On the second day of the weekend, I sat on a bench a little away from the shopping mall that had not opened yet. I was waiting for someone I had made plans to go shopping with today. Originally, I had planned to go shopping alone, but coincidentally, this person also had plans in this area, so we decided to go together.
We were buying items for making kusa mochi (mochi with mugwort) and sakura mochi (cherry blossom mochi), such as bowls, pots, and plastic wrap. By the way, I had already arranged for yomogi powder and domyoji rice flour to be delivered.
When I first thought about making mochi after eating kusa mochi, I went window shopping at the shopping mall, but they didn't have the items I needed at the time, so I used some points to order them in advance. We planned to pick them up around noon.
Until then, I just needed to accompany my companion and pass the time, so the day was going perfectly according to plan.
But still, it's quite unexpected for me to go shopping with someone and get along. The teachers who created me would surely be disappointed if they saw this situation.
The long-cherished wish, wisdom, and hope of humanity—the informal name "Ultimate Hope." Unlike Makoto Naegi, who was called the "real genius" by Sakayanagi, I was an artificial hope created by ego.
The other day, Sakayanagi Arisu called me a "genuine genius," but is that really true? What defines a genuine genius, and what does it mean to be a genius in the first place?
For example, a person who can excel in one particular thing to the point where others can't catch up is considered to have innate talent. A person who can excel in various things above average is called a person with diverse talents.
There are other examples as well, but what is a true genius?
Sakayanagi Arisu referred to someone who stood out among numerous geniuses as a "genuine genius" based on her own theory, but is that person truly a genius?
A person who possesses both examples of genius mentioned earlier—that is, a person who can excel in all sorts of things to the point where others can't catch up.
This could certainly be considered a "genuine" genius.
But do you realize something?
The closer you get to perfection, the more that genius departs from the framework of being a "human." They become an "outsider" or a "monster."
And the fate of that monster is either described by blind believers as "god," a banal term, or they become a convenient "tool" for parasites.
Somewhat self-deprecatingly, I am now reevaluating my own existence.
Furthermore, it's quite boring that the definition of a genius will eventually───
"Hey."
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice.
I mechanically turned my gaze in the direction where the voice came from.
There stood a girl dressed in a neat casual outfit, but her sharp, hawk-like eyes made her appear anything but neat.
It was Ibuki-san. She was also the person I had been waiting for.
Yesterday, she contacted me asking for help with shopping. Apparently, she wanted some male assistance, and I was chosen for the job.
Going out with someone of the opposite sex on a holiday, in other words, a date. My heart should be dancing with excitement at this first experience.
What clothes should I wear on the day? What approach should I take? Which route should we take to go around the shopping mall?
If I were able to think that way, it would prove that I have some emotions. But in reality, I just see the person accompanying me as a companion for the shopping trip. I also had plans to go shopping, so I had no reason to decline and agreed without any particular excitement.
"Come on, let's go. Stand up quickly."
"Well, let's finish this efficiently."
I responded with these words and stood up from the bench, dusting off my clothes.
"The outfit that's making me feel hot just by looking at it. It's tasteless, and it doesn't match the season."
A plain white shirt, a black jacket, skinny jeans, and sneakers.
It was the same color scheme as the spare department uniform I used to wear, but in a slightly more casual form as everyday clothes.
Her comment was an expected evaluation, so I didn't really mind.
"As long as I can wear clothes, it's fine."
"Don't you ever think about wanting to be popular or anything?"
"I'm not interested."
Upon hearing my response, Ibuki-san placed her hands on her hips and sighed.
"Hey, should I choose your clothes? Because, seriously, that outfit is..."
"It's alright. I have talents like a designer or a stylist, you know."
Upon hearing my statement, Ibuki-san looked surprised and shot me an incredulous glance.
At the same time, she seemed to be doubting whether it was possible at all.
"Doubtful."
"It's the truth."
"Just this time, I doubt it! If you have such talent, then you should naturally have good taste."
It's true that her comment was to be expected, and I had felt a certain attachment to this color scheme of clothes that I had been wearing for so long. I had bought them without giving much thought.
So, I have absolutely no sense of style.
"I don't need your approval no matter how much you doubt it. I still possess the talent."
"...Well then, how about this? Try choosing my outfit as a test. If you have good taste, I might even acknowledge it."
She said that while turning away from me.
Her cheeks were slightly blushing, and she avoided making eye contact.
With a different outfit than usual, she seemed somewhat more attractive.
Although she has a tomboyish personality, she seems to take care of her appearance to some extent. She had applied light makeup, and I could tell she was wearing perfume from the different scent compared to her usual self.
For her to let someone else choose her clothes, especially someone of the opposite sex, it must have required a certain amount of courage.
If Ishizaki-kun were to witness this situation, he might sense a hint of romance. Unfortunately, I am the one present here, and I don't get moved by someone's appearance. To be honest, I even think that she should choose her own clothes.
"There's no need for me to gain your acknowledgment."
"Hey, I'm also a girl. Pay a little attention to those things."
"Do you think I'm interested in other people's clothes and would even go so far as to give compliments?"
I could almost hear the sound of something snapping in Ibuki-san's forehead, with multiple veins appearing. But she quickly sighed and showed a slightly disappointed expression.
"...I had high hopes for you."
She said in a low voice. There was no need to provoke her any further, so I let it slide.
"Let's go."
"Hmph."
With Ibuki-san in a bad mood, we entered the shopping mall and began shopping...
***
It has been about two hours since we entered the shopping mall.
I was dragged along, pushed around, and made to walk by her while accompanying her shopping, but it wasn't so boring that I couldn't tolerate it.
There were various clothing stores, electronics shops, daily necessities sections, and grocery areas in the mall. Carrying bags with various items, it was somewhat tiring to keep up with her.
By the way, I had already collected the yomogi powder and domyoji rice flour.
It wasn't even noon yet, but fortunately, they arrived early, so I was able to get them during the shopping trip.
"It's quite heavy," Ibuki-san complained while walking at her own pace on the way back.
However, her mood seemed to have improved considerably compared to when we started shopping.
It seems like she was reasonably satisfied with this shopping trip.
"So, are you planning to make wagashi (Japanese sweets) with these?" she asked, looking at the utensils I bought, such as bowls and pots, and the ingredients like sugar and anko (sweet bean paste).
"Yes, this time..."
I briefly summarized the plan for making kusa mochi.
"Oh, can I join too? I've never tried making sweets before, so I'd like to give it a try."
"That's fine. But aren't you planning to go to the movie theater afterward?"
"Yeah, it's fine. I was originally planning to go alone."
Unlike watching movies at home, going to the theater always gives the impression that it should be done with someone else. Personally, I expected her to go with Shiina-san, but it seems that's not the case.
"That's unexpected."
"Before graduating, I want to watch all the movies shown in this school. It would be a waste of time if I went with someone else, right? That's why I'm going alone."
I don't have any intention to comment on other people's hobbies, but it's not a typical interest for her. However, it's a typical Ibuki-like statement of acting like a lone wolf.
"You said you want to watch all the movies, but aren't there some that you won't like?"
Watching something you don't like is not only a waste of money but also a waste of time. If she's such a movie enthusiast, she should be able to enjoy movies from all genres, but I can't help but feel it's somewhat wasteful.
Movies are not something I enjoy, so I naturally think this way.
"You can enjoy the misses as well, and there might be surprising good movies too. Besides, sometimes it changes your perspective. For example, I never watch anime or had some kind of aversion to it, but the romance anime movie I saw the other day was actually interesting, and it slightly changed my bias."
"Watching a romance movie alone, that's also unexpected."
"How do you want to die?"
Putting aside her death threat, I'm actually impressed. Her current way of thinking requires the attitude to challenge things she's not good at. It's a feat that can only be accomplished with the willingness to try something out of one's comfort zone.
It's natural, but it's surprisingly difficult.
Depending on the degree of dislike, people generally tend to distance themselves from things they don't like. That's unavoidable.
However, overcoming that and seeking to change is the act of taking on challenges. It means seeking the truth through one's own will, in other words, "experience."
With repeated experiences, true confidence begins to form, and the way of thinking changes.
It's the first step toward changing from a boring person.
"You really lack tact."
While I'm impressed by her way of thinking, Ibuki-san starts to sigh.
Suppressing the urge to ask if it's something you would say, I continue the conversation.
"You think I should care about others and smile to avoid making them uncomfortable?"
"...It's creepy just thinking about it. Definitely stop it."
"Do you know what tact is?"
"You're annoying."
Ignoring Ibuki-san, whose forehead is about to burst, I slowly look around.
Some time has passed, and the shopping mall has become quite lively.
There are groups of same-sex friends, large groups with a mix of males and females, and pairs that seem to be in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, among various gatherings.
Among them, I notice a group not too far away that seems to have a tense atmosphere.
"It's getting crowded here. Let's get out of here quickly."
"Well, that's what I would like to say, but it seems we can't do that."
Upon hearing my words, Ibuki-san moves her gaze in the direction I'm looking.
Right after she does, a shrill scream echoes through the shopping mall.
"You bumped into me on purpose, didn't you! Don't get cocky just because you're in Class B!"
The surrounding people's attention focuses on the source of the commotion.
I recognize one of the girls involved, as her face is familiar.
"That's Manabe and... a student from Class B."
Manabe Shiho, who is hysterically shouting, seems to be a student from Class C, while the other girl is from Class B.
"So, you're planning to make a scene with something so trivial... I see."
Ibuki-san seems to have understood the true meaning of the situation. Her assumption is most likely correct.
At first glance, this situation may seem like a simple quarrel, but the reality is different.
The reason they are quarreling is that they have been secretly ordered by Ryuuen Kakeru to harass Class B.
He is currently using his classmates as a means to understand how the school is responding to the situation.
They diligently work even on holidays to create this situation.
It's pointless.
Moreover, this is a public facility. If the commotion escalates further, it could affect the points.
From my perspective, he should have given instructions to consider these aspects.
Well, from his perspective, anyone who stumbles in a situation like this is a disposable target.
"Stop!"
Suddenly, a voice mediates between the two arguing students, and I shift my focus to them.
A lively girl with light pink hair flowing in the wind has stepped in between them.
"Ichinose-san!"
The expression of the female student who is the victim brightens with relief and trust.
From this scene, it is evident that Ichinose Honami is highly respected.
"Chihiru-chan, this is a public place. Don't raise your voice so loudly... And Manabe-san too."
"Ichinose-san..."
"Is this also a 'directive' from Ryuuen-kun?"
"...Ryuuen? What are you talking about?"
The situation is progressing quickly. Ichinose-san has taken control of the conversation and is cornering the Class C side.
The disadvantaged Manabe Shiho seems frustrated as she bites her lip.
It seems that Ichinose-san's unexpected appearance caught them off guard.
Their attitude speaks more than words.
If they continue to argue, there is a possibility of being caught with some kind of evidence.
In other words, it could lead to a decrease in points.
"Do you want to stop it?" Ibuki-san asks with a simple question.
She seems to have realized the possibility of a decrease in points if they continue like this.
However, I have no intention of stopping it.
This mistake was due to his directive error. I won't go out of my way to help with that.
Besides, the victim, Manabe Shiho, is boring.
When we were in the library, I only stopped it because Ryuuen directly instructed me. There is no need for me to intervene like this time.
"...It's boring, isn't it? Well, then I'll go and see Manabe's embarrassing state. Hold this."
"Please keep it short."
"Nn."
She nods and leaves her belongings with me as she walks away.
She values the class points.
That's why she acts this way. There's no other reason for her to help someone like Manabe Shiho, who she doesn't get along well with.
Left with nothing to do and bothered by the belongings, I look around for a place to sit.
I find a resting area a little further away, so I walk straight toward it.
I place the belongings in an empty space and sit down next to it.
Since I have nothing particular to do, I relax and watch over Ibuki-san's situation.
The expressions of Manabe Shiho and the others are hidden because they are blocked by Ibuki-san.
By now, she is probably exposing their embarrassing state, just as she declared.
Being too idle, I start to think about boring people to pass the time.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
I hear someone's voice from the side.
There's no one around me, so it's unlikely to be a case of mistaken identity.
I shift my gaze toward the source.
"...What do you need?"
A girl with short bobbed blonde hair and a voluptuous body stands before me.
She is about 155cm tall. Her outfit suits the season and looks good on her.
Her eyes, filled with fear and disgust, are directed at me despite her smiling face. I'm slightly interested in the combination of her smile and negative emotions.
"Um, I have something I 'want to ask.' Can I have some of your time?"
She leans down to meet my eye level and brings her hands together to emphasize her chest.
"Sure, go ahead."
I nod in agreement, returning her smile with a brief acknowledgment.
"Thanks!"
She exclaims happily and lowers her voice, bringing her face closer.
"You're Kamukura-kun from Class C, right?"
"Yes."
"My name is..."
The conversation with the girl wearing a false mask begins.
***
A few minutes later, I quickly finished the conversation and headed back towards Ibuki-san and the others, carrying the bags.
They seemed to have noticed me since they weren't far away. Ichinose-san turned towards me and waved her raised left hand widely from side to side.
I couldn't see Manabe Shiho and her entourage anymore. It seems they were repelled. As promised, it ended quickly and efficiently.
"You're slow," Ibuki-san said, her expression turning displeased as soon as she saw my face.
"Long time no see! Kamukura-kun!" Ichinose-san exclaimed with a joyful expression that she had been wearing even before looking at my face.
This is where the difference in charisma becomes apparent.
I acknowledge that fact.
"It's been a while. Well then—"
"Yes, stop! Can we talk a bit? Please?"
Smiling in response to my indifferent attitude, she quickly moves to block my way.
She seems to have learned from our previous encounter and doesn't appear flustered this time.
"It's meaningless, isn't it?"
"Just a little, just a little bit."
She gestures with her thumb and index finger, as if pinching time. At a glance, it seems like an adorable girl making a request, but I can sense a strong will behind her eyes, indicating that there's something more to it.
I already have a pretty good idea, but I don't want to get involved since it's bothersome and I want to go home quickly.
Also, the gaze I've been receiving from the girl who was the victim of the previous incident is annoying.
"Hey, Ichinose-san. Is this person really..."
As she directs her gaze towards the girl, she quickly hides behind Ichinose-san and asks.
"It's okay! He wouldn't do something like that! Just because he's from Class C doesn't mean everyone is harassing others. Ibuki-san was the same!"
"I-I understand that! But... he's 'that' Kamukura Izuru, right? The only person recognized by Ryuuen-kun as an equal..."
"Well, that might be true, but he's fine."
Ichinose-san looks at me and smiles mischievously.
Experiencing something like self-inflicted damage for the first time was refreshing and good, but I'm starting to get tired of this exchange.
"You still stick your nose into troublesome matters, don't you?"
"Hehe, but you were the same during the library incident, right? You can't say anything about others!"
There's no way we're the same.
The difference between intervening out of self-interest and intervening out of goodwill is significant. The only thing they have in common is that they stopped the conflict.
The process of how they respond based on their personality is what truly matters.
But even if I were to tell her this, she wouldn't listen.
"Honestly, I didn't expect to see you here. Maybe today is a lucky day!"
"For me, meeting someone as annoying as you is an unlucky day."
"Oh, that's mean... Oh, I see!"
Her sad expression changes to a look of realization.
"You're on a 'date,' aren't you? I guess you don't want to be disturbed."
That's what it seems like when you say it like that, but unfortunately, it's not the case.
...If I get flustered here, I might be able to gauge whether or not she's interested in me. It's a pointless idea that I, myself, came up with.
I glance discreetly at Ibuki-san, who is standing diagonally behind me, without her noticing.
As expected, her expression hasn't changed at all.
"I'm not on a date. Besides, Ibuki and I are not together. Don't misunderstand."
"More importantly, can you please take these bags from me?"
Ignoring Ichinose-san's completely off-base assumption, I reach out my hand towards Ibuki-san to return the bags.
"It's... a chance for you to show off."
"I don't feel the need to increase your favorability."
Ibuki-san seems to have already realized what I was thinking, and her response is quick.
She snatches the bags from my hand roughly.
The expression on her face at that moment was genuinely bothersome.
"Huh!? Are you seriously making a girl carry your bags!?"
The girl who had been hiding behind Ichinose-san exclaimed in surprise. It seems that witnessing our lackadaisical interaction made her lower her guard.
"Yes, I am. I was carrying them before, but originally—"
"You... it's terrible to make a girl carry your bags! Ichinose-san, this person is definitely a bad person! He's close to Ryuuen-kun!"
"...What misunderstanding do you have?"
She blushes and directs a disdainful gaze towards me.
"Ha...ha... Well, maybe it's a misunderstanding, Chihiru-chan."
"Ichinose-san is too kind! This guy, he looks at girls with such lascivious eyes and orders them to do this and that!"
A discriminatory remark that's so absurd. But behind those words, I can sense something abnormal and twisted.
Probably, this girl, who later introduces herself as Shiranami Chihiru, is likely to be a lesbian.
Upon closer analysis of her behavior, it's clear that she looks at Ichinose-san with a gaze that's far more lascivious. So it's highly likely that my assumption is correct.
In other words, it's possessiveness. Ichinose-san is her number one, and to maintain that position, she doesn't want her to get close to anyone, especially men.
Perhaps due to that possessiveness, she unintentionally let out that discriminatory remark.
How absurd.
Shiranami-san, who introduced herself later, grabs Ichinose-san's shoulder and shakes her as if to bring her back to her senses.
Ichinose-san doesn't resist and allows her face to move rapidly up and down as she's shaken.
"...That's unfair."
I can hear Ibuki-san's frustrated voice from the side.
When I look at her again, she's touching her modest chest with both hands.
I glance at Ichinose-san once more.
Currently, Shiranami-san is shaking Ichinose-san.
With each movement of her face, Ichinose-san's ample bosom sways in sync.
I see, indeed, she is blessed with proportions.
If this school didn't prohibit interaction with the outside world, and if she had a little more confidence in herself, there's a good chance her gravure talent would blossom.
Well, it's irrelevant to Ibuki-san, though.
"Hey, you compared us, didn't you, you beast."
"...It's pointless, isn't it?"
"Don't try to deceive me! You definitely compared us!"
Saying that, she grabs my collar, as if to confirm the truth, and pulls me closer so she can see my face.
But right after that, her movements, which were not calm, froze as if she had entered a state of suspended animation.
Why did she stop? I was about to ask, but before that, she timidly reached out and touched my chest.
Ibuki-san collapsed from her knees.
Anyway, let's put that aside.
"Phew, Chihiru-chan, have you calmed down?"
Things were about to get noisy, so we moved a little away from where we were before.
"Yes, I'm sorry for losing control."
She says that, but her gaze towards me hasn't changed much.
Or rather, there are now two similar gazes.
"We should probably head back now."
It's already past noon.
I urge Ichinose-san, as I want to start making the rice cakes as soon as possible.
"...Do you hate me, Kamukura-kun?"
"Not really. If I have to say, I think you're a bothersome person."
She's unsure how to react to my answer and looks to Ibuki-san for help.
"...You haven't been called boring, so I don't think you're hated."
"I see, that's good then!"
Ichinose-san shows a relieved expression and smiles faintly at each other when the conversation ends.
"...But as he said, time is passing."
"Indeed, it's already lunchtime!"
When Ibuki-san hears that, she seems to recall the rice cakes and makes a noticeable gesture.
"Hey, hey, we're planning to have lunch now. Would you like to join us?"
"...Sorry, it's a kind invitation, but I'll decline. If we have lunch now, we won't be able to eat the rice cakes."
"Rice cakes? Ah, so the bag contains the ingredients! I see."
"That's right. So we'll take our leave around here."
With those words, we turn our backs to Ichinose-san and the others.
"Wait a moment, Kamukura-kun, Ibuki-san. Can I talk seriously with you for a moment?"
The atmosphere changes. Ibuki-san also intuitively realizes it and turns to face Ichinose-san with her usual sharp gaze.
We wait for her next words.
"I have something I want to ask. Can you answer me?"
"If it's within my ability to answer."
After hearing that response, Ichinose-san smiles and asks us a question.
"Hey, do you think 'Ryuuen-kun' is behind that violent incident?"
The violent incident. The harassment incident ordered by Ryuuen-kun to observe the school's response.
She is indeed a formidable presence.
It's really a shame that we don't get along well with Ryuuen-kun.
"...Well, it's Ishizaki's own fault."
"I agree with that."
I feel somewhat conflicted about deceiving her, but there's no other way.
No matter how bothersome it may be, I can't sell out the entire class unconditionally.
"...I see."
"Is the conversation over?"
"Yeah... I had more questions, but I can't take up any more of your time."
Ahaha, Ichinose-san gives a smile mixed with a bit of resignation and sadness as she says that.
"Sorry for taking your time! Good luck with the rice cake-making date!!"
She quickly returns to her usual cheerful expression, as if not letting us think otherwise.
Perhaps to regain her composure, she and Shiranami-san leave this place, accompanied by a light joke.
"...Hey, do you think there are people who are unbelievably good?"
It's understandable to feel that way when you observe her words and actions.
She is an existence that strives to be as close to an ideal as possible.
However, an existence that selflessly serves others, unable to recognize their own contradictions, is nothing but a fool.
They do not tolerate "evil," which harms unrelated others. Therefore, it is permissible to punish "evil."
Ichinose-san is not someone who holds such arbitrary emotional beliefs, nor is she an unbelievably good person as Ibuki-san suggests.
She is a "hypocrite."
However, she is not just a hypocrite. She is a hypocrite who touches both good and evil, struggling to determine which is correct, and ultimately chooses the path that brings the greatest happiness to the majority.
An unbelievably good person, in other words, a "genuine" good person, does not exist.
That is merely an ideal.
Now, let's consider it roughly according to dialectics.
Take "a person with a good personality" as the positive thesis and "a person with a bad personality" as the negative antithesis, and sublate them into a synthesis.
What is born is the ideal that cling to it.
That is the "good person."
It is not someone who believes that it is right to be neither good nor evil, like a coward, and it is not someone who is a wishy-washy middleman easily swayed by others, unable to take a firm stance.
It is an existence that reaches out its hand to someone, passing on smiles and hope to many strangers.
However, that existence has no emotions.
It has no contradictions, dreams, or will.
It only does what is necessary as a "good person." That's all it is.
That is the "genuine" good person that does not exist.
If a "genuine" good person were to appear...
...it would surely be an existence like me.
"It's not worth thinking about things that are out of character."
"...And it's not something we should do."
Rarely, the two of them agree and exchange glances.
"Shall we go back?"
"Yes."
We head back to the dormitory.
The first time I met him was in the library.
At that time, he was the one who stopped the conflict between Class C and Class D.
And now... he is a male friend who has formed a cooperative relationship with me.
I dislike him.
The second time we met, that feeling was engraved in my mind to the point of disgust.
He excels in studying, surpassing even that infamous Horikita.
I dislike it.
He achieves results in various athletic events.
I dislike it.
He associates with a mentally unstable guy obsessed with violence.
I dislike it.
His appearance is neatly put together, except for his strange hairstyle.
I dislike it.
His eyes are as red as blood.
I dislike it.
I dislike it.
His calm face seems to see through the depths of my heart, and it creeps me out.
He possesses talent that mocks my efforts. I wish he would just die.
He is capable of anything, yet he remains passive and doesn't take action on his own, which irritates me.
But once he starts moving, no one can stop him, which irritates me even more.
I can't stop my own personality, even if I want to. Even if I don't want to return to that situation again after failing once, the symptoms reappear.
This is cancer. It can no longer be controlled by merely suppressing its invasion.
It must be completely eradicated from the root.
But as long as I am human, that is difficult.
However, even so, I want to shine.
I want to be recognized by everyone, relied upon by anyone, and yet never lose to anyone.
I want to become a human like a fairy tale.
I want to be everyone's "hope."
So... if having a unique personality and talent means not losing to anyone...
Hey, instead of making such a face, why don't you share that talent with me?
Ah, I hate him so much... I'm envious.
***
"I am Kushida Kikyou! Nice to meet you!"
On the second day of the weekend, before noon, I greeted the long-haired guy in front of me like that.
Our encounter was truly coincidental.
Today, we planned to go out with Sakura-san, a classmate, and Ayanoukouji to repair her camera (which I accidentally broke).
While heading towards the meeting place, I found him resting in the break area.
To be honest, it's lucky. I can use this opportunity to get closer to him.
He, Kamukura Izuru, is a mysterious person.
There are many rumors about him because he rarely talks to people and has not been denied the opportunity, so they tend to circulate wildly.
For example, he is the best friend of the tyrant in Class C, Ryuuen-kun, or the only person recognized by him.
He has extremely high potential and can excel in anything he does.
He had a conversation on an equal footing with the student council president.
He didn't pay any attention to the vice president Nagumo.
He's already involved with two beautiful girls.
And there are rumors that there is a fan club of him and Ryuuen-kun among some of the first-year girls.
In short, he is an enigmatic but amazing person.
You could say he's the C-class version of Koenji!
I'm going to become "friends" with him.
Information is power, and friendships are power. And "trust" is the only power I won't lose within the power I can build.
Becoming friends is the first step in wielding that power.
To enhance it, I have to become friends with even someone who looks creepy... I mean, someone unique.
Right now, there is an ongoing violent incident we all know about. So it's easy to start a conversation.
Now, let's quickly finish and join Ayanokouji-kun and Sakura-san, the gloomy guys!
"Please make it brief."
His emotionless voice and unchanged expression are a bit eerie.
Even when our eyes meet, he remains expressionless.
As expected, he is even more gloomy than Ayanokouji.
"Sure, understood! Oh, by the way, do you have plans after this?"
I want to make it brief, so I lightly ask him, suppressing the desire to say what I want. I dislike gloomy people. They are generally negative, unhygienic, and, above all, they lack the effort towards self-improvement.
Whenever I talk to someone, I exhaust my nerves, so I have always had a complaint that the other person should put in a bit more effort. And gloomy people are often the ones who bring up such complaints. That's why I dislike them.
I emit an atmosphere of apology from my whole body to please him.
"Yes."
"I see! By any chance, what do you have planned?"
Still expressionless. He went out of his way to emphasize his indifference, but I can't help but think he could show a little more excitement. Well, it would be troublesome if he reacted like the three idiots in Class D.
Now, with a slightly deeper and curious atmosphere, I tilt my head while showing a lovely smile. Many guys like this kind of calculated gesture.
In the beginning, people said I was faking it or acting, but now when I do it, it doesn't look like that at all.
"Just meeting up with classmates in a few minutes. But more importantly, you were a student from Class D, right? Is there something you want to ask about the violent incident?"
He responds politely, taking my intentions into consideration, which surprises me internally.
Honestly, I thought he would respond with something like "It's none of your business" or "It doesn't concern you" at best, or even ignore me and continue the conversation.
Furthermore, he doesn't have those creepy pauses and stuttering typical of weird guys during conversations. He looks me in the eye and speaks properly, which is unexpected.
And he understands my intentions, which is another point in his favor.
Congratulations, Kamukura-kun! You're better than the three idiots in Class D!
"Correct... Well, to be honest, I remember seeing you once in the library."
"Wow, even though you give off an indifferent vibe towards others, it seems you can still perceive your surroundings. At that time, you were talking to Horikita-san, so I didn't think you'd remember someone like me!"
Yeah, it annoys me. What annoys me is that i had to bring up the name "Horikita" in the conversation.
"...You left a stronger impression on me."
What was that just now? Maybe he's trying to be considerate? Usually, I would consider such consideration unnecessary, but I'll let it slide because the comparison is with Horikita-san!
I feel a slight sense of superiority, and with the biggest smile of the day, I continue the conversation with him.
"Liar! Ichinose-san was there too. Well, it's natural for boys to be attracted to cute girls, so you don't have to worry about it."
"I'm not worried. The level of memory retention varies from person to person. If it matches preferences such as hair length, color, appearance, height, and behavior, it tends to be more memorable."
I respond with an affirmative nod to his continued words.
"In the case of that situation, for example, you didn't seem to do anything, but you quickly approached Ichinose-san, providing an opportunity for Horikita-san. You played the role of a bridge and smoothly facilitated the conversation. Such actions don't happen overnight; you must have made corresponding efforts. That's why you left an impression."
...Listening to his easily understandable tone of voice, I feel relieved. It's actually quite easy to listen to... Ah, what's it called again, this effect?
When you have a positive opinion about one aspect, other aspects start looking good... I can't remember, but it's fine.
"...I'm glad you say that!"
"...I'm sorry, but let's get to the main point. We're running out of time."
"Oh, sorry. I was enjoying the conversation with Kamukura-kun!"
His expression remains motionless.
Hmm, the muscles in his face must be dead.
Then he averts his gaze slightly, places his chin on his hand, and strikes a pose as if lost in thought.
"...What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"
"...I didn't do anything. I just thought you were unlucky today."
"That's not true! After all, I got to meet Kamukura-kun today!"
I bring my fingers together, sway my body a little, and bring my face closer.
In addition, I show a happy smile to fill the atmosphere with genuine joy.
Well, in reality, I did feel better after the conversation with him, so I've escaped from the top of my creepy ranking!
It's not unlucky. It's not lucky either, but still.
Now, I just need to get his contact information and quickly go to the gloomy guys... Ayanokouji-kun and Sakura-san!
"That's what's unfortunate."
"Just like that───"
"───Because you're affected by my whims, your mind collapses."
"?!?"
Just before he finishes saying that, a sharp red gaze pierces through.
Confused by his sudden change without any context, my voice involuntarily turns inside out.
Terrifying.
It's different from the imminent violence between the men I felt two days ago with Sudo and Koenji.
It's not derived from disgust or hatred or anything like that.
This is just pure something.
Though to be more accurate, it seems like a mixture of several emotions wrapped together.
"... I forgot to mention, but I'm not involved in any violent incidents. I cannot provide you with the information you expect."
"Uh, um! Well, I guess there's nothing I can do~"
While his red eyes remain unwavering, they capture me.
Though it's been just a few tens of seconds, I feel a sense of anxiety as if I've been cornered to the edge of a cliff.
What's with this guy?
Why did the atmosphere suddenly change like this?
It's like everything has been muddled and mixed together.
Almost like... despair.
At the moment when our intense red gazes lock, I feel like he has read my "inner" self.
My "true" self.
"...Nonsense."
"Huh?"
I clearly heard his muttering.
Nonsense, he said.
My mind turns blank, and an indescribable anger starts to well up.
What's nonsense? Even his consideration earlier, now his words are negative.
Right now, I am not composed, and due to the unsettling atmosphere he suddenly created, I can't manage my actions or tone of voice.
Still, I try my best to adjust my attitude and expression.
My instincts appeal to my brain not to reveal any more vulnerabilities.
"... Why the sudden change, Kamukura-kun? Is it because of something about me───"
"───The 'mask,' it's coming off."
My breath gets caught in my throat.
Cold sweat flows down my back.
Nonsense. He's just a delusional guy who hasn't outgrown his chuunibyou phase.
That atmosphere gains strength. No, perhaps the expression "muddled" is more appropriate.
I'm almost on the verge of hyperventilating, but I keep my eyes on him, refusing to look away, and I maintain a smile.
I must pretend to be the ideal version of myself, and get through this situation.
But with the next words, I lose that composure.
"'What happened to you?' Please don't say something like that. You might end up becoming an uninteresting existence like that."
He read my next words.
Word for word, identical to what I was going to say.
Why? How?
My communication skills are flawless. There shouldn't have been any opening for him to grasp.
We only exchanged a few words, yet how does he know what I'm thinking?
No, it must be a bluff. He's just saying whatever comes to mind.
Is that really the case?
Let's calm down first.
He's an annoying but capable guy. If that's true, he should be able to make assumptions beyond my comprehension. I shouldn't be disturbed.
Stay calm, connect the words, and go back to how it was.
Adopt a defensive stance, and the agitation will vanish.
"...'Want to be praised by everyone'? Is that how you feel, using 'that talent' of yours?"
Before I can string my words together, his kotodama pierces through my "mask."
As if my heart had been shot through with a bullet, I feel torn apart.
It's just an inference based on a situation that is incomplete and intuitive.
There was no need to be so shaken by it, and I should have just let it pass without reacting.
Yet, for some reason, his words carry weight, and I find myself acknowledging them.
At that moment, the terrifying atmosphere from earlier also vanishes.
Finally, I start to regain some composure, little by little.
"... What's wrong with you...? Why, all of a sudden..."
I no longer have the composure to conceal myself. I've completely forgotten about my original purpose.
I don't care that this is a shopping mall on a holiday, nor that there are many people passing by; I'm just panicking.
"Why? Ah... Because I wanted to analyze you."
Analyze?... My communication ability, or rather, my "mask"?
What a selfish and ridiculous reason.
And because of that, I'm being exposed to this miserable state.
"But despite using the talent of a 'fraud,' you haven't lost yourself. Most frauds lose themselves as they deceive others and become someone else. Once they deceive someone, unless they reset their life, they can't turn back. You're the same."
...Enough. Don't meddle in my territory like you know everything about me.
"However, you're using the talent of a fraud, even if it's a degraded version. Yet, you're still being yourself, not losing yourself, and finding your value by becoming someone ideal. I had quite an amusing time."
"... Quit it. This is just laughable."
It's fine if you don't laugh about it.
My ability is not some pathetic thing like what you described.
Becoming someone ideal... It's not some incomprehensible thing.
Everyone must have thought at least once that they wanted to become someone they admire.
An idol with a cute face and gestures, a talented celebrity, someone with greater abilities than oneself in close proximity.
Everyone must have projected themselves onto such beings.
By doing that, they can avoid the stress and suffering of reality, escape and fulfill their uncontrollable desires.
I create an ideal version of myself that anyone would desire, just to fulfill my own desires.
That's all.
So this is for me... It's not like that... It's not like this...
"... I trusted you, Kikyou-chan."
"I thought you felt that way about your classmate, Kushida-san."
"Was your attitude towards us all just a lie?"
"How awful... Now I can imagine him deceiving and sneering at people in the future."
"Kushida, is this true? You should tell the teacher the truth... the teacher should be able to understand your worries. However───"
"Ha-ha, I might have found an interesting treasure."
Sitting in front of the man, I lower my head, my back bending as if offering it to him while standing.
If I relax my leg muscles even a little, I feel like I'll collapse.
I understand that this guy is saying something.
But my ears, my hearing, reject his voice.
I don't want to hear it. Just go somewhere else quickly.
If I listen to his words any further, I feel like everything about me will be overturned at its core.
So just disappear already.
"...We'll meet again."
I wonder if my desperate plea reached the gods, as he stood up with those words and passed by me, making the sound of rustling plastic bags.
I don't possess the talent to toy with other people's lives like that person.
I only follow my desires and do what I can to become the ideal version of myself.
See, now my "restart" is almost a success. Once I erase Horikita, it will be perfect.
"Restart" is not necessarily a bad thing.
Although it may end up deceiving those around me, I'm not imitating a fraud by taking something from someone.
I only retaliate when I'm entrapped. It's different from actively deceiving people like a fraudster.
"...Kushida?"
Towards the direction where I heard a somewhat emotionless voice, I move my body slowly.
There is no rejection reaction because I recognize this voice.
The voice of a plain-looking guy who is always with Horikita.
Ah, right. Come to think of it, I was supposed to meet him today.
"...Why do you have that 'expression'?"
I look at him, feeling somewhat relieved.
Although I actually dislike him, this time, it's good that it's him.
It's good that there's someone who can handle seeing this face.
Switching gears. I'll do what I can do.
I'll use this talent for the sake of my friends and gain their trust with false reliance.
This isn't that kind of talent.
He also said it, right? It changes depending on the person using it.
"... Ayanoukouji-kun, sorry for being late for the gathering time."
"No, it's not time yet. But more importantly, Kushida... Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go quickly. I'm okay."
Ah, I wonder if the current Kikyou Kushida can still smile as usual.
***
"The room remains the same, empty as ever."
As soon as she entered my room, she stabbed me with her prickly words, almost like a tradition for her.
I had several encounters with other students, but on the way back, nothing particularly noteworthy happened, and I finally managed to make grass mochi.
I organized the things I bought and placed only what I needed in the kitchen.
"You're planning to make curry for dinner?"
"Yes."
"You really go to such trouble just for yourself."
"That's how I felt."
Ibuki-san, who was helping me sort things out, seemed to be somewhat interested. Her voice sounded a bit tense, like a pet waiting for its next command.
"...Do you want to eat?"
"!? I-I don't particularly want to."
"Hmm."
Ignoring her tsundere attitude, I continued with my next task.
I put on the apron I usually use.
Ibuki-san noticed and also put on her apron, as she said, "As expected, a black apron."
"You like that color, don't you?"
"...It's not like that."
She averted her gaze as she always does, trying to act cute.
She really doesn't learn.
She should have noticed by now that her lies don't work on me.
"Jokes and casual lies make you look away."
While washing new bowls and pots, I looked at her and said that.
She looked puzzled, and a question mark seemed to be floating above her head.
"Trustworthy lies are spoken while looking into the other person's eyes."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's a subconscious habit you display when you lie."
"Really? I had no idea."
She opened her eyes wide, showing a surprised expression.
"We've been together the longest since coming to this school. I had plenty of time to analyze you."
"Oh, wow, I never noticed you were doing that, but I guess you're right. I might have that tendency if I think back."
She put her left hand on her hip and touched her head with her right index finger, striking a pose that seemed somewhat fitting.
I wonder if there's any meaning to that.
"You are easy to read, for better or worse, so be careful if you ever find yourself deceiving someone."
"There's almost no deception in everyday life anyway."
"Well, just keep it in mind. If you think it's trivial, treat it like a horoscope. It will come in handy at some point, I'm sure."
With this kind of casual smile, you might make friends other than Shiina-san.
Of course, I won't say that to her, though.
"...Hey, can you do 'fortune-telling'?"
As I was thinking about such things, she surprisingly caught on to those words and started to inquire further.
I only said that as a joke, but, of course, I have the talent of the Super High School Level Fortune-Teller.
"I can. Though it's not 100% accurate."
"Hmm... How do you do fortune-telling?"
She seems to have lost interest in this exchange, finding it bothersome to continue pressing me.
Yet, she appears unusually energetic.
It's a topic she enjoys, though I apologize if it doesn't suit her.
"...Do you want to know? People who enjoy fortune-telling tend not to like spoilers."
"Oh, it's fine. I'm not bothered by that."
The bowls I'll be using immediately are now dry, and I turn the pots upside down to let the water drip off.
"Well, basically, fortune-telling is an application of 'cold reading.' You discern what the other person wants to hear in the conversation and convey it as if you predicted the future."
"I guess that makes sense. Peering into a crystal ball and talking about this and that just seems suspicious."
"Crystal ball fortune-telling has about a 50% accuracy rate, so..."
"50% is good enough. ...Huh? You can do that crystal ball thing?"
"I don't plan to explain in detail."
Seeing her stunned expression without any retort, it seemed that she was genuinely interested in fortune-telling.
"Then, can you do Tarot and such?"
"That's just a matter of memorizing all the patterns."
"What do you mean?"
"Tarot cards typically consist of 78 cards, including the Major Arcana of 22 cards and the Minor Arcana of 56 cards. These cards can also be interpreted in reverse, resulting in a total of 156 possibilities."
Some people apparently choose not to consider reverse interpretations, either because they can't remember them all or because they can't handle them.
"Based on these results, you use cold reading, observing the subject's eye movements, habits, and other cues to guess the words they want to hear and create a message to convey. Skillfully weaving lies and truths into it enhances its credibility. That's the outline of Tarot fortune-telling."
By combining cold reading with my super analytical ability, I can practically understand human psychology with almost 100% accuracy.
It was the same for Kushida Kikyou today.
Although I had some preliminary knowledge, I easily deduced her "inner side" without any substantial information.
Even if she told lies as naturally as breathing, my super analytical ability would expose those lies.
I knew she was a "liar" from the beginning.
So, I chose the words she wanted to hear.
She told me about Horikita-san with a slight sense of disgust.
In response, I hinted that she was superior to Horikita-san.
Depending on her reaction, I could verify what kind of negative emotions she had towards Horikita-san using cold reading.
Her response was surprisingly positive.
From this, I deduced that she was someone with a strong desire for recognition.
People with a strong desire for recognition have human-like beauty and a certain regularity about them.
Even if they have to deceive others, or in her case, deceive herself, to obtain the desired words.
Those words are nothing more than words of admiration and envy.
However, even so, she hasn't lost sight of herself.
Perhaps... no, let's put a stop to this analysis here.
After all, I'm making grass mochi. Instead of analyzing others, I should focus on analyzing my own preferences.
By the way, using Super High School Level Despair was just a whim.
To analyze her as a swindler, I decided to unsettle her and make her lose her composure, exposing her completely.
For that purpose, I showed her just a glimpse and casually connected some words before she did.
Well, in short, it was the easiest and quickest method to use.
"...I see. So, from the 156 possible outcomes, you modify the words to match the person you're reading for and make it sound more believable."
As she folded her arms and fell into silence, Ibuki-san summed up what I had said quite nicely.
"Fortune-tellers sure have it tough... By the way, what were you doing when you memorized all of that back in the day?"
"...Well, I had a lot of free time."
I skillfully evaded the question since it's not like I could say that the data was directly implanted in my head.
But, this way, it will create a pitiable high school student who had no friends.
"I'm not really interested in prying into your past, so you don't have to sound so serious about it."
She gave a faint smile.
It's a cool smile befitting her character.
But thank goodness. It's good that her personality doesn't delve too deeply.
"Oh, but were you also this long-haired in middle school?"
"Well, I don't remember ever cutting it."
I've trimmed it before, but I've never drastically cut it.
Not once in my life... That's pretty horrifying in its own way.
Everything is prepared, and I receive the mochiko (glutinous rice flour) and domyojiko (mochi flour).
"Well then, let's get started."
"Yeah, understood."
Over the course of several hours, we enjoyed making mochi out of season!
Intimacy with Ibuki Mio has increased!!!
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