Ghost: No, no, no! We would never do that!

Ghost looked at Kenta with a panicked expression.

Ghost: What do we do?!

Kenta’s mouth quivered, his face pale. Ghost finally realized they were doomed. He looked down, accepting his fate as Ayame slowly advanced toward them, each step seeming heavier than the last.

Ayame: Hey, I swear—if you don’t speak up, the—

Before she could finish, Kenta jumped in front of Ghost. Relief washed over Ghost’s face as he looked down at him. Kenta spoke:

Kenta: The reason we were pointing at you…

Ghost (thinking): Who the hell is “we”?

Kenta spun a full 360 degrees, grabbing Ghost by the shoulders and presenting him in front of Ayame. Their eyes met awkwardly.

Kenta: This young man—Ghost Shinbara—thinks you’re pretty!

The hallway went completely silent. Other students walked by, ignoring the scene. Ayame was stunned, taken aback by Kenta’s words. Yui adjusted her glasses nervously, a bead of sweat forming on her cheek. Suzu continued eating her chips without reaction. Ghost blinked, trying to process what Kenta had just said.

Ghost: I… what?

As the reality sank in, his eyes widened, his jaw locked, and his hands twitched. Ayame moved closer, scrutinizing his face. He could physically feel her breath against him.

Ayame: Nice try. You can’t fool me with an ugly dude!

Ghost felt as if a dagger had pierced his chest. He looked back at Kenta and saw a tear trickling down his friend’s face. He could almost hear Kenta’s silent reassurance: “It’ll all be okay…” Ghost gazed upward, lost in thought, feeling the weight of the moment.

Ayame: Alright, then! If you punks won’t say it to my face, I’ll just beat it out of you!

Ghost and Kenta’s faces went pale, their jaws dropping. Words failed them, and their hearts raced.

Ayame: …in dodgeball.

The tension broke. Ghost and Kenta exhaled, relief washing over them as if a massive weight had been lifted from their chests.

Yui: At PE, bring whoever you want. Don’t be late, boys.

The girls left, and Kenta and Ghost were left alone. The school bell rang, signaling the start of class. They walked off together.

Ghost: I hate you… dipshit.

Kenta: I know.