CH 2

Chapter 2 – First Conversation Between Ichiro, Dozle, and Himeka

In despair at the words of a childhood friend I liked, I heard Dozle’s barking.

I found myself lying on the cold asphalt, with my left cheek and head hurting.

Ah, yeah. I fell down after I got kicked in the face.

That was a dream…

I managed to raise my upper body while holding my dizzy head and looked at Dozle, who seemed to be barking menacingly at the woman as if he was protecting me.

I looked at the woman and she was nervously trying to appease Dozle.

“Grrrrr!” (I won’t let you!)

I said to him, “Don’t bark, Dozle. Come here, you’re too scary.” He stopped threatening and jumped up to hug me and started licking my face.

Ugh, the smell…

“I’m sorry! I mistook you for a molester… I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

When I looked at the woman while reassuring Dozle, I saw it was Urushibara-san from my class.

No wonder I thought her back looked familiar.

“Did you see anyone suspicious? Did they do anything to you? Are you all right?”

“Yeah… I think he ran away immediately…”

“Well, that’s good to know.”

When I tried to stand up, my head was so heavy that I stumbled around like a boxer after a knockdown.

“A-Are you alright! Don’t push yourself!”

Ah, if she sees me suffering, Urushibara-san will feel responsible.

I stood up with clenched teeth.

“It’s all right, it’s all right. I’m fine now.”

“B-But…”

“Instead of me, it’s already dark, so you’d better go home soon. You are Urushibara-san, aren’t you? Is your house close to here?”

“Eh? …Ah, if I’m not wrong…Moriyama-kun?”

“Yes, that’s right…”

I was surprised that Urushibara-san knew my name.

After all, I’m a shady character who doesn’t want to get involved with anyone at school, and I’m always off the radar and alone. It never occurred to me that she would know my name.

“Um… Should I take you home? There might be a prowler still hanging around.’

“Y-You might be right… Then I’ll be in your care.”

It took about 10 minutes to walk to Urushibara-san’s house from here.

We were silent the whole time we walked.

Unlike me, Himeka Urushibara-san is popular at school.

She has long, straight black hair, fair skin without a single stain, a sharp eyebrow and strong-willed eyes. An authentic, beautiful girl who is recognised by everyone.

As for her style, she is tall for a girl and has a slim figure.

She is an honor student with top grades and a calm and serious personality, and is also a member in the student council.

In the classroom, she would always have a group of friends around her, regardless of gender. She’s the complete opposite of me.

As we were walking in silence, I realized that I had meddled too much by asking to take her home… It must be a nuisance for Urushibara-san to walk with a brooding loner like me, and I felt a twinge of regret.

“This is my home… I’m sorry for today… Thank you for sending me.”

I felt Urushibara-san’s gaze on me, but I was too apologetic for my unnecessary meddling to look at her face.

“No, it was my fault for meddling… I’m sorry. Well then, good bye,” I said and left the place as if I was running away with Dozle.

While walking home with Dozle…

I knew meddling wouldn’t do me any good.

First of all, even if I hadn’t come in to help, she would have fought off the prowler with that kick, wouldn’t she?

I knew it, my meddling was only annoying her.

I’ve got to be careful at school so I don’t cause any more trouble for Urushibara-san.

With these thoughts in mind, I staggered down the street.