Chapter 43- So, it’s you!
"A lot of people have been talking about you recently."
It was after school that Haruto was told by Minami to walk back home since Akira would be busy with something.
Seeing Haruto walking all alone gave the chance seeker a perfect opportunity to be with him for at least some time before it would become necessary for Kaede to get in her car.
The hill on top of which the Academy was built, was under strict security so Kaede was allowed to walk leisurely down to the foot of the hill and that was enough she could ask for as of now.
"You think? I believe people have become more wary of me."
Haruto couldn't help but grumble at the thought of how people were staring at him with those judgmental eyes and snickering at his presence like he was some kind of unnecessary existence.
It made him uncomfortable enough to steal his appetite and Haruto spent his lunch break in the class. His desk neighbor Rio was kind enough to lend the poor guy some juice and a bun.
Haruto recently came to know that Rio eats that kind of lunch to save time as she revises all the things previously taught in the day while having her meal.
Truly devoted.
"Well, you did share a dance with Akira after all."
"True...but is it my fault that she chose me-Wait, did I sound narcissist just now?"
Haruto exclaimed at the self-realization. In the flow, he spoke the same thought his mind was repeating every time someone gave him the look.
"A little..." Kaede smiled at him, trying to cheer her crush however she could.
But looking at the gloomy clouds over his head it didn't seem she was able to make much change at all.
"Man...I can only imagine what they would do upon learning that I shared a dance with you as well."
Haruto chuckled slightly making Kaede raise her brows before she followed in an uncertain tone.
"I am not that famous tho..."
Hearing her words, Haruto halted in his steps naturally bringing a pause to her strides as well before she looked at his incredulous expression.
"W-What?" Kaede asked timidly.
"Are you seriously telling me that the crimson rose of the academy is actually not 'that' popular at all? You can't be serious Kaede-san with that amount of discussion tags on the academy forum and the number of fan clubs that have been formed devoted to none other. I believe Akira's fans emerge more from the academic side but yours from the sports corner which surely would have granted me some aggressive approaches if the words about our dance would have went out. Now do you understand what I mean?"
"Oh..."
Currently, her hair seems to be faded in shade in comparison to her cheeks, that much blush had made way to the girl's face.
She didn't like such a childish and cringe nickname but coming from Haruto felt different. She didn't know whether she should be feeling embarrassed or get angry at him for teasing her like this.
In the end, she just turned her face away and began leaping forward, hiding her melting face from Haruto.
Haruto grinned at the adorable reaction before he followed the girl at the same pace.
"Kaede-san? I think you don't understand what I am trying to say. Lemme get a little detailed, okay~"
"You bully....stay away from me!!"
*******
It was five in the evening when Haruto was lying down on his bed while leisurely reading a French novel. He had no classes today as per what Minami told him in the morning.
It seemed the person—the special guest—has arrived some moments ago since all the movements outside his room have become slightly more engaged.
Haruto was slightly, no, a lot curious about this mysterious guest who was close to Akira. Neither in the past nor now, Haruto had much of an idea about Akira's personal life other than the fact that she didn't have a mother and her father dotes on her a lot.
During middle high Haruto was mostly interested in the girl to care about her background and now even though he wants to get to know Akira more deeply, he could not muster up the courage nor he should since considering his post in the mansion, it would be insolent of him to get chummy with his mistress.
'Though...what would I say if she takes things out about the past... '
Haruto knew what he did in their middle school was anything but forgivable. He didn't just make her the center of all the bullying but made her transfer schools at the end as well.
Haruto pushed all the limits one should never even come near to, and he called himself a true admirer of Akira with that attitude.
Bullshit.
Haruto was just a jealous little prick who acted on impulse and made hell out of Akira's life. She didn't deserve that. Nobody does. And even Haruto apologizes to her or serves her for the rest of his life, he doubts whether he could atone for the crime he committed by stealing the innocence of a girl.
'I might just...no, giving any explanation would seem I am just trying to run away from my blunder... '
Haruto was just dazed in his thoughts to notice that someone had entered the room when he was not looking and stood with his eyes locked on Haruto.
"So it's you...who broke my Akira..."
Haruto instinctively jumped on his feet to face the sudden appearance, only to get his eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
The reason for such a reaction branches from the fact that the face currently filling Haruto's vision was the same face that made Haruto commit such a grave mistake in the past.
The very same person who implanted the seed of jealousy and insecurity in Haruto all those years ago.
"You...."
*****
A/N: - Drop a comment ~