CHAPTER 3: Adventurer's club member's first adventure

GOING TO SCHOOL left me self-conscious on the way and the source doesn’t actually make sense. I mean, I’m getting along with Watanabe and I should be happy about it. Although, for some reason, she’s the centre of me walking very very slowly to school and just trying to stall the time. But getting in trouble for being late is not something I want.

I arrived at the room with 3o mins more to spare before the school bell rings. Watanabe and I catched each other’s gaze but instead of waving or smiling to say hi, I chose to look away. She’s probably just gonna return the umbrella I left her yesterday. It was pouring and I let her borrow it so she can go homr. After she left, I stayed there until the rain stopped.

I walked to my seat and I can already feel Nao’s sharp eyes from afar. Sitting down, I remembered the bet from yesterday. She can’t possibly know that Watanabe did show up yesterday or I’ll get teased again.

“Good morning, Angea.” Nao hummed in a teasing way. I sat up straight and looked at her trying to be serious.

“What?”

“Did you know there’s been rumors going around lately?” Immediately, I felt the panic rise inside my chest.

Am I really branded as the creep now?

“Rumors? What kind of rumors?” Sayu pulled her chair closer and whispered in my ears. I leaned in to hear her low voice and of course, I grinned to annoy Nao. One should not forget to annoy another teaser.

“It’s rumoured that Watanabe slept with a guy yesterday. Worse, with a person that looks like an adult.” I pulled away and looked at both their faces. They had this seriousness in their expressions that I didn’t like.

“You’re joking, right?” Sayu shook her head sideways with no good expression in her face. I turned to Nao as she also shook her head to confirm. My gaze flew across the classroom to find Watanabe. Her posture is stiff and her facial expression is firm. It feels like she knew she was being talked about around the room. I noticed a few of our classmates were whispering as they looked at her. And my heart just broke from the visible anxiety in her eyes.

Even though I was with her yesterday. Did she lie about the guy that she stood up or did she left early back then because she had to meet with this older guy? I don’t understand why this upsets me? Watanabe has the right to meet people and choose what kind of relationship she wants with them. This sort of thing should be private though, how can someone know this much of a private thing?

“Did they have a proof over this?” I asked, not taking an eye off of Watanabe.

“Sadly, yes. They had a picture. It was mentioned that it was on a public area.” My face crumpled in annoyance and frustration. I closed my eyes and tried to process my own reactions. And when I opened my eyes, Watanabe was staring back at me. I couldn’t fathom how much her stiff expression melted and showed disappointment and sadness.

The expression in her face made me want to hold her tight. Just let her cry on me. And from where I sat I can see the tears forming in her eyes that she tried so hard not to fall. When Watanabe looked away, I felt my nails on my palm as I held my hand on a fist.

That couldn’t be true…right?

“You looked worried instead of being disgusted.” Nao pointed. I crunched my eyebrows and looked at her, annoyed.

“Yes. It’s disgusting. But these kind of things shouldn’t even be public. Normally, people would just walk away if ever they saw something like that happening. Shouldn’t you be more disgusted at the person who took the picture? That’s being a creep.” It was late when I realized what I had just said. Wouldn’t I be one of them if I took Watanabe’s picture without her consent?

“Why are you pissed, Angea? It’s not like she’s of your concern.” Nao looked at me with annoyance and that’s when I realized I was a bit out of line for taking out this frustration on her. I closed my eyes and took a long breath to calm myself down.

“Sorry, I had a bad morning. I wasn’t myself on the way to school.” I explained on a low voice feeling down. Coming to school, despite the nervousness I admit I was pretty happy. ‘Watanabe isn’t a distant person after all’ and ‘I think I can be her friend and be close to her’ played in my mind along with the twist and turning of my stomach on the way. Maybe I’m upset to even feel the slightest hope to get close to her and I hear these things in the school?

“Are you feeling okay, Angea?” Sayu pressed her palm on my forehead with a worried look on her face. I forced a smile but all I felt was that sting and it won’t leave.

“I’ll be fine, Sayu.” She didn’t look convinced. Nao didn’t buy my excuse either since he squinted at me as she read me with her sharp eyes. I’m sure she knows I’m a bit upset about hearing this.

“I guess lemon is no more.” She said, teasing me. I didn’t respond as Sayu brought another topic.

“Hey, hey. Have you guys decided on what club you’re joining?” I shook my head. The photography club didn’t seem to exist so there’d be no point in joining anything else. I’m pretty much bad with everything else and I don’t think they’d be accepting a student that performs bad overall.

“I don’t have anywhere I wanna join in too. Maybe I’ll just join whatever club you’ll be joining, Sayu. Is it arts and crafts club again this year?” Sayu smiled widely and took out a piece of paper. Nao and I looked at the paper and there is the application form for creating a club.

“You want to create a club?” I asked her.

“Why? And what kind of club exactly? Also, when did you have the time to ask for this application form? Am I not clinging to you enough?” Sayu’s shoulder dropped as Nao probed her with questions. It seems like Sayu expected Nao to just say yes.

I never expected Nao to be openly clingy.

“Why? Because we can form a club that the three of us can handle. I’d want it to be a club that the three of us can enjoy together. Something we love to do.” She explained before cupping Nao’s face to look at her direct in the eyes. “And NO. You’re clingy enough. I got this from when I went to the faculty to help teacher with the papers. Also, even if you knew about this, I don’t think you’re going to say yes immediately.” Nao held Sayu’s hands and looked back directly at her.

“You’re class rep. Starting a club means we’d have to handle this and you’d be full of things to do.” Felling awkward about myself for them holding hands, I looked away and just listened to their conversation. I also felt like this is a lovey-dovey situation and clearly, a third-wheeler is not needed.

“That’s why you will be the president while Angea is the vice-president.” Nao sighed and lets go of Sayu’s hands.

“You know I hate paperwork.” She complained.

“You’re in high school. Please try to explore more.” Sayu insisted but Nao whined like a child. While they were still talking, my attention was on the corner of my eye.

Watanabe seemed to be surrounded by guys now more than girls who admired her. And I’m not sure if she’s faking enjoyment in her face, but I’m sure I wasn’t liking it. Other than the smile and laugh, her eyes seemed blank. She’s flirting like it’s nothing.

What is she doing?

“Angea, you’re staring at her again.” I snapped and turned to Nao. “Does it bother you that much?” Sighing, I admitted defeat and just nodded.

“I just feel like it’s not true? She’s a pretty nice and kind person. To be honest, on a certain level the four of us can be friends.” And I expected it already. Nao’s questioning gaze and trying to read me. So instead of trying to hide it for no reason, I told her that I met Watanabe at the park yesterday when I went to the public restroom.

“So that’s why this is bothering you.” I nodded and unexpectedly, Nao smiled. “Don’t worry, maybe we can help figure out who spread the fake rumors about her. I’m sure she doesn’t deserve such accusations. But are you sure you wanna get involved in her business?” She looked at Watanabe and pointed at the scene where she openly flirts with a bunch of guys.

“I feel like that small rumor is brewing up some trouble.” It took me no second to say ‘yes’ to her question. Why I wanna help Watanabe? I’m not sure? Maybe I just don’t like people getting accused of just rumor.

“But first, we have to figure out this application form and this club. Maybe then we can freely interfere.” I raised an eyebrow at her but just went along with her ‘plan’. And just like that, our club named adventurer’s club is made.

The purpose is to help people inside or outside of the school campus. Our activities would consist of anything as long as we helped someone. It is where the ‘adventurer’s club’ name came from. The quests we accept are the requests for help from various people.

Sayu managed to convince the teachers of the approval for our club. Nao also had already planned what we need to do for the cultural festival. The three of us decided that it’s a win-win that includes all of our hobbies. I have the job of taking pictures and compiling them for the weekly reports to our club advisor. Nao had the pleasure of control in our activities. Lastly, Sayu is in charge of designing the request papers, the illustration of the club flier and stuff. She also said that with this, we can meet lots of people and go to different places which makes a good reference for her.

Nao had also explained to me that with this, we can get Watanabe to file a request to revoke the rumor. A way where we won’t be accused of meddling into her life. She want Watanabe to come to us for help.

I gave Nao a blank look as she explained everything to me as Sayu delivered the good news of our club acceptance.

“You scare me, Nao.” She pinched me on my side.

“OW—.”

“Shut up and just go with this, okay?” Nao said as she pressed the words. With the slight sting on my side, I just simply nodded but feared for my life.

IT HAS BEEN a few days ever since the three of us formed the Adventurer’s club. And might I say that “This is not even working.” I whispered to myself as I ploughed the soil with the rake.

When we started the club, we’ve received various requests from the other clubrooms. We’ve helped the Biology club catch frogs for their studies, Woodworking club with carrying their planks or wood and stuff, Art club to pose as their models, Sewing club as to buying their fabric and even the student council where we were asked to volunteer in community cleaning. Luckily, today we’ll only be helping the gardening club. We haven’t received any personal request though, even from outside the campus.

“Just have patience, Angea. I’m sure she’ll come around.” Nao reassured with a teasing grin. I rolled my eyes and just sighed.

Being patient is not even helping. Lately, whenever I’m in our class all I can hear from the classmates behind us is how Watanabe is seducing everyone. I can’t even feel the need to defend her from those accusations. Is it really all accusations when everytime I see her at the hallway, in the cafeteria or anywhere at all, she’s always with a guy. Everytime, it’s a different guy.

Plus, she still has my sweater and unmbrella.

I can’t even bring myself to talk to her. Whenever I have the chance to talk to her or even approach her, I’m reminded of the rumors and it’s scaring me. The fact that it might all be true is scaring me. Watanabe rejected a guy before, why did it turn to this?

“Cheer up, Angea. If she asks us to help her, it would be too personal. And we’re just a bunch of strangers to her for now.” I turned to Sayu who had a very bright expression on her face. You will never see a trace of negativity. This child is definitely an angel.

“Are you saying I attempt friendship?”

“It’s that or we just need to accept a personal request and spread the word so they know we accept those kinds of requests.” I sighed louder. That would not happen as all the request from goes through the teacher. It will all be written as reports.

“But our club adviser would have to read the request form before accepting. I mean, I wouldn’t want to fill a request form for personal things that the teachers will see.” Sayu said with doubt written in her face. Nodding, Nao grinned and let out a low chuckle.

“Simple. We make them fill the request form but leave no details so we know it’s something personal. That way, we won’t have to compile it on the report. Our club adviser would just assume we didn’t go because of the lack of details.” With a proud grin on her face, she beamed at us for our response. It seems far-fetched but I think it would work. I doubt our club adviser even reads the request basing on how much we’ve been helping everybody. The baseball team even wants help with the practice after school.

“Alright, I think that could work.” I agreed as I tapped Nao’s shoulder. “Your manipulative nature scares me, my dear friend. I can’t help but wonder if you’re also holding captive of our sweet little sayu.” Grabbing Sayu by the wrist, I pulled her in for an embrace and walked with her backwards. Nao groaned and just snatched Sayu away from me. She held her tight, not even aware that Sayu suffocated in between her breasts as she is too busy glaring at me. And I can’t help but just laugh at Sayu who’s ears are red.

“Uhm…can I please talk to you three?” The three of us turned our heads to see who called us. There we saw a tall guy with a confident stance whose flowing with charisma. An obvious popular guy.

“Yes? Can we help you?” Nao asked politely, who has not let go of Sayu but held her wrist instead.

“I overheard your conversation about personal requests. Do you guys have a request form?” The three of us looked back at each other. We all knew that this guy will help us gain more personal requests. So without hesitation and no details explained beforehand, we had him fill up the request form. We left the details box blank and set an arrangement for discussion later on after school. Apparently I had to skip the meeting since I’m supposed to be at the baseball field. Sayu and Nao said I’m pretty athletic even though I explained to them that I never participated in sports.

“I’ll see you guys later then.” He said as he walked away. I looked at Sayu and Nao. Their faces were both thrilled and was grinning. But unlike Sayu’s pure thrilled curiousity, the other person looked more devilish. Nao placed her hand n my shoulder and tapped it slowly.

“For a guy to have personal request, it looks like it’s something juicy. I feel so bad that you have to leave for the baseball club.” I shoved away Nao’s hand and frowned as I sat closer to Sayu.

“Sayu~ Nao’s being mean to me!” I hugged Sayu from the waist as I faked my cries and acted dramatic. And just like that, Nao was throwing daggers with her eyes.

I wonder how juicy would this request be though?

AS I ARRIVED to the baseball field, the people on the bleachers caught my attention. It’s unusual to have people watching when it’s just a practice. Maybe they’re girlfriends of the team. But as I looked closely, there’s a total of two group of girls and a single girl sitting on the side of the bleachers. To my surprise, it’s the famous Watanabe.

What is she doing here?

Just as I took a step, three of the guys in the baseball team yelled her name as they waved at her. I looked at the three and to Watanabe who smiled sweetly and waved back.

There it is again. The unpleasantness.

I took a deep breath and headed towards the coach who filed the request form. “Coach, I’m here.” The teacher turned to me with a smile that easily disappeared as she saw me. She placed her hand on my shoulder and her palm on my forehead.

“Suzuki, are you sure you’re up for this? You don’t look good.” I held my hand in a fist and smiled as I pushed aside this annoyed feeling. This emotion wouldn’t help at all. I’m here to help them for the practice not to directly be irritated by those three.

“I just had a bad snack, coach. I’ll be fine.” As soon as I said that, I ran to the bench where all of the other members things are placed. It was also close to where Watanabe was sitting. I tried so hard not to look at her and hoped she wouldn’t recognize me at all. But then again, who would not remember such a messy hair who was clearly cut by myself.

Just as I placed down my bag and sneaked a glance at her, she looked back at me. My body froze in place as I think of words to say to her. Watanabe smiled at me and waved. “Hey, if you have any time after practice, can I talk to you?” For some reason, I closed my eyes and looked down as I said ‘sure’ then just walked back to the team.

When I came back to the team, I can see the three of the guys are still looking at her. I walked closer, acting casual to hear their conversation as I pretended to listen to coach’s lecture.

“We should invite her for Karaoke later. Maybe we’ll get lucky.” My face crumpled as soon as I heard that sentence.

“What makes you think she’ll say yes? She’s been rejecting guys left and right.”

“The lady doesn’t want the commitment, man. She just wants a quickie.”

“Come on, of course she’d say yes. I mean, she did an adult. Of course she’d do us.” I bit my lips together in annoyance that I could almost taste my own blood. I’m not one for fighting, but these jerks makes me want to punch their face. That’s just not something you say and talk about a girl. As much as I want to beat them up, I kept myself in a corner while my nails dug its way to my palm.

Oh. Just you wait.

The practice started and damn was I so thankful that I’m the pitcher. Three of them were lined up next to each other and I can’t help but grin so much as I watch them stand in front of me with the bat. And the practice went by with me pitching. I curved the throw as much as possible and made them strike in one row.

You picked the wrong first three to confront me, coach. I’m not letting them land a home run.

Since we were going nowhere as I picked on the three, coach decided to let me be the batter instead. And I swear they were super pissed at me. Too bad I hit the ball too far and did a home run once. I laughed so hard, feeling the relief of revenge in myself.

“COME ON! SHE’S JUST ONE GIRL!” Coach complained as she eyed the team one by one.

“I can’t believe you guys are losing to one person. How are you all this incompetent?” And the harsh lecture went on for a whole twenty minutes. Coach was more than annoyed that she dismissed the team saying that she’ll have to think about picking new team members.

Laughing, I went back to get my bag and said my goodbyes to the coach. I headed to the nearest restroom, keeping in mind that Watanabe wants to see me so I went back to the baseball field. Most of the team has already left the field as well as the group of girls earlier. But I wasn’t able to find Watanabe.

Would she really ditch someone she wanted to see?

“Well she did ditch someone she agreed to meet before. How am I any different?” I said t myself as I uselessly and ineffectively kick the non-living dirt. It seems to me that I was ditched as well. Pinching myself back to reality, I walked back to the clubroom. Hopefully Sayu and Nao hasn’t left just yet so I can grumble to the fact that I missed two things today.

Argh. I hate this unpleasantness.

“I said no! Now can you please stop?!” I stopped to my tracks. There’s no way I would mistake one voice from another, so without another blink, I made my way to the back of the restroom I was in earlier. And there, I saw the three guys earlier ganging up on her.

Watanabe turned to me with a helpless look in her eyes as her face stayed firm and stiff. Wanting to look tough in front of these jerks. One of them held her wrist as the two guys just watched him push this girl around. Therefore, without a second thought, I stepped in.

I’m definitely stupid.

With a deep breath as I gritted my teeth, I tried to stay calm as possible “Hey Watanabe, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You shouldn’t be hanging around here.” Three of them turned to me with full irritation in their face. Probably from the pent-up annoyance from the field and me butting in their business. Despite their raging gaze and angry faces, I held Watanabe’s hand and pulled her to my back.

“If you excuse me, I’ll be taking her now. We need to do some girl stuff.” I gestured a wave in my hand and slowly walked out of there. But just like in any other movies, the three of them cornered us both.

“You know what, Suzuki? You’ve been kind of an ass today. What? You feel superior now that Coach was so impressed by you?” One of them snatched my bag and threw it on the ground. And I can’t even describe how much I want to punch and kick these guys.

“And you guys been kind of a jerk ever since your mother brought you to this world.” From across the silence, I swear you could hear the loud slap from a good distance. I could feel my cheeks go numb but I didn’t fight back.

“Destroying us in the fields. You’re just a girl!” The guy with the very tall and masculine figure grabbed Watanabe’s wrist. You can tell it hurt her as the pain destroyed her firm expression. Her face crumpled in pain.

“And what? Feeling like a hero now? Saving her? Relax. We just wanna have a good time with her.” With that, I snapped. I punched the guy holding her wrist with a full force.

“Watanabe is not something you use for a good time, you assholes!” Screaming at the top of my lungs, I was sure I ticked them off so much. Two of them were about to launch a punch on my face when a teacher came with two students on his back. It looks like somebody else saw the commotion and decided to get the teacher. And just like that, the three of them ran on the woods.

The teacher told the two students to call the school nurse as he came running past us to follow the three troublemakers. As he ran past us, he told Watanabe to stay by me and left. With weak and trembling knees, Watanabe kneeled in front of me and tried to hold my cheeks.

“Ah—wait. It kinda hurts.” She immediately pulled her hands away, alarmed by how I acted. Her eyes focused on my wounded face, tears started to form.

“Hey-hey. It’s okay. I’m fine. I’m fine.” Panicking, I grabbed her hand and placed her palm on my wounded cheeks. I endured the sting it caused. I smiled to show her it was okay.

“See? I’m okay. It’s fine. It’s just a bruise.” I said in a soft voice, trying to calm her down. But tears only strolled down her face more. I reached for her face and wiped the tears that escaped her eyes. Holding her hand on my face I smiled again as I planted a small kiss on her palm. Realizing what I had done, I immediately let go of her hand and scooted away from her.

With an awkward laugh, I said and stuttered “I-I told yo-you it was fa-fine. Ha-ha.” I took a deep breath and did my best to stand up. And as I took a step, from around the corner I can already hear footsteps approaching us. Nao and Sayu came with their worried faces. Also with Nao holding my camera as she took a shot of my bruised messed up face from the slap.

“Whoa. That’s quite an adventure. Far from what I expected, honestly.” Grunting, I grabbed my camera from her and picked up my bag.

“You’re pretty bruised, Angea. You sure you’re gonna be okay?” I rested my hand on Sayu’s head and nodded.

“I will be. It was just a slap.” Then laughed.

“Suzuki, I--- I’m sorry.” My face once again crumpled as I heard her apology. I turned to her and reached my hand out to help her stand up. She looked at me and hesitated before accepting my help. And as she stood up, I didn’t let go of her hand.

“It—it wasn’t your fault, Watanabe. And whatever is going on, we’ll help in any way we can.” I flashed her a proud and wide smile. “We are the adventurer’s club, right?” She smiled back, wiping the tears. It strolled down to her cheeks and reached her lips. I pressed my lips together and gathered enough courage to let go of her hand.

“Alright then. I’ll—we’ll see you around then.”

“Wait. What abou--.” I didn’t give her any chance to finish her sentence as I ran away from the restroom, leaving behind Nao and Sayu. On the way, I passed by the two students that arrived with the teacher earlier. But I didn’t bother to stop. I ran as fast as I can to the infirmary where I saw the nurse packing a small ice bag. She looked at me, not even surprised to see me there.

“Ah. So you’re the girl.” Breathing heavily, I sat on the swivel chair as she passed me the ice bag to apply on my cheek.

“While you’re at it, can I have some medicine for intense heart rate beating?” She looked at me, dumbfounded.

“What?”

“What?” I repeated, still catching my breath.