SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND.
A timid air blows through the classroom. *Seriously, what's wrong with this theater club? Is their room not good enough? Why won't they let me use the rooftop?*
I'm now being forced to attend this bitch class.
"Hananoi-san, full attention, please," Yuki-sensei says. I drag my gaze from the window back to the front, flashing a devilish smile.
Time crawls in slow motion. I pray for the bell to ring—*lunchtime can't come soon enough*. Maybe I'll catch my breath, then ditch the rest of the day. The nurse's office could work—fake being sick or something. At this rate, I'll die of boredom.
Finally, the bell sounds. She packs her things, shoots me an *all-eyes-on-you* look, and the class empties. Only I remain.
*Should I call in sick? Sneak to the rooftop? The movie and theater clubs are probably gone by now…* Ugh, forget it. No energy to move. I slump onto the desk, watching the players on the field. *They're having a blast, aren't they?* I whine internally.
Footsteps approach the classroom.
*Huh? Getting closer…* I feign sleep.
"Hananoi, do you have a minute?"
That voice—Inoue-san. I sit up.
"Can you please follow me to the rooftop."
---
** At The Rooftop
"First, I need to thank you for your help."
"What do you mean? I don't understand," I say.
"Don't play dumb. I went to the bar where everything happened, Asked around the only description matched you." She bows slightly. "Thank you. I don't know how to repay you."
"You don't seem like the type to stick your nose in others' business. Maybe I misjudged you," she jokes.
"You don't *look* like a fool, but you are one," I shoot back coldly.
The breeze rustles gently. A distant *"Goal!"* echoes from the field.
Inoue-san gives a sad smile. "Guess you're right. I *am* a big fool."
She's fighting tears.
"Look, I'll be blunt—what was on that camera isn't healthy. You weren't enjoying it. You looked ashamed the whole time. I don't get it, Inoue-san."
"You *can't* understand! You don't have the right to judge!" Her voice cracks. She's at her limit.
"Fine, I don't. But you shouldn't let *anything* steal your peace, no matter what." My tone sharpens.
"*Regardless?* You think it's that easy she shot back?"
"I don't care if you torment yourself, but nothing about this is okay. Why live hating yourself? Misery isn't a home—find a way out." I exhale. "Peace of mind is everything. I saw enough on that camera to know it was bad. Didn't trust the cops, so I deleted it. And no—I didn't watch."
She squats, hands covering her face. "What kind of logic is that?"
"I know you've cried a lot. But today? Make it the last time."
"You don't get to decide that for me!" She's barely holding it together.
"Quit hiding your ugly face."
"Damn you, Hananoi!"
She sobs violently, her cute face ruined.
"Good. Let it out. Hope you find a guy who treats you right." I turn to leave.
Through her weeping, she chokes out:
"Can't that guy be… you?"
I freeze. *Wait—is this a confession?*
"Inoue-san, I know your type. I didn't help you out of affection."
"Then why?"
"I just did what was right. And I'm not that guy. It'd be cruel to toy with you after everything."
She buries her face deeper.
"Forget this conversation happened," she whispers.
I walk away, waving a hand behind me. "Don't worry—I'm not the remembering type."
The door clicks shut behind me.
*She doesn't understand.*
Love? Liking someone? I don't get it. I keep girls around for idle chatter—nothing more. Never poured my heart into anything.
All I want is peace for myself.
As I descend the stairs, I spot Fuyuki—or whatever her name is—and Inoue's other friend sprinting up. Our eyes meet. *Guess they found out she's here.*
*Damn it.* I need a break can't call in sick anylonger —maybe a drink or a smoke will help.
I scoff. *Mr council's already dragging me back to my old ways.*