Chapter 11 People Get Carried Away by Rumors

People Get Carried Away by Rumors

During recess, in class, and at all times, I was constantly looked at as if I was being observed. Their eyes were filled with reproach, fear, or staring at something sinister.

I never felt a friendly look.

This happened in both elementary and middle school. At first, I tried very hard to deny it, but I knew it was useless, so I didn’t say anything. Even if I said something, it would only make things worse.

So, I didn’t respond to any of the backbiting that goes on in the seats next to me or in front of me.

I just say nothing and bear it.

There is a possibility that not only accusations and backbiting but also action will be taken against me. My books and gym clothes will be lost or damaged, but I guess there’s nothing I can do.

The bell rang to announce the end of fourth period and it was time for lunch.

I got up from my seat, thinking that I would never feel comfortable in the classroom when all eyes were on me.

As I was wondering if there was somewhere I could be alone, I saw a student open the door to the classroom.

I looked in that direction and there was Aoi-senpai. Her eyes were a little impatient and she looked like she was looking for someone.

Aoi-senpai looked around the classroom and, if I’m not mistaken, her eyes stopped at me.

And then she slowly walked over to me.

I wonder if she really has something to do with me. I don’t think it would be good for Aoi-senpai to come to me with such rumors.

I thought so.

But then she looked me in the eye, started walking towards me, and then stopped in front of me.

“Hiiragi-kun, I’m really sorry. I’m really sorry. I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble.”

“…eh?”

She bowed her head to me.

“… Right after I took you out, bad rumors started to spread about Hiiragi-kun. Even though I was the one who asked you out.”

“It’s okay.”

From my point of view, it would be okay if she remained the victim. Why is she apologizing to me?

“It’s not okay! It can’t be okay, Hiiragi-kun, to be rumored like that.”

Aoi-senpai’s eyes were serious and she looked like she was about to cry.

Even though the rumors were supposed to be about me, it somehow felt unreal. It had never happened before.

“Leave it to me, I’ll definitely clear up the misunderstanding.”

“I see.”

“So, after I clear up the misunderstanding… Will you have lunch with me?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. I’ll finish this right now.”

Aoi-senpai, with her usual dignified and imposing walk, walked to the front of the class and looked around at the students in the classroom, including those who were onlookers in the hallway, then opened her mouth.

“I’m sure that many of you are aware of the rumors that are circulating around the school right now. There’s a rumor that Hiiragi-kun kidnapped me, or raped me, or something like that. That’s completely false! It was not Hiiragi-kun who took me out, it was me. I took Hiiragi-kun out of school. Still, there are probably people who believe the rumors and give him dirty looks and talk behind his back.”

Then she looked around the classroom again and focused on my classmates. Her eyes were reproachful, similar to the looks I received from them.

My classmates couldn’t look at her and looked away.

“I know you did this out of concern for me. I appreciate that feeling. But please don’t take it upon yourself to condemn him for his innocence by believing the rumors like a fool. He has done nothing wrong. It’s my fault.”

She pleads for my innocence with serious eyes. No one can answer her plea.

“So I want you to stop blaming Hiiragi-kun! If you want to blame someone, blame me! If you want to ask something, ask me!”

Aoi-senpai bowed her head and walked over to me.

“Then let’s go.”

“Yes.”

She took my hand and walked out of the classroom.