Fight Fire with Greater Fire

Now that the host made his statement, everyone was waiting for anticipation.

Especially the strict judge that passed us earlier.

She seems to be observing Yuki, who's currently holding the microphone.

She's looking at her with an unwavering expression.

I can't tell if she's nervous or not.

But there's definitely some sort of tension in her now, like an anxious puppy wanting to get away from someone who is a bit scary.

"Yuki?"

The judge called for her.

" Yes? " her words, a bit faint.

" Why do you think this win is deserving for you? "

Enju on the other hand was watching from the side, hand's crossed.

SHe looks as stoic and unreadable as ever.

I guess worrying about Enju is pretty useless.

Maybe she knows what she's doing.

I mean, if she didn't know, then she'll reach out to me.

But that was the old Enju, the Enju that i'm seeing now has become dependable.

She's totally the Queen Bee in the other class.

Due to Enju's confidence, I could feel that the wave in battle became a bit favorable for her.

Unlike Yuki who's confidence was flickering, trying to find a glimmer of hope.

Her eyes was scanning the crowd, unsure on what to do.

That's when she saw us, we're all smiling at her.

Waving, showing our support.

Because of this, it's like she suddenly got a switched turned on.

She seemed like a completely different person now.

When she first arrived here, she looked so fragile and uncertain.

But even though the atmosphere has been getting heavier, she hasn't fallen apart.

Even after the Judge said something else.

I couldn't help but admire her calmness and determination.

She flashed a smile, charming everyone.

And there, she made a statement

That shocked us all.

" At first, I was so focused on winning. "

" But then, because of someone's help. All the worry goes away. "

" It was my savior. " I could feel her eyes, looking at me from afar.

It didn't take long for people to realize that she was looking at me.

Now the light has spot onto me.

I was cornered.

" That right there, is the reason why i'm here. "

Everyone looked at me, jaw dropped.

Even Enju who was completely unaware of Yuki's sudden statement.

Isn't this almost like a confession?

Rika pressed her lips with her hand, giggling.

" Oh my, what a bold confession! "

I on the other hand felt like death was coming near.

Aside from the people's jealousy towards me, it also feels like i've dug up my own grave without thinking.

What's worse is that the strict judge completely melted and stood up, clapping their hands.

I don't know what exactly happened to Yuki but judging by the fact that she started sweating profusely, I can conclude that she's already finished speaking.

I can't imagine how the others are feeling, considering that they're watching her with mixed emotions.

She probably realized what kind of statement she made just now.

We're supposed to be the ones supporting each other while we watch their competition.

Instead, it's just like she wanted me to suffer alone.

It was almost time for Enju's turn when she grabbed the microphone from the host.

She did a fake cough to grab the people's attention back at the stage.

Thank god, because of her the gossiping stops.

But it looks like Enju wasn't pleased.

In fact, it's like she'll punch me if I tried to talk to her.

" Um, excuse me. " She spoke in an extremely quiet voice, clearly avoiding eye contact.

I could feel everyone's curiosity rising.

Enju never spoke in such a way.

This is definitely a big deal.

I watched closely as she took a deep breath before continuing.

" I'm glad that everybody' s enjoying the show so far. " The host nods, clearly eager to see where the conversation will lead.

" Well.. actually, I would like to make another announcement. "

Enju's cheeks have gone crimson red after saying those few words.

I thought she'd say something related to the contest but no.

Boy, I was wrong.

" To be honest, this is nothing but just a silly contest. "

Everyone's eyes widen, including mine.

What is she trying to say?

" I'm completely in awe, I would never be that brave. " She holds the mic while shaking a bit

She couldn't raised her head properly.

All we could see is Enju who's looking down, gathering some courage to continue.

Everyone waited for her, seeking the next line.

She raised her head, beaming in confidence.

Exploding like a sunlight.

" I'm gonna make you fall in love to me, Akabe. "

My heart sank harder than me being burried tonight.

I could feel my soul leaving my body.

Everyone's eyes fell towards mine once again.

God, please tell me.

Is this a good day to die?

Eri's head was slowly spinning, looking at me.

With her grip tightening, I didn't know if i'll make it out alive.

Ah, what a way to die.

I said to myself.

" Enju, you don't fight fire. With a greater fire. " Those were my last words.

Because of Eri's death grip, I passed out.

When I woke up, everything was blurry.

I opened my eyes and immediately wished I hadn't.

Everything is too bright, like I'm being blinded by an intense sun.

Why am I in a room that's entirely white?

I moved my hands around.

This is scary, did I actually died?

I looked at my surroundings again

No, I still look alive, right?

How can I still be alive when I was just brutally murdered by Eri?

" Are you alright?" Someone suddenly came beside me, holding a faint smile.

" Enju? Urgh, what happened. "

" Well, long story short. The contest didn't proceed after that revelation because it creates a riot. "

Ah, so that's what happen.

I couldn't believe that a two girl can re-enact a world war scenario.

" And we were asked to leave the venue. So, we decided to call it off before anything else happens. "

" Ah, thank god. " I let out a sigh of relief.

After all this time I was wondering how much longer i should suffer.

If only i know, this will be over soon.

Enju chuckled.

" Anyway, I'll take care of you today so rest well "

I nodded.

" As for Yuki, she was already left. " Oh? Did she read my mind? Is she a psychic?

Well, she probably had other things to attend to.

So I closed my eyes, hoping for tomorrow to arrive faster than this one.

" So, Yuki really confessed to you. "

Those were the first question she asked out of the many.

I took a deep breath and looked at her.

But instead of answering her question, I decided to put a question over the question.

" Since when did you start to change? " She was completely surprised by that.

She bit her lip down, no wonders escaping from it.

Ah, so she's still hesitant to tell me.

" Why do you want to hear that now of all times? " She sounded angry, annoyed.

" If you're not going to tell me, then when? "

She paused.

It looks like she was about to say something.

" Ever since you saved me from those girls. "

So she's talking about the past.

It seems like it wasn't so hard to guess.

I think that maybe she wants to keep it secret from me.

" You remember how I told you that I'm not gonna cry anymore? "

" Yeah, you really changed. " I said, resting my head on the pillow.

It looks like that incident greatly affected her, this explains her being dependable.

But it also caused our relationship to drift apart.

She started to become colder, and harsher to me.

Without a reason.

" Tell me, Akabe. "

She looked at me with such teary eyes.

" Am I not beautiful? " She said.

Her voice trembled a little.

" Huh? I don't understand. "

" I'm ugly isn't it? Because I can't even impress you. "

What is she trying to imply?

Did Enju really had a side like this?

" No, you aren't ugly. " all I could do what just to deny her.

With how much she pushed me away before, i'm clearly way more hurt than her.

This is what led me to meeting them.

" You know that i'm bad at being honest. " She said.

" Before, I used to like other guys. "

Oh, why am I feeling a bit jealous here?

" But none of them stick into me. "

" They were all attracted because I have the looks. "

" Yeah? "

She nods, continuing her story.

" But you stayed, even when i'm at my worst. "

" I realized that you're always here even when i'm being myself. "

" People used to bully me because of being true to myself. " She gripped the sheets.

" You're not like them, eveb though i'm a bit of a bitch. You never left. "

Her eyes become teary, she couldn't even afford to look at me.

" How could you stand it? " She whispered.

She seemed to need comfort at the moment so i reached my hand out.

She quickly hugged me, sobbing loudly.

It hurts seeing her crying like this.

" I'm so dumb. " I told her, looking at the window.

" Yeah. " She continues to sob in my shoulders.

What should I do?

It wouldn't hurt to stay like this for awhile.

It's rare for her to be like this, it also might be a way for us to be closer once again.

" It's alright. " I told her.

" You don't even know how much i've hold back "

" I hate myself. " She added.

" That's not true, you've got nothing to blame yourself for."

" Yes, I do! " She shouted.

" Because of me, you're now falling for that girl named Yuki. "

There seems to be an irritation behind her words.

But she doesn't want to pull away from my warm.

Staying for a little longer.

" I think this is enough. " I've been holding her for quite some time, it would have been inappropriate for us to continue staying like this.

" Then go ahead. " Her voice is barely audible due to crying.

I pulled away from the hug and looked into her watery eyes, they were full of confusion.

" Who do you think won the contest? " She brought another question I couldn't dare to answer.

Knowing that i'll dodge it, she pressed on my lips with her finger.

" On the second thought, forget it. " She muttered, wiping her tears.

How long have I been honest with my feelings?

It was when I made love with Yuki.

There was a irreplaceable athmosphere between us.

We knew each other so deeply that night.

It was probably with the help of alcohol, but I could feel genuine words in Yuki that night.

Which also led to her brave confession earlier.

So that means she's well aware on what happened between us that night.

" What a pain in the ass. " I sighed.

Enju confused, looking at me.

Even though that didn't last long.

Yuki was just there to help me realize my feelings.

But what about Enju?

She was someone who was always there, before them.

This time it wasn't lust, it was doubt.

I could feel her eyes, searching for answer.

She crawled up in the bed and looked at me.

" E-enju? " I looked at her nervously.

She then sat on my lap, bringing both her hands into mine.

A small smile formed on her face.

" Akabe... " her eyes slowly closing.

This is enough to make my heartbeat to skyrocket.

This is dangerous.

I can't control myself well.

I instinctively grab her waist which startled her, but she replied with a cheeky smile.

Blushing into my touch.

" So you do have a thing for me. " She said, I could feel the happiness behind those words.

My heart was beating too fast for me.

" Don't say that stuff so casually. " I said.

I felt like a coward in front of her, afraid to show my feelings.

" Hmmm.. " She placed her hand at the side of my face, caressing my cheeks.

Her fingertips brushed against it.

Thump–thump!

I feel like my heart is gonna drop any second.

She then expose her bra at me, slowly pulling it sideways.

She's teasing me!

Enju leaned closer and wrapped her hand behind my neck.

" Since i'm tired on hiding my true feelings, there's no need to help back. "

" Okay~? " She continued her attack.

" Hahaha, you're cute! " she laughed hiding her face on my chest, I felt my face heating up.

" What's the hold up? Are you not gonna do something? " She was so hot.

" Akabe, treat me well. "