CHAPTER 13 - The Mindset of a Widow. Part 3
As we walk together, we talk about books. It's nice to discuss books with someone, but Sylphie's taste is, in my personal opinion, pretty bad.
Sylphie's favorite genres are romance and fantasy, but she especially loves isekai novels, which, to me, are generic trash.
"I tried reading those 'isekai' novels, but none of them hooked me, and I dropped them after the first few chapters. Harem this, I'm super powerful, my girlfriends are virgins despite being thousands of years old, I'm handsome, male characters are trash compared to me, blah, blah, blah. It's obvious the authors self-insert into their works, and it just makes me cringe. The only reason they're popular is because readers identify with the protagonist, that's it. What I hate most is that the authors focus too much on the protagonist and the girlfriends, and don't develop the secondary characters or villains."
"Y-yeah, I agree, but there are some exceptions. I-I can recommend my favorite novels."
"If they have harems, no."
She went silent. Ah, is it really that hard to write a novel without shoving in an unnecessary harem?
That's why I prefer mystery and comedy; they don't focus on pointless romances. "Oh, he saved me, he's my hero. I'll fall in love with him even though I barely know him, and I don't care if I'm his tenth girlfriend. I'll be loyal to him until death, even if he easily cheats on me with other women." Is it that hard to write a romance with good development? And the worst are female characters like: "Oh, he's so powerful, I fell in love with him because he's powerful."
Ah, I really hate that genre.
"… T-then I can't recommend any… C-can you recommend a book?"
"Of course. It's a classic, so I assume you've already read it. Do you know the book Dark Summer?"
"No, I haven't read it."
I stopped dead in my tracks at that response. Hey, hey, Sylphie, are you serious? You haven't read one of the best novels ever written?
Well, I don't blame you; it covers some heavy themes, like human trafficking and sexual exploitation, which not everyone can stomach reading. There are censored versions, but they're not worth it. What makes the book great is the raw way it handles those themes; it's not all sunshine and rainbows for the protagonist.
Even I, a jerk, managed to feel empathy for the protagonist. A book that can make someone like me care about a fictional character is a book truly worth reading, not just once, but two or three times, even if you know what's coming.
I've read it more than 10 times; I reread it once a year.
I explained to Sylphie why I recommend it, and she agreed to read it. Tomorrow, I'll give her a copy of the book I have at home. I tried to get Yuki to read it, but she refused; she doesn't like reading, preferring manga and anime over novels.
Ah, this generation doesn't appreciate the good stuff.
We kept walking together.
"I won't say more, as it might ruin the experience. My favorite character is the protagonist; when you read it, I'm sure he'll be your favorite too."
"T-thank you so much for the recommendation, Saik!"
"You're welcome."
In fact, thanks to that book, my dream of having a younger sibling was born inside me. I think my parents did want to give me a younger sibling, because almost every day they were… having sex. Ugh. Gross. I regret remembering that.
Adults have sex for pleasure and to reproduce. My parents were amazing, loving people. I highly doubt they didn't want to give me a younger sibling, considering I was always playing alone in my room. I'm sure they knew I needed one. Was my mom unable to have more kids?
My parents had sex for pleasure, but I'm also sure they did it to give me a sibling. Why could they never have another child? I never asked, because I didn't want to make them feel bad.
"Zzzzz. You intellectuals, always talking about books. Zzzzz," Yuki said, pretending to sleep.
I wish I were an intellectual, Yuki. I'm just someone who enjoys reading.
"Ah, so lazy. Back to studying," I said, seeing my classroom.
"Y-yeah," Sylphie nodded.
You don't know what to say, do you? Ah, whatever.
"Saik, come with me."
I tried to enter my classroom, but a teacher called me.
Ah, so lazy.
•
•
It was about the issue with the girl I hit.
I knew they'd accuse me, so I had my arguments ready to defend myself.
This school has its prestige; they won't expel me if I'm innocent, no matter how important the girl's family is. And since Sylphie has had bullying issues in the past, my defending her makes me look like the hero of the story, not the villain, even though I hit a woman. Is it really not normal to hit women? Why? What a weird city.
Ah… I knew I shouldn't have gotten involved; it only caused me problems.
Yuki, I'm cutting you off from candies for a good while.
After arguing for several minutes, I managed to resolve the issue. I admitted to hitting her but used defending Sylphie as an excuse, since she had hit Sylphie, and I only returned the blow she gave her.
And to keep things simple, since they got scared when they found out I was Saik Norsai, a Norsai, and not only that, but the top first-year student, they decided to drop their accusation and pretend none of this happened.
I agreed, because I don't want to drag this out. So lazy.
"Can I leave, professor?"
"Of course."
"Ah, yes, I almost forgot. Professor, do you agree with gender equality? Or do you think men are superior to women?"
"Of course, I agree with gender equality."
"So do I. For example, if a man bothers my friend, I'd defend her. And if he doesn't understand with words, I'd use violence."
I turned to look at the girls, and two of them looked away. Only the girl I hit stared at me, with an expression full of hatred.
I like that expression. You're not afraid of me, even though I hit you. Interesting.
"If they bother Sylphie again, I'll try to stop them with words first. And if they keep bothering her, I'll use my fists. I don't care what they say about me."
I saw fear in their eyes, except for the third girl, who just clicked her tongue at my threat.
Whatever, I don't care.
I yawned and left the teachers' lounge.
As soon as I stepped out, Yuki punched my shoulder with her fist, though it didn't hurt because her body is deactivated.
There are security cameras in the school; I need to be careful.
"You were amazing, Saik! Your arguments were solid, and you got out of punishment. You're smarter than I thought."
"Yuki, keep an eye on those girls and don't leave their side. Follow the girl I hit to her house and let me know if anything strange happens."
"Huh?"
"Do it, please. I'll give you a good reward."
"It's a deal!"
Yuki left, and I took a pen from my pocket.
It's easy to guess that a girl like her won't sit idly by, especially if she has enough power to get revenge. My last name guarantees me protection, but that doesn't mean it's 100% safe, especially when a girl who isn't afraid of me hates me and has the financial power to hire idiots to beat me up or even kill me.
I need to keep Yuki away from violence and crime, so I have to resolve this issue before it gets worse.
Ah… Well… I didn't want to use this, since I'm supposed to be a normal person now, but since my school life is at risk, I have to do it to protect it.
Helping Sylphie is forcing me to use a power that not even the rarest and most powerful people in the world possess. A power that only makes me the least normal person in the world, but to keep my school life peaceful, I have to do it.
I sighed and wrote the number 83 on my palm.
"Legendary Ghost Number 83. Ghost of Good Luck."
The ghost of a small boy appeared above my head and sat on my shoulders.
Ah, having to use my legendary ghosts again… Damn it.
"What do you want now, idiot?" he said, resting his elbows on my head.
As rebellious as ever.
"Shut up and only speak when I tell you to. I want you to boost my luck in a fistfight. That's all."
"You're going to fight without using your…?"
I stopped him before he said too much.
"I told you to speak only when I say so. Do what I tell you and disappear."
"Tch."
He clicked his tongue and vanished.
Ah, I'm ready.
That girl hates me, isn't afraid of me, and is wealthy. If she dared to humiliate an innocent girl like Sylphie, she'll do anything to get revenge on the guy who hit her and made her vomit in front of several people. I humiliated her, and she'll retaliate for that humiliation.
I doubt she'll kill me, so defending myself with my fists should be more than enough… Ah, so lazy.
I erased the number with some water and returned to the classroom.
When I entered, I exchanged glances with Sylphie, who looked quite worried. But when she noticed I was looking at her, she quickly looked down.
Seriously, I'll never understand shy people.
•
•
(POV - Sylphie)
"Teacher, may I come in?"
"Yes, of course."
Saik… I caused him problems… Because of me, he could get expelled.
Because of me… He got in trouble for defending me…
I'm an idiot… I only cause problems.
It's best if I stay away from him… No… I don't think that's necessary… He'll probably distance himself from me to avoid trouble… It's always been like that.
No one approached me for fear of being bullied too… Saik was the only one who defended me… And he'll distance himself from me.
… I'm a burden to my mom… To everyone…
"Alright, we'll use the next hour for you to form teams and decide. You'll do a project on any topic you want, as long as it's related to environmental care. Minimum two members, maximum four."
No…
Oh no… No… No… Why so soon? I-I hate group projects! N-no one ever picks me.
Where will I find a team? I-I don't want the teacher to have to put me in a group, like always… M-maybe she'll let me do the project alone…
"Ah, so lazy. The environment is an important topic, but it's pretty cliché. And now that Lalo García invented a way to use trash as fertilizer and stuff, this topic is becoming obsolete. Don't you think so, Sylphie?"
Saik…
Saik brought his chair and sat in front of me… Maybe… h-he wants to do the project with me?
"I knew school prepared students to survive in the adult world, and by giving us this kind of assignment, it forces us to socialize with others… Ah, so lazy. I thought projects would start in two weeks."
"… W-why do you want to do the project with me?"
"Huh? Don't friends do homework together? Sorry, I didn't know."
"N-no, I don't mean that… I… I caused you problems."
"Problems? What problems?"
"W-what? A t-teacher scolded you for hitting that girl."
"Ah, yeah. It was a pretty boring talk. It makes me sleepy just remembering it."
"Then… Why are you still talking to me?"
"Ah, I see. You think it was your fault? You didn't tell me to defend you. I did it because I wanted to. It was my fault, not yours. Like I said before, I hate people who take advantage of others. I want to do the project with you, Sylphie; that's what friends do… I guess."
"… Saik… Thank you."
"Huh? You're welcome?"
Saik is a kind guy… He's different from all the guys who've tried talking to me… He doesn't look at me with lust… I guess, I can't see his eyes clearly because of his hair… But I can feel I can trust him. I don't feel lust in his gaze, and I don't feel uncomfortable with his presence.
He helped me without any ulterior motives.
He's… really kind.
"By the way, if you're wondering, no, I'm not trying to woo you or anything like that; I want to make that clear. I'm not interested in girls. I'm not interested in guys. I'm not interested in anything in particular. You can be sure I'm not planning anything bad. I just want to be your friend."
Saik looked me in the eyes… I can't see his eyes, but I can feel his gaze.
"Don't feel uncomfortable with me, please."
… He knew I feel uncomfortable when guys look at me lustfully… He knew I feel uneasy around men… He really just wants to be my friend… It's… It's a really sweet gesture on his part.
I couldn't help but feel happy.
For the first time in a long time, I have a friend… A real friend… A true friend, who just wants to be my friend.
"Y-yes… T-thanks."
Really… thank you so much, Saik.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
Sylphie looked away. She's still uncomfortable around men; I can see it on her face. She avoids looking at me and is trembling.
Ah, doing homework with her will be tough, but I have to if I want to get closer to her mother.
Wow, that sounded weird, but considering what I'm planning, it doesn't just sound weird; it's the reality.
"Hey."
Ah, I know that hand.
Ram put her hand on the desk.
"I want you in my team."
"Wow. So aggressive. Is that your way of saying hi? It's cool the first time, but if you do it all the time, it loses its charm."
"Stop talking nonsense and answer me."
"I'm in a team with Sylphie; you can join if you want."
"Her…? From what I remember, she's the worst in the class. No, thanks. I just want you to join."
The worst? Wow, wow… Ah, Yuki, what trouble did you get me into? You're lucky you're so adorable.
"Ah, well, then there's only one option."
I stood up from my seat.
Sylphie looked down, thinking I'd leave her alone. I can feel her sadness growing.
Don't worry, Sylphie.
I won't leave you alone.
"I'm not joining your team, but take this."
I took a lollipop from my pocket and patted her head, filling Ram with anger and embarrassment. Don't be ashamed of being adorable; after all, you're like Yuki—it's in your genes to be cute.
"You look adorable when you act cold and cruel."
"Tch. Damn weirdo. And stop patting me!"
She walked away, furious. As she turned, her hair hit me in the face… Wow… That felt… nice. I'll ask Yuki to hit me with her hair.
And it smells amazing.
Hmm… I always cut my hair when it gets below my nose and shoulders, but now I'm tempted to grow it out to my back, like a woman. Would I look good? Worth a try.
"Don't you want the lollipop?"
"Of course not!"
I was just trying to be nice.
I sat back down and offered the lollipop to Sylphie.
"Want it? Don't worry, I have more."
"Y-yes. Thank you."
She took it. See, Ram? She accepts my generosity.
Alright, I guess we can start planning the project… So lazy.
I opened a lollipop and popped it in my mouth.
Hmm… I looked around… The otakus with the otakus, the smart ones with the smart ones, the friend groups with their friends… Wow, wow. Interesting how the classroom is divided.
And the loners waiting for someone to invite them, except for Sylphie and me, who are loners but at least have each other to help in these kinds of situations.
I did a lot of group projects in the past, but I paid the smart kids in class to do everything and say I helped. Going to public schools with poor kids was very useful for never failing a school year, since I even managed to bribe teachers to pass me with the minimum grade at the end.
My parents never found out, because it was money I took from the school delinquents in exchange for not humiliating them.
Some tried to betray me, I won't deny it, but they ended up regretting that decision.
"Ah, well, let's get started."
"Y-yes."
(Tuesday Schedule)
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Humanities (Philosophy, Classical Literature, and Contemporary Art)
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM: Break (40 minutes)
9:10 AM - 10:40 AM: Foreign Language
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM: Rest (20 minutes)
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Advanced Programming and Technology (Programming Languages and Cybersecurity)
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Integrated Sciences (Molecular Biology and Organic Chemistry)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Leadership and Ethics