Chapter 4 : Glitch.

"Kazuki-kun, today's physics exam was a bit hard, wasn't it?"

"It wasn't that difficult."

"Yeah, it wouldn't seem hard to you because you're good at physics."

I started thinking about how many times I had talked to Haruki. I was tired.

"Kazuki, wait—"

"Hmm, I know you're going to introduce me to your girlfriend."

"Yeah, what I told you last night."

"Yes, yes."

I had met Haruki's girlfriend so many times that I even remembered her face by now.

"Rina-chan, hello. This is my friend Kazuki-kun."

"Oh, hello Kazuki-kun. Nice to meet you."

"It's strange; she's not shy!" I said directly.

"You're not shy?"

"No, no. I am shy, but I'm also comfortable with everyone. Don't worry, I'll be a good friend to you too."

Although I didn't expect to hear that. She didn't even tell her full name. But I already knew it because I had met her so many times and heard it before... but I said nothing.

"Oh, okay. I have a club meeting, so I'll meet you guys later."

"Dude, Kazuki-kun, you shouldn't directly ask girls questions like that. But what can I do? That's just how you are."

I said nothing because it wouldn't make a difference. But I did ask one question.

"Did you give her that gift?"

"Yeah, I gave it to her this morning."

"It's strange she didn't wear it."

"Do you think anyone wears those kinds of things to school?"

"Do you really think she likes you?"

"Kazuki, I think things are getting a bit too much. You shouldn't say anything wrong about someone you don't know."

I started thinking too; I had asked the wrong question. Just something a friend would normally ask another friend. But Haruki seemed to take it personally, as if I had said something really wrong... yet in the end, I said nothing.

And I wasn't even part of any club, and I had seen Haruki going with his girlfriend. But still, I couldn't trust this girl deep down. I didn't want to interfere in others' matters either. As I walked, I wondered if that dream girl was waiting for me, but there was no one on the roadside. After all, it was just a dream.

A few days passed.

"Mom, what are you cooking for dinner today?"

"What do you want to eat?"

"Beef curry! Because my exam marks were good again."

"Hmm, hmm, I know. That's why I bought beef in advance."

I managed the shop for a few hours. Then I sat down to study after dinner. It's strange, isn't it, this life? Sometimes I think, if only I had a girlfriend, I would take good care of her. That dream girl was also nice. But after thinking about all this, I end up embarrassing myself in front of reality. In reality, I need to work hard and get out of this pointless mess and start a new life in Tokyo with a good job. But somewhere in my mind, there's a corner where I stay alone and quiet.

I need to stop this nonsense and sleep... oh, wait... I should check the front door of the house.

"Mom, are you not asleep yet?"

"No, I'm about to sleep."

"Were you crying?"

"No, no, dear. What am I saying? I'm strong."

"Don't lie; I can see tears in your eyes."

"You've figured it out after all. Tell me one thing, Kazuki! I'm not a good mom, am I?"

"What are you suddenly saying? Ofc You are a good mom!"

"I was just thinking that I couldn't give you a peaceful life. Kids your age are having fun, and you're helping me with my work. Forgive me, dear."

"What are you saying? I'm living a good life. I feel good. And I'm part of this family. That's why I have some responsibilities too. And I want to fulfill them."

"You're just like your father."

"Well, I don't know much about them. And I don't want to. I am who I am."

"Okay, okay, I give up. I won't cry anymore. And I'm proud of you."

"Pride isn't needed right now; the day I can take good care of you, then you can be proud."

"But right now, you are the one taking care of me, otherwise I would have—"

Mom wanted to say something but stopped.

"You are my good child."

"Yeah, I was just thinking. I'm not alone. My mom is with me. I want to do something for her; I want to take good care of her. What was I thinking? I was NEVER ALONE."

"Hmm..."

"Okay, I'm going to sleep now. You check everything in the house and then go to sleep."

"Okay, okay, you go."

Mom left, and I started reading in my mind, hoping this wasn't a dream. I'm feeling good today.

I checked everything and went. Just then, I saw a man outside.

"Strange, why is this man wandering around at this hour? Is he a thief?"

I'm the kind of person who doesn't want to get into trouble. It sounds selfish to say. But what would happen to my mom if something happened to me? For this, being selfish feels justified. I ignored everything and went to sleep.

Morning came. Whenever I wake up from sleep, I poke my finger with a needle because I don't want to see or endure all this anymore. But today, it doesn't feel like a dream. I went downstairs and saw Haruki's mom talking to my mom.

"Kazuki, dear, listen."

"Hello, aunty, how are you?"

"I'm fine. Do you remember that Kawaguchi Yamamoto?"

"Yeah, Ramen Uncle! Why, what happened to him?"

"Last night, there was a murder at his shop."

After hearing this, I felt lost. Thousands of questions started forming in my mind: 1. Was that man from last night the murderer? 2. Could I have stopped him? 3. Is this my fault?

"Kazuki—Kazuki!!!!!"

"Yeah, yeah, Mom. You must be worried; you don't need to go to school today! Stay home."

"But Mom, I have to go because my final exams are coming up soon. I need to prepare well."

"Do that at home. The police are here, and there are a lot of people. Stay home."

"Yes, yes, Kazuki dear, your mom is right. I didn't let Haruki go to school either."

I can never win an argument, so I didn't go to school today.

Haruki's Perspective—

Hey, how are you, Rina-chan? Why didn't you come to school today?

Didn't you hear? There was a murder in the village today. That's why my mom didn't let me go out.

Hmm, I've heard about it too. How cruel is the one who committed the murder?

Yeah, but don't worry. I will always protect you.

Thanks, but I needed to tell you something!

What?

Last night, I saw Kazuki-kun going alone to the big temple on the hill at night!

W-what? What are you saying? He's not one of those who go to the temple to pray. Maybe you mistook someone else for Kazuki.

I knew you wouldn't believe me. Wait, I'm sending you a photo.

Rina sent me a photo. After seeing it, I was truly shocked. "This is Kazuki." Why was Kazuki going to the temple at night? To pray? No, no, he never prays. Then there must be another reason?

I need to ask him.

I called Kazuki.

What's up, Haruki? Why are you calling me at midnight?

Just like that, to check on you. We both didn't go to school today.

Yeah. Our moms think too much. By the way, who do you think could have killed Kawaguchi?

How would I know?

Yeah, that's true. By the way, you go to the temple; you didn't need to hide it from me. I would have gone with you.

After hearing this, Kazuki was a bit quiet.

Kazuki, Kazuki-kun! Can you hear me?

Are you getting into something?

W-what? What are you saying?

You know I never believed in God. So why are you suddenly asking about this?

Maybe I made a mistake!

No, no, tell me the whole thing. Why did you suddenly ask this?

Nothing, nothing. Maybe I'm just tired.

Dude, you were at home all day, Haruki. How could you be tired?

Just like that...

Okay. I understand.

Stop thinking nonsense. There's nothing like that.

Okay.

Really strange. Rina must have mistaken someone else. But the Photo!? Well i guess its just natural glitch.

Kazuki's Perspective—

Why did Haruki ask such questions when he already knew the answer? Well, maybe he was tired from staying home all day.

This is the first time a murder has happened in the village. Now that I think about it, who could have had a grudge against Uncle Kawaguchi? He was a good man. Anyway, I need to go to sleep now. I'm tired from studying all day.

To be continued.