The Perfect Revenge

[Densetsu Karu]

The following takes place on May 19, 2003, at 8:33 AM.

Kirishima Anzu. Brown hair. Small, almost delicate in appearance. Forever branded in his mind as a nosy, know-it-all type. The girl who couldn't keep to herself. Kirishima Anzu, his fellow classmate. Someone who had the nerve to talk down to him.

"You are just like a five-year-old..."

"We'll see who's the five-year-old, Kirishima," Karu muttered grimly. At that moment, he was heading towards his classroom, 1-B, to talk to Kirishima. He had arrived at school earlier than his usual time, to be able to cook up the scheme playing in his head. Cunningly he had prepared his little revenge for the nosy classmate.

There was a door that led to the roof of the school building. Over this door, Karu had carefully placed a plastic bucket filled with cold water. Afterwards, he exited through a second door, and headed for the classroom. His plan was to lead Anzu to the roof, with the idea that he wanted to inform her of something important. As she opened the door the bucket would fall from its perch and dump the water over her. It would be uncomfortable and embarrassing, walking around soaked to the bone. The perfect revenge.

The reason he chose the roof was simple. Hardly anybody went up to the roof, so the prank would be triggered without witnesses. It was also unlikely that anyone else would trigger the trap in Anzu's stead while he was retrieving her. Unless Fate intervened, the plan was flawless.

Unless Fate intervened. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

Karu shook his head, clearing his doubting mind. Finally, he had arrived at the classroom. There was Anzu, talking to a friend next to her desk. Classes hadn't started yet, so he had plenty of time to kick his plan into motion. The scheming freshman approached the unwitting girl.

"Excuse me, Kirishima-san," he began, folding his hands in front of him. His gaze locked with hers, gauging her reaction to his words."I have something important to tell you, but not here. I humbly request that you follow me. We shan't be long. We'll certainly be back in time for class."

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[Kirishima Anzu]

Today seems to be ordinary. The sky's neither too sunny nor too cloudy. Yuka being energetic and runs off before me as usual. Glad she's so healthy, and has no worries about sickness like me. Well, like who I used to be, to be precise. I'm ok now, it's just that I like to take things a little bit slower.

Now another classmate of mine asks me for advice about maths homework. I never consider myself very good at it, because I know there are many boys who can master those theorems in no time. But well, maybe the girls prefer asking me about it for the sake of convenience. If I were her, I'd probably do the same.

Then a boy approaches me out of nowhere. He looks rather full of himself, despite his choice of vocabulary. Looks like the immature student I met in the cafeteria some time earlier. What does he want with me now?

"Well, as long as you make yourself clear, it's fine. I will listen to you. Just make sure that we will be on time".

I always want to see the best in people, and prefer offering people a chance to explain themselves. It's just that I had a not-so-good impression about his attitude. Due to that rather unpleasant encounter, I have to be careful.

Kazue clenched her bag close to her side as she was walking faster than she normally would have. The brown bag was harshly bent and creases could be made out of small patches of dented holes big enough for one's fist to fit the area completely. The tattered bag was the victim of mindless attempt of pure torture to ruin her day. The memory replayed in her mind like a broken record.

Abruptly grabbing her bag and tossing it over her head, her emotionless demeanor fading away into one of shock and desperation, reaching for her bag that repeatedly was tossed over her head, and then the final act of pummeling it before her very eyes before leaving her in the hallway with many students having a story to tell this day.

The clicking of her shoes halted when she felt her tip tap onto the front of a stair step causing her to loose herself for a moment before grabbing the railing and balancing herself. The light blue eyes that belonged to the freshman began to rattle as she finally stared down at the ground ignoring any given look that was in her direction. The blonde began climbing the steps holding back the tears as she began to ascend.

Even she had feelings in this world. Interesting events happened to her - events that she herself never expected. Meeting Yukimotou Takumi was certainly one she would remember. She connected with him on an emotional level - at least in her heart she believed so. There was also Densetsu Karu despite the predicament they were in - an individual that didn't mind her presence or mind her altogether. In her heart she asked fate many times if it was trying to tell her something - anything. The answer would come soon; she had hoped it would. Now all that she needed was some peace, and quiet; a time to ease her heart and clear her thoughts.

Maybe even shed a tear or two for a short period of time before class started.

Grabbing the door knob Kazue began twisting it, but not before a voice reached her ears as she was opening the door.

"No, don't!"

Eyes widening she tried to get a glimpse of the one that called to her surprise filling her system, but alas the unthinkable had happened.

[Densetsu Karu]

What are you doing? Four plain words, in the form of a mental knife, stabbed him. He was bringing this girl into a humiliating situation, and for what? Revenge?... No, he needed to do this. That day in the cafeteria, she had insulted him. His life wasn't for her to pick apart. She had brought this on herself. There's no time to think or reconsider. Everything begins now.

As if Fate had been listening, Karu instantly noticed three things.

First, they had reached the roof. He had been so concentrated on his thoughts that he hadn't realized right away. The second thing he noticed was that they had stopped a few feet from the door. Finally, Karu realized that there was a person stepping through the booby-trapped roof's door.

A hundred warning bells and dozen uncoordinated thoughts all went off at once in his mind. But the only thing he did was shout two words. The words were pointless, since it was already too late, and careless, because they pointed out that he already knew of the trap.

"No, don't!"

The unwitting stranger turned towards him at the outburst, causing the plastic bucket to miss her head (by now, he noticed the person was a girl). However, it didn't miss her entirely, instead bonking her shoulder before clattering to the ground. The water had unfortunately not missed-- that is, she was now soaking wet.

The "she" in question was Masumi Kazue.

His heart skipped a beat, possibly two, at the implications suddenly pounded on him:

You just soaked a classmate and acquaintance-who-doesn't-annoy-the-hell-out-of-you with a bucket filled with water, on the rooftop at school, with an entire school day ahead of you and no continues. And let's not forget, Miss Perfect was standing behind you the whole time, no doubt piecing together that the bucket had been for her.

Then:

Idiot.

For an entire eleven seconds, he stood stock-still; his mind was blank at what to do. The water had soaked her uniform, causing the clothing to cling to her. Most of the water had soaked her upper body, so she was almost dry at her waist and below. Her hair was dripping wet.

"Masumi-san," he croaked, his throat suddenly dry. "Masumi-san. I'm sorry... er, that is, that this happened. Uhm..." This wasn't working in the least. "Dammit."

He closed his eyes, unable to face what he had done.

Her light blue eyes vibrated - her blond locks of hair wiped the air in those very few milliseconds. A force pushed down on her left shoulder and a cold sensation greeted her clothing and skin. Letting out a yell of surprise Kazue fell backwards and onto the concrete ground of the roof the bucket rolling on its side and finally finishing with a bump of metal.

Laying there on the ground she let out a few short shaky breaths of shock and surprise before shakily beginning to gather herself. Grunting the young girl turned over to her side and pushed herself off the concrete ground her cheeks a soft tint of pink at her current predicament. Her clothing soaked to the bone, hair soaking wet, and her tears mixing in from the dripping wet water. The only bright side to it all was that she wasn't completely soaking wet.

Eleven long seconds passed, seconds that seemed like an eternity, and she finally gazed up at Karu and the girl with him - Kirishima Anzu. Her eyes held questions that wouldn't come out of her own mouth - questions as to why this had happened. Many of these questions dashed across her mind some even repeating themselves. Looking at her acquaintance - one of the first people she had started to become comfortable enough with - she listened to him patiently not even realizing how she let her deadpan expression slip. Her eyebrows were creased upwards as she seemed ready to slip into depression, but she still listened quietly nonetheless.

"Masumi-san. I'm sorry... er, that is, that this happened. Uhm... Dammit."

Without another word Kazue stood up to her feet almost loosing her balancing before glancing to the two individuals before her. Her arms enveloped each other before forcing her words to slide out not wanting to show any slight bit of hesitation, but it was becoming increasingly difficult with the tears that were still falling and her shaky voice slipping out.

"I-It's okay, Densetsu-san. I-It's... It isn't your fault. I just..."

Freezing in her sentence the blonde felt more depressed when Karu didn't even have his eyes open. He didn't even look at her. She disliked seeing him like that, in such a state where he must have been regretting everything that happened. With a faltering voice Kazue boldly continued.

"I'm alright. See?"

Despite her quiet tone she wanted Karu to see her smile, yet she was in a state of utter vulnerability. Struggling to keep her fake smile she even closed her eyes the girl's hands on either side of her arms gripping tighter.

[Kirishima Anzu]

The rooftop? That means I will be alone with him, and it is unlikely anyone will stumble upon us, especially at this time of day. Sure, I'd like to respect one's privacy, but considering my previous encounter with him, I feel like moving to an unknown territory, with unexpected danger looming in a distance. I never want to doubt anyone, but this person's bizarre behavior just makes me feel rather uneasy.

Then, something does happen.

Somebody reached the rooftop door before us, and seconds later, she was proved to be unfortunate enough to be there at a wrong time.

A bucket of water fell upon her, leaving her soaked from head to toe, as if she just slipped into a swimming pool. By reflex, I rushed to the girl's aid. Turns out she's the visitor I met the other day. A person I just met got in trouble right in front of me. How could it come to this?

"Hey, are you all right? Hang in there, I'll take you to the infirmary!"

That girl, Masumi, and the guy managed to have a brief exchange before I intervened. Sounds like he tried to lure me into that trap, one of the oldest kinds, and it failed spectacularly due to an unwitting bystander. But taking care of the victim is priority one right now.

I proceed to swiftly take her hand and go back where I come from.

"Please come with me, or you're going to catch a cold. At least stay in the infirmary for a while so I can help you get a change of clothes."

Her delicate hand's trembling.

Even though it was him who set up this trap, it was meant for me, and she got caught up in this mess. There's no way I can let an innocent bystander suffer because of me. I won't allow that.

[Densetsu Karu]

One.

The plan did not work.

Two. Three.

The plan did not work. The plan did not work!

Four. Five. Six.

The wrong person...! It was Masumi. Masumi.

Seven. Eight.

The plan did not work. The trap was triggered by the wrong person.

Nine. Ten.

You are a fool. Idiot.

Eleven.

"I-It's okay, Densetsu-san. I-It's... It isn't your fault. I just..." Her voice faltered. The freshman opened his eyes, forcing himself to look at what he had done.

The small arc of her eyebrows, the subtle twitch of her mouth. Tears. Arms hugged close to her body, as if they were her only form of support. He noticed these small details on the girl before him. She looked so fragile. He could not bear to watch her, but he kept his eyes open.

"Hey, are you all right? Hang in there, I'll take you to the infirmary!"

Kirishima's words brought him back to reality. Karu's walls, having almost gone invisible in the moment, reconstructed themselves. He risked a single glance at Kirishima's face, and he saw a subtle recognition in her eyes. She knows. As if it could get any worse. No, there's no need to panic. This can be worked to his advantage. Yes, yes. Just play it right, and...

"I'm alright. See?"

"You're not alright," he asserted, putting on a business tone. "Anyone would be frazzled after an experience the likes of a few moments ago. I must insist on Kirishima-san's suggestion; allow us to take you to the infirmary."

He had barely any time for breath before Kirishima took her hand and began to lead her back down the stairs. Thunder stolen, Karu followed begrudgingly behind the two girls. As they walked, he couldn't help but notice the way Masumi's soaked clothing clung to her figure... Augh, stop being such a... man, and be considerate to the current situation.

A tiny part of him protested.

Trying to deter dirty thoughts, Karu's mind considered the series of unfortunate events that had transpired. He had set up a trap for revenge against Kirishima. Unfortunately, the trap had been triggered by the wrong person. A friend, in particular, as well as classmate. Now she probably felt betrayed or lost, depending on if she picked up he had set this up, as well as Kirishima likely knowing that the trap was meant for her, not the unknowing girl. It was a terrible situation to be in.

But that's when Karu operated best.

As they walked, Karu had been slowly getting close and closer to the girls in front of him. Now he was right behind Masumi, who was still holding Kirishima's hand. He could smell her damp hair from this close. The scent was dampened a bit by the water, but it was unmistakably lavender. He hesitated, almost changing his mind about what he was going to do, but decided it was now. His right arm came around Masumi's left shoulder, grabbed her wrist, and stole her hand from Kirishima's grasp. He was then holding her hand and watching Kirishima's face for reactions.

"Who would do this to an innocent girl? I wish I knew the answer, but for now we don't know. Still, it wouldn't do to let him or her get all of us late. I'll take her for you. You probably have class to get to, right? If you go now you'll probably be able to make it," he said. It was a lie wrapped in a shard of truth; the best kind. Given what he knew of her stubbornness, it was unlikely she'd leave, but it didn't hurt to try. Usually. Unblinking, he gave Masumi a smile, as if to reassure her everything would be okay.

She couldn't remember the last time she was vulnerable; her wall was cracked and crumbling down. The shudders of her body and the slightest palpitations occurred. Air circled her body and goosebumps betrayed her features. The urge for her teeth to chatter became closely visible. With small amount of resistance Kazue's mouth clamped shut as the grip around grew tighter. Attention straying to Anzu she was unsure of what to do in this situation. With a jolt of surprise in her muscles she wasn't sure how to take in the help she was receiving.

Daring to gaze upon the friend she had come to know she waited for his words; whatever he needed to say. "You're not alright. Anyone would be frazzled after an experience the likes of a few moments ago. I must insist on Kirishima-san's suggestion; allow us to take you to the infirmary." Beginning to be led to the infirmary Kazue clumsily followed with hesitation. Unknown to the eyes on her she silently followed thoughts pacing in the depths of her mind. The hallway's were almost empty of students; closing her eyes the blonde wanted to avoid any eye contact from what little passerby's caught her in the current situation.

The way the clothing clung to her skin was uncomfortable, and the damp hair was heavier weight. What many droplets of water fell before seemed so little now. The drops left a soft trail from whence the group came to where they were on their way to. Trying to fight away the tears that still wanted to fall Kazue entered into the realm of her thoughts. The beginning of the day was bad enough, and now here she was vulnerable, wall crumbling slowly, and left in a daze.

Every once in a while she turned her head to gaze to Karu checking on him to see if he was still there. There was doubt in her heart to the situation at hand. She was still wondering what exactly his intentions were. Light blue eyes seemed to glisten when gazing to him her thoughts reflecting in her gaze. Turning her head and continuing unknowing of Karu's presence closing in.

The sudden contact caused Kazue to let out a soft gasp a warm source blanketing her cheeks. With innocent question Kazue simply inspected Karu's features pondering on his sudden action.

With mixed emotions Kazue instinctively broke her gaze and to an unknown source. With a soft tint she listened to Karu gaze repeatedly shifted her gaze back and forth between Anzu and him unsure of what to think at the moment. As if something pinched her attention she looked to Karu finding a smile on his lips. A calm warmth reassured her. Gazing into his eyes she could see his good intent. Putting her trust into him she smiled back before gazing to Anzu inspecting her features for a reaction of any kind.

[Kirishima Anzu]

I don't really care if I'm going to be late for class anymore. But this is an emergency. A student just got caught in an accident (not one with a serious injury, but still). It's my duty to help her, even more so as she took that punishment, laid out by the guy trailing behind us, for me. Hence I have to take responsibility too. In addition, I have recently joined the Health and Safety committee in order to help any student in trouble, so it's already part of my duty.

I'm not sure if Kazue-san has any spare uniform to change into, or whether she can endure wearing PE clothes for the rest of the day. If she doesn't have any, I can lend her mine.

Then suddenly, the one who created this whole mess (I'm 99% sure he is) has an idea of his own:

"Who would do this to an innocent girl? I wish I knew the answer, but for now we don't know. Still, it wouldn't do to let him or her get all of us late. I'll take her for you. You probably have class to get to, right? If you go now you'll probably be able to make it,"

Who would do this to an innocent girl? Oh right, you tell me. And you don't have to follow us here, you know. I didn't recall telling you to come along.

And, are you trying to send me off? Nice try, baby-face. You should have done better than that to convince me. You are already on the losing side here. First, I'm the same gender as the victim, so it'll be more sensible for me to take care of her than you. Second, I'm from the Health & Safety committee (albeit a rookie), so I have more reasons to do this than you, and I can explain everything to the teacher later.

Wait, why do I have these dangerously condescending thoughts? Still, a bystander got involved, and I don't, don't like the ones who do things that put innocent people in danger. Actually, I loathe them. People on the street got their lives taken away in a flash just because of a tiny bomb intended for a politician. Passengers who just wanted to get to their destination for work or vacation, suddenly got held at gunpoint, and slammed into a business tower, where thousands of other unwitting civilians got their lives stolen away, just so that a militant group could send their grandiose message in style. This kind of utter disregard for other people's safety, I can't tolerate it.

So there's no way I'm going to let this guy have his way. Fighting back the urge to give a scowl, I try to keep the straightest face possible and reply:

"Excuse me, but I think it's better if I take care of her instead. I'm a girl too. I can help her more. Thank you for your concern, but if you really are worried about being late, you should hurry to class instead, and tell the teacher everything happened. I'm sure he will understand."

Seriously, just run along and get this over with. This girl really need a towel, a change of clothes and a cup of tea, at once.

[Densetsu Karu]

We've struck a nerve.

Even though the original plan had failed, he struck a damn nerve.

It was better than Karu could have hoped! Even though her face was devoid of expression, he could see her tensing muscles that gave her away. That's right, Kirishima. Get angry. Get frustrated.

"Excuse me, but I think it's better if I take care of her instead. I'm a girl too. I can help her more. Thank you for your concern, but if you really are worried about being late, you should hurry to class instead, and tell the teacher everything happened. I'm sure he will understand."

"Your first assumption is that your sex makes a difference in this situation. While it may cause benefit, there is simply no guarantee your feminine talents will be needed. However, since there is an equal chance you may be correct, I will allow you to accompany us." She was right, of course. His words were for the intimidation factor above all else. Better to seem dominant; after all, it's survival of the fittest in this world.

"Second, you assumed I was worried about being late," he continued, leading Masumi-san down the hall. She left behind a trail of water as she moved... ah well, it can't be helped. "In all honesty, I was only expressing concern for your own attendance. Since neither of us seem to care to make it to class at this time, albeit for slightly different reasons, we may as well both accompany Masumi-san." At the mention of her name, he glanced at her. I'm going to help you.

Are you sure you're not just doing this to see her like that? he questions himself.

What? Of course not. Don't be silly, I am merely assisting... a friend.

In any case, he was finished his evaluation. Kirishima's comeback earned her a total of... two-out-of-ten points. Hm, nothing special so far. It would have been one point, but containing her full rage added a layer of amusement. His own comeback was fancy enough, but its actual content was lacking. At least five-out-of-ten points.

Despite how stressful things had began, Karu felt oddly happy. Almost like a normal boy. Strange how he could feel this way from such an abnormal event. He felt alive. This was the life he craved every moment of every day, ever since his sister's accident. Could he be... moving on? No, that was impossible. He couldn't throw aside his love for his sister. He needed her back. There was no way to adapt without her.

Still, he had friends here. In Japan. Oh, how Sakuya loved Japan! She would kill to be here right now. Maybe he was the one in the coma. Maybe he would wake up any second now, with her sitting next to him in the hospital bed. He could tell her all about his adventures in Japan. He could write a story about it, in fact. Everything would go back to normal.

Realizing they had almost arrived, Karu awoke from his distracting thoughts. He leaned over and quickly whispered into Masumi's ear. "First the rain, and now this." He paused, then added, "maybe you angered the god of water in a past life, or something." Or maybe just his own run-ins with Fate were contagious.

Hm. It was quite the day so far. He dared to say it was a good day. The first in an eternity.

Shifting her head between the two individuals who seemed to spite each other in light. Attention curved back and forth between her classmates the occurring scene causing her to become nervous. Following close to Karu whom was leading her down the hallway Kazue could do nothing but watch as they spoke. Closing her mouth the blonde could feel the tension in the air wondering how this would turn out. In all honesty she simply wanted this argument between the two to end.

Nervous jitters entered her system. The day's events were still settling in. First she almost lost her papers and bag, then a water trap drenched her, and now she was being escorted by two classmates who clearly seemed to not get along. This must be one of the most eventful days in the year so far. What also struck her was that this was her second encounter with Karu and yet again she was drenched.

What more could possibly greet her today? Fate seemed to drench her for the fun of it, or maybe wanted her to fall into a river that would lead her to her path. Either way she didn't like the odds of what fate was trying to push her to.

After delving deep into the realms of her mind eardrums tuned after the sound of her name. Gazing up to the source that sound her name Kazue met Densetsu's eyes. With softened features muscles began to relax as she continued to follow the two. When his head turned to the front again the blonde began thinking to herself questions still floating around that waited to be answered.

Why was that bucket even up there in the first place?

Kazue didn't know how to feel in this situation. Mixed emotions swirled inside her own heart unable to predict what she should even think about her place overall. A hint of stress could be found in her light blue eyes, and her cheeks along with her nose carried a soft tint of red. The chatter of her teeth began to become uncontrollable and a stinging pain emitted from holding back her sneezes.

A hand hovering over her mouth Kazue gazed to the back of Densetu's head question flitting about in her mind. Soon she even looked to Kirishima question after question bouncing around in the depths of her mind. Whatever was fluttering about Kazue simply wanted an answer at this point; any answer would do.

A familiar feeling ensued as the group began nearing their destination. Keeping focus on the hall Kazue hadn't taken notice when Karu leaned in to whisper to her. With slight surprise and a slight shift of her shoulders she listened gazing to him every moment or two.

"First the rain, and now this." A soft sigh escaped her lips before a smile appeared daring to let her hand fall to her side as she recalled the day she was stuck in the classroom with Densetsu. The memory was indeed not of a happy time but a memorable one nonetheless, for that was when she was in a situation like that for the first time. Not to mention that was when she first met Densetsu despite the situation. Now here she was again and wet again like last time. "maybe you angered the god of water in a past life, or something."

Taking a moment to form her words Kazue whispered to her... friend, and joked slightly despite her current position. "I might have... Then again I only seem to be getting drenched when you come along. It'll honestly be something to look back on someday. I can definitely say that nothing quite like this has happened to me before..."

Soon the Nurse's office door came into view and quickly covering her mouth Kazue finally let a sneeze escape her system. With a slight sniff she quickly glanced at the two individuals before her patiently waiting, and simply gazing the environment to try and distract herself.

[Kirishima Anzu]

"Angered the god of water in a past life", yeah, right. I don't think that god is he mentioned is so petty that he does childish stuff like this. Even though my job is technically communicating with the gods of our land, I still prefer to believe that men are responsible for many unfortunate events rather than gods in most cases. The bucket on the door is not some kind of natural disaster, but an act of one person, and it was meant to affect either me, or her, or anyone unfortunate enough to go there.

Looks like I can't get rid of this guy right now, neither does he, so both of us have to be stuck in the same place. Fine by me, as long as I can keep an eye on him. I'd better not show any openings, or he will strike where it hurts.

Hmm... the victim, does she know him? That bit of conversation earlier... Looks like those two are on good terms. Maybe he just doesn't show his selfish side when he's with her? I have to take note of that.

Still, that fact alone pretty much deters me from telling her my suspicions, and I have no definitive proof anyway.

Then finally we reach our destination.

I swiftly step into the room, only to find that there's no one in yet. Then, I hold the girl by her shoulder, and lead her to the closest bed. Thankfully, there is a towel available in the closet nearby. I quickly grab the much needed object, and give it to her.

"Here, dry yourself up with this. Do you have any spare clothing you can use? I'll fetch it for you. If not, I may let you borrow mine."

Yeah, I still have a spare uniform and my PE clothes in the girls' changing room. They may come in handy.

But wait, that means I have to leave her here with him, as long as he insists to stay. Can I really trust him in this kind of situation?

[Densetsu Karu]

Maybe he was the problem. Perhaps his bad luck was contagious to those around him? Definitely added up, but was it just coincidence? The possibility worried him. Something to look out for, maybe.

Besides that... this girl was boring. Even worse than he had thought. After all his challenging and careful words, she just backed down and let him have his way. Rolled over and played dead. How stupid. That, or the alternative: she was just too dense to even notice the meaning in his words.

The way her eyes moved in that split second. Almost like she was considering him. Hm, and her words...

"Go ahead, I'll watch things here," Karu affronted. It was clear that she was trying to decide on her next course of action in assisting Masumi. Obviously she needed some dry clothes, so Kirishima may as well go and get them. It wasn't like he would do it. Who knows what kind of ideas she would plant in Masumi's head while he was gone; he had to keep things in his control. Which, at this rate, would be terrifyingly easy... Although the control did not exactly belong to him.

She was reluctant, but eventually left; excellent.

"Well, I guess I should tell you what really happened," he began, but paused. Would Miss Perfect sink low enough to go and listen to their conversation? Best to stay on guard. Cautiously, the freshman crossed over beside his classmate and whispered into her ear, "I was the one who set up the water. And I'm really, really sorry. I didn't intend for you to trigger it. It was meant for Kirishima-san."

Well, it was up to her. After what he did, it was only fair that she have control. If she kept it a secret, she was being generous; if she decided to tell Kirishima, he was getting what he deserved. Was she mad at him? Did she hate him? What would she do?

The day's events played in her mind over and over. The spinning of the disc on its needle repeating the same sound over and over existed inside of her. With each step she had grown colder; with each breath she grew more embarrassed. It was as if the world wanted her to suffer - to feel the cold embarrassment of the situation.

Kirishima seemed nice enough to retrieve some clothes for her. The action was nice enough - even raising some doubts on the people that she had met. In her heart she was never trusting towards others quickly; not since those young childhood years of pain and suffering. Even now she is still treated that way existing without a purpose in this world. Over the years the girl had to ask herself: Why? Why was I treated that way? Why did I do to be treated that way?

Everything was too difficult to comprehend now.

"Well, I guess I should tell you what really happened," At the sound of a voice Kazue's eyes seemed to brighten slightly to signify her return from her world to this one. The thought of the bucket had been forgotten. Densetsu's intentions had been all but pulled back from the depths of her mind with his words. Gazing to him as she still hugged herself for any form of warmth Masumi stood, listening intently to Karu's words. She didn't flinch nor falter when he whispered into her ear the very action not hazing her now.

She was beginning to trust him.

"I was the one who set up the water. And I'm really, really sorry. I didn't intend for you to trigger it. It was meant for Kirishima-san."

Relief.

That was all she felt.

A wave of relief. With a slight laugh escaping her lips Kazue fluttered her eyes closed as the action was committed. A small tint of red from the cold captured the pale color on her cheeks. It was a laugh to release stress; it was something she had learned to do on her own. Simply laugh on her own and she would feel better. Everything would disappear for just a moment with a laugh.

"I see. For a while there I honestly thought it was meant for me..."

Sadness wrapped around those words as the faulty smile disappeared into a soft frown. The quick rebuttle of fake happiness withered away after those words into her small and quiet form that everyone had come to know her from. "I won't tell her..." she added on after that sentence. If she had it would have been too cruel; the situation would sever attention away from his true intention.

He didn't deserve that trouble. Densetsu was honest with her about what truly happened. It was only right that she didn't tell him. "I wouldn't want her getting mad at you. You don't deserve that." she whispered to him daring to gaze up at Densetsu with honesty in her voice. Her light blue eyes carried the trust that was surfacing after all that's happened.

She honestly would care if he got hurt.

Kazue was aware of how it felt to be in hurtful positions.

'Nobody should have to feel that - to go through that.'

[Kirishima Anzu]

Seriously, there really are times when one definitely has no choice. Like going down a raft. Only one way to go. All one can do in that kind of situation is try to make it out with the best possible income, like survival.

I seriously never want to leave that girl alone with a guy like him. She does seem to know him, though, so at least there won't be anything undesirable to happen... right? Still, leaving a girl alone with a boy is not really a good idea, so, better find my locker quick.

Thankfully enough, there's one pristine normal winter uniform inside. Turns out buying an extra really pays off. It's definitely better than wearing gym clothes, which can be very embarrassing when staying in the classroom. Being ogled by the males on the tracks is already more than enough. I quickly grab the uniform and rush back to the infirmary, while trying not to make any loud noises. I'll definitely have a lot to explain to the teachers later.

As soon as I slide the door open, I see the two I left before have been getting along quite well. Probably some small talk, from the look of it, and, the girl seems to trust him, just as I expected. Really strange. It seems like the two of us see him from two different angles. First impression really matters, I guess.

I call out to them, signaling my return, holding the hanger up to show her I have retrieved. Then, I have to make the male stand outside so she can change.

"All right, would you please step outside for a minute? I think you know the reason." Yeah, he should know it. It's common courtesy. "Don't try anything funny until I call you, ok?"

I hand the clothes to Kazue, the victim, and pull the curtain covering the bed. "Once you done drying yourself up completely, give me the towel, alright? I'll see if I can make you some tea."

While scoping the perimeter to see anything that can be used to make a cup of tea, I casually asks her a question: "Say, you and that guy, do you know each other?" It's the best opportunity to investigate this subject matter, anyway.