Explicit Kindness

Just a refresher, the POV for this chapter is still from I, the great Kusakabe Tanaka.

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"Let me tell you what happened from my past, then." said Miyuki.

"How is that gonna help you absolve yourself from this?! Kotori, let's report her to the headmaster already!" insisted Akari.

"Well, calm yourself, Akari." said Suzuki. "Let's hear her out. She wouldn't spit something out if that is not related to the case."

Wow, even in this situation, Suzuki remained calm and collected. She really is the epitome of being cool.

"My mother told me that since I was an infant, she's the one who took care of me." said Miyuki.

"Where's your father?" I asked.

"My parents were both situated in Italy back then, and I was born there obviously." answered Miyuki. "My father, as described by mom, is an eccentric man. He's a hard worker, she said. But his income wasn't enough and he had no choice but to loan money from the Italian mafia."

H...Her father was affiliated to the Mafia?!

"Don't get me wrong, though. He's not in the Mafia, a friend of him is part of that shady group." said Miyuki. "But months had gone by and the Mafia started bugging my father frequently. My mom even said that the Mafia threatened to burn our house, while we were sleeping."

S...Scary!

"A year passed by and my dad requested that we should fly to Japan for our safety." said Miyuki. "My parents argued but they came with a final decision, which was we're all going to Japan after my dad's final deal with the Mafia."

"Hmm? And then?" asked Suzuki.

"We were about to go to the airport and my dad was on his way to their meeting place, when our car was ambushed by the members of that Mafia." revealed Miyuki. "Apparently, the Mafia boss wanted us out since my father took forever to pay his debt but my dad, given by his emotions, shifted his way to our location."

"What happened to him? Did he make it?" I asked.

"Luckily, he got there quickly, as stated by my mom." said Miyuki. "But, everything didn't end well. My dad got in a shooting spree alone versus several members of the Mafia. Good thing he was able to bring something to defend himself."

"So, did he make it alive...?" asked Suzuki.

Miyuki gets something from her pocket.

"My mom and dad got into a final argument. She wants dad to escape with us but he didn't accept it." said Miyuki. "He doesn't want us to be more involved by his mess. That's why... he asked my mom to give this sunflower key chain to me, as a memorabilia."

T...That's too...

"I was 2 years old that time, I have my consciousness towards the world but I couldn't remember the exact things that happened during the shoot-out except for one thing." said Miyuki. "I'll come back alive, Miyuki,' he whispered it right through my ears before my mom and I escaped the situation."

"Did your father reappear some time around since then?" asked Suzuki.

"Unfortunately, he still isn't." revealed Miyuki.

Wow, she's been through a lot. I hadn't known she has this kind of painful past.

Maybe her father is already...

"B..But...!" said Miyuki. "I'm not giving up my hopes! I believe that he'll come back! I believe that one day, he'll knock on our door once again..."

She couldn't control her tears flushing from her eyes. I can't and will never blame her for that.

"That's why I want to have Tanaka as mine only. I wanted to feel what love is coming from a guy. I mean, you know, patriarchal affection or something... I just couldn't explain it well..." said Miyuki.

"Everything makes sense, then." said Suzuki. "So, do you really have feelings for Tanaka?

"I like him." revealed Miyuki.

W...What...? C...Crap, why am I smiling?!

"But, I want to cleanse myself up." said Miyuki.

"What do you mean?" asked Suzuki.

"My selfishness reflected on this scheme, and I am terribly sorry for the trouble that we've caused. I want a restart. That's why I can't bring myself to wish that Tanaka will like me back as of the moment." answered Miyuki. "Plus, I need to reconsider if my feelings for him are romantic or just below that level only."

C...C'mon, you'll give me a heart attack from that!

"So, what's your decision, Tanaka?" asked Suzuki.

"My decision?"

"Well, I just think that you should be the one to give the verdict instead of me." said Suzuki.

"What you did was unacceptable, truly." I said. "You gave everyone of us some trouble.

"Yes, I heard you. I sincerely apologize." said Miyuki.

"But, I got your point. Humans aren't perfect beings, anyway. We do succumb to greed or selfishness due to our desperation on getting what we seek." I explained. "I'll let this pass, but only for this time, kay?"

"T...Thank you, Tanaka!" said Miyuki. "I assure you that I will not waste your forgiveness!"

"I strongly wish that you and your father will meet soon enough."

Ah~ This whole thing is just so exhausting~

"Tanaka, aren't you gonna go to the auditorium?" asked Akari.

"Hmm? For what?"

"Dummy. Today is the Election day, remember? You should cast your vote." answered Akari.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot! Gotta go, then!"

Wow, the view here sure is nice. They even lighted a huge bonfire, just like in a school festival. Though, the atmosphere on the grounds sure is festive. A lot of food stalls are there, mostly commercial since we haven't had the time to create our own.

The night sky sure is clear, huh? Good thing.

"Ah~ I wonder who's gonna win."

"For sure, Riko will be one of the elected officers." said Suzuki.

"Of course, I never doubted he-, Suzuki?! Shouldn't you be there?!"

"Well, I already know the winner so, what's the sense?" answered Suzuki.

"Wait, how did you know?"

"Some papers went flying due to the fan speed and I accidentally saw the result paper and that's it." said Suzuki.

Wait, so her being here means...

"You lost?" I asked.

"I never wanted any position, anyway. It doesn't hurt me much." said Suzuki.

"Why did you run for campaign, then?!"

"Miyuki nominated me." said Suzuki.

"Just because of that?! No internal passion??"

"From the moment she initiated, I knew she was up to something. I had to keep her company, just for being cautious." replied Suzuki.

I don't know if I'll call you a competitor or not. Sigh.

"Who won the Vice President position, then?" I asked.

"Some guy from the other class, his qualities are what an officer needs to be." said Suzuki.

"H...How did you know his traits? Do you know him well?"

"Oh my, why are you asking? Hmm~ Perhaps, you don't want me talking with other guys?" teased Suzuki.

Uh....

"Hahaha... Hahaha..." I laughed.

"Why are you laughing, Tanaka?" asked Suzuki.

"I...It's just that... it's been a while since you've teased me like that." I said. "It's weird, it felt like I've missed it or something like that."

"Want me to do it again as our routine?" asked Suzuki.

"Don't you dare..."

"Answer rejected!" said Suzuki. "Hahaha!"

Another weird thing is that, her laugh and smile somehow gives me warmth inside me. What the hell am I even feeling?! But, it's good to see her back to herself. This is just fine.

"Suzuki." I said. "There's something in your hair."

For some reason, I am unaware that I fixed her hair near her ear until I realized it myself after few seconds. Suzuki, I think, nervously stares at me as fireworks enveloped the sky above us.

"S....Sorry!" I said.

What the hell am I thinking?! C...Calm down! I must have been caught by her smile! Screw this warmth! Even my face is hot!

"Wow, I never knew that there would be fireworks set tonight. It's beautiful." I said.

Suzuki wasn't facing me as I called her.

"Suzuki? Are you alright?"

"I...I am good. Sorry." said Suzuki. "Y...You're right, the fireworks are so pretty!"

Was she smirking?

"Tanaka, c..come here for a while." requested Suzuki.

"Hmm? What's up?... Waah!"

She holds my hand which allows it to touch her face, around left cheek.

"W...What are we doing...." I asked.

"Can you tell if I have a fever... or I am just blushing right now?" asked Suzuki.

W...What's with this kind of situation?! I am the one who's turning into tomatoes!!!

"I...If you got the right answer, then you win." added Suzuki.

I...I can't tell the difference! Her skin is so warm, just like when I am getting flustered. Her breathing is normal, though. If she has a fever , then she'd be breathing heavily.

The only thing to consider is... her HEARTBEAT!

Wait, so I have to touch her chest?! I will not do it!

No, there are a lots of ways! Probably she's taunting me since I can not do that kind of act. But, my quick thinking has saved me from this ordeal. Sucks to be you, girl!

"Fufufu... If you think you can trick me, then you'r--"

"You're really a kind person, aren't you?" said Suzuki.

"E...Eh? What are you talking about?"

"You forgave Miyuki despite giving you a lot of trouble. Any other person would let her have their anger, you know." said Suzuki.

"N...Nothing good comes out of retaliating badly. Anyway, you even gave her the chance to explain herself, plus you helped me resolve this case. YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S KIND, SUZUKI. I thank you."

For another time, Suzuki looks at me as if she's also smirking. What's the deal with her?

Why do I feel so embarrassed after saying it? I'm juts showing her my gratitude!

"T...Though, you set me up as well, you know... T...That's so bad, y'know!" I said. "Hmm? Suzuki?"

Why did she turn around?

"T....Tanaka." called Suzuki.

"Y....Yes?! I'm sorry!"

"L...Let's hit up the f...food stalls. H...Hurry." said Suzuki.

She leads me downstairs gripping my hand yet she wouldn't face me.

Hmm... Warm temperature plus a smirk plus reddish coloration of skin is equal to.... being embarrassed?!

T...This should be my comeback against her but... the warm feeling inside me rises up again, and the image of her face earlier when I touched her cheek appears in my mind all of a sudden.

I...It's more embarrassing that we might be actually both flustered to one another.

I...It's impossible, S...Suzuki is a walking defense barrier! She will not...

Or what if she's really blushing?

Ugh! I don't know anymoreeeee!!

"Idiot." whispered Suzuki.

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