Clouds

"Meet our other new member, Hiroisora-san. It's Takaiyama-san, from our class." Nariyuki introduced me.

"Oh, Takaiyama-san. I didn't know you were in the club." Hiroisora was a bit surprised.

"Yeah, I invited him to join this morning. He ignored me at first, but then accepted my request just this afternoon." Nariyuki answered for me. Not that I can talk to Hiroisora and answer her myself…

"Really… So, why did you decide to join the club then?" It seems that Hiroisora was worried about something when she asked me that…

You're the reason. As if I can tell her that. What am I going to do?!

"Because he's gay." That Ookawa! Just let that go already!

"Yup." Nariyuki?! Why are you agreeing with her?!

"Ah. I see. Hehe." Don't believe them Hiroisora!

"I-I want t-to be an a-actor." I had to save the little dignity I had left. So I lied.

"Wow! Really? Me too! I love acting." Hiroisora was all smiles, as if she was happy to find someone interested in the same thing as she does. Now I feel guilty lying about this…

"So you do have a reason to join? But still, I kind of think it's still gay." If it was not illegal to punch a girl, Ookawa might be in the hospital now. Just kidding, hahaha… Not.

"I didn't have to tell him that you just joined us today, Hiroisora-san. I was going to use it as a trump card, but in the end it's a good thing he has another reason to join. Hehehe." What the hell is Nariyuki talking about? So she used Hiroisora too? I feel less depressed since I'm not the only one being used. Haha…

"Oh. Hehe. That's good then." What does Hiroisora mean by 'that's good'? She seemed relieved.

"Ok. Well, that's all for the introductions. We're going to be busy this year. I'm glad we got our stars for the shows. Hahaha." Nariyuki really seems happy about all this. I can't say I'm not happy too. I mean, I'm hitting two birds with one stone here. I get to practice talking with girls, and I got close to Hiroisora without even trying! Ha! The gods haven't yet forsaken me. Hahaha!

---

We had a meeting afterwards. It was more of a getting-to-know-each-other session. I hardly spoke. They were asking questions and all I could do was either to nod or shake my head or laugh. They were all nice people. I just wish I could talk to them…

It was starting to get dark when we finished. It's early May, so summer is just around the corner. It isn't as cold out here during this time.

I left earlier than everyone, since they wanted to talk a little bit more. I was already walking outside the school grounds, when someone called me.

"Takaiyama-san!"

"Huh?" When I turned back to see who it was, I saw Hiroisora running after me. I stopped walking and waited for her. "Oh." That was the only word I was able to say? Pathetic!

"Tha… thanks… for waiting…" She was catching her breath. I waited for her to completely catch her breath. "Um, you see, mid-term exam is already near." I totally forgot about that. Why did she have to remind me? Ugh. "I wanted to borrow your notes again, if it's alright with you."

"Su-sure." I can't even look straight at her, but it's my chance to get closer to her. I still want to live in our house, so I have to do this!

"Really? Thank you so much!" She's smiling at me again. I wonder why she keeps on talking with me. I mean, she's already challenging my record for number of people turned down during confessions. All those guys will kill me if they saw me talking with her like this. Hmm… Maybe she… "Well, I have to go. Thanks again. I'll borrow the notes tomorrow, then." She started to go the other way, and then turned back again. "Let's do our best in the Theatre club!" Then she finally ran off. Yeah, I'll have to do my best, even though I really don't want to do what I have to do…

---

The next day, I might as well have prepared for my own funeral. Hiroisora was talking to me, borrowing my notes and doing some small talk, while I just nod at her. All the other guys were not looking normal. They all had death stares toward me. I am not getting out of this classroom alive.

"Thanks for the notes, Takaiyama-san. I'll be sure to return it as soon as possible so you can study properly as well."

"O-ok."

"Later, then." She went back to her seat. I feel like a rabbit surrounded by hungry wolves. I know that once I leave my seat, I'm a goner.

---

That was strange. The day went by without anyone trying to stab me to death. Actually, nobody even approached me or looked at my way. As if I didn't exist. Maybe they didn't notice? I guess it is better this way? Hahaha…

There was a club meeting after class. I planned to skip it because, well, I'm really not into it. But I decided to come anyway. It would defeat the purpose of joining the club if I skipped everytime I don't feel like going. As I was going to our clubroom, someone called me from the shadows…

"Psst…"

"Hmm. Me?" I couldn't see who it was. It came from the stairway in front of me.

"Yes, yes. Come here, my child." My child? What the hell is going on? I slowly approached, and then suddenly, someone yanked my uniform towards the stairways. This person was pushing me against the wall while holding my hand behind my back. In this position, no one can see us along the hallway.

"What's the meaning of this-"

"You sly bastard. I let live you live out of my benevolence, and this is how you repay me?" What is this guy talking about?! "Let me ask you something. Do you know the story of Icarus?"

"The guy with wings made out of… candles?"

"Oh. So that was him. Haha. I wasn't paying attention in class."

"Then why the hell did you ask me that?!" I think I know who this guy is.

"Don't they say what's important is the moral of the story?"

"And what's the moral of the story, then?"

"Humans can't fly?"

"Not even close." I had enough of this. "Let me go, Jirai."

"How did you know it was me?!"

"Your voice? Oh, wait. No. Maybe the stupidity?"

"You're pushing your luck." He pushed me harder against the wall. "What was that this morning?" I knew it was too good to be true. So he did notice. "You said you were not after Hiroisora! Why do you seem so close now? Ugh! I'm so jealous now! You have defiled our goddess!"

"Shut up!" I broke loose of his hold. I turned to face him. "What is this crap you're talking about? I already told you, I am not interested in Hiroi-" Before I could finish, I saw someone standing beside us. I turned to look who it was. It was Hiroisora. How long have she been standing there? I wonder if she heard what I said. This will get complicated if she did…

"What are you guys doing" She asked us while smiling. I guess she didn't hear me…

"Um… We, we were… just t-talking. Hehe…"

"Oh, ok. I'll go on ahead, then." She walked past us.

When I turned to Jirai, he was frozen like stone.

"Hey, Jirai…"

"Did you see that?! She talked to me! Ahh! I can die in peace now."

"Should I grant you your wish and push you down the stairs, then?"

"Wait, no! Please! Not when this miracle has happened! I have to go home and build an altar for my goddess and keep on praying for her blessings. Hehehe…"

"You did notice that she talked to me-"

"See you later, then!" He ran down the stairs and ignored what I just said.

What just happened?

---

Almost everyday, I was going to the Theatre Club. We were talking about our plans and activities for the year. Ok, they were talking and I was listening. But now I think I'm making progress. I'm not stuttering when I answer with one or two words. I am making progress! Most important of all, I've kept my membership of the Theatre club secret to the whole school. Keeping low profile is one of my objectives, and luckily I was able to convince the president. She said it was also in her best interest to keep it secret, so she can use both me and Hiroisora as a surprise when we perform. It would surely get the curiosity and attention of everyone, or so she says…

Two weeks have passed, and our dreaded midterms arrived. I'm only good at Literature. That was the subject Hiroisora borrowed my notes for. It's because I write things down that other people don't when we talk about a certain story or whatnot. My other subjects? I guess I'll pass.

"Hey, Takaiyama! Why didn't you let me copy? I was throwing papers at you!" Jirai was complaining to me.

"Oh? You wanted to copy from me? Why didn't you say so? I thought you threw those papers because you gave up on the exams already."

"Those really were my test papers!" What? I was right? "I gave them to you so you could answer them for me."

"Too bad, then." I can't believe this guy.

"Hey, Takaiyama-san." Nariyuki approached us."So, how were your exams?" Wow, I didn't imagine she would talk to me outside club activities.

"What's the meaning of this, Takaiyama?" Jirai interrupted us. "Didn't you turn down this girl already?" "Huh? What is he talking about?" Nariyuki was as confused as I was.

"But I saw you confess to Takaiyama, like, weeks ago." Oh. Now I get it. Please don't explain, Nariyuki.

"Ah. I wasn't confessing to him that time. Actually, I was invi-" I covered her mouth, and whispered to her.

"Hey. I thought we should keep that a secret? Jirai will definitely spill the beans even without people asking him."

"Hmm. Yrmm mwyt." I guess that means 'you're right'. I let go of her. "Aaaahh. Wow, I didn't know you were so aggressive, Takaiyama-san…"

"What are you-?!" She was blushing, but I wasn't sure if she's serious or not.

"Ha! I knew something was wrong! Once Takaiyama turns down a girl, that girl ceases to exist in his world." Clearly, Jirai doesn't know what he's saying.

"You see, Jirai-kun." I wonder how Nariyuki will get out of this. I'm sure she can, with her acting skills. "I was rejected. But it doesn't mean I will give up, right?" What was that explanation?! "I'm happy to be his friend, for now." But still, her acting is quite good.

"Wow, you're so strong, Nariyuki-san. I feel for you." Jirai was crying. I guess he believed it.

---

After classes, our homeroom teacher announced that our school trip will be next week. We were going to Okinawa. It's almost summer now, but it's going to be a lot hotter there, for sure. Everyone was excited. I am excited, too. It's my first time riding a plane.

Our teacher instructed us to form a group of four, which will be our 'buddies' during the free time of the trip. Not surprisingly, Jirai came to me first. What surprised me was that Nariyuki wanted to join us. It's ok with me, but wouldn't she want to be with other girls?

"Are you sure you want to spend your time with boys?" I don't know why, but I can talk straight with Nariyuki now. As for the other club members? No progress beyond those one to two-word replies.

"Yup. I have to make sure you don't spill the beans, you know?"

"Haha. Shouldn't I be saying that?" I guess I'm comfortable with her.

We were one member short. We needed to hand over the list of our names before homeroom ends. Other groups were already submitting their names. We weren't really looking for another member. I'm sure someone would end up without a group. We'd welcome him or her with open arms. I was just waiting while looking outside the window.

"Um, can I join your group?"

"Sure!" Nariyuki answered happily. I guess she knows this person. "Welcome aboard, Hiroisora-san."

I wonder if my luck will run out soon. I hope not. I'm on a really hot streak.