As lunch break arrived, Shimizu, Eri, and Zul made their way to the cafeteria. That day, neither Mizuha nor Hikaru had joined them, leaving just the three of them.
Shimizu yawned. "Ah, this rainy weather really makes me hungry."
"Where did Mizuha go? She's not with us today."
"She said she wanted to eat alone in the classroom and meet Takeru after that."
Shimizu chuckled. "Oh, not satisfied with just Hikaru, now she’s spending time with Takeru too, I see."
"You're reading too much into it, Shimizu-chan."
Shimizu recalled her conversation with Takeru during the festival.
Actually, there's someone I like in my class, so I don't have feelings for Mizuha, Shimizu recalled Takeru saying.
"Haha, I was just kidding. Maybe Mizuha is just hanging out with him."
"Yeah, they're childhood friends, right?"
Shimizu grabbed Eri's shoulder. "Yeah, like you two."
"Geez, Shimizu-chan."
Suddenly, Zul sneezed. "Achoo!"
Eri turned to Zul. "Zul, are you okay? Did you catch a cold?"
"Nah, I'm fine. It's just a sneeze. Maybe from the rain I got caught in yesterday."
"Just be careful, okay? Don't catch a cold."
"Oh yeah, it's so rare that Hikaru isn't joining us today. Is it because Mizuha isn't with us?"
Zul leaned in. "No, it's not like that. Hikaru texted me earlier saying he wasn't feeling well today, so he's eating his bento in his classroom."
"Oh, I see. It feels different without them."
After they arrived at the cafeteria, they bought their meals and ate together. When they finished, they returned to their classroom.
Meanwhile, Hikaru had been eating his bento, though he hadn’t been able to finish it. He packed it up and stored it under his desk as Akemi approached him.
"Hikaru-kun!!!"
Hikaru turned to Akemi. "Oh, it's you, Akemi."
"It's so rare to see you not eating with Mizuha-chan and her usual group. Are you guys fighting?"
"No, we're not fighting. I'm just not feeling well today."
"Oh, that explains why your face looks a bit red. I think you've caught a cold."
"Cold? No way, I'm totally fine."
But suddenly, he started coughing.
"See, I told you, you have a cold. You'd better go to the nurse's office and rest. Don't worry about the teachers—I'll handle it and tell them about your condition."
"Thanks for your concern, Akemi. I'll go now." Hikaru then started moving toward the nurse's office.
Meanwhile, back with Shimizu and her group, they had finally arrived at their class. As they entered, Shimizu noticed some girls whispering to each other and looking at them.
Eri turned to Shimizu. "Shimizu-chan, what's wrong?"
Shimizu felt uneasy. They were surrounded by whispers.
"I don't know if it's just me, but I think they're talking about us."
"Yeah, right. I noticed it too—they're gossiping about us."
Suddenly, one girl intentionally raised her voice to get Shimizu's attention. "See, like I told you earlier, Yuki cheated on our last midterm exam. That's why she managed to get the top score."
Another girl nodded in agreement. "So that rumor is correct?"
"I knew this was happening. From the beginning, I never trusted that girl."
Shimizu immediately stood up and approached the girl.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprgz8SmbxC
"What did you say? Repeat that! Are you talking bad about Mizuha?"
The girl sneered. "What's up, Shimizu? Trying to defend your friend, huh? Haven't you heard? People have been talking about it. Many are saying Yuki isn't eligible to rank first in our grade because she cheated."
Other classmates whispered among themselves.
"Also, Hikaru-kun from Class 1B is close to you guys because Yuki asked you to force him, right? You did the same thing to Sakamoto earlier, didn't you? That's why she's close to you. Just admit it..."
Eri leaned in.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxq4LtgUBo
"Wait, Shimizu-chan never did that to me..."
Shimizu grabbed the girl's uniform.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwogwnRSrA
"Hey, watch your mouth! When did I ever do this to them?"
"Hey, what are you doing? Let me go! I just said what I heard. Why are you acting violent suddenly? So the rumor is correct, huh?"
"Shimizu-chan, please calm down!"
At that moment, Mizuha arrived at the class with a pale and shocked expression, Takeru standing behind her. "Huh, what's going on here? Shimizu, what happened? Why are you grabbing her clothes like that?"
"Mizuha, listen, this girl was badmouthing you and really made me irritated." Shimizu then released the girl.
Mizuha turned to the girl. "Where did you hear this rumor?"
The girl smirked and shrugged. "Haven't you heard? People have been talking about it. It's all over the place."
"And you decided to believe it and even spread it? Why did you need to do that? Do you have a problem with me?"
The girl smirked.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yXXRN1DaX
"Why should I care? I don't even like you. So, yeah."
Shimizu's fists tightened and she took a step forward, frustration boiling over. "You—!"
Zul grabbed Shimizu's arm. "Hey, calm down."
"What are you doing, Zul? Let me go!"
"Thanks, Zul, for stopping her."
Mizuha turned her attention back to the girl.
"I see. Fine, if you want to badmouth me, go ahead. But don't involve my friends in it."
"Okay, you guys, we're done here. Let's get back to our seats."
"Tch!" The girl clicked her tongue. She and her companions moved to another place in the classroom and continued with their gossip.
As they walked away, Shimizu glanced over her shoulder, still furious. "You're just gonna let them get away with it? They'll keep badmouthing you!"
Mizuha gave a small shrug. "It’s just a rumor. I'm sure it'll die down soon enough."
"You're too soft, Mizuha. If I were you, I would have beaten up that girl earlier. Anyway, who's actually spreading this rumor?"
"How dare they say you cheated in the last midterm exam? That was really too far."
"Yes, they also said you asked Shimizu to force me and Takamiya-kun to become closer with you."
"Mizuha-chan never did something like that. I got closer with Mizuha-chan and others because she saved me and helped me study for our exam."
"Haha, thanks for that, you two. I knew you trusted me."
Mizuha then turned to Takeru, who stood behind her. "Takeru, what's wrong? You've been silent since earlier. Is something on your mind?"
"Ah, sorry, I was spacing out. I was just thinking about why they started the rumor now. I'm sure you didn't do anything to other students, right?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure whoever started it really disliked me. Also, another reason might be that they didn't like me getting closer to Hikaru recently, I guess."
"Yes, you're right. Many girls really like him. I think whoever started it was really jealous of you."
"I think so."
Takeru looked at the clock on the wall.
"Oh, look at the time. I've stayed here too long. I'd better return to my class now since lunch break already ended."
"Okay, Mizuha. I'm going now. If something worse happens, please tell me, okay?"
"Understood, then see you later."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA7CGxTurb
After Takeru left, Shimizu and Eri also left for their seats.
On the way to his class, Takeru thought, You're really tough, Mizuha-chan. Even being attacked by rumors like that, you can still stay calm.
At the same time, Mizuha looked outside and thought, Rumors, huh? I can't believe they got me this time.
After a moment, she saw a strange vision in her mind.
"Hey, look, no one is defending her now, let's do that to her!"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeGeLSTuNR
"Stop it! Why are you doing this to me? I did nothing wrong to you!"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gp5Hveq3v
"No, you really make us irritated!"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRJSqNJowQ
"Come on, guys, get her!"
Mizuha held her head, feeling a bit of a headache, and thought, What? This vision again, but why do I keep seeing it? She had seen a similar vision after saving Eri from the bullies a few months ago.
Zul, who had been observing her from the back, approached her and touched her shoulder. "Hey, Mizuha, are you okay?"
"Oh, Zul, I'm okay, don't worry about it." Mizuha then shed tears in her eyes.
Zul was shocked to see Mizuha's tears. "Wait, why are you crying?"
Mizuha was confused by her tears.
"Huh, why am I crying suddenly? I don't feel sad or anything, but why?"
"Anyway, wipe your tears away first."
Mizuha wiped her tears. "Thanks, Zul."
The same girl from earlier mocked Mizuha. "Hey, look! Is this real? She was crying!"
Eri looked at Mizuha. "Mizuha-chan…"
Shimizu felt anger toward them and stood up. "These girls are unforgivable."
She slowly started towards them but stopped as Zul signaled her to calm down.
Shimizu nodded to Zul. "Zul... I understand. I'll hold back."
The girl continued to insult Mizuha with her friends.
"Oh, what do you want to do now? Do you want pity from him? So pathetic!"
Zul stepped in front of Mizuha, shielding her from the girls to give her time to wipe her tears.
At his limit, he grabbed an eraser from his desk and threw it toward the group. It hit squarely on the forehead of the girl who had been insulting Mizuha.
"Ouch! Hey stupid, what are you doing, suddenly throwing this at me?"
Zul glared at her. "Huh? Are you talking to me?"
"I was watching earlier. I thought you would stop, but you kept insulting her. You're going too far today, huh?"
"By the way, who are you actually? I don't recall you being my classmate before."
"Wait! What? I've been in this class since the beginning of school, and you don't remember me? What's wrong with your memory? Besides, a foreigner like you doesn't deserve to talk to me like that. Go back to your country!"
The insult about his background didn't affect Zul at all, as he was already used to hearing it.
Zul laughed. "Me? Return to my country? What a fool. I was born in this country, you know. Did you forget what I said during our self-introduction? I think your memory is worse than mine."
The girl felt frustrated. "Hey, what's so funny? Have you lost your mind?"
Zul laughed. "No, not really. Also, why should I remember your face? It's so ugly it's not worth remembering. Right, Shimizu?"
"That's right, you're totally right, Zul. Someone like her isn't even worth remembering! Haha, I can't take it anymore!"
After Shimizu laughed, some classmates started laughing too.
Most of them were shocked; Zul, usually cool and calm, was talking and laughing like that.
Another male classmate was cheering for Zul.
"Not bad, Zul!" "Yeah, you totally got her!"
The girl then felt embarrassed. "You...! How dare you make fun of me? You'll pay for this later!"
The girl's attempt to mock Mizuha's crying failed; Zul had covered her tears, and now the class focused on Zul and Mizuha.
Zul turned back to Mizuha and patted her head. "See, you don't need to worry. If anything happens, we're here for you."
"Thanks, Zul, you really covered for me earlier."
"No problem, I'm glad to have helped." Zul then returned to his seat.
From afar, the girl glared at Mizuha, upset. This isn't finished yet, Yuki... you'll see, I'll show you hell from now on, she thought.
Then another girl walked past their class, looking at them and grinning. "Good, it worked as I planned. I'd better make my next move."
After school ended, Mizuha was walking alone down the first-year hallway.
In the school lobby, she looked outside. The rain continued to pour. "The rain still isn't stopping. I'd better take out my umbrella first."
She changed into her outdoor shoes, opened her umbrella, adjusted her grip, and walked out into the rain.
Walking alone, she kept her eyes on the ground, her shoes splashing through shallow puddles.
Mizuha sighed and thought, I'm too exhausted for today. Many things happened earlier. I didn't expect people to spread rumors about me. I hope it cools down soon. And also... what was with the vision I saw earlier? This has been happening again since a few months ago.
Well, forget about that for now. It's not the time. By the way, I didn't see Hikaru at all today. I heard he's not feeling well. I wonder what happened to him, she thought.
Takeru approached her from behind. "Hey, Mizuha."
Mizuha turned to him. "Oh, it's you, Takeru. You're alone?"
"Yeah, like usual, I'm alone, haha."
Takeru looked at the rain. "The rain's still pouring, right?"
"Yeah, it looks like it won't stop until evening."
Takeru gave Mizuha a concerned look. "What's wrong? You're feeling down?"
"Huh, you can tell?"
"Yup, it's written all over your face."
Mizuha was putting her palm on her cheek. "Really? Where is it?"
"Haha, I'm just kidding, Mizuha, there's nothing there."
"Is this related to what happened earlier, with the rumors?"
"Yeah, I was a bit shocked by it today. I just thought... there are some people who don't like me after all."
"Well, this is life, Mizuha. Wherever we go, there will always be people who like us or, well, the opposite. But don't worry, you have friends who can protect you."
"Yeah, you're right. I still have friends like Shimizu, Eri, Zul, even Hikaru, and you who stay by my side whenever I'm in trouble."
"Oh, by the way, Takeru, what happened to Hikaru? I didn't see him today. I heard he's not feeling well. I tried to text him earlier, but got no reply."
Takeru grinned at her. "Oh, you miss your boyfriend already?"
Mizuha felt embarrassed. Her face turned bright red.
"Huh? What are you talking about, Takeru? Don't say things like that!"
"Haha, you're funny, Mizuha. Well, as Akemi told me earlier, Hikaru caught a cold after lunch break, so he rested in the nurse's office and left school early."
"I see, he caught a cold. No wonder he didn't reply to my text."
I'd better not disturb him for now, she thought, smiling.
Takeru thought, Don't worry, Mizuha, if something bad happens, we'll protect you as I promised your mother. I won't let those past things happen to you again, I promise.
"Hey, let me walk you home today instead of Hikaru."
"Oh, thanks, Takeru." They then chatted while walking together.
Takeru leaned in. "Umm, Mizuha, about today, you'd better not tell your mother."
"Takeru..."
Mizuha then thought for a moment. "Understood, I won't tell her. She might worry."
Unaware of them, someone was following quietly. They took a photo of them together. "Good, I can use this for my next move."
As Takeru walked Mizuha home, he thought, If Hikaru-kun saw this, I'm sure he would be jealous. Well, let me take care of her today, Hikaru-kun.
They then met Mizuha's mother, who was arriving in front of the house at the same time.
Her mother leaned in. "Oh, you're home already."
"You too, Mom? So early today?"
"Well, my job finished early today, so I came home immediately."
"Good evening, Mrs. Yuki, it's been a while."
"Oh, Tak-kun... I mean Takeru-kun, it's been a while. How are you?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"It's unusual to see you walking home together. Usually Hikaru-kun is the one walking Mizuha home."
"Well, Hikaru-kun has a cold today, so I walked Mizuha home instead of him."
"I see, he has a cold. Poor him."
"Since you're here, how about coming in? I can prepare some snacks."
"Yes, mom's right. Come on, Takeru, join us."
"Thanks for the offer, Mrs. Yuki. But I have to head to my part-time job, so I can't stay."
"I see, that's unfortunate. Maybe next time."
Takeru excused himself. "Okay, I need to go now. See you tomorrow, Mizuha."
"See you tomorrow."
Takeru then walked away, leaving Mizuha and her mother. "Takeru-kun is really kind, right?"
"You're right, mom. He is really kind, but for some reason, I feel nostalgic when I'm with him. I wonder why."
Well, both of you used to be close in the past, my dear, but you have no memories of him, her mother thought.
Mizuha felt confused before turning to her mother. "Mom, what's wrong? You're spacing out."
"Nah, nothing, my dear. Don't worry. Anyway, let's go inside. We'll eat this cake together."
"Yes!"
They entered the house and enjoyed the cake together.
409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25RGuDWUii
To be continued…..Amemonogatari III
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