Whirlwind

It's been a week since we got back from our school trip. Even though I've decided that I'm done with my 'mission' regarding Hiroisora, or with her personally for that matter, I still can't seem to move on from this. I've been feeling a heavy air around me especially here in school. I haven't talked to Elizabeth-san about it, either. I'm not sure what I'm going to say. Maybe I should beg her to return our house out of mercy. That's my only hope now. I also haven't shown up in the club these past several days. I'm avoiding Hiroisora, but I'm more worried in seeing Nariyuki. How can I tell her I only joined and stayed because of Hiroisora and that I have no real interest in this theatre club? I admit, it has been fun in the club, but I just can't face both of them there.

The bell rang and it was the end of class. While I was arranging my things before going home, someone stood in front of my table.

"Hey, Takaiyama-san." It was Nariyuki.

"Hey."

"Don't 'hey' me. You haven't shown up in club this week. We're even getting new members so we need your help in organizing our play for this year's school festival."

"Yeah, about that. Um, can we talk?"

"What is this? Are you going to confess to me?"

"Hell no!"

"Then go to the clubroom, and then we'll talk. I'm busy, you know." She left. I don't want to go to the clubroom. However, to settle things, I guess I'll go.

While I was reluctantly walking towards the clubroom, I saw a lot of students going that way as well. Some were standing outside the room while others were peeking inside through the window, as if looking for something. When I reached the door, everyone exclaimed in unison.

"It's true!" What's true? Before I opened the door, I remembered that my membership of this club was a secret, and then hesitated in going inside. I then realized I was going to quit anyway so it doesn't matter now. When I touched the door, most of the girls standing around shouted. "Oh no, he really is going inside! Then it's true!" What is this 'it's true' they've been saying?

Before I could open the door, the door opened by itself. Suddenly, Hiroisora was standing in front of me. We were both surprised seeing each other. Then, the crowd roused in excitement and despair at the same time. Who knew that was possible?

"Look, everyone! The 'I'm Sorry-couple' is really together. They're even in the same club!" What was that? What are they talking about?

"Yeah, that is so unfair!" Some guys and girls were complaining.

"Oh, they're so cute together!" Others were admiring the scene. "No wonder they were turning down everyone, it's because they like each other. Awww." What is happening?! Then, everyone surrounded us. A girl came close to me and asked me something while almost shouting. "Hey, Takaiyama-kun, will you go out with me?"

"I'm sorry, what's happe—" Before I could finish, everyone shouted in excitement.

"There it is! Their favourite line!" Then, a guy came close to Hiroisora.

"Hiroisora-san, please go out with me!"

"I'm sorry, but—" Even before she could finish, everyone shouted again.

"They both said it! It really is true! The 'I'm Sorry-couple' is official!" What is this all of a sudden? Why are Hiroisora and I being called 'I'm Sorry-couple'? We were bombarded with questions, like actors being chased by paparazzi. I got enough of it and grabbed Hiroisora's hand then went inside the room and closed the door. After that, I heard cheering from the outside.

"See? They were even holding hands!" I looked at my hand holding hers. Then I looked at her face. I let go immediately and we averted our gaze away from each other.

I turned to look at Nariyuki and ask her if she knew anything about this.

"Nariyuki, what's going on? Do you have any idea what's—" I stopped in shock. She was collecting money from the club members.

"I told you guys. It was true. Now hand over the money. A bet is a bet. Hehehe." Nariyuki was happy.

"What is going on here, Nariyuki?" I asked her in a not so pleasing manner.

"Kosui-san, what's happening?" Even Hiroisora is confused.

"Oh, guys. You're already here, huh."

"Stop playing dumb, Nariyuki. And what's with the money your extorting from the other members?"

"Why so serious? Hehe. See what I did there?"

"Quit it already! Explain what's happening!" I'm now angry. She seemed to give up and came closer to where Hiroisora and I were standing. She lowered her voice so that the other club members wouldn't hear what she is saying.

"Well, Takaiyama-san, I have no idea why you are so oblivious to this. I mean, we've been back for a week now and I'm actually surprised you're still alive."

"HUH?" I could not hide my shock. "What does that mean? Is someone trying to kill me?!"

"Not someone. Every guy in this school is."

"W-why is that?" This is one of those moments where I didn't want to hear the answer.

"You know, there is no reason to hide it anymore. Everyone already knows."

"Knows what exactly?" Here it is.

"That you and Kari-chan are officially a couple now. I tried to help you hide it, but the truth always gets found out." Wait, what?

"It's not true. We're not a couple." Hiroisora was angry now.

"Yeah..." I decided to back her up. It's the truth, anyway.

"Hmm. I was afraid of this..." Nariyuki seems to be pondering about something. "Oh well, it doesn't matter if it's true or not. Just go along with it, okay?" She winked at us as if it was that simple.

"Hey, this isn't a simple matter!" I objected. "And why does everyone know we're here in this club, anyway? I thought it was supposed to be a secret?"

"Ever since the rumor of you being a couple started going around the school, I decided to capitalize on the matter. It's going to be difficult to hide it anyway. Plus, it's a great way to increase awareness of our club. We even had new members joining because they wanted to see you both. It's a win-win situation for everyone, right?"

"I'm quitting the club. I have no reason in being here anymore. I don't know if you really need me or not, but I don't think I can help you out."

"Wait, Takaiyama-san, I really need you—" I didn't bother to look back at Nariyuki who was trying to stop me. I opened the door behind me and left.

---

Hiroisora was standing still while Takaiyama left. Nariyuki couldn't stop him and went back inside.

"Kari-chan, did something happen between you two back at the aquarium?"

"..." Hiroisora was just staring down at the floor.

"Can we talk about this later? Let's first continue our club meeting, ok?" Hiroisora answered with a nod.

After the club meeting was over and everyone else has left, only Nariyuki and Hiroisora were left behind.

"Kari-chan, I'm here if you want to talk about it." Nariyuki sat down next to Hiroisora who was still quiet. When Hiroisora didn't reply, Nariyuki started to talk instead. "You know what, Kari-chan, when you agreed to join the club, I was really happy."

"Why?"

"Hehe, this is going to be a long story, is it okay for you to stay much longer?" Hiroisora nodded. "You see, ever since in middle school, I was very interested in acting and the stage and everything else about it. When I became the club president back then, I was so happy. We prepared for a play months before the school festival. However, as the date was nearing, problems started to arise. Members stopped coming one by one. Props were delayed, actors were changing frequently. When it was the day of the presentation, we got booed because we weren't prepared and we didn't finish the play itself."

"Why did that happen?"

"Honestly, I didn't know back then. I was so frustrated at the outcome. I badly wanted to finish the play we did. When I entered this school, I promised myself that I would join the theatre club and create a play that everyone will enjoy. But there was no such club here."

"Really? So you started this club?"

"Yup."

"So you just started this year, then, since it still had few members when I joined."

"Nope, I did it last year. We had many members since there were also others who wanted to be in an acting club."

"Where are they now?"

"They quit."

"Why would they do that? I thought they wanted to be in this club."

"I was wondering the same thing back then, why the same thing is happening again. Then one member told me something. I was too bossy. I drove them too hard. They weren't enjoying it."

"But you're not like that..."

"Hehe, thanks for saying that, but I was way worse before. I knew something was wrong, I just didn't realize it was me. I wanted to stop doing this."

"Why didn't you?"

"I love it too much to stop. I enjoyed working with everyone that I never thought that I was causing them to hate it. I decided to try again this year. Our new members were either first years or transferees that didn't know my reputation. Just like you. Hehe."

"I see now... Well, I'm thankful to you. Since you didn't give up, I'll be able to do something I love. Hehe. Thanks, Kosui-san."

"Please don't thank me. Initially, I just planned to use you and Takaiyama-san to attract new members and hype up the club and the play we will make. But, when I heard you two say you really loved acting, I was happy to hear it, that I felt guilty. I'm really sorry."

"Hehe, don't worry about it. I would have joined anyway."

"But I still used you and Takaiyama-san. I took advantage of that rumor. I won't stop you if you want to quit as well..."

"I already told you. I love doing this. I won't quit, if it's ok with you."

"W-what are you talking about? Of course I would love it if you stayed. You'd be the first one to stay with me even after being used by me..." Nariyuki started crying. Hiroisora hugged her and brushed her hair.

"Here, here. It's okay. We're friends, right?"

"Uh-huh. Hehe."

After Nariyuki has calmed down, she asked Hiroisora something else.

"So, did Takaiyama-san confess to you and you turned him down?" After a long silence, Hiroisora finally answered.

"No. He didn't."

"Huh? Then why is he sulking like that?"

"I told him we can't be close anymore; that we can't be friends."

"Why? Did he do something to you? I knew that pervert was up to something."

"No, it's not that..."

"Then what?"

"I like him..."

"I see, you avoided him because—wait, you like him?" Hiroisora nodded. "Then why are you avoiding him? I'm sure if you tell him—"

"I can't. Kosui-san, this is between only us. I trust you."

"Of course. But can you at least tell me why you can't tell him?"

"I better go on ahead. See you tomorrow, Kosui-san."

Hiroisora stood up and left the room, leaving Nariyuki more confused than even before.

---

After I got home, I went straight to my room and jumped to my bed. Can this situation become any worse? As I was lost in my thoughts, my cellphone rang. I looked at the screen. It was Elizabeth-san. Great. How can I tell her what happened?

"Um, hello."

"Hello, Takaiyama-kun." I think this is the first time she called me by my name. This is not a good sign. Or is it? "I have heard of some interesting news. I can't believe you didn't tell me earlier. I wish you didn't have to prolong it if it was going to end like this." She's on to me. Should I apologize for failing? Should I beg? Should I cry?! "Congratulations on your success." Huh? "I have heard the news from all the gossiping that happened in your school. You were even caught holding hands. Well, I will be sending the title of your house by mail after a few months in your relationship to ensure it is true. That is all."

"Wait, you got it wro—" She hung up.

She'll definitely find out it's not true. What if she resorts to kidnapping my mother or brother if she finds out I failed? What if... she kills me? Gulp.

A text came from her. "I'm watching you."

I'm dead.