How To Ruin A Love Comedy

Last update for a while, because I have midterms, sorry!

***

Square.

X mark drawn by a red pencil.

I was tense until I saw the last question was wrong, then immediately let out a sigh.

“Haaah…”

Out of the five I needed. I got four, which was not enough.

Compared to me who was in despair, Tetsuya’s face was bright.

That bastard got seven questions correct.

“Tetsuya-kun, good job.”

At Miyuki’s compliments, Tetsuya scratched his head to show his embarrassment.

To be compared to that asshole of all things. I feel dirty.

I can now understand why Miyuki set fifty percent as the goal for me.

I was immensely disappointed, and my competitive spirit rose substantially.

I sat as if I was going to smash my head into the table,

“Matsuda-kun… Honestly surprised me. I thought you would get two right at most, but I couldn’t even imagine that you would get four right. You even solved them the correct way.”

I raised my head at Miyuki’s high praises.

Miyuki hid her smile and continued speaking.

“I can see you studied really hard. Isn’t that commendable? Matsuda-kun.”

It kind of felt like a tone you use to praise children, but I was extremely happy regardless.

This is must be why people study.

You get other people to appreciate you.

“I’m the kind of person to work hard if I get started on something.”

“You’re already acting arrogantly? Even if you did well, you’re still far from your goal. This is the very very basics.”

Harsh.

At least I wasn’t being compared with Tetsuya.

I was trying to think positively and trying to plan the next event,

Brrrr!

I looked at my phone when it started vibrating.

[Shimoyama Sunbae]

(TL NOTE: Yes they use Sunbae and not Senpai here. Just like how they use Nim randomly.)

Shimoyama…? Who was this guy?

I remembered with a bit of effort.

Shimoyama Akiro.

He’s the second year that’s the head of Superi circle.

To describe Shimoyama in one sentence, he was the same as the old me.

But why did he call me?

“Who is it?”

I gestured to wait a sec to the curious Miyuki.

“Yes, Sunbae.”

You know about the hideout right?

It was in Gabukisho corner, in the basement of the building that the Superi circle uses.

“I know of it.”

Come over here now.

He cut the call right after.

Listening to his voice, he must not have been a good mood. I’ll probably receive a beating.

However, I see this as a good opportunity.

A preview of the big incident that will take place right after school break ends.

Miyuki’s heat changed this weekend, so I should create another event that with me in the leading position soon.

Honestly, I’m scared as fuck, but I have to do this for the future.

I spoke to the two people seriously.

“Today’s session should be just the two of you.”

“Yeah…? Why?”

“I have some work to do. Finish studying and leave when you’re done. The door auto locks so don’t worry about that.”

At my low pitched voice, Miyuki deduced that it was a serious situation, and replied.

“O-Okay… When it’s over, call use immediately.”

“OK.”

**

The Superi circle’s hideout did not give off a flashy or modern vibe like those of gangs that you see in movies.

It was rather shabby and run-down, like the hideouts of the villains in old crime movies.

As I headed down, I saw the first year gangsters in standing at attention.

They were lined up on both sides, about ten people on each side.

I made eye contact with Takashi who stood in the middle, and tried to stand at the very end.

However, Shiomoyama who was sitting the couch in the middle, stopped me.

“Ken! You have to come here you bastard. Why’s the first year captain going there?’

Captain. The way they speak are so childish.

At least lets be grateful that they didn’t call me Oyabun. (TL note: Oyabun is the head position of Yakuza)

Shimoyama was an ugly and skinny bastard who had two golden teeth.

I heard he hit his teeth on a jagged rock while fighting… It somehow suits him.

I walked in front of the bastard and bowed once.

“Hello.”

In response to the rude greeting, Shimoya’s eyes twitched.

He stared at me for a moment.

I was a little scared when he called me because of his voice, but he looked so weak in person that it was laughable.

As I kept staring Shimoya down, he suddenly stood up and got right up to my nose.

As I was thinking that your breath fucking stinks. Get lost…

Shimoyama raised the corners of his mouth.

There’s that saying. That psychopaths act serious, getting a feel of the atmosphere, then just suddenly start smiling…

Normally I would have had goose bumps, but I don’t feel anything.

As I possessed Matsuda Ken, I must have gotten his tolerance.

“Bastard… You grew quite a bit?”

“Thank you.”

Shimoyama grabbed the back of my neck and spoke.

“Anyways, you know about Inagi Academy right?”

Inagi Academy…

It was an academy very far from Yaeboni Academy, which I attend.

I suppose the gangsters there have bad blood with the Superi circle?

“I know.”

“This Friday bring some guys, and beat some of their students. Make sure you are wearing your uniform.”

Aha, so you’re going to start a fight between the two schools.

What should I do?

Should I participate in the fight pretending that I still care about the circle?

Or should I show that I’m starting to get cold feet?

I chose the latter.

It wasn’t even punishing a wrong doer, it was just to stir some beef between schools.

If it gets out that I was punching people, I will lose a ton of affection points with Miyuki.

“Did Inagi’s side do something wrong?”

“Huh? What did you just say?”

Shimoyama put his hand to his ear, insinuating that he must have heard me wrong.

I put on a look of discomfort as I scratched my chin with my index finger.

Crack!

My head spun around with the loud sound.

It stings. He’s a lot stronger than he looks.

Could you hit me more in one spot so it swells?

I tilted my head back to where it was before, and nodded.

Then, Shimomaya rolled up the sleeves of his Yaeboni uniform shirt.

“What the hell does this bastard think he’s doing in front of… Yo, when have we ever fought while considering their feelings? You son of a bitch?”

“Even if that’s the case…”

Bam!

This time it’s a fist. Very good.

I tilted my head back just like before.

And Shimoyama who thought I was being disrespectful, grabbed me by my head.

Then started mercilessly hitting me in the face.

Bam! Bam!

Whenever I got hit, my nose would bleed, my cheekbones hurt, and my chin and under my eyes stung.

But when I focused on holding back Matsuda Ken’s violent nature, it was somewhat bearable.

If this guy was a little bit bigger, it would have hurt like shit.

After hitting me ten times, Shimoyama looked at me who didn’t scream once as if he was fed up, and stopped punching me.

Then he spoke to Takashi, who I was the closest to.

“Yo, what’s wrong with this bastard?”

“Yes…? N-No. I will try to explain clearly.”

“Nah, you go take care of the Inagi in his stead. Alright?”

“Ose!”

The greeting used in the Japanese martial arts.

I couldn’t hold back my laughter at the sound I never expected to heard in real life.

“Pfft!”

I just realized, but Takashi’s reactions… are very much like a supporting character in a love comedy.

I looked around, as I covered my mouth and giggled.

“…”

The already cold basement felt even colder.

When I saw Shimoyama’s eyes boil with anger, I clenched my teeth.

I’ll just get hit again. As long as it’s not too extreme.

**

“You dumbass… What were you thinking snickering in that situation?”

Takashi spoke as he helped me walk.

I spit out the blood that kept filling my mouth before speaking.

“No but… It’s funny…”

“What is exactly?”

“Ose…”

“Did you really eat something weird today? You almost got me beat up too. Is it your first time seeing it?”

“I haven’t seen it often…”

“Well that’s true… Phew… Shit… I don’t know. Just go home and rest. I can’t even describe how you look.”

I thought he was just a gangster but he has some loyalty.

I’ll compliment you.

I silently nodded, and walked home with Takashi.

My hands were shaking as I pulled out my key, and Takashi questioned me worrying.

“You look like you’re gonna collapse on the way… Do you want me to carry you inside?”

“I’m fine… Just go…”

“This damn pride… I’m really gonna go?”

“Go… And thanks for today…”

“Are you for real?”

“Fuck… I’m telling you to go…! Ow…!”

I was gonna kick Takashi’s but, but my ribs suddenly hurt so I crouched down.

Takashi laughed at my actions and spoke.

“Dumbass… I’m going. If something happens call me right away.”

“Alright…”

I weakly opened the door and headed to the shower.

Somehow I undressed myself and turned on cold water in a bathtub made of cypress trees.

Then I got in and closed my eyes.

The freezer like water shrunk my muscles.

There isn’t a place that doesn’t hurt. This was the result of getting beat way more than I expected.

I should have just held it in… Why did they have to say that phrase…

I was complaining in my head as I rested in the bath for a long time. Then I took a quick shower and laid down on the living room floor.

The table was laid in the corner with it’s legs folded up.

The tray and dishes that had the melon was washed.

Miyuki and Tetsuya must have cleaned up. It’s neat.

When I glanced at my phone, there was a message from Miyuki.

[Did you finish what you had to do?]

The message was sent around the time when I was getting beat.

I struggled to send a reply.

[I took care of it.]

Not long after, my phone vibrated.

[Your expression didn’t look so good… What was it? Can you call?]

Ahhh… Miyuki. Were you perhaps waiting for my reply?

I could feel her sincerity from the letters. I think the pain is going away.

You’ll put band aids on me with your small hands right? I’ll believe in you.

[Sorry but I’m really tired right now. I’ll tell you tomorrow.]

[Ok. I understand. Get some sleep as soon as you get home.]

[I’m home right now. I saw you did the dishes. Thanks.]

[It’s an obvious thing to do. Sleep early, and see you tomorrow.]

[Sure.]

I ended the conversation with Miyuki, and laid down with my body stretched out on each side.

I really got hit a lot today.

But I still feel great.

I am curious on what reaction Miyuki will have tomorrow.

Would she assume that I fought someone and scold me?

Would she make a fuss asking me what happened?

I have no idea.

But I do know one thing.

If I explain the situation honestly, I won’t lose affection points, and maybe I might even get some instead.

So lets just stop thinking about it and sleep.

***