Chapter 71 What Is This "Annoying" Thing?

What Is This “Annoying” Thing?

Kiriha Kirino’s Perspective

Kyogoku and I walk through a city swallowed by darkness.

The orange glow of the streetlights blurs into the night, and we rely on that dim light to find our way.

I wonder why I’m walking home with Kyogoku like this.

It’s just that we happen to be headed in the same direction, nothing more.

But still, it feels strange.

That I’m walking like this, just the two of us, with a guy… Well, technically speaking.

Just as I’m lost in thought, Kyogoku, holding a plastic bag, suddenly speaks up.

“By the way, Kiriha, why do guys like that always mess with you? Is it just in your nature?”

“…Huh?”

“I mean, even before, you got called out to a park by a group of delinquents, right? At this point, I feel like it’s just fate or something.”

“Fate? What is that even supposed to mean? You talking all poetic like that is seriously weird.”

“Why am I the only one who gets censored? Even governments don’t go that far.”

Kyogoku mutters in exasperation.

“Well, I mean, you don’t seem like the type to care. Last time was different since there were a lot of them, but if it came down to it, I feel like you’d just punch them and get away.”

“…What do you even think I am?”

“Someone who doesn’t mince words.”

“There’s a way to say things, you know!”

“Ugh!”

Without thinking, I throw a punch at Kyogoku’s shoulder.

Of course, I don’t hold back.

“Ow…!”

Kyogoku seriously lacks tact.

And yet, he somehow gets along with Irara just fine.

They were at the store together not too long ago, looking all buddy-buddy…

“I mean, if we’re talking about that, you’re the same way.”

“Me?”

“You always stick your nose into weird things, do stuff you don’t have to, say random things that make no sense… You’re just generally creepy.”

“Can you not call me creepy so casually?”

“No, but seriously, you’re creepy. And annoying. Also, annoying.”

“Why’d you say it twice? Hey!”

Before I know it, I’m throwing insults at him.

“Hey, Kyogoku.”

“W-What?”

I stare at him and press the question.

“Why did you help me?”

“Huh? I already told you. It would’ve left a bad taste in my mouth if I didn’t.”

“There’s more to it than that, right?”

I know Kyogoku, at least a little, and something about it just doesn’t sit right.

I want him to say it himself.

I don’t know why, but I really want to hear it.

“There’s nothing else. It was just for my own sake.”

Kyogoku looks away.

“You know, you’re really bad at lying or hiding things. It’s creepy.”

“I am NOT creepy! And I’m not lying!”

“Liar.”

“I swear I’m not—”

“Liar.”

“I’m telling you—”

“Liar.”

I keep staring at him.

Eventually, as if giving up, Kyogoku sighs and scratches the back of his head.

Looking away, he mumbles under his breath.

“…Like I could just leave you guys there.”

“…!!!!”

My heart jumps.

Heat surges through my body, making me sweat.

Inside and out.

It spreads slowly, filling every inch of me.

“…Even though Ishizaki-san hates you?”

“That doesn’t mean I could just abandon her. She looked like she really didn’t want to be there.”

“…Oh.”

“What’s with that uninterested response?”

“I’m just not interested.”

“Then why did you ask?! That’s embarrassing!”

Kyogoku scratches his head.

I glance at his profile and quickly look away.

What is this?

My chest feels restless.

I don’t get it.

It’s annoying, annoying, annoying…

“You’re seriously such a pain, Kyogoku. You’re gonna end up losing out in life.”

“Like you’re one to talk, Kiriha.”

“…We’re nothing alike.”

“Huh?”

I mumble to myself, staring at the ground.

“I can’t act for others like you do. In the end, I always put myself first. I’m selfish. But you… you’re different. You’re twisted, self-sacrificing, bad at life, and just a pain…”

“That’s just more insults…”

“…But that’s why your kindness isn’t fake. It’s unfair.”

“…Huh?”

“…Ah.”

What am I saying…?!

I press my hands to my face.

It’s burning. Even my palms feel hot.

What was that?! Why did I say that?!

As I panic, Kyogoku mutters while scratching his cheek.

“I don’t really get it, but… uh, thanks.”

Thump

“…!!!!”

My heart jumps—louder this time.

“I-I wasn’t complimenting you! Don’t get the wrong idea!”

“Ow?!”

I give Kyogoku another punch and take off running.

“Hah… hah…”

I don’t get it.

What is this? What is this?!

My heart is all over the place.

It’s not just that I feel like running—I am running.

My body burns. My head is a mess.

The night wind isn’t refreshing at all.

“…!!!”

The confusion overwhelms me.

I feel like I’m slipping out of my own grasp.

Don’t go—where are you going?

Don’t just…

“Aghhh! So annoying!!!”

My scream vanishes into the night sky.

Kyogoku Arata’s Perspective

Kiriha runs off.

She was throwing insults, then suddenly complimented me…

“I don’t get it.”

But still, hearing praise from her made me happy.

When was the last time someone complimented me?

And coming from Kiriha, who never acknowledges me—it hit differently.

“…Guess I should head home.”

With a heart that feels a little lighter, I start walking.

Just maybe, I feel a little more confident in my hopeless self.