Misunderstanding

Part 1

“I like you,” the girl said.

She was wearing Kishimoto High uniform and a mortarboard on her head, which meant today was her last day in school. So she decided to let the person she loved know about her feelings.

Better get rejected than regret not telling for the rest of your life—she went with that philosophy.

“Miyamoto-kun, I've loved you ever since I saw you at the last year's entrance ceremony. Please go out with me!” she said, bowing humbly.

The girl had a dangerously perfect face, her red-ruby eyes contrasting with it to make her seem like an unapproachable princess. And thanks to her neck-length orange-brownish chestnut hair, she looked cute on another level.

She was definitely the type any boy would fall for right away.

But Haru wasn’t any boy.

“Hayasaka-senpai, was it?”

“Y-yes!”

An immediate response came from the third-year senior, almost reflexively, as she lifted her head worriedly to look at him.

“What is it that you like about me?”

Looking straight into her eyes, Haru said it dispassionately, like a police officer interrogating a suspect. Even though there was a faint hint of a smile on his face, it hardly looked natural.

Suddenly, she started sweating at a frightening rate. First it wasn’t an easy question, plus when asked with such a serious-looking face, she wasn’t so sure how to answer him anymore.

In this awkward predicament, even her heart was racing. She might be considered the epitome of beauty and perfection by most guys, but she was standing in front of him—the guy who was rumored to have broken more girls' hearts than the players on a football team in just two months!

But at any rate, she had to give him an answer.

She gasped as if to clear her mind.

“Everything, I guess."

An eye smile followed on her face.

“I like everything about you, Miyamoto-kun.”

For no real reason, Haru assumed her smile was fake.

The princess-looking girl might have believed she had a shot if she said a romcom-manga pick-up line, but she underestimated her opponent quite a bit.

“Creep.” Haru gave her a revolted look as if he was looking at a slug.

“...Huh?”

There stood a high school girl in absolute shock as the pink cherry blossom leaves fluttered around her, as if adding an emotional effect to the scene.

You could almost hear her heart cracking.

“I don’t want to have anything to do with you.”

Haru added hurtfully before casually walking past the heartbroken girl.

Part 2

A few weeks passed since the last time Haru Miyamoto turned down a love confession.

It was now April 11, the beginning of a new school year. He was still thinking about that girl.

He had just happened to see her for a few seconds on a mid-February night. Yet, she left quite an unforgettable impression on him.

The subconscious part of his brain began thinking “It’d be so nice to meet her again, wouldn’t it?” without him knowing.

As Haru entered his new classroom, Class 2-B, he wondered how many love confessions he would receive this year.

Honestly, he was now getting sick of this stuff.

As usual, the girls were swooning over him like he was some sacred object. Haru was more than used to it now though.

Just when he thought of finding a suitable seat, a cheerful voice called him.

“Haru! Over here!”

He saw a hand waving at him from the back edge of the classroom. The boy with the black-blue hair had a carefree look on his face.

His name was Hiroshi Okamura, and he was Haru’s friend.

Walking over, Haru occupied the desk in front of him.

“Looks like we’re in the same classroom this year. Isn’t that nice?”

Hiroshi seemed happy for some reason.

“Maybe.”

“So, how was your vacation this time?”

“It was like any other vacation. I read manga, listened to music, and got angry at my annoying mom all day.”

The blue-haired guy blinked quickly, like something was amiss about Haru.

“What about you, Hiroshi? If I remember correctly, your and Yuki-chan’s families were supposed to go on a trip together for… What was it again? Enjoying the early spring weather or something, I believe.”

“Yeah, right,” said Hiroshi impassively. He seemed to have lost interest.

“You guys always have to attend family trips whenever there’s a vacation. Don't you get tired?”

“We're used to it by now.”

He gave another impassive response.

“I see.”

“…So I take nothing happened between you and Hayasaka-senpai?”

Now Hiroshi sounded curious, if not serious.

“What? Who's Hayasaka-senpai?”

“Huuuuuuuuuh?!”

Jumping out of his chair, Hiroshi screamed, catching the unwanted attention of their classmates.

“You don’t know Hayasaka-senpai?!”

“We’re talking about Hayasaka-senpai, the girl with a terrifying glacial beauty!” Hiroshi continued in a passionate tone of voice. “She's famous throughout the school! Last year she ranked number one on the list of Top Three Hotties of Kishimoto High!!”

“…What nonsense is that?”

“To top it off, she was also unanimously voted by the guys as the sexiest senpai on the Spring 2022 Kishimoto High Number One Girl poll!!!”

“Uh-oh.”

Haru had to wonder if what these guys were doing was legal. But again, that was very guys-like. He was just an oddball in this regard.

“And that Hayasaka-senpai who has achieved the rank of a goddess is totally head over heels for you! Now how will you respond to her pure, innocent feelings?!”

As Hiroshi said that, he had the smile of a teacher who was proudly satisfied with his student.

“Oh.”

Suddenly it clicked. The girl who had asked Haru out at the graduation ceremony was named Hayasaka too, and her description from his memory matched what Hiroshi said. Although to Haru, there was absolutely nothing goddess-like about that girl.

“Well…the thing is I already turned her down at the graduation ceremony.”

“Wha—!”

Hiroshi’s entire body went numb, and he looked like he was about to die from shock. He clearly couldn’t believe it. He’d never considered turning her down was even an option.

“Hiroshi!” Haru said in mild concern. “You look pale. Does it hurt down there?”

“I think so.” After Haru had said he rejected such a perfect girl like Hayasaka, what else was he supposed to say?

“Eh?! Shouldn’t you go to the infirmary then?”

Hiroshi sat down.

“I’m fine, but what about you?”

“Me? I’m fine. My thing isn’t hurting or anything.”

“No, I wasn’t asking about your thing,” said Hiroshi flatly.

“?”

“Sigh. How many confessions have you turned down so far?”

“Twenty. Oh wait, including Hayasaka-senpai, it’s twenty-one. And if you count middle school, then twenty-seven altogether.”

“You for real?”

Hiroshi looked jealous. But he looked disappointed even more.

“What can I do? Girls are so dumb.”

“Even if you say that, at this rate, you’ll never find a girlfriend.”

“You’re now sounding like my mom, so please stop it,” Haru said, without emotion.

The bell for homeroom chimed, and a teacher arrived immediately, forcing everyone to take their seats properly.

~*~

Hiroshi was really disappointed.

Initially, he had thought Haru was a very logical person and didn't get influenced by silly emotions. But if he couldn’t accept even such a perfect girl like Hayasaka, then there was only one explanation: he just didn't roll that way.

He became beet red.

“Haru, you dummy!” Hiroshi shouted, receiving a few surprised looks from his classmates.

“Huh? What?”

Naturally, Haru was confused.

Hiroshi shook his head. No matter how Haru was, it was still Haru. His best friend. At least that's how he felt.

Therefore, he decided that he would accept him as he was.


Part 3

When Haru saw that his new homeroom teacher was Okada-sensei (who was also his homeroom teacher last year), he felt relief. He could sleep as much as he wanted in the class, and she wouldn’t say a thing. She had grown tired and given up on him and couldn’t care less anymore.

For Haru, just thinking “Oh, it’s her class now” was enough to induce a yawn or two. Though he found every teacher boring, Okada-sensei filled the number one spot.

The teacher gave a brief self-introduction for her new students and said a transfer student would be joining them.

A girl walked to the front of the whiteboard afterward.

Her long hair was smooth and straight, but also a bit messy. Like it had been a while she washed it. Either way, she was captivating enough to earn admiration and praise from the entire class.

The flashback from that night came to Haru’s mind.

In her pajamas, holding a basket-like figure, she had run in front of him like some strange, low-IQ character in a TV show.

Haru would never forget that scene for the rest of his life.

This was the same girl.

“I am Sakura Minami. Nice to meet you.”

As she introduced herself, she didn’t have the slightest hint of enthusiasm in her voice, and her face had an “I haven’t smiled for eight years” expression.

Sakura. And Haru.

He was surprised at how well their names complimented each other. As if they were meant to be together by the red string of fate.

Haru Miyamoto thought there was something wrong with him that day. He didn’t feel bored or tired. He found himself rather concentrating for some reason. And for yet another inexplicable reason, he had the urge to talk to the new student. But in the end, he managed to slide it away. At least for now.

The bell chimed again, this time signaling the end of physics class. As soon as the teacher left, the students formed crowds and headed for the changing rooms.

For no real reason, Haru was in a dilemma about whether he should join the P.E class or not. Normally, it depended on his mood. But today, he wasn’t too sure about his mood.

Suddenly his low-IQ friend, Hiroshi, popped in. He thought Hiroshi had gone for the P.E class with Yuki. Did he forget something? Not like there was anything to forget. Plus, he brought along some unfamiliar senpai.

“Haru, Haru!”

“Calling me once is enough. What are you doing here?”

“Meet Ozaki-senpai!”

Beside Hiroshi was standing a brown-haired, gray-eyed guy. His face was serious and also nervous. Like he came in for a marriage interview.

“I’m Ren Ozaki from Class 3-A, the captain of the basketball team! Nice to meet you!”

He lowered his head.

“Uh, I’m Haru Miyamoto from Class 2-B.”

Haru had no idea what this formal introduction was about, but he thought he should play along, so he lowered his head too.

“Haru, isn’t Ozaki-senpai good-looking?”

Certainly the senpai looked handsome. He gave that “popular with girls” vibe. He said he was the captain of the basketball team, so unless he was gross he should be cool as well. But why was Hiroshi asking him that…?

“Uh, I guess…”

“Why don’t the two of you eat lunch together?”

“Sure, why not.”

(Wait, what?!)

Haru was completely lost.

Eating lunch with a senpai he just met. Wasn’t it too sudden? Besides, what was the main point of it? What was Hiroshi trying to pull? Right now, he had the face of some dark strategist in glasses plotting a ruthless plan.

The door of the classroom slid open, taking their full attention. And a wild Sakura appeared—unexpectedly.

Sakura Minami.

Walking over to them, she said somewhat timidly:

“Um… You’re Miyamoto-san, right?”

“Yes? Do you need something from me?”

First time in his life, Haru didn’t mind being talked to by a girl. By a girl he knew nothing of.

In fact, he was happy that this girl with dark, flowing hair and glasses that made her look smart talked to him. It looked like she needed his help. If that were the case, he’d be glad to assist her anyhow.

Time to show off his badassery.

Just when words seemed ready to come out of her mouth, Hiroshi presumptuously piped in:

“Minami-san! You should forget about Haru! Because…” He paused for a dramatic effect.

“…he’s gay!”

““…””

Stunned looks manifested on both Haru’s and Sakura’s faces.

The way Hiroshi said that statement made it sound like Sakura was doing something inappropriate.

On the other hand, Haru was beyond shocked. He felt like he had fallen off a cliff. How could Hiroshi say something like that to Sakura?!

“Um…I’m sorry!”

Not knowing what to do when Hiroshi was in his super-serious mode, Sakura went for a traditional apology and skedaddled.

(No! Minami-san!) Haru screamed inwardly.

Hiroshi grabbed his shoulder. “You don’t have to worry as long as I’m here with you. I promise I won’t let a girl touch you. You’re happy, right? You’re proud of me, right? Praise me.”

Right now, Hiroshi looked unbelievably happy and proud, like he saved all of humanity from an alien attack or something.

“…”

“Haru, why are you looking at me like I’m some pitiful, unintelligent species?!”

(Because you are!)

“Hiroshi.” Haru patted his head pitifully. “I’ve always believed your brain would also grow like your body someday… but I’m sorry.”

“Please have some pity! Stop torturing me with your circumlocutory language!”

“For an idiot, you sure know some sophisticated term.”


Part 4

Hiroshi cackled with laughter.

“You should’ve told me that earlier! Man, I totally thought you were gay!” He was still laughing.

“Sorry, I don’t know how dumb people think.”

“Man, I may be dumb, but I’d rather you not call me that. It hurts being called dumb when you’re actually dumb.”

“Who cares? Because of you, Minami-san now hates me.”

Unfortunately, it didn't look like Hiroshi had any plan to show remorse. He had the expression of a seven-year-old who wasn't aware of the problems he had caused.

“I think you should clear out the misunderstanding soon,” said Ren Ozaki, who’d been quietly standing beside them all this time.

"Uh, yeah."

The baseball captain left. He may have looked composed, but a layer of sadness was visible on his face. He seemed relieved all the same. Very curious expression.

“By the way, I was wondering… Why did you bring in that senpai?”

Before Hiroshi could utter an answer, they heard a voice.

“You guys are still here? You’ll be late for the P.E class.”

“You go ahead.” Like some narcissistic authoritarian, Hiroshi signaled the guy, who was on his way to the P.E class, to make himself scarce. “We’re coming soon.”

The guy did as was told. He probably could care less about other students when he was getting late himself.

“You’re really going?”

“Nope,” said Hiroshi insouciantly.

“Guess I’ll go then,” Haru said as he headed for the exit.

“What?! Haru is going to the P.E class?! That’s breaking news!”

“I’m just going to look for Minami-san. Also, you should apologize to her.”

“For what?”

“For being dumb.”

“That really hurts. Can’t you be nicer?”

Haru stopped short right at the door for thinking. “Then for being an ignoramus.”

“Okay, on a second thought, you can just stick to dumb.” Hiroshi might have felt a childish desire to continue the conversation since he tagged along.

“Okay, ignoramus.”

“…”

There was no scent or trail of Sakura Minami on the second floor. Hence they decided to try their luck on the third floor. After climbing the stairs and walking for some time in the third-floor hallway, Hiroshi’s regular expression quickly switched to a certain “oh” one.

They spotted Sakura in front of the physics lab room. Desperate to patch up the misunderstanding about his sexuality, Haru hastened over to her.

“Um, Minami-san. I…”

“Sorry, I need to go back now.”

A notebook protectively wrapped around her arms, Sakura ran for the stairs.

Although weak, Haru could feel an “I don’t want to talk to you” aura from her.

“Aw man, looks like she totally hates you,” Hiroshi japed.

Haru shot his dumb friend a reproaching look.

It was clearly Hiroshi’s fault!

“By the way Haru, why are you so dead set on clearing out the misunderstanding?”

“What?”

“I mean you never gave any attention to girls before, and you didn’t care what they thought of you.”

Hiroshi nudged his friend with an elbow. “What, did you fall for Minami-san or something?”

Dumb people sometimes can be pretty good observant!

“You seriously are dumb, aren’t you? You know how girls are. They like to spread rumors. And if words of me being gay are spread, it’ll make my high school life very difficult.”

“Wow, I never thought it like that. You sure think things through, don’t you?”

“Because I’m not an ignoramus.”

“Okay, okay, it was my fault. I’m sorry. I’ll help you to make up with her.”

“Hmm.”

Despite what Haru had said, for some reason, he felt like he needed to talk to her either way. He didn't understand why. He just felt like Sakura was someone he shouldn’t ignore. And if he did that anyway, he might regret it. It was really strange.

He didn’t get a chance to have a word with Sakura today. When school ended, he went ahead of most students.

It had already been a whole year since he started high school, yet he was not in any club. Club-less students were not only rare but also seen as suspicious.

However in his case, it probably didn’t matter. Other than his unnatural hair, Haru was an exceptional student with both good grades and good athletic skills, though he might be wasting his talent.

Many seniors saw it as an opportunity to recruit him to their clubs. They didn’t miss their shots today either.

“Miyamoto-san, you like mathematics, right? Don’t you think the Geek Club is perfect for you?”

“No, join our Tea Club. You can drink as much tea as you want!”

“Or maybe you should try the Cooking Club. You’re a good cook after all.”

“How about the Rest Club? You don’t have to sleep in class anymore. You can sleep in our club.”

“Youth is all about muscles! So you should just join the Bodybuilding Club!!”

“““No, no, join our club. No ours. No ours.”””

Apart from asking them how they received such personal information about him, Haru had no interest whatsoever in either them or their clubs.

“Sorry, I’m not joining any club right now,” he announced.

The recruiters groaned in annoyance.

After shrugging away those exuberant extroverts with little difficulty, Haru headed home.