[— Today —
Karuizawa Kei: Hey, can we meet up? I'll be on the school rooftop. 3:46 PM
Me: On my way. 3:49 PM]
What does a girl like her want with me?
For starters, I'm not some stereotypical high school punk rushing to a hot classmate's beck and call. No, this is more like a charming prince answering a damsel in distress.
"What's up, Karuizawa-chan?"
I ask, stepping to her side and standing to her right.
She glances at me briefly before dropping her gaze to the ground.
"Are you in a rush or something?"
Instead of answering, she throws a question my way, eyes still fixed on the floor.
"Nope. Something wrong?"
Karuizawa steals another quick glance before looking down again.
"No, nothing. I just… wanted to talk about something."
"I see. What's on your mind?"
She looks at me again, but this time, she holds my gaze.
"D-do you have a girlfriend?"
'Hm, as I suspected, she's picked me as her host.'
To avoid being swarmed by thirsty girls like Hirata, I've used Hasebe as a shield, spending most of my time with her. But it seems that hasn't stopped the "parasite" girl in front of me from taking her shot. Her question's probably about Hasebe. She's likely heard the rumors but wants the truth from me.
Truth is, Hasebe and I are just friends. Personally, it's hard for me to see teenage girls romantically. Even after nearly a month in this world, I'm still the forty-something me from my old life.
'Maybe when they grow up… who knows.'
I flash a charming smile and shrug.
"Sadly, no one's managed to stir this heart, which longs for the day it can connect with another."
I deliver the line with a touch of melodramatic flair.
Karuizawa stares, a bit dazed, before snapping back to her usual self.
"S-so, would you… I mean, I…"
Like a kid forgetting her lines, Karuizawa stumbles, unable to form a clear sentence. This timid act is extra odd for her, given she's usually confident and self-assured.
"!"
Bored with her shy-girl routine, I lift her chin, bringing her face level with mine, and lean in until we're millimeters apart.
Predictably, my move shocks her, her cheeks flushing red.
I inch closer, our noses nearly touching. I can feel her body tense, her stunned eyes locked on mine. Then, as if giving in, Karuizawa closes her eyes.
'Very interesting. Her resolve as a "parasite" is strong.'
Her lips part slightly as mine draw nearer. Contact seems imminent… but no.
What looked like a kiss doesn't happen. My lips bypass hers, moving to her left ear.
"Remember what I said when I set up the study groups, Karuizawa-san?"
I whisper.
"Huh?"
Her response is a soft gasp of confusion.
Clearly, she expected something else. Poor, broken girl.
I pull back, putting a bit more distance between us.
"Do you recall what I said that day?"
"Well, you… uh…"
I give her time to collect herself and calm her jumbled emotions.
After a few minutes, Karuizawa regains her composure, though a faint blush lingers on her cheeks.
"Y-you said a lot that day, Kōenji-kun."
"True. And about my ability—what did I say?"
"Well, you said something like you can…"
Karuizawa trails off, her eyes widening as she looks at me.
I finish for her.
"Yes, I said I can see through people's personalities with a single glance and know their thoughts with a single touch."
I pause, letting the moment sink in, before continuing.
"And right now, I can see you, and I just touched you, Karuizawa-san. Do you know what that means?"
"W-where… are you… going with this… Kōenji-san?"
Her words come out choppy, her gaze losing its earlier clarity, turning hollow. I see her hands gripping the hem of her skirt.
I watch her for a moment before turning to the iron fence, taking in the panoramic view.
The sun's already half-faded.
"Where am I going with this?"
I pause briefly.
"It's obvious."
Another short pause.
"Right now, nothing about Karuizawa Kei is hidden from me. I know everything."
I turn back to face her.
"By the way, it's pretty unusual for someone to call themselves a parasite and others potential hosts, don't you think?"
My words make her flinch. She stares at me, eyes full of shock. If she had any doubts about my claims, they're gone now.
Ignoring her reaction, I continue.
"Still, I'm not surprised you chose me. No question, I'm the ultimate host in our class—maybe even the school."
Karuizawa stays silent, standing there, lost in a swirl of emotions. Her eyes are downcast, and droplets seem to fall from her face to the ground.
'Hm, I think I've pushed her enough.'
I step closer and, without warning, wrap her in my arms.
I can hear and feel her heart crying for help. I don't know the details of the bullying she endured in middle school, but it's clear it left her shattered, forced to live off others, unable to stand alone.
"It's okay. You don't have to blame yourself."
I soothe her with gentle, comforting words.
'I'll set you free, Karuizawa. Whether you still end up with the protagonist is up to you two.'
"It's not all your fault. You're allowed to cry or scream in anger. Don't let the world decide who you are, Karuizawa-san."
"I…"
Karuizawa finally speaks, then breaks down, sobbing into my chest.
"I-I've tried. I can't do it… I'm completely incapable…"
She wails, tears soaking my shirt.
"I know, I know."
"Sorry, Kōenji-san… I… I didn't mean to use you… I…"
"I know, I know. You don't need to say anything. I know everything."
And so, we stand there for a while—me holding her, her clinging to me. Her crying, me comforting.
Somehow, the sun's already at dusk. How long have we been here?
Finally, I feel Karuizawa calm down, so I let her go.
"Feeling better?"
I ask.
She wipes the last tears from her cheeks.
"Yeah, it helped. Thanks, Kōenji-san."
Her voice is back to the usual Karuizawa.
"My pleasure. As class rep, it's my duty to look out for all of you."
I give her a warm smile.
"You're really one of a kind, Kōenji-san."
She says, flashing a small smile.
"Naturally, since I'm beyond ordinary."
"I didn't know you had this narcissistic side."
"It's not narcissism—just plain fact."
'No, it's narcissism.'
Karuizawa turns and looks through the fence.
"Do you really think I can live without a host, Kōenji-san?"
She asks, staring at the horizon.
"You were never a parasite to begin with."
Karuizawa breaks into a bright smile and turns to me. Her vibe feels… more genuine.
"By the way, Kōenji-san, can I be your girlfriend?"
"Hm, why not? But know this heart isn't built for just one love."
"Too bad, then. I don't share. I'll pass."
"Alas."
Karuizawa laughs, a total shift from her earlier demeanor.
She heads toward the exit, stops, and glances back at me.
"It's getting late. Hirata-kun gave our group the evening off. You?"
"Same."
"Wanna hit up karaoke? Don't worry, I won't judge if you're off-key."
"You're looking at someone who could've been a rising music star if I wanted."
"We'll see about that."
She turns and walks toward the exit.
In her rush, she forgets her bag. Instead of pointing it out, I grab it and follow her.
As we near the exit, she stops.
"Kōenji-san?"
She calls without turning.
"Yeah?"
"If I start to fall again…"
"I won't hesitate to come to your rescue. I'd never leave a classmate in trouble."
I cut her off, answering immediately.
"Thanks."
Reassured by my words, she thanks me and keeps walking.
And so, we went to karaoke. That day, Karuizawa Kei became my first fan as a singer…
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