Romantic Troubles of Duanmu-kun

Episode 25: Witnessing a Confession

Would he get hit if he played dumb and said “I don’t understand” right now? Of course, there was no need to try.

The reason he had any connection with Nogami-sensei was indeed just that. Someone like him with an awkward personality who nobody liked…

“So, what do you need me to do?”

He stared at the desk surface, polished mirror-smooth, clearly reflecting his face.

Based on past experience, while Sachiyo’s “requests” were troublesome, they never exceeded the average high school boy’s capabilities. Usually it involved observing certain students or finding ways to deliver messages and notifications without drawing attention.

Occasionally, he would help mediate subtle interpersonal relationships within activity clubs and such. Due to his ability to emit an aura of invisibility that made people ignore him, it was conversely easy for him to blend into unfamiliar groups.

“It’s simple, just keep an eye on Ogiwara for me, and during this time, make sure she doesn’t do anything foolish.”

Sachiyo said casually.

“Eh~ What’s that supposed to mean? Sounds troublesome.”

Think about it carefully.

“Think of your family and friends! Don’t do anything rash!”… That kind of situation?

On one side, Ogiwara-san standing pale-faced at the edge of the rooftop ready to jump, on the other side, himself standing nearby anxiously trying to talk her down… Would such surreal TV drama scenes appear in the future?

“Thunk.”

His head got hit again.

“That child is smart and clear-headed, generally there shouldn’t be big problems. However…”

Sachiyo withdrew the rolled-up paper.

“Everyone has places in their heart they don’t want others to touch. Ogiwara has an extreme side to her personality… By the way, rather than suicide, she’d probably choose to solve problems by killing others.”

Hey hey, isn’t that even more dangerous?!

“Just keep watch, there won’t be problems. If something really does happen…”

“Contact you, Sachiyo?”

“Call the police immediately.”

Is this really okay?!

…

In the end, under threats and bribes regarding attendance and grades, the novelist chose to accept this request.

…Actually, there wasn’t really any “choice” in the matter, was there?

*

It was already afternoon when he left Sachiyo’s office. The afternoon was time for the school assembly. Following the bustling crowd, he arrived at the spacious auditorium.

The principal, teachers, and student representatives took turns speaking on stage. The content of their speeches was similar to before, with nothing particularly noteworthy… except when Ogiwara Yayoi went up as the second-year representative, a small commotion arose from the students below.

He deliberately listened for a while, and indeed heard things like “fallen young lady” and “family in decline,” along with negative comments like “though her face is pretty, her personality is too arrogant.” He pretended not to hear the more unsavory remarks.

“Looks like the situation isn’t very good…”

What made him think the situation might be worse than imagined was that some of the teachers sitting at the front were whispering to each other, seemingly influenced by the rumors as well.

The black-haired girl on stage seemed completely unaffected by the commotion below. Her characteristically cool voice echoed through the auditorium.

When she walked down from the podium, her back was perfectly straight, her smooth black hair falling to her waist, her steps as light as a cat’s. From that face so sparse with expression, it was impossible to tell what she was thinking.

This is fine too.

Because from now on, I’ll be watching you carefully.

Like a stalker, I’ll keep my eyes fixed on your back. Remember that.

As malicious thoughts floated through his mind, the novelist yawned, and soon, wrapped in drowsiness, slowly closed his eyes.

…

When he woke up, the vast auditorium was empty. Among the long rows of seats, front and back, only he remained.

…Wow, seriously?

The novelist couldn’t help but sigh.

No one even tried to wake me up.

No, I’m not hurt because of my poor relationships. I’ve had plenty of experience with that over the past year.

Being left alone during group activities that require pairing up and such—it was all self-inflicted in the end.

“Huh…?”

However, just as he was about to leisurely stand up from his seat, something caught his peripheral vision—a familiar figure.

He instinctively slowed his movements.

At the corner of the auditorium corridor, in the shadows, stood the slender figure of a girl. Though he couldn’t make out her face clearly, that long black hair was unmistakable.

In front of her stood a boy who looked somewhat nervous, urgently saying something.

If they noticed he was awake, he probably wouldn’t be able to hear their conversation. With this thought, he quietly moved along the gap between the rows of seats toward that direction.

Even if discovered, he could just say “Don’t misunderstand, I’m just heading for the exit,” right?

…

“…can’t hear clearly.”

To avoid being discovered by those two, he was now pressed against the wall behind a corridor pillar.

“I already rejected you once before, didn’t I?”

The cool female voice of Ogiwara-san.

“But…! I really need you… Please! Please go out with me!”

Mmm, if you had to choose the word that best fits this scene, it would be “that,” wouldn’t it?

—A confession.

He didn’t have a hobby of peeking at others’ privacy, but considering his request to better understand Ogiwara, he chose to stay put. Sorry, unknown male classmate. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.

“What a persistent man. Even flies in the bathroom know to fly away when swatted at—don’t you even have that level of basic instinct?”

…There it is, the poison-tongue attack!

Though harboring intense feelings of love, to be gazed at by those deep eyes seemingly emanating an icy chill, those thin vermillion lips parting to deliver words as painful as a wasp’s sting—

Just imagining such a scene made one want to turn tail and run. Most people would probably be sunk immediately. If she always rejected people with this kind of tone, it’s no wonder people would think she had a “nasty personality.”

Even so, the other party seemed unwilling to give up, saying “I’ll come find you again!” before turning to leave.

In a way, it was an admirable level of determination.

Of course, for a girl, such obtuseness would be particularly unpleasant. Moreover, overly persistent men were indeed annoying, and could even pose a concerning danger…