As the final class ended, Hikaru was packing up his belongings in Class 1B, preparing to return home.
Suddenly, Akemi approached him. "Hikaru-kun!" she said, "Going back with Mizuha-chan like usual?"
"Not today. Mizuha said she needs to do something, so I'm going home by myself," Hikaru replied.
Good, this is my chance! thought Akemi.
"Then, how about walking me home instead? It's been a while since we walked together," Akemi suggested.
"Why not? If you want, I can walk with you," Hikaru said.
"Lucky! But wait a moment, I need to pack too," Akemi said.
Suddenly, Akemi received a text asking to meet someone.
"Tch, why now, all of a sudden?! You ruined my chance to walk home with Hikaru-kun!" Akemi muttered, irritated.
She turned back to Hikaru and said, "Sorry, Hikaru-kun, I need to go somewhere, so I can't walk with you."
"Oh, it's okay. It's fine with me. Maybe next time, okay?" Hikaru said.
Akemi then left the classroom for her meeting.
Suddenly, Takeru grabbed Hikaru's shoulder.
"Then, how about going back with me instead, Hikaru-kun?" he said.
"Wargh, Takeru...!" Hikaru groaned, annoyed.
"What's with that attitude? Aw, don’t ditch me for the girls! "Takeru said, pretending to sulk.
"It's not like that, idiot," Hikaru replied. "So you agree with me, yeah?" Takeru said happily.
"What are you, a girl, huh?! Oh, whatever. Okay, let's go. Also, I want to repay you for protecting Mizuha before," Hikaru said.
"Oh, you're so kind, Hikaru-kun," Takeru chuckled. "Oh, shut up," Hikaru replied.
Okay, I'll keep Hikaru busy with me now. But what do you want to do with this, don't tell me you already....? thought Takeruafter being asked by Shimizu to keep Hikaru busy.
Meanwhile, Akemi walked up to the school rooftop. As she arrived, she looked around.
Zul was already there. He noticed Akemi's arrival and said, "Oh, you finally arrived. I've been waiting for you."
"Wait... Zul? What are you doing here?" Akemi asked. "I thought Shimizu was the one who texted me earlier to meet me here."
"Oh, Shimizu? Don't worry, she will be coming after this..." Zul paused. "Actually, there is something I want to ask you," he said.
Huh, what does this guy want? He's usually quiet, now he wants to ask me something, thought Akemi.
"Ask me? What is it? Wait, don't tell me you're going to confess to me? Sorry but there is someone I already like, haha." said Akemi, scratching her head.
"No, of course not, why should I confess to you?" said Zul.
"Then why are you here?" said Akemi.
"I just want to confirm something with you," said Zul.
"Huh, what is it?" said Akemi. Wait, don't tell me....? thought her.
"You’re the one who started a rumor about Mizuha, right?" Zul asked, his expression serious as he turned to face Akemi.
Shocked by Zul's words, Akemi remained calm and said, "Rumor? Me? What are you talking about, Zul?"
"Why accuse me of all people? You know it was all Kurumi and her friends' doing, right? Everyone saw that," Akemi replied.
"She's the one who's been spreading rumors about Mizuha-chan. She even caused trouble for Mizuha in the toilet yesterday. We all saw it, right?" Akemi added.
"Also, Mizuha-chan is my friend. No way would I do that to her," she added.
"Yes, it's true Kurumi is the one spreading them, but you're the one who started it, right? You know Kurumi has hated Mizuha from the beginning, so you pretended to want to help her.
"You were the mastermind all this time," Zul said.
"What? You're talking nonsense, Zul. Like I said, I'm not involved in this," Akemi said.
"Don't play innocent. I saw you talking with Kurumi yesterday, here. "Why were you with her yesterday? You two planned to do more bad things, right?" Zul asked.
"That... That was Kurumi asking me to help her with her studies, so I came to discuss with her here," replied Akemi.
"Don't accuse me just because you saw us together. You don't have any evidence to accuse me, okay? It's not good, you know," Akemi added.
"You know me, right? We've known each other since junior high, right? Have you ever seen me doing bad things back then?"
This girl really knows how to manipulate facts to save herself, thought Zul, feeling uneasy.
"So, can you let me go now? I'm so tired today,"said Akemi.
Someone appeared from behind Akemi, opening the rooftop stair door.
They approached the pair and played a recorded conversation between her and Kurumi from that morning.
"I'm sorry for saying this, but I don't want to do this anymore. I'm done."
"Wait, what? Why are you suddenly having a change of heart? Don't you want to get close to Hikaru? If you follow our plan, you might actually win him over this time!"
"I think I've had enough. I don't believe Hikaru will ever fall in love with me, You heard him, right? He openly exposed me in front of everyone. From the way he spoke, it's clear he has no interest in me. So I decided to give up on him."
This is my conversation with Kurumi from this morning. How and when did they record this? thought Akemi, her face paling as she heard it.
"Damn it! Why isn't my plan working like I expected?! "Too many interference... and Kurumi is useless. Just one warning, and she already gave up? What a coward."
Akemi turned to face the source of the audio and saw Shimizu looking at her, holding her smartphone and playing another recorded audio.
"Shimizu...you…" she mumbled.
"What do you think of this, Akemi? You wanted evidence, right?" Shimizu said.
Akemi gritted her teeth and kept silent.
"Still not admitting it yet, huh?" Shimizu continued.
"Very well planned, using Kurumi and others to do your dirty work without getting your hands dirty," she said, walking over to stand beside Zul.
"How about your next plan? Were you going to use another person now instead of Kurumi?"
"So nothing to say?" Shimizu pressed. "Don’t try to flee. You can’t run anymore. We've already found you out."
Tch, I'm trapped. No luck today, huh? Better give up. I know I can't win against these two thought Akemi.
Akemi sighed and raised her hands. "Alright, alright, I give up," she said. "That's really enough evidence to accuse me.
Not only did you witness it, you guys even recorded my conversation and trapped me like this. You really act like detectives. Congratulations on finding it out."
As expected from you two, Mizuha-chan's friends. Then there's no need for me to pretend anymore."
"Yes, that’s right. I was the one who started the rumors and used Kurumi to spread them to make Mizuha-chan look bad. "Satisfied now?" Akemi said.
"Ah... it was supposed to work, but with all these interruptions from you guys, everything got ruined," Akemi added.
"I wasn't even ready for my next plan yet. Too bad." she chuckled. "I never thought this fun would end so soon."
"What's so funny?" Shimizu asked. "Do you even realize how much trouble you caused people?"
"Do you not feel bad about this?" Shimizu added.
"Not at all. Besides, she deserved it," Akemi smirked.
"What did you say?!" Shimizu yelled, stepping forward, but Zul held her back.
"So that's what you really think, huh..." Zul muttered.
"Did you hear that? "What do you think about this, Mizuha? Do you trust what I said now?"
Mizuha suddenly appeared, arriving with Eri.
"Mizuha...chan?" Akemi muttered, her eyes widening. Why was she here? She'd supposedly gone home earlier as Hikaru told me before, she thought.
"Is it true, Akemi-chan? That you were the one who did this to me?" Mizuha asked.
"Yes. I was the one who did it. You heard that," Akemi said. "What's this, are you disappointed?
Stop giving me that sad look. I really hate it!" she yelled.
"But why? Before this, you said you were my friend. You even apologized to me back then," Mizuha said.
"That was all a lie. I never intended to be your friend in the first place," Akemi said.
"It was all an act to make you let your guard down. In reality, I hate you so much," Akemi added.
"See, my act really works, right? Enough to make you think we were friends," Akemi said smugly.
Shimizu and the others looked at Mizuha after Akemi's declaration. Mizuha's expression showed deep disappointment.
"Mizuha chan…" Eri said, concern in her voice.
"So what now? You all managed to catch me…what do you plan to do next? Going to expose me? Then go ahead," said Akemi, smirking.
Shimizu felt irritated and said to Akemi, "So, you don't care if Hikaru finds out about this?"
Akemi was shocked listening to Shimizu's words and gritted her teeth.
"What do you mean, Shimizu, suddenly bringing up Hikaru-kun?" asked Mizuha.
"You see, Mizuha, like Kurumi, this girl also has feelings for Hikaru—even though she's had them since long ago, am I right?" said Shimizu.
"Is that true, Akemi-chan? Do you like Hikaru too? " Mizuha asked confused.
"That's right, I like Hikaru-kun, so what's your problem?" said Akemi.
"But why did you do all this to me? Answer me, Akemi-chan," said Mizuha.
"Because you are an obstacle to me, Mizuha-chan—you're taking him from me," said Akemi. "I've liked him for a long time, even chose the same high school just to try again, but he never paid attention to me."
"Wargh, what a stalker," said Shimizu, teasing Akemi.
"Shut up, I'm not talking with you," said Akemi, annoyed.
"Why are you getting upset with me?" said Shimizu.
"Shimizu-chan, keep quiet," said Eri.
Akemi ignored Shimizu and continued, "I keep trying so hard to make him like me, but ever since you transferred here, he suddenly got more interested in you—walking you home every day, while I only get to talk to him a little in class."
"I already lost him to his ex once before; there's no way I'll let the same thing happen with you now."
Huh, his ex? thought Shimizu surprise heard that. "Hey, Eri, is it true that Hikaru used to have a girlfriend?" whisper Shimizu to Eri.
"Yes, that's right—Takamiya-kun used to have a girlfriend," said Eri. "She was our classmate in junior high, but they suddenly broke up, and I’m not sure why; do you know anything about her and why she left him, Zul?"
"Well, from what I heard, she betrayed him for another guy and only got close to Hikaru because she liked his wallet—even Hikaru didn’t like talking about it," said Zul.
"But honestly, their breakup was a good thing for him; I really hate that person—she was the worst, even Akemi seems better compared to her."
Shimizu was shocked hearing that. "Is she really that bad?"
Akemi then continued, "Not only that, you also took my place as honor student, and even got more popular than me. How could I just let that happen? I really hate you for that."
"That's why you used Kurumi to make trouble and make me look bad?" said Mizuha.
"Yes, that's right. I did everything to make you look bad and take back Hikaru-kun," said Akemi.
"So, you don't care if we tell Hikaru about this?" said Shimizu.
"Go ahead, it doesn't matter to me anymore," said Akemi.
"Okay, we'll tell him later. Let's go, you guys. I think we're done here," said Shimizu to Eri and Zul, starting to leave the rooftop.
"Wait, Shimizu, no need to tell him yet" Mizuha stopped Shimizu.
"Mizuha, but why do you want to still keep silent about that? What happens if she does another trouble?" said Shimizu.
"Don't worry, I'll settle it today. By the way, can you guys go first? I want to talk with her. I'll catch up with you guys later."
Shimizu sighed, "Alright, alright, I knew this would happen—you and your forgiveness behavior."
"Haha, you caught me, huh!? " Mizuha chuckled.
"Understood, but don’t be too soft with her, and call us if you need us, okay? Let’s go, guys," said Shimizu. She then left the rooftop along with Zul and Eri.
After they left, Mizuha turned back to face Akemi.
"Why do you need to stay here with me? Why don’t you go with them and tell him about the bad things I did to you? Let him know the truth," said Akemi.
"I won't tell him," said Mizuha.
"Huh, why? You still want to forgive me like you forgave Kurumi and her friends?" said Akemi.
"Don’t tell me you’re feeling pity for me," she added.
"No, it's not like that. I never blamed you for anything, Akemi-chan. I just don't want you to be thought of badly by the person you like.
You see, I want to tell you this after hearing that you worked so hard to make Hikaru fall for you. I... I'm really in love with Hikaru... I have feelings for him... "
"Huh, why are you telling me that? I know you have feelings for him all this time" said Akemi.
"But telling this to your friends makes your heart beat so fast, right? Like people say." Mizuha replied.
My heart is beating so fast… just like when I’m with Hikaru, Mizuha thought.
"This must be the same feeling when you told me earlier, right?"she added.
Akemi gripped her fist and yelled, "What is this? You still calling me your friend? "
"I told you, I'm not your friend!!! Stop comparing yourself with me," said Akemi.
Shimizu and the others hadn't left yet; they were still hiding behind the rooftop stairwell door.
"Geez, they're not finished yet. What are they talking about?" said Shimizu.
"Hey, Shimizu-chan, let's go. What if Mizuha-chan finds us?" said Eri, asking Shimizu to leave.
"That's right. Don't blame me when we get caught." said Zul.
"Ah, you guys are too noisy. I know," said Shimizu, finally agreeing and leaving with them.
Back to Mizuha and Akemi’s conversation, Mizuha asked, "Umm... Weren't you nervous? Weren't you embarrassed? Didn't it make you a little happy...?"
"Does telling me you like him make you happy? " Mizuha said.
"Happy, you said?!” Akemi muttered, gripping her fists.
"What is this? You’re here to expose me as the mastermind behind the rumors, right? Why are you suddenly trying to understand me? You don’t know anything about me! You don’t know how much I’ve struggled all this time," she yelled.
"I told you—you’re just in the way! You were lucky get to be with Hikaru-kun without even trying, and I hate you for it! "
"I was so sure I could win if I were matched with you, Mizuha-chan… Because I… I love him more than you do even longer than you. Why does it have to be you and not me…?" Akemi said, a tear falling.
She really… loves Hikaru, Mizuha thought, feeling guilty.
"I’ve worked all this time to change my appearance, get better at socializing, and study hard to become an honor student—just to make him acknowledge me! If Hikaru-kun won’t fall in love with me, what’s the point of working so hard?
I know he doesn’t notice me—I’ve always watched him. When he’s with you, he smiles genuinely, unlike the fake smile he usually gives me. Why did you even transfer here? If you hadn’t, I’d probably already be with him!” Akemi cried.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to—" Mizuha said, unable to finish.
She's right... it might be my fault, but I can't blame myself either. I was transferred here because of my parents' work.
I also didn't intentionally want to steal Hikaru from her. Both of us slowly became close out of nowhere, and I fell in love with him during the process of being together with him for a while, she thought, looking down and staying silent.
Akemi looked annoyed and frustrated with her tears. "Ah, what’s with all these tears? Just stop already. "
"Why am I crying for nothing in front of someone like you? This is really pathetic, damn it," she said.
"Ah... so frustrating," Akemi muttered, wiping her tears with her hands.
She turned to leave. Mizuha asked, "Wait, where are you going?"
"I've had enough of this. All these tears make me look so ugly. I'm going home," Akemi replied.
"Sorry for causing trouble all this time. I won't do it again," she said.
Mizuha stepped forward. "Hey, we can still be friends, right?"
Akemi scoffed. "Friends? Stop calling me your friend."
Akemi's tone changed. "But don't think this is over or that you've won. I'm not done with you yet. From now on, we're rivals."
"Huh!? What do you mean!? I don't understand what you're talking about?" said Mizuha, confused.
"I mean, I still won't give up on Hikaru-kun. I won't let you have him until I confess to him myself. Just wait. I'll work hard and win next time. Why is it so hard for you to understand what I’m saying? Figure it out yourself.”
You might be the smartest person, but sometimes you're really slow, Akemi thought, sighing.
"Enough. I’m returning home. " Akemi picked up her bag, left the rooftop, and went home.
"Wait, Akemi-chan…" Mizuha called after her, but she ignored her and walked away, disappearing from Mizuha's sight.
Akemi thought as she left the school building, Ah, why was I so emotional earlier? It was so embarrassing... and in front of them, of all people. I never thought I'd confess everything to her.
Calm down, Akemi, she told herself. You might not have won this time, but if you try harder next time, you'll take Hikaru-kun back from her.
She arrived at the school entrance and saw Shimizu, Eri, and Zul still waiting for Mizuha. Huh!? These guys haven’t gone home yet? she thought.
As she passed them, she walked by without looking and said, "Hmph!!"
Shimizu tried to stop her. "Hey, wait!! Are you two done!? How was your conversation!?"
"You're too noisy," Akemi replied. "Why don’t you ask Mizuha-chan yourself, you idiot."
"You—what did you say?" Shimizu grew angry and tried to approach Akemi to hit her, but Zul pulled her hands to stop her.
"Bleh!" Akemi said, mocking Shimizu and trying to make her upset.
"Okay, stop. No need for that. Just let her go," said Zul.
"Haha, what an idiot!" Akemi said as she left them.
Shimizu felt annoyed. This girl...
At the same time, Mizuha walked alone from the school building, holding her chin. What did Akemi-chan mean about us being rivals? I really don't understand.
Eri noticed Mizuha walking toward them. "Huh, that's Mizuha-chan. Mizuha-chan!!!" Eri called, waving.
"Eri-chan…?" said Mizuha, walking fast to approach them.
"Huh, why are you guys still here?" said Mizuha. "I thought I asked you to go home first earlier."
"Well, we were too worried about you. We couldn't bring ourselves to just leave like that," said Zul.
"Are you okay, Mizuha-chan? Is it already done?" asked Eri with concern.
"Yeah, did that idiot already apologize to you for all of this?" asked Shimizu.
"Yes, it's already over, you guys. She already apologized for it, no need to worry," said Mizuha.
"Are you sure, Mizuha? Just forgiving her like that, and letting her go just like that?" said Shimizu. "Did you get assurance that she won't do that again?"
"What's up, Shimizu? You're talking like you're really worried about me," said Mizuha, teasingly.
"Not like that," she said, blushing. "You're too soft on her. I'm just worried that she might plan something else next time," she added.
"Who knows!? From what I saw earlier, she might not do that again, I guarantee," said Mizuha.
"She also called me her rival. I think she still hasn't given up on Hikaru, haha." she added, trying to lighten the situation.
"Are you sure that you don't want to tell Takamiya-kun about this?" asked Eri.
"Yes. I don’t want Akemi to be hurt because of this."
Mizuha bowed her head. "So please don't tell Hikaru."
"Alright, alright, we won’t," Shimizu said.
"Thank you, guys," Mizuha said, relieved.
Zul thought, You're really something, Mizuha. Even after being hurt by those rumors, you forgave them and even covered for them. What a pure, kind heart. I'm amazed.
"Zul, do you have something on your mind?" asked Eri.
"No, it's nothing, don't worry about it," replied Zul.
Shimizu then sighed. "If you say so, then it can't be helped. I'll just do as you ask." She stretched. "Huh, I'm so tired today with all that's happened. Let's go home, you guys."
"Yes, let's go," said Mizuha. "Look at the clouds. It might rain again, so we'd better get moving now."
They all agreed and started walking, leaving the school area and heading back to their homes.
To be continued... Amemonogatari VIII...
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