Shinanai Otoko ni Koishita Shoujo Vol 1 Chapter 4

Chapter 04: Immortal Boy and the prelude of Despair

The sky was covered in clouds.

But wasn’t so weak as to give up with just that.

But there were no other choices. The only one could rely on now was . Opening the cell phone, looked at the mail that already read a couple of times. There had been a couple of mails from . The mail originator contacted when he read post on the bulletin board. expressed an approval to thoughts and pledged to support on all fronts. Thanks to that, got a lot of detailed data on their .

had an idea. G.o.d was dead. But no one, included, wished for that. But the creator was gone while leaving showing an obvious weakness. was disappointed and in despair. The saviour, who had finally appeared before , had miserably fallen to the earth.

By , who would become a new .

At large this was a shopping street. There was a game-center, a bookstore, a toy shop and a big shopping mall. Also, a lot of people. Loud laughing and shrill talking. So noisy. So annoying. So disgusting.

Aww, so displeasing. Quite so.

randomly wandered around when he was talked to.

stopped and turned around. There stood a woman in jeans and a jacket over her shirt. Her black hair was tied at the back.

“…”

Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she? Who was she?

“Well, normally you would be right. But you know”

“I work at the juvenile crime section at the Meitou Police Station. So I have to hear out boys like you, who don’t like being tied down. I might even have to contact your parents.”

“I hope so. But I have regulations, so could you answer me?”

“Really?”

averted his gaze. The woman said.

“Nope.”

The woman grabbed arm. She was smiling, but exerting quite the strength.

“Mhm, I can’t really do that.”

“Let me…”

“Shut up–”

“Shut the f.u.c.k up!”

“Ah, hey—-Geez, if you had followed me obediently, you would have been free in a couple of hours! Wait up!”

p.i.s.sed off. Annoyed. Irritating. Noisy. Disgusting. Anger.

hated her type of person. It didn’t concern anyone where and what was doing. had a convex mission. For that reason was walking around all of j.a.pan. What was wrong with that? So what about school? What point was it to go to a place, where they crammed useless information into your head? So what about parents? They only existed to pay for your living. Both were an annoyance. Meaningless for , who would become a G.o.d.

“…Here, Granny, your luggage.”

Before had noticed, had reached a main street. A woman, who just seemed to have crossed the cross-walk, handed vinyl-bag filled with ingredients to an older woman besides her.

“No problem. There’s no traffic light, even though so many cars pa.s.s by here. So it can be quite the trouble to cross over. I’m used to it though.”

“I’m fine. But what about you? Weren’t you on your way somewhere?”

The woman gave a wry smile, whereupon the elder woman raised her eyebrows and said “Oh my, I’m sorry for that.”

Then the woman raised her hand with a “Okay, see you, Granny”. The elder woman nodded, said back a “Thank you so much”, took her luggage and left. The woman watched her for a while, then she said “Okay!” with a satisfied look, readied the bag hanging on her shoulder and looked at her wrist watch. “Ah” She let out a voice.

Then she left the main street in a hurry and entered a shappy, empty alley. Most likely she wanted to take a shortcut. opened his eyes. And thought: Ah, this is it. This is—fate. A lucky chance granted to the human, who’s meant to become .

A wicked smile formed on face. It seemed would achieve goal sooner than expected.

She had been favourite ever since had gotten the information. She was a clever woman, who deceived others by making herself to look like a good person. Yeah, her. She would be it.

reached into his pocket. beloved knife was there. took it out, unsheathed it and bared the blade. Soon fell into a trot.

And then, —

About one hour had pa.s.sed.

I stood at the fountain in front of the station and spoke to myself while checking the time on my cell phone.

How did all of this start? Right, when I was talking with Kirisaki and Rin, I said “There’s a book I want to buy” without any special meaning. Upon that Rin raised her hand and said “I also want to buy a CD”. Likewise Kirisaki declared “I have something in mind that I would like to buy”. I forgot who suggested it, but it was decided that we go out shopping together on the next Thursday, meeting at 1pm at the fountain. Rin had tried to decline with some stupid reason of “I wouldn’t want to impose on you two”, but I didn’t mind, so I somewhat forcefully made her come. To be honest, it was somewhat dangerous to spend the afternoon all alone with Kirisaki.

I tilted my head, when I heard a bright voice.

I turned around. Kirisaki Kyouko was running with a bright smile while waving her hand.

With a blinding smile, Kirisaki draw closer. That scene was just so fitting for a TV drama that I somehow felt that time ran slower. I returned a faint smile and spread my arms as to welcome her.

When she leaned forward, I jumped backwards right before her arms. Kirisaki’s arms, which were about to embrace me, cut through the air.

“Because you’re always plotting something when you act like a normal girl.”

Step by step Kirisaki draw closer. I took my distance and kept away.

“Nothing. What are you so angry about?”

Kirisaki and me faced off while going in a circle in the middle of the street as if we were fighting a death match. Why did I have to endure such suspense on my holiday and even in such a crowded place?

“Say what you want, but I’ll prioritize my own well-being.”

“AH! A time hole opened!”

Would anyone really turn around on that? Well, whatever. Take this! I launched at Kirisaki’s back. I ignored her “Ah!”, grabbed her shoulders and twisted her arms. It was a joint lock.

“Give up! What were you trying to do?”

“…Uhn, okay. I’ll tell you, so let go. I like causing pain, but I’m no fan of the opposite.”

“I hope you aren’t wearing another knife at your legs.”

“Good. I’ll keep this.”

I could say the same. d.a.m.n, causing me all this unnecessary trouble.

“….Reminds me, is Kuon Rin here yet?”

“Is that so?”

“Wow…Well, that’s just like her.”

“Do we wait for a bit longer?”

“Anything? Like what? There isn’t really anything different about you. If I had to say anything, I would say it’s my first time seeing you in casual clothes.”

“What do you mean?”

Pierce. GYAA.

“Hmpf.”

“Women are full of secrets.”

“Geez…. Well, she’s still not here? It’s quite rare for her to be this late.”

Then Kirisaki suddenly shouted “Kugito!”

“No, well…you know.”

Kirisaki was unusually looking down with her hands together behind her back. Her feet coming out of the one-piece were knocking on the concrete. Speaking of, she was actually wearing a one-piece. I thought she would wear something more boyish. Well, that aside.

“No…. Well, if you don’t want to, just say so.”

“….You turn me down before I even ask?”

“Th- That’s not true.”

“Just for a bit will do.”

Was that the reason her face was so red for a while now? ….What a troublesome fellow. I don’t like being attacked out of nowhere like before, but it was different when she asked me beforehand. Well, at times where she really couldn’t endure it any more, I’ll forgive it. That was our promise to begin with.

“That’s not it.”

“You’re being weird.”

Kirisaki said with a faint voice as she was about to faint.

“Huh? What?”

She raised her head completely and opened her mouth to the fullest.

“…Just you and me? What about Rin?”

Well, she had a point.

“Ah, yeah, that too. I want you to tag along for a bit.”

I scratched my neck. “You’re kind weird today. Why didn’t you say so from the beginning?”

“I don’t think that’s an answer to my question.”

“Sure.”

I opened my cell phone, confirmed that there were no mails or calls from Rin and closed it again.
…..Did something happen to her?

I wasn’t quite sure myself, but usually when a girl drags off a guy for shopping it’s to a clothing shop or an ice cream parlor. If not that, then a book or CD store. And at times, when she has such a hobby, it would be an anime goods store.

“…What’s this place?”

“It’s an army shop. It’s quite famous amongst those who know it. Some really good stuff is sold here.”

“Give me a minute.”

When I looked around, I noticed that the alley in stood in was full of stores that sold stuff like this one. To think our city had such a maniac zone, I only got to know about it after 17 years of life. Amazing that Kirisaki found this, even though she only just transferred over here. You couldn’t underestimate a maniac’s sense of smell.

“What are you looking for?”

“I see. Though from my point of view, the knives all look the same.”

“I believe it’s rather a matter of life or death for me.”

It followed this and that. I couldn’t care less about this maniac talk. So I just randomly nodded with “Yeah” and “Yup”.

“Yeah.”

Eh, really? Wow, I’m good.

“Haha, what are you saying.”

“….In the end that’s all I can talk about. I’m a boring girl.”

“Yeah, but I’m used to it.”

“Though to be honest… I just might have forced myself to get used to it.”

“No—Ah!”

“That’s unsightly, so stop it.”

“A what?”

“Hmm.”

And the one being cut will be me.

“It’s not simple ‘great’.”

“You see, when Randall started making knives, he was basically an unknown! But! It all started when the second president wanted to make non-profitable, high quality knives! In a short time of period the company gained a reputation at a surprising speed and became first rate! When you hear of Randall knives, it all started from the legend how Minnark Forwald, a famous American soldier, survived the world war with just a Randall knife after he lost his gun. (‘%#”# (‘%$#”! &) %#”!”&) %”($””! (Didn’t listen anymore.)”

“O- Okay, I get it.”

Looking somewhat unsatisfied, Kirisaki uttered a “But the real thing sure is different…” and stuck to the gla.s.s case again. She looked like a boy admiring a trumpet. Different from usual, she appeared somewhat like a girl. That appearance of hers was one of the very few human expressions she had.

“Yeah, I always dreamt of owning one.”

I gave a light sigh and reached into my pocket. I took out my wallet. A couple of banknotes were smiling at me, since I put in a few more out of the living expenses for some books. Not really because of that, but I pondered for a bit. But I shook my head right after. If you’re hesistant, it’s better not to even consider alternatives to begin with.

Kirisaki turned around on my word.

“Eh?”

“….Are you sure?”

“Well, but….”

“I don’t mind. Hurry up before I change my mind. How much is it?”

Kirisaki shyly lifted one finger.

“It’s 100k.”

So d.a.m.n expensive—!

“You don’t really need to repeat it.”

“That’s not it. But a knife of such quality costs at least that much.”

“I have around 70k saved up….No, it won’t do. Sorry. Forget about it.”

“…So you just need the remaining 30k?”

That was still expensive… I hesitated. But I suggested it already and raised her hopes, so betraying her now would be intolerable. After a moment of hesitation, I pulled out a few 10k yen notes.

“Kugito… are you sure?”

For a while it’ll be one rice ball for lunch now. Well, I’ll last for a while with just water.

Then she entered the store with a “…Wait here a sec”.

“Did you get the one you wanted?”

Good to hear. Then we should be off. I was about to head off when Kirisaki shouted “Kugito”.

When I turned around, I stiffed up a bit.

There stood Kirisaki with her cheeks red and an innocent smile perfectly befitting a young girl.

Keep yourself together, myself. Calm down. What was I getting excited for? That’s Kirisaki! Remember how she usually acts! BE COOL, BE COOL, BE COOL!

“Nothing. It’s just, that is was like that and that’s that.”

“I don’t get it, but whatever. We better go back now.”

I settled my breath and walked ahead. Kirisaki followed after me and said “Kugito” again.

“Huh? What’s with that out of the blue?”

I tilted my head on the sudden question and pondered. Let’s see….

“Not something a young boy would usually wish for.”

“Fine. What would you do if you had one?”

“Yeah. That’s how it have to be.”

“So, Kugito.”

“…Don’t stab me.”

“Rejected!”

“It’s a necessary ritual to get used to my new knife. C’mon, let’s hurry to a place without people.”

“You didn’t?”

“Haha. Well, don’t sweat the details. Let’s hurry.”
NO-WAY-!

“…You said you want to try out your new knife, didn’t you?”

Ten minutes later. I stood in the same alley as before with holes all over my body.

“Holding back? First time I hear of it.”

“Well, just wrap some bandages around it and you’re fine.”

“But a Randall knife is really in a different league. The sensation when I cut your skin, the clean cut and the ecstasy of cutting into your organs—“

“By the way, Kugito.”

“There’s something I want you to do.”

“Hold it. Let’s stop this crude talking about stabbing and what not.”

“…It’s okay. As thanks for buying me the knife and the testing, I’ll restrain myself for a while.”

“So, what is it?”

Kirisaki stuttered and looked down. It was quite scary when she behaved like a normal girl.

“You have a point—Well.”

“…ld hands.”

I inquired. Kirisaki’s cheek turned lightly red as if she was angry. Then she said clearly.

Huh?

“If you’re doing that on purpose, I’m going to stab you again.”

“…No, well, I don’t mind. But why?”

“I see. But it’s a bit embarra.s.sing.”

I certainly did mind…..Anyway.

I put forth my hand. Kirisaki grabbed it with “…Mm”. While I wondered what a strange girl she was, since she made such a happy expression, I only noticed now how low her body temperature was.

But if she would just behave like this all the time, it wasn’t such a bad thing to walk around like this. Kirisaki was a dangerous girl, but once you get over that, she wasn’t all that different from others. Surprisingly she was rather considerate about her surroundings (except to me) and paid a lot of attention to her actions (except to me). I’m sure she would be able to make more friends if I were to agonize more from her. She might even be able to live the life of a normal high school girl.

“Are you that happy about the knife?”

“Too?”

At what?

“Really? I thought you had dated a couple of guys already.”

Kirisaki said with a melancholic voice.

The words were stuck in my throat. Not considering Kirisaki’s feelings, I had said something insensitive.

“Don’t worry about it. And it’s not like that anymore.”

“I have you. Right now, I have you by my side. That’s enough for me.”

I was at a loss for words, so I just looked up to the sky.

“What are you saying at this point?”

Kirisaki increased the strength on her grip at bit.

I scratched my head. Like I thought, she was being weird today. When she said all that, I couldn’t say anything back.

At that moment.

I swallowed down the words I was about to say and looked at the display. It was from Rin. I took the call.

“….”

“…gi-chan?”

“Sorry, can you say that again?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Where are you right now?”

I got a bad feeling at Rin’s broken speech. From time to time I could hear a leaking gasp. I had a really bad feeling.

“I… sud…denly…”

“….from behind…. Someone….”

“Hey, Kuon, are you okay? Just wait a bit, I’ll come over real quick. Are you okay?”

A WHACK could be heard. Then the line was suddenly cut.

“….Sorry, Kirisaki. Kuon—Rin was being weird. I’m going.”

“Hey, Kugito!?”

“Kuon! Where are you!”

“Kuon!”

“Sis!”

“Sis, have you seen Kuon… a girl with braids?”

“She’s my friend. I got a strange call. Something might have happened—-”

“Hey, Kugito, just what happened—”

A few people were peeking into a road between two buildings. “Move it!” I forcefully made my way through the curious onlookers onto the road.

“—Kuon?”

At the worst place ever.

Something red. ….Something? Don’t whitewash it! I scolded myself.

Blood was coming out of Rin’s back and forming a red puddle on the concrete.

My sister’s voice from behind. She made her way through the crowd, coming over to Rin.

“Kuon….”

What was this?

“Rin—”

A voice poured out of my mouth. But it were only meaningless words.

I was just miserable and reality went on, leaving me behind.