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ลำดับตอนที่ #13 : Chapter 3 - From the passing days
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"Huh, Kannagi-kun?"
Suddenly called out from behind, Ayano reflexively turned her
head around.
Seizing the cuff of Kazuma's jacket who was about to continue
walking without change, she stopped him and searched for the owner of the
voice.
From approximately ten meters behind, two women were looking
their way. Both were in the first half of their twenties. She didn't know them.
"Kannagi-kun? "
Whereas Ayano was concerned, that way of calling was somewhat
weird.
Leaving aside elderly men, it was weird for two young women to
use kun with an even younger one.
But at the same time it didnd't look like a mistake. Those two
were looking straight here, no, Kazuma's way.
"Aha"
Suddenly understanding. She completely forgot about it but
Kazuma was Ayano's relative.
For someone who only knew the Kazuma for years ago, he was Kannagi
Kazuma.
"Hey"
Tugging at the jacket she didn't let go off yet, she said to
Kazuma.
"Aren't those two your acquaintances? "
"Don't know them"
But Kazuma's answer was short.
"I am Yagami Kazuma. I don't plan to answer to such
a rotten way of calling like 『Kannagi-kun』"
"Rotten, huh...."
"Hey, you're Kannagi-kun right? "
Seeming to overhear their conversation, that voice increased
it's volume, gaining confidence.
"Kannagi-kun"
"Let's go"
But even so, Kazuma obstinately ignored the call. But---
"......Kazuma"
The subdued voice of the other woman stopped Kazuma in his
tracks.
On his always slovenly face, an atypical expression of shock
showed.
"Kazuma? "
Not minding Ayano's quizzical stare, Kazuma slowly turned
around.
Accompanied by Kazuma, Ayano was walking around the campus of a
metropolitan national university.
Obviously, it wasn't a date.
They had work. A simple one.
The extermination of an evil spirit (Akuryou) that haunted the
institution and attacked students.
That type of Akuryou wasn't powerful enough to be death inducing
but was sucking the vitality from students and making them faint.
After they found it, it would be settled in three seconds.
With that intention while they were searching for the Akuryou's
presence, they were aimlessly walking around campus.
"Hmmm, so that's what an University feels like. "
Giving up from the start such an unsuitable job like searching
for Kehai, Ayano was inspecting the surroundings curiously.
She was a high school second year student so she was at the
point were she had to start to seriously think about University any time now.
She didn't know yet if she would choose this university but
wanting to see what an university was all about with her own eyes, she forgot
about the job and was
exclusively inspecting the campus.
While observing it, Ayano innocently asked.
"Kazuma, you didn't want to go to college? "
"And use the time spent investigating elsewhere? "
"No, not like that. Did you think about attending college
while you were a high school student? "
"Not really", replied Kazuma indifferent from the
bottom of his heart.
"Academic background is useless in our field of work"
"That's true. Besides, you left school during your senior
year. It's unlikely they would let you take the university exam after all this
time. "
"What are you saying? I properly graduated from high
school. "
"Huh? "
Opening her eyes wide in amazement, Ayano searched her memory in
a panic.
"Wait a minute, you left home while you were eighteen, if
I'm not mistaken, the winter of your third high school year. Are you trying to
say that in your travels,
while planning your revenge, you took your high school
graduation exam? "
"What incomprehensible things are you saying? 『Yagami Kazuma』 led a proper
high school life and graduated. Being a person without relatives, I am sure he
paid for
his high school expenses by working. "
Kazuma recited his own personal history as if talking about a
different person.
Confused by the discrepancy between that content and her own recollection,
Ayano suddenly realized something.
She asked in a strangely monotonous, flat voice.
"Hey, Kazuma, what does your family register say? "
"Name Yagami Kazuma. No dependents "
"Don't go about, forging official documents, you criminal!
"
Grabbing Kazuma, who spoke so shamelessly, by the collar, Ayano
shouted.
"Isn't it fine? Even for me there times when I want to put
on airs ans say 『I graduated from high school at least』"
While wanting to shout liar! you simply wanted to cut off all
connection with the Kannagi, Ayano awkwardly shut her mouth.
Being ostracized to that extent was definitely the result of her
own family's action.
"..........................................Kyan!? "
As if trying to point upward Ayano's face, casting her eyes down,
Kazuma poked her forehead with his finger.
Facing the girl who was now glaring at him while pouting, he
bluntly said:
"That's not something you should worry about"
"But...."
"No buts. Aah, there's no helping it, the wall is this
way"
"Wall, what wall? "
"Hmm? Putting your hands on the wall and hanging your head
in shame and doing some 『meditation』, don't you know about it? "
"Am I some sort of monkey?", shouted Ayano forgetting
the unpleasantness she felt a few seconds ago.
Being called out from behind, it happened just when they were
having that trivial conversation.
Matching Kazuma who clumsily turned around, Ayano too changed
the orientation of her body.
After exactly half a rotation, two women were standing in the
middle of her field of vision.
First was the one who apparently called out Kazuma. While
watching him and saying "Aah, so it really was Kannagi-kun---"
she waved her hand while smiling.
And, the other one. An atmosphere of tension flowing around her,
with folded arms she gazed at Kazuma with half opened eyes.
Seeming to harbor some ill feelings towards him, her glance was
grim.
Kazuma too, seemed to focus on her.
At the very least, she didn't seem in the mood to laugh or wave
her hand.
The atmosphere was full of unrest and finally, Kazuma called out
her name.
".......Yuzuha......."
Hirai Yuzuha forcefully opened her eyes wide and pretended to be
surprised.
"Waah, how surprising. Did you remember my name? Or maybe
you remained silent until now because you were trying to remember? "
As if stabbed by those malicious words, Kazuma faintly caught
his breath.
On his part it wasn't acting but he looked truly astonished.
".........you're surprisingly direct, huh?"
"People change in four years. I understood that if I were
to remain silent, I would have been carelessly tossed aside again, just like
you did after you finished
using me"
"................"
Facing that tone full of thorns, this time Kazuma remained
silent.
Not in a position to disturb the conversation, Ayano compared
those two in blank amazement. It was the first time she saw Kazuma cornered so
one-sided.
That sort of scene which was supposed to give her intense
pleasure was not amusing for some reason.
While observing those two staring at each other in silence or
rather glaring at each other, she was trying to conjecture their relationship.
The answer was immediately obvious.
Because there were three keywords: 『Kannagi-kun』, 『four years』, 『tossed aside』.
Tugging at the cuff of Kazuma's jacket to attract his attention,
Ayano asked in a small voice.
"Is that person Kazuma's former girlfriend perhaps? From
when you were still in Japan? "
".........yeah"
"She seems considerably angry, did you treat her that
badly? "
"................no, prior to that"
Not 『that's not true』 but 『prior to that』. Thinking
about that meaning, Ayano suddenly noticed the possibility of the worst kind of
treatment she could have received.
All the same wishing he could deny it, she murmured.
"No way, when you left Japan, you couldn't possibly have
left without telling her anything, right? "
"................"
Not replying, Kazuma casually looked away. That answer was
eloquent above all else.
"You're the worst"
Leaving the girl he dated without previous notice and not
contacting her for four and a half years.
Different from a circumstance like having an accident, it
obviously happened because he simply forgot about it.
If she were to forgive him while smiling, rather than an angel
or a saint, she would be just stupid.
Just by looking at her expression, the woman named Yuzuha didn't
look like the later.
Of course, Ayano had no intention of interfering with such a
righteous justice.
She wouldn't go as far as killing but she seriously thought he
deserved at least one stabbing wound.
But----
In this kind of situation Ayano's attitude could be called
nothing if not careless.
Even though it was for the purpose of not letting Yuzuha
overhear their conversation, for the purpose of whispering in the ear of a
taller person, there's no way to
do it but by getting really close and cling to te said tall
person.
Leaning her body towards his as if trying to embrace him and
bringing her lips close to his ear while tiptoeing, that sort of appearance was
obviously not the way
『just a friend』 would act.
Becoming aware of a cold gaze, Ayano turned around.
Yuzuha's gaze full of hostility was even--- no, was exclusively
turned her way.
She separated from Kazuma on the spot but naturally at this
point it was meaningless, so a verbal attack sharp as a spear was turned
towards her.
"Humph, is that girl your current girlfriend? You caught a
really adorable one this time, didn't you? "
"That's not true! I am just a work partner! ", Ayano
promptly exclaimed.
After doing so, she realized cutting into the conversation at this
point would really get her involved but it was already too late.
"Really? "
Yuzuha looked scrutinizing at Ayano's appearance, of course her
school uniform, and snorted, making fun of her.
"What job does a female high school student have?
Prostituting yourself for that gigolo? "
"Wha---?"
Becoming speechless at the excessive contempt, the next instant
she became enraged.
While she was about jump her while burning with anger but after
she took just one step, she was grabbed and held by Kazuma.
"Calm down. The other party is an ordinary person. "
"That's got nothing to do with it! After being insulted so,
as a woman, do you think I can back down!? "
"Just calm down already. Let's go eat candy
afterwards"
"Don't need it! "
Ayano shouted but she couldn't escape from Kazuma's constraint.
The glint in Ayano's eyes, glaring from inside Kazuma's arms and
Yuzuha's gaze, accepting it, collided and the space in between gave off sparks.
"Geez"
Letting out a sight while amazed, Kazuma gently caressed Ayano's
hair as if trying to soothe her and told her.
"You, return home before me. I have something to settle.
"
"What about the job? "
"I'll pass today. Leave it for tomorrow. "
".......well, that's fine with me"
Agreeing to it with a somewhat negligent attitude, Ayano relaxed
her body and removed the constraint, turned her back to them and walked away.
She looked over her shoulder once. She met Yuzuha's gaze.
Those pupils shining so coldly were, without a doubt, full with
animosity towards Ayano.
Leaving through the main entrance, with a very natural movement
Kazuma turned towards his left.
Placing Ayano leaning against the gave post at the center of his
field of vision, he said a few brief words.
"Did you wait long? "
"I- I didn't wait for you or anything. I was investigating
alone so it already became this hour........wait! "
Not listening to that poor excuse until th end, Kazuma started
walking.
With a half run Ayano caught up with him and trying to look as
unconcerned as possible, that was her own personal opinion, she started talking
about the pending
issue.
"So, what are you going to do about Yuzuha-san? "
"What do you mean? "
"I mean, are you getting back together or something? You
know, that person still seemed to have lingering feelings for you"
"---That so? "
"Yes! Otherwise, she wouldn't have glared even at me! It's
because she is absolutely mistaken our relationship! "
While talking on and on and faintly blushing, Ayano pressed the
question once more.
"...........what are you going to do? "
"Nothing much"
"Nothing much, you say........"
"At the very least, this is not the kind of situation one
would think of getting back together, right? If you were in Yuzuha's place,
what would you do? "
"What...hmmmm...to sum it up--- if the man I previously
dated suddenly absconded and nonchalantly appeared before my eyes after more
than four years, what would I
do, huh? Moreover, he is accompanied by a woman. "
"...........something like that"
Faced with Ayano's point blank representation, Kazuma
momentarily faltered, as if his delicate sensitivity could be hurt at this late
hour.
Even more mercilessly, Ayano replied.
"I would stab you. Isn't it obvious? "
".......it was obvious, huh........?", murmured
Kazuma, his face having a cramp.
But he suddenly pulled himself together and shrugged his
shoulders.
"If I think about it, it's pointless to ask you about the
reaction of an ordinary woman. "
"What do you mean? "
"Just what I said"
Glaring at Kazuma who answered calmly, Ayano moaned.
"Well, even if there aren't a lot of people who would
seriously try to kill you, the number of people who could forgive you while
smiling is even lower, you know? Is
Yuzuha-san such a generous, overflowing with generosity kind of
person? "
Of course, that wasn't possible.
In stead of answering, Kazuma nonchalantly adverted his eyes.
"-----Geez, Yuzuha-san too, just what did she like so much
about you? "
Those uttered words didn't have a very profound meaning but for
a moment Kazuma's face stiffened as if he was hit in a very painful spot and he
showed a bitter
smile.
"........well, maybe because we were really similar? "
"Eeh? "
"The Yuzuha from that time---- was introverted and had such
a weak nature to the point you couldn't even imagine it now, she always looking
down, the kind of girl who couldn't look you in the eyes when talking. "
"......you serious? "
Hearing that personal sketch that was totally different from her
present appearance, Ayano was amazed.
"Her grades were good but because of that she was pressured
by the expectations from her peers so she developed an examination neurosis.
So, me being who I am, at that time, because I was openly bullied, my stomach
was hurting every day so she was taking me to the nurse"
"Open bullying? You!? "
Just then, she noticed it.
Four and a half years ago was the time when Kazuma was preparing
for 『Inheritance Ceremony』 that would
decide Enraiha's Master and who would bring the next era for Kannagi.
Certainly, from the difference in their ability at that time, it
was completely obvious it was impossible for him to win even before the match.
"How exactly did you see the family's sacred ritual? "
"Just like I said, open bullying"
"Aah, geez"
About to fly into a rage, Ayano managed to control herself one
way or another.
At such times it's pointless to complain to Kazuma.
Mentally counting inside her head, she calmed her heart and
resumed the conversation.
"So? If you are trying to say she supported you, doesn't it
mean she has the right to resent you even more? How do you plan to compensate
for it? "
".............."
Hearing Ayano's censure, Kazuma looked at the sky as if trying
to find the answer there. And then, with a frivolous smile he said.
"Well, anyway. Let's settle the incident and not come
around here anymore. I don't like bloodsheds"
Ayano could no nothing but coldly glare at the lowlife that
blabbered such words without any sense of responsibility.
The next day.
Ayano who once more came to the campus accompanied by Kazuma,
was stepping forward full of vigilance toward her surroundings as if there was
something shady about them.
"...........what are you doing? ", asked Kazuma amazed
by her very suspicious person-like appearance.
"Against the opponent this time, there's no need to take so
many precautions, you know? "
"That's Akuryo doesn't matter", murmured Ayano that
for some reason lost her sense of purpose.
"Is some bill collector chasing you? "
"Of course not! It's about Yuzuha-san! For the sake of
explanation, your ex-girlfriend! "
".......No, it only happened yesterday so I didn't forget
about her but why are you worrying about that? "
"Because that person was more hostile towards me than she
was towards you"
"Is that so? "
Was he serious or was he playing innocent, Kazuma murmured so as
if it was another person's business.
"It is so. Besides---"
"Besides? "
".......nothing", mumbled Ayano, casting her eyes
down, spiritless.
Kazuma looked at Ayano somewhat suspicious but dodged the issue
by evading investigation and said.
"If if you worry about it, we won't meet her. This place is
wide and she's a fourth year student. She's not coming to school every
day"
"Fourth year? She's one year younger than you? "
"No, we're the same age. It seems she failed her college
entrance exams the first time"
"How pitiful"
Including the implicit 『It's your fault』, Ayano murmured words of compassion.
Thinking along the same lines, Kazuma shrugged his shoulders in
silence.
"Well, that's the way it is"
While he was about to say 『Don't worry
about it』 or something to that effect, Kazuma suddenly stopped in
mid-sentence.
Following his gaze, Ayano petrified.
Yuzuha was standing there. She was accompanied by the same
friend as yesterday.
Even for Yuzuha, the development was unexpected. When she saw
Kazuma her eyes opened wide but becoming filled with a sinister feeling, they
gradually narrowed.
But as if he didn't notice that restless presence, Kazuma
lightly raised his hand and greeted then cheerfully.
"Hi Yuzuha and---"
"Fujino Saki! You heard it yesterday, don't forget it!
", shouted Saki at the cold hearted ex-classmate.
But Kazuma continued not minding her.
"Aah, yeah. How unexpected to meet you here. Ha ha ha"
Kazuma showed a very flimsy smile. Seeing that, Yuzuha's gaze
became cold beyond limit.
"I thought I told you never to show your face me?.......to
make matters worse, you're still accompanied by that woman"
"Auuuuu......"
That gaze full of hostility pointed towards her, Ayano quietly
moaned. While simultaneously venting her anger, she aimed an elbow strike at
his side.
As if she would have hit a wall, Kazuma didn't give even an
inch.
"Why didn't you realize it sooner? "
"No, it's because I didn't care about it at all"
Hearing those words showing indifference from the bottom of his
heart, Yuzuha looked even more grim.
Of course, her focus was Ayano.
"Y- you idiot! "
While abusing Kazuma in her heart, Ayano showed a forced smile
towards Kazuma.
"H-hello, Yuzuha-san"
"---What?"
"Kazuma and I, it's true we're only together for the job,
there's nothing you need to worry about"
"Humph"
Facing Ayano who was smiling stiffly, Yuzuha showed a
bewitching, extraordinarily dangerous smile.
"You mean, no matter how I treat this man, you won't
complain, is that what you mean? "
"Y-yeah, please do. Whether it's boiling, burning, kicking
him in a pool of sulfuric acid, please do as you wish!"
"Hey"
Kazuma made a small retort but it fell on deaf ears.
"Then, taking up your offer, I'll do as I please"
Saying so, Yuzuha came up to Kazuma. Speedily, without any
hesitation Ayano took a few steps back from Kazuma.
Yuzuha stood in front of Kazuma. Looking at her former lover
with an unreadable expression, Kazuma looked down to her with a wry smile.
"Be gentle"
Without replying, Yuzuha's hand reached out Kazuma's neck. Her
fingers gently traced his trachea and then the carotid artery.
"----eeh?"
Without hesitating in front of other people, they exchanged a
passionate embrace.
"I wanted to see you----"
Pressing her face into Kazuma's chest, Yuzuha whispered those
words overflowing with emotion.
"I always, always waited for your return"
With a sidelong glance at the dumbfounded Ayano, standing on
tiptoes, eyes closed , she invited the kiss. Kazuma didn't resist her either.
Both their lips, slowly but steadily drew near----
"Wait a minute! "
When the distance was no more than one centimeter, Ayano
involuntarily shouted.
In that instant, from Yuzuha's face all trace of sweetness
disappeared.
"Aah--"
Looking at Ayano who shut her mouth realizing she had been
played, Yuzuha showed a triumphant smile.
"Did you think you could deceive me? When you're making
such an easy to understand expression"
"Ugh....."
Having completely been seen through, Ayano couldn't even talk
back.
In contrast, behaving like he didn't understand their exchange,
he pushed out his lips so exaggeratedly it became comical.
"Huh? Yuzuha, the continuation? "
"Let go of me already! "
Heartlessly, Yuzuha hit Kazuma's face with her elbow, swinging
the entire force of her body. The blown off Kazuma fell on his backside on the
ground, grasping his
cheek--- although his chin was hit, and let out a voice of
grief.
"How cruel, Yuzuha, did you toy with me? "
Overlooking Kazuma spouting such spoiled words, her eyes reached
zero temperature. After she let out a small breath, she looked at Ayano.
"It's not something I should say but you really don't have
a discerning eye when it comes to men. "
"No, that's not--- "
"You'll never become satisfied dating this king of man who
only has his looks about him"
"Ha? "
Hearing those unexpected words, Ayano blinked.
"Who are you talking about? "
"I'm talking about Kazuma, isn't it obvious? About this
guy, when it comes to his face, the art of conversation or sports, only things
of surface, he's reasonably a
turn-on but it's almost like he has no human depth about him!
"
"----Eeh? "
Hearing that discrepancy in the otherwise contrastive to her her
opinion evaluation to the point it was praiseworthy, Ayano was perplexed.
For her, it was pretty much the reverse.
In spite of the everyday laziness of the nastiest kind of guy,
when it's important, he was more reliable than anyone else----
"-----Aah"
Realising the reason, Ayano slapped her palms together.
It's obvious it would be different.
She was acknowledging Yagami Kazuma whereas Yuzuha was
evaluating Yagami Kazuma.
Even if he had exceedingly more ability than an average person,
because he didn't expect anything from his own life, he wasn't confident in
himself, the one who
couldn't build a firm self, Kannagi Kazuma.
"But even so----"
She looked fixedly at Kazuma.
"What? "
"No, I just don't think I would call you handsome even if
you were to stand quietly"
".........As expected, I am reluctant to hear that from
you"
"What did you say!? "
The exploding girl who, if she had the inclination to stay quiet
would be a really beautiful girl, turned into a heroic shout.
"Well, let's put a stop to the comedy for now"
"You're the only one laughing"
After Ayano's smooth comeback, Kazuma informed her.
"It's time to work, Ayano"
Just then, Ayano's face completely changed. She asked as a
Jutsushi.
"Where?"
"That way. Someone will become a victim any time now"
"Can I stop it?"
"Just let it be. From the previous cases someone has yet to
die"
"Aah, you're such an idiot! "
Telling him so, Ayano started running i the direction Kazuma
pointed.
In the blink of an eye, she vanished from his field of vision.
"Huh, what sort of work are you doing? ", asked Saki
looking at the back of the girl fading away.
Without answering immediately, Kazuma turned to Yuzuha and
shrugged his shoulders.
"This is good news for both of us. We won't be meeting any
more, it's done"
"............"
Yuzuha was silent, only her eyes became colder. Speaking in her
stead, utterly amazed, Saki said:
"Hey Kazuma-kun, haven't you been called an idiot or
insensitive or the enemy of women before? "
"I'm not the enemy of woman. With this, bye"
With that vague answer, Kazuma started walking towards Ayano.
But as if natural, Yuzuha and Saki followed after him.
".......both of you, where are you going? "
Smiling at his question, Saki said:
"Because it seems interesting"
"I can go wherever I want", said Yuzuha
".......You are quite right"
Not risking the foolishness to object, Kazuma readily agreed.
And without minding them anymore, he started walking again.
"-----Eeh?"
Arriving at the actual scene, Saki let out a senile voice.
It was a small pedestrian path close to the campus beside the
school buildings and the groove of trees. Two men collapsed there.
There was a girl wrapped in dancing flames. A black mist-like
substance was surrounding the girl---
"What, is that? "
"Something that's useless for you to know about, one more
reality"
"Useless for us to know about, you said? "
"Even if you did, there is nothing you can do about it so
don't mind it"
As he said so without any reservation, the flame that clad Ayano
violently flared up.
The brilliant red sword gripped in her hand emitted a dazzling
brilliance and the black shadow was thoroughly burned after she flashed it
once.
"-----?"
Feeling a faint discomfort, Kazuma sharpened his senses. But he
didn't feel any abnormality.
"Was I imagining things? "
Without investigating too deeply, he greeted the approaching
Ayano.
The first thing she said was an irritated declaration.
"Since everything was quickly solved wasn't graceful of you
to come sightsee? -----Moreover, you're yet again accompanied by women."
"It's not like I brought them along. Besides, what does yet
again mean, huh? "
Warding off Ayano's sarcasm, Kazuma announced the completion of
the job.
"Then, shall we head home? "
"What about Yuzuha-san? "
"If I would ask you 『What the----』 I'll be embarrassed, what am I supposed to do? "
".........that's alright. I have some unfinished business
so go back before me"
"Business? "
"Just beat it already! "
Waving her hand unkindly, Ayano drove away the nuisance.
After Kazuma was out of sight, Ayano suddenly turned around to
Yuzuha and bowed her head very deeply.
"I must apologize, the one responsible for the cause that
drove Kazuma away from home is me"
She thought she must say this no matter what. She could not turn
a blind eye to it. It can't be helped if she's being cursed at.
Because she was certainly responsible in part for the the way
those two's relationship ended.
"What do you mean? "
In reply to Yuzuha's quizzical inquire, Ayano introduced
herself.
"My name is Kannagi Ayano"
"Kannagi?"
That was Kazuma's surname, the one Yuzuha knew.
Instantly her expression became grim but suddenly thinking back
upon it, she shook her head.
"You too don't look like you're married. Are you too
brother and sister? "
"No, second cousins "
And so, Ayano started explaining. About the occupation of the
Kannagi Clan, their way of life and the reason that resulted in Kazuma running
away from home.
"Hee"
In stead of Yuzuha who remained silent, feeling amazed or
admiration, Saki let out a voice mingling both.
"What a stern household"
".........yes"
Strictly speaking Genma was responsible for Kazuma's
disinheritance, Juugo had already thought about the course of Kazuma's future
but that was no excuse.
The one that drove the Kazuma of those days into a corner to
that extent was beyond doubt her own family, the source of that warped
predisposition and tradition.
If Kazuma wouldn't have been born in the Kannagi main family, he
would have gotten to grow up more ordinarily but much more sound.
He could have chose his own happiness and he would have had much
less sad experiences.
Even the way he dealt with Yuzuha, Ayano cannot blame him even
for that. She has no right to.
The boy who was only eighteen years old was driven out by the
family who negated his very being.
It is unthinkable he had enough composure to think of other
people.
"So? "
Breaking the silence, Yuzuha asked in a dry voice.
"After all, what is it that you're trying to say to me?
"
"Well, I want you to understand him. About you, Kazuma
definitely didn't want to-----!?"
Those words defending him were unexpectedly interrupted. Because
from the back an arm strangled her.
"You, just what in the world are you blurting out? "
"K-Kazuma!? You're supposed to have gone--- "
Hearing the voice she least expected, Ayano raised a cry of
surprise--- and in the next second her face flushed and she got angry.
"Aah, did you eavesdrop? How disgusting! "
"I don't want to hear that from someone like you, indiscreetly
talking about other people's private business. "
"But..."
Touching Kazuma's arm circling her neck, Ayano pouted her lips
as if sulking.
But not moved by that, he spoke close to her ear as if scolding
her harshly.
"No buts. I don't remember living such a miserable life
that I need to be pitied by you"
"Nobody is pitying you! I just didn't want you to continue
being misunderstood"
"And didn't I tell you not to concern yourself with that?
"
"........Just stop it already"
"What!"
"What, huh? Eeh? "
After a few seconds of time lag passed and they realized the
voice of a third party disturbed their conversation, they both turned around at
the same time.
And their gaze fixed all alike ao that speaker, Yuzuha, her
shoulders trembling.
Like in a whisper but carrying a terrific anger, she murmured.
"I thought I can be quiet about this but can you two stop
showing such intimacy and flirting so shamelessly in public? "
"Flirting? "
"Intimacy? Who is she talking about? "
Those two who weren't conscious they quarrel made others want to
avoid them, sincere in their curiosity, spoke like that with exquisite timing.
In the end, that was the last straw before Yuzuha snapped.
"How good for you! You have such a lovely girlfriend! You
look really happy! Even though you didn't remember about me!?
Even though I always waited for you!! "
Yuzuha's anger turned into a devastating tempest. This is not a
metaphor, her anger was accompanied by an inhuman 〈Ki〉, violently disturbing the atmosphere.
"Wh- wait, eeh? "
"Aah, as I thought"
Contrasting with Ayano's confused attitude, with an expression
of understanding, Kazuma feebly grumbled.
"We failed to kill it, it was only injured, the one from
before"
"Eeh, no way! "
"I felt something strange. I wanted to investigate a bit
more but-- so it went to Yuzuha, huh"
It used his psychological blind spot. No way, it didn't aimed
for this since the beginning----
Unable to understand the situation, Saki screamed,, looking
upset.
"Eeh, hey, what is happening? Is Yuzuha being possessed by
that monster earlier? "
"Well, being possessed may be wrong in this situation"
Kazuma fleetingly looked at Yuzuha.
The ghostly, underlining rage emited from her entire body
slapped onto him like bare killing intent.
The glint in her eye was changed to that of a vengeful demon,
the antipode of serenity, but at the same time it was released involuntarily.
"Isn't more that thing was the one taken in? "
The will of that thing possessing Yuzuha was overwhelmed by
Yuzuha's own will. That's how Kazuma saw it.
"Human can be from time to time amazing, huh? "
"Hey, it's fine that you're admiring it but what is going
to happen to Yuzuha? No way, you're not going to use that flame sword on her?
"
As if trying to assure Saki who timidly asked so, Ayano waved her
hand.
"No, if I would use it Yuzuha-san would die too"
And then she winked at Kazuma.
"Can I leave this to you, Kazuma? "
"Well, there's no helping it. By the way--- "
Agreeing to it but giving a throughly reluctant impression,
Kazuma suddenly shifted his attention towards Saki.
"Back then if Yuzuha would have snapped like this instead
of being docile, it would have been great "
"She's even better now"
"...........Good grief"
Hearing that immediate retaliation, shrugging his shoulders as
if saying 『What a troublesome thing』, Kazuma slowly
faced Yuzuha.
And then, warding off that violent ghostly storm like it were
wind, he aimlessly stepped forward.
"With this, it seems we'll finally be frank with each
other"
Taken by the evil spirit, because the cage holding her heart was
broken, because the mask that obstinately shut Yuzuha's feelings crumbled,
Kazuma became aware of
it.
Because she cracked, in comparison to the unapproachable girl
until now, maybe they will be able to talk somewhat sincerely.
But, flushing with anger, Yuzuha turned down his proposal.
"Wh- what are you saying? There's nothing to talk about
anymore! "
"Is that so? There's a lot, though"
"There isn't! Because-- because for you my existence didn't
matter at all from the beginning! Because you didn't go out with me because you
loved me! "
"That's was the same for you, right? ", replied Kazuma
in a somewhat bitter tone.
That wasn't love, the present Kazuma understands that. They were
just two people who got together because they had no other place to go.
Because he couldn't stand by himself, he searched someone to
cling on.
While simultaneously the other party would search for the same
thing, giving him the illusion he's needed by someone, he's not a worthless person.
While reciprocally depending on the other, coming together to
lick their wounds, an ugly relationship that seemed very miserable.
That is the reality. But even so---
"I was fine with anyone. By chance it became you. That's
how it was. But--- "
Interrupting his words for a second, he looked at Yuzuha.
Her bristled hair, her raised eyes, a ghastly expression as if
waking up from a hundred years old love.
But he was sure the trace of her own self from four years ago
remained.
The trace of that girl who really stood next to him by her own
will, setting aside process and reason.
"But still I am glad that it was you"
"------!!"
Yuzuha gasped at the unexpected confession and next, she
trembled with anger.
"Do you think I can believe that after all this time!
"
As if in agreement with her anger, the asphalt covering the
ground tore off and aimed at Kazuma with a murderous intent. Knocking it off
with wind, Kazuma continued
with a serious look.
"It is true. The time we were together was truly enjoyable.
Even though futile"
Because after all it was only a 『love make
believe game』
"It was the same for you, right? "
Yuzuha was silent. But her silence was clearly an affirmation.
Before they knew, the ghostly storm stopped. She stopped it.
She asked her former lover standing in front of her in an uneasy
tone:
"Did Kazuma really like me? "
"Yeah"
"I liked Kazuma too"
"Yeah"
For the first time,from the bottom of his heart, Kazuma tenderly
embraced Yuzuha who finally shook free from the feeling it was over.
The blue shining wind softly enveloped her and purified the
devilishness dwelling in her.
After she lost consciousness, Kazuma supported the exhausted
Yuzuha.
And then he deliberately looked over his shoulder.
"It's done"
"This womanizer"
"............is that the first thing you say? "
"What else could I call you? Yuzuha-san, she'll definitely
never forget about you! "
"But I thought this was the best way to finish
purification, no questions asked"
"Well that may be true---- what are you doing? "
Kazuma's hands at delicately but suspiciously inspected the
shape of the fainted Yuzuha's body.
Without stopping even when asked, Kazuma answered.
"Well, in the four years that passed it seemed she grew in
various ways"
Without hesitating Ayano grabbed a piece of asphalt that rolled
next to her and grabbing it tightly, she threw it with all her power.
"You sexual harassing son of a
bitch!!!!"
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