Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: I Hate Clubs (4)
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“...Thanks.”
Today, how many times had I wiped away his tears? Thinking that, I pulled my hand from Zenon's face. Looking relieved now, he smiled at me, his expression much brighter than before.
“That... do you usually cry like that?”
Last time in A District, and now this. I hadn't pegged him as the emotional type. Teasing him lightly, he waved his hands vigorously in denial, insisting he never cries and asking what kind of nonsense that was. When I showed him the moisture on my hand, he finally clammed up.
“Anyway, you go on ahead. I need to head somewhere.”
“Where?”
...Did I really have to spell out that I was going to the bathroom? Shooting him a pointed look, he finally caught on, chuckling awkwardly as he scratched his head.
“Got it. I'll head out first, then.”
“Yeah, go on quick.”
I waved at him as he kept glancing back over his shoulder while walking away. It wasn't long before he rounded the corner and vanished from sight.
“Ughhh...!”
Inside the building, I couldn't even scream, reduced to a silent tantrum. Even if I understood him, what I'd just done was... mortifying. Anyone watching would've mistaken me for his girlfriend. No matter how I sliced it, my actions screamed problems: cradling his face to meet his eyes, wiping away his tears...
Thump thump.
Pounding my chest and stomping my feet briefly, I felt the air temperature drop from my surging emotions. I took slow, deep breaths. My head throbbed. Pressing my temples hard did nothing for the persistent ache. Grimacing, I regretted my behavior.
I should've handled it differently. But seeing his anxiety laid bare like that, I acted on impulse before I knew it.
“Phew...”
Even I had to admit, this felt like planting a flag. I'd told myself to be careful, but it seemed like I'd slipped up again. A chill ran down my spine.
“Gotta be more careful...”
Still, I couldn't accept becoming the heroine. Friends was the sweet spot.
#
-It's because of you.
-I got hurt because of you.
-...You're the problem, Zenon.
Words drilled into my ears until they blistered, pinning every blame on me, dodging their faults by shoving them onto my shoulders. At first, I ignored them. But after years of it, a tiny seed of doubt sprouted in my chest.
What if people really were getting hurt and dying because of me?
[Villain attack kills kindergarten teacher...]
[Fatal accident during ability use...]
A teacher who'd always been especially kind to me died one day. A friend I'd been close to, who'd waved goodbye with “See you tomorrow” just yesterday, never showed up at school again.
No, it can't be. Just accidents. I'd steel myself like that, only for my fragile resolve to shatter when someone close to me died again. And eventually...
...my mother passed away.
Because of me, people get hurt. That childhood conviction made me distance myself from everyone. I'd shrink back, staying out of sight, hoping no one approached. Time faded those thoughts, but their deep scars meant they still resurfaced now and then.
And when I saw Aisha hurt, those buried memories resurfaced. Her injury, the villain attack—all my fault.
My heart ached seeing the wound on her neck. But now, I couldn't even pull away. Hera Carmen had said it herself: we'd meet again. She was a target now, no doubt.
Carrying her on my back as we ran, supporting her unsteady steps, watching her sleep against my shoulder on the subway—the anxiety never lifted. Hera Carmen backing off too easily. Something felt off, like disaster lurking unseen.
“...I'm anxious.”
Even after walking her home and collapsing into bed, the unease lingered. Clenching and unclenching my empty fists in the air. Burying my face in the pillow with silent screams. Dark thoughts kept swirling; sleep wouldn't come.
“...Why am I like this?”
We weren't even anything special. No— she'd said on the rooftop it wasn't serious, so maybe friends?
A grin crept up unbidden. I felt ridiculous all over again. Friends—the very thing I'd once avoided. The bubbling warmth in my chest was pure joy, bordering on ecstasy.
-You're the first.
-Carry me.
Even pointless words like those set my emotions boiling, cheeks flushing. One phrase sparked wild fantasies. I cherished every moment together. And Aisha herself—as a woman, precious to me.
Suddenly, I recalled our first meeting.
Her staring wide-eyed before backing away. Stopping my fight with Kaiser. Our infirmary talk. Her face waking me from naps. Asking for a piggyback ride with that earnest, ridiculous expression.
Clutching the bundled blanket, swept up in this nameless emotion for a moment. Then it hit me what it was.
“I... like Aisha.”
#
The sky greeting my eyes when I woke was a clear blue I rarely saw in my life. Rain poured like the heavens were shattering, humid air clinging to my skin, petals littering the muddy ground. Even that looked beautiful. It pulled yesterday's thoughts back.
I admitted it: I like Aisha.
...But what now?
Propping my chin on the table, I sank into thought. Never been here before. No clue what to do. Hell, could I even approach her normally?
“Might as well talk to Dad.”
Self-awareness killed casual vibes. Better keep my mouth shut? Worried I'd screw up. Wrestling with that, I remembered it was academy day.
Time to hit classes hard, ace exams. A month in, Aisha was top-student material. To match her, I'd study too. Glancing at the clock to plan departure...
“Time...”
9 a.m.
I bolted without an umbrella. Woke at 7, showered, changed, pondered—how'd that eat two hours?
Trudging through pounding rain, I cursed my pathetic self. Never late before. Imagined Aisha's disappointed sigh. Even that seemed cute. Then, far off, someone under an umbrella—flowing platinum hair. Proof of my hopeless crush? Drawn like a moth, I followed. Close enough to touch, I realized: Aisha.
...What do I do? Approach? Pass by? Too wasteful to ignore.
Forgetting the rain soaking me, agonizing. Finally, I clenched my fist. Once—just once—gather courage. Calming my trembling nerves, I reached her side and forced words out.
“...Aisha.”
Her turning felt eternal, like a life flashing by. Why no reply? Waiting forever, our eyes met under the shadowed umbrella—hers gleaming radiant.
“Zenon?”
“Uh... mind sharing the umbrella?”
What did I just say? I spoke, but blanked. Eye contact blanked my brain—couldn't think straight.
Before “oh crap,” she handed it over. Suddenly, we shared the umbrella's space.
...So close.
Heart pounding like it might burst—would she hear? I edged away. Shoulders soaked? Whatever. Careful not to splash her. Acting all delicate, tilting it her way.
Rain amplified scents, they said. Her shampoo hit stronger than ever—sweet cherry, intoxicating. Deep breaths like a creep? Still, amazed at how good it felt.
Walk slow, she'll match. Already late anyway. Excuses in my head, I chatted nonsense, savoring every second.
“Hey, your shoulder.”
Suppressing a grin at her words, I replied.
“Huh? Oh, it's fine. As long as my hair stays dry.”
Avoiding her knowing gaze. Couldn't meet eyes normally. Silence stretched—
Smooth—
Warmth pressed against me. Stunned, I stared blankly at Aisha.
“...Aisha?”
“Your shoulder's soaked. Just... stay.”
Casual face, but worried eyes pitying me. My mind reeled.
Going mad.
...From how much I liked it.