Chapter 39 Short Story: Someone Who Is Kind To Me

"Kinoshita, who invited you?"

Eh, I-I mean...

"Hey, don't say that," responded Fujiharu.

"I'm just saying, I don't think anyone wants her here."

I noticed that the others didn't even look at me.

I guess I'm really not wanted here...

A few moments later, all of the other girls left the change rooms. Even Fujiharu left without saying anything to me, she looked as if she was eager to do something. Once again, I was left all alone, trying to put on my swimsuit as fast as possible.

I don't care anymore.

Slowly, I pulled my swimsuit up and made my way toward the pools.

As I entered the centre, the others were nowhere to be seen.

I guess I'll just sit by myself, it's not that bad...

Ah, it's cold.

I huddled my legs close to my body and looked down.

"Hey~ you look lonely, you should play with us."

Huh?

I looked up to see a group of boys around me.

"...go away."

"Oi, aren't you lonely by yourself? We'll make sure you're well appreciated."

He had a disgusting look on his face.

Suddenly, one of the boys grabbed my wrist.

"...hey, get off me..."

They completely ignored me and began dragging me somewhere. I tried to pull away but the boy was much stronger than I was. It was like my arm was being towed by a car. I couldn't break free from his grasp.

Ah, well this is what I deserve for being alone.

"What's going on here."

I suddenly heard a soft, yet apathetic voice.

"Huh?" The boys all turned around, "What do you want?"

"She's one of my friends, I've just come to see what was going on."

What was this? Was he talking about me?

"Huh? You're friends with her? What a lie."

"Did you come to play the hero? It's fine, she's happy with us, isn't that right?"

One of them glared down at me.

I was forced to nod my head.

Who... who was that other boy...? Did he call me his friend...?

"See? It's all good, we're just going to hang out with her for a little,"

There was a short silence.

Ah, I guess he was going to abandon me too.

All of a sudden, he pushed through the group.

"Tell me, are you really fine with this."

His voice was directed towards me. I looked up at his face; he was expressionless, but for some reason, he seemed different.

"Oi, what do you think you're doing!" One of the other boys grabbed his shoulder.

Despite that, he simply stood there, looking down at me.

"I'm just asking her a question."

His eyes—they were kind, no, they were...

"...no."

"Alright well, that's her answer."

What are you going to do now?

A few moments later, the other boys left, all that was left was him.

"You came with us, didn't you?" He asked.

"How come you're sitting by yourself?" He continued.

I stayed silent, I didn't want to make myself known to him—it was all my pointless pride.

I guess he'll leave as well soon enough.

For some reason, he took a seat next to me.

What?

Why?

Why are you sitting next to me...?

I'm just a worthless girl...