Narumi and I walked to the manga store after class. Kozue told me that Narumi reads manga and wanted to go to a store with me. But I don't read too much.
I understand she had no other option but to lie. Just like me yesterday with—
A hand moved up and down in front of my face. "Earth calling Araki-kun," Narumi said.
"Sorry. Did you say something?" I asked.
Narumi smiled. "Are you excited about the egg hunt?"
"The one they mentioned today?" I reckoned. "It sounds fun."
"Have you played it before?"
"No, they didn't do many events in my previous schools."
"I see," she replied. "Can I ask why did you change high school? And in the last year."
"I lost interest in the classes," I answered. "Most subjects were related to money. How to make more money. How to make the most of the money. History about money…"
"Really? That sounds weird," she said. "They didn't teach you about other subjects?"
"Only the essential ones."
"I see…"
"And I got tired of the fake people," I continued. "They only cared about money and ignored anything that wasn't beneficial for them."
Narumi looked at me with furrowed brows.
"But I can't blame them," I added.
"Sorry if I asked too much," Narumi apologized.
"You didn't know, don't worry," I replied.
Silence encompassed the environment for a few seconds.
"However, people in this school look truly interested in the class. Most of them, at least," I said. "They act like themselves and not as a sharp businessperson."
"I'm happy to hear that," Narumi smiled. "Oh, we arrived."
We walked into the manga store. I stood still and stared at the people that crowded the small aisles filled with colorful covers.
There are so many…
"Is something wrong?" Narumi asked.
"No, it's just the first time I come to a manga store," I replied. "I usually have someone to buy them for me."
"I see," Narumi said. "So, what manga will you buy?"
"I'll look around first," I answered.
"Sure. I'll go with you so you don't get lost," she laughed.
"Is it that easy to get lost in here?" I asked, concerned.
"It is, but because there are so many mangas to look at," Narumi said and pulled me by my arm. "Come on, let's start here."
Wait, I don't know if—
I sensed a pair of eyes on me as Narumi pulled me deeper into the store. But I couldn't turn to make sure if it was my imagination.
She stopped pulling me as we walked.
I don't know if I swap bodies only with Kozue. What if I swap with anyone?
"Oh, I didn't ask what genre you like," she said.
"I like anything as long as I like the story," I replied.
"We can take a look here, then." She stopped. "Fantasy!"
"Fantasy…"
"It's been pretty hot lately."
"Mostly because of that anime."
"You know it?" Narumi exclaimed. "Have you watched it?"
"Only the first episodes," I responded.
I moved my eyes behind Narumi and noticed someone on the other side of the aisle. She walked away.
She…
"Araki-kun?" Narumi called and turned around.
"Sorry again," I apologized.
"Was there someone?"
"I-I thought it was someone I knew."
"I see," Narumi replied. "So, do you want to buy the manga?"
"No, I didn't like the anime that much."
"Oh, okay. What about—"
An uproarious growl resounded in my ear, followed by prolonged silence.
I stood still and stared at Narumi.
"I-I think I need the-the bathroom…" Narumi spluttered and blushed.
"Sure. I'll look at more mangas," I said.
Narumi ran to the bathroom and I walked to investigate the next corridor.
I knew it.
"Hello, Kawahara-san."
"I said you can call me Kawahara," she replied after some seconds. "How did you recognize me?"
"Because of your long and grey ponytail coming out of your cap."
"Am I that obvious?"
"Also because of your glasses, backpack, and school uniform."
"Understood. I will hide better the next time," Kawahara told herself.
"There shouldn't be a next time!" I exclaimed. "Why are you hiding?"
"I don't like that people know I read manga," she answered, still looking at the manga on her hands.
"Kawahara-senpai, you're here early!" a guy with a blue shirt said. "I just started my shift and you're already looking for mangas."
Who is he?
He looked down at the manga Kawahara held. "Oh, are you interested in romance now?"
"It is as if I was playing a mission on the hardest difficulty," Kawahara sighed to herself. "I'm wandering around. I'm not searching for something in particular."
"Ah, got it! Ask me if you want recommendations for any genre!" he smiled. "Hm? Oh, are you the rich guy that just transferred?"
"I guess…" I responded.
"I'm Tarō, nice to meet you—"
Tarō extended his arm and the box he held fell. Several mangas scattered on the floor.
Everyone stood still and stared at the scene.
A tall, old man appeared behind Tarō out of nowhere. "Takuto, pick up those mangas now!"
"Y-Yes, boss! I'm sorry!" Tarō screamed and began to pick them up.
He looks scary.
"Good afternoon, Kawahara-san. You're here early," the boss welcomed.
Even the boss recognizes her…
Kawahara and I walked off to the next aisle.
She took her cap off and kept it inside her backpack.
"Why are you hiding?" I asked again.
"Kozue Suzuka-san told me you were going to the manga store with Narumi Sae," she answered and began to untie her ponytail. "I came to observe for research purposes."
"Research purposes?"
"That's correct," she replied and ran her hand through her hair. "Narumi Sae and you just touched, didn't you?"
"We did. I was wondering the same," I answered.
"We shall see what happens. Tell me if you feel something out of the ordinary."
"I will."
Something caught my attention from the next aisle.
Hm?
"Kawahara Enko?" Narumi questioned as she arrived. "Hi! I didn't know you read manga too."
"Hello, Narumi Sae. I was passing by the store and I felt curious," Kawahara replied.
"I see," Narumi smiled.
"Most importantly," Kawahara added. "I didn't know you read manga," she emphasized.
"Araki-kun asked me to accompany him. Right?"
"What?" I exclaimed. "You asked—"
"Anyways," Narumi interrupted. "We're just looking around and having fun. Oh, maybe you have a recommendation!"
Kawahara stayed silent.
"I have one," she replied. She raised her arm and pointed to an aisle with her finger.
I turned around to see the section name. "Fan—"
"I-It's okay! We're actually enjoying the fantasy section, right?" Narumi spluttered.
"Sure," I faltered.
"As you prefer," Kawahara added. "I shall leave. It was interesting talking with you."
She turned around and looked at me over her shoulder, "Take care."
Tarō came to Kawahara as she walked to the exit. "Kawahara-senpai, are you leaving already? Did you find what you were looking for?"
"No. I wasn't searching for something in particular."
Kawahara didn't stop walking and left, leaving Tarō behind.
Narumi and I spent the next half-hour roaming in the store. Although I didn't buy anything, Narumi found two mangas she wanted to buy but didn't have enough money. I bought one of them for her.
We walked out of the store. The sun was about to hide behind the mountains.
"Araki-kun, you didn't have to…" Narumi told.
"It's fine," I said. "My father reimbursed the money one second after I bought it."
"I-I see…"
Narumi's phone vibrated. She reached for it in her pocket.
"It has been vibrating for a while," I said.
"Oh, you noticed?" she giggled. "I didn't want to interrupt—Ah!" she screamed.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
"I didn't notice the time! I need to run!"
"Don't you want to wait? My chauffeur could drive you there."
"He will arrive in ten minutes, right?"
I nodded.
"Sorry, but I really need to leave now!"
"No problem. Be careful."
"You too!" she replied. "It was fun! Let's do it sometime again!" she added as she ran away.
The chauffeur arrived at the store.
I got in the car and my phone vibrated.
A message from Kawahara…
"Have you felt anything out of the ordinary? Sleepiness?" she sent.
"No, I feel completely normal," I replied.
"Understood. It seems as if you can only swap bodies with Kozue Suzuka-san. I will research more."
"Sure, thank you."
I kept the phone in my pocket.
I'm sure she didn't come only to check mangas. Everyone recognized her. And not only that…
We headed home between the mountains.
I stepped into the house.
Our maid approached me to take my backpack. "Thanks," I said. "Is father home?"
"I am," my father replied from behind.
"I see you didn't forget to come today," I added.
We stared at each other.
"You know I'm busy."
"Just like mom. I know pretty well."
Silence surrounded the hall.
"Shall we eat dinner together?" my father asked.
"Sure," I replied.
I changed to my casual clothes and went to the dining room where my father was already waiting.
I sat on the other side of the table.
Our butler arrived with the food and put it in front of us. "Thanks," I said.
"You still have that habit," my father remarked. "It's their job. You don't need to thank them."
"I want to," I stated.
The heaviness of the environment could be felt.
We both took bites of our food.
It's no use to argue with him. He won't listen. I've tried practically all my life.
"Sakakibara told me you went to a store with a girl," my father said.
"I did," I replied.
I lifted my glass and drank the juice inside it.
"How is she?"
I put the glass down and let out a deep breath.
"No, father. Her family isn't wealthy. No one seems to be in that school. Which is good."
"I didn't ask that."
"But you wanted to know that, right?"
My father sighed. "You know that our status—"
"Screw the status," I cursed.
"Araki-sama!" our butler yelled.
"It's fine, Sakakibara," my father stopped him. "He's in that phase."
"That phase, huh? What about this." I stood up and said, "Screw you."
I walked out and went upstairs to my room. I lied down on my bed.
I didn't even finish the food this time.
Status. How funny he is. He cares more about status than his own son. If only they didn't—
Someone knocked at my door.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"Can I come in for a second?" my father questioned.
"What do you want?"
He opened the door and entered the room.
I sat down and we stared at each other.
"I'm sorry, alright?" he apologized. "It's my fault."
"Only now you realize?"
"But I have no choice."
Here it comes again.
"I know your mother and I haven't been with you when it mattered, but we had no choice."
And again.
"We've tried to protect and help you, but you only—"
"Make it more difficult? You've told me this too many times already," I interrupted.
He stared at me with furrowed brows.
"I ran out of options," he continued. He kneeled down and bowed. "Tell me, what can I do for you to believe me?"
Well, this is new.
"I never said I didn't believe you."
He lifted his head.
"But you have done everything wrong for me," I added. "And for Otsune."
My father looked at the floor.
"You want to do something for me? Fine. You can start by telling the bodyguards they don't need to patrol outside the high school."
"But…" he stopped. "Okay, I will."
"And I want you to help Otsune."
My father stayed silent.
"Sorry, Araki. Even if you ask me, I can't do that."
"I thought so."
He stood up.
"I want to make my family happy. But I also need to keep its wealth. I wish you could understand that."
"Maybe I don't understand it completely. However, I also think there are better ways to do it."
He walked to the door. "I also came here to tell you that I'll be away for a while," he said, looking out at the hallway.
"Sure. Have fun," I replied.
He sighed and left.
The night passed and morning came.
The bell rang at the high school for the break. Kozue and I went to the laboratory as Kawahara asked us to.
"Hi, Araki-kun!" Kozue greeted. "How was your date?"
"Hello, Kozue," I replied. "You can tell me. Did you have fun at the store too?"