by Ono Fuyumi
...Why you..
Why do I care about this.
Naru never even thought about us not being able to see each other again. I'd hoped he'd think about it a little. Even if it was just a short time, at least I was his assistant.
...Even though it wasn't anything serious. The original assistant is on crutches now, but he can still move around.
Eh— I'm kinda angry.
...Why am I the only one feeling lonely?
For some reason, I stared at Naru's back as he walked away. He turned around and called out, "If you're not going to class, then help me move the equipment back."
Ah— Even in the end you can't help but make me suffer.
Without saying anything, Kuroda walked back to class, hanging her head down in shame.
I helped Naru move the equipment back into the van. I really had to say something.
Should I say, "Please tell me your address" or something like that? No, I just can't bring myself to say it.
Naru rolled up the last of the electrical wires and lifted it into his arms. There shouldn't be anything left in the lab room.
"Mai, you can go back to class now."
Naru still acted the same way.
...Okay...
You... You really don't feel it at all.
Ah, I really hate you!
"Well then, I'm going back to class," I declared.
"Okay."
"Are you going to see me off?" I softly asked.
"Why would I?"
...Why? What do you mean why.
"That's what I thought. Since our time together was short, but you're just like Bou-san—"
"There's no need to. You better hurry and get to class. If you get any dumber, not even the best medicine can help you."
...You jerk!
Really now. I get it now!
I'm going to class then! Since you're not going to see me off anyway! From now on, I don't want to be associated with you anymore!
I definitely won't think about you, you idiot—
I finally calmed down and returned to class. It was spring, and my chair was near the window. The open window faced the old school building, and I couldn't help but look back at it.
I gazed at it.
It was quiet. The old school building's windows distorted. The remaining glass was covered by white dust. A cracking sound emanated from the building, followed by the sound of shattering glass. I couldn't help but get up and walk toward the window.
The teacher called on me to sit down, but then stopped when she heard the sound of the glass shattering. Noise filled the room as everyone started talking at the same time.
I saw the building shake. The roof on the west started to fall, followed by the rest of the building, creating a cloud of yellow dust. The west side looked like it was going to completely break down.
The building let out one final sound as it collapsed.
The left side of the building slowly sank. It was like as if a sand funnel or a hole in the ground was sucking it in. The entire building toppled like a ship sinking into the ocean.
Taking advantage of the situation, I moved away from the window and left the classroom while everyone was still focused on the collapsing building outside.
I ran toward the old school building.
The silver van was no longer there.
In the midst of the crowd, I did not find the one person I was looking for.
The nasty ghost hunter had left.
A few days later, the demolition project restarted to tear down the part of the building left standing. At the same time, rumors of Kuroda's psychic abilities spread throughout the school...
Epilogue
"Hey, what's Shibuya-san doing now?" asked Keiko.
Keiko gazed at the window.
Outside, the machine that tore down the old school building lay looming. The demolition was complete.
"Mai, why didn't you ask him for his address? You could've at least gotten his phone number—"
...Shut up.
Michiru was also gazing at the window.
"I looked through the phone book, but it wasn't there," I responded.
...That's right. "Shibuya Psychic Research" wasn't in the business section of the phone book. There wasn't a section of psychics in the Town Pages either. And usually businesses aren't in the Hello Pages. (Although I did take a look.) When I asked the operator, she just gave me a cold reply:
"If there is no address, then there is no way for me to look it up."
Keiko said, "Well, since the principal called him in, he must know the guy's address. Go ask him."
"How about you go ask?" Michiru replied coldly.
"Eh— How do I ask him?" replied Keiko.
"I don't want to ask either."
"But."
...I thought about asking the principal too. But, how do I do it?
Well, it's not like I don't have an excuse. I can just say I want to return something he forgot to him.
But, what do I say after I phone him? Naru will definitely use his normal voice and ask, "What did you call for?"
"Hey, Mai, just go and ask the principal already—"
"I don't have any reason to look for him," I replied.
"Man— You're being so cold," Keiko said depressingly.
Man— Don't say it anymore.
I don't want to think about Naru right now. I'm only coping with this because you guys keep blabbering on and on about it.
"Hey Mai..." Michiru called, walking toward me.
"Don't bother me," I said, walking away.
"Wait, just hear me out. You have a very good reason to..."
Don't bother me!
I don't want to say it anymore. I almost felt like crying.
"He has nothing to do with me," I insisted. "You two can go on fawning over him over there."
"What— How cold—"
Suddenly the intercom came on.
"Taniyama Mai of class 1-F, please report to the principal's office."
...What happened?
Standing up, I thought about it, pulling Michiru and Keiko's attention toward me.
I thought about what will happen in the principal's office.
"Um, I'm Taniyama," I said once I reached his office.
"Ah, Taniyama-san? You have a phone call."
The secretary motioned toward the phone on the counter.
Telephone call? From the school?
"Hello, I'm Taniyama."
Who is it?
"Mai?"
......
This... Voice...
I couldn't help but be startled.
"Mai?"
"Yes! It's me!"
"You don't need to shout. I can hear you clearly."
...Ah— This tone.
It's Naru...
"Why did you call the school?"
"Wouldn't you think it's because I don't know your home number?"
Why does he need to talk so arrogantly. I was so happy I nearly cried. Why... Why would Naru call me.
"...Is something up?"
I tried hard to hold back my emotions and remain calm.
"Compensation."
"...Huh?"
"I'm talking about your payment as my assistant. It's okay if you don't want it."
...Ah, is that it...
As I sighed, my eyes seem to cloud over.
...So it's business related.
"I never thought I'd get paid. But if you'll give it to me, I'll gladly take it."
I'm taking it. I'm definitely taking it.
Stupid Naru.
"Then, I'll transfer it to your bank account. Do you know your account number?"
...Account number?
"How would I remember that. And don't forget, I'm at school right now."
"...Then I'll mail it to you."
...Mail it?
Hey, the least you can do is use this as an excuse to see me again.
"Sure, just do whatever."
"In that case, tell me
your address."
Hee hee. I told him my address.
The envelope will definitely have the sender's address on it.
Maybe he'll even use his home address. And then I'll just carelessly pay him a visit, and be asked in his cold tone, "What are you here for?"
But, I'll just leave it like this.
"—Ok, well, it'll be there in a week."
"Okay."
"And, Mai?"
"Wh—at—" My voice almost ran out of energy. Ha ha ha...
"Does your school prohibit its students from working?"
"Nope."
"...Oh, in that case."
"Ah—?"
"Do you want to work here?"
...Huh? ...Work...?
...Work?
"Work in Naru's office?!"
I couldn't help but grasp the phone with all my strength.
"—I don't have enough office workers. A while earlier, someone quit."
"...I'll do it!"
I'll do it! I'll do anything!
"Then, why don't you come over and look over things. The address is..."
I eagerly scribbled down the address.
...A dream. This is a dream.
"Can you find a time to come?"
"How about the day after tomorrow, Saturday."
Now would be an okay time too.
"Then, on Saturday, come on your spare time."
Ah, I'm so happy. What do I do.
"Ah— One more thing."
"Eh?"
"—Thank you for helping earlier. You were a big help. Thank you very much."
...I'm even feeling embarrassed.
My head was spinning. That was the first time I heard him speak not in a cold tone, but in a nice, thankful tone.
I was so touched I was rendered speechless.
"Then, I'll see you on Saturday."
"Okay."
I finally had the energy to speak again.
"I'll see you Saturday!"
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