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As lunch break arrived, Shimizu, Eri, and Zul made their way to the cafeteria. That day, neither Mizuha nor Hikaru had joined them, leaving just the three of them.
"Ah, this rainy weather really makes me hungry," Shimizu said.
"Where did Mizuha go? She's not with us today."
"She said she wanted to eat alone in the classroom and meet Takeru after that," Eri replied.
Shimizu chuckled. "Oh, not satisfied with just Hikaru, now she's going to Takeru too, I see."
"You're thinking too far, Shimizu-chan," Eri chuckled.
Shimizu recalled her conversation with Takeru during the festival.
Actually, there's someone I like in my class, so I don't have feelings for Mizuha.
"Haha, I was just kidding. Maybe Mizuha is just hanging out with him," Shimizu said.
"Yeah, they're childhood friends, right?" Eri replied.
"Yeah, like you two," Shimizu said, grabbing Eri's shoulder.
"Geez, Shimizu-chan," Eri responded.
Suddenly, Zul sneezed. "Achoo!"
"Zul, are you okay? Did you catch a cold?" Eri asked with concern.
"Nah, I'm fine. It's just a sneeze," he replied. "Maybe from the rain I got caught in yesterday."
"Just be careful, okay? Don't catch a cold," Eri said.
"Oh yeah, it's so rare that Hikaru isn't joining us today. Is it because Mizuha isn't with us?" Shimizu asked.
"No, it's not like that. Hikaru texted me earlier saying he wasn't feeling well today, so he's eating his bento in his classroom," Zul explained.
"Oh, I see. It feels different without them," Shimizu said.
After they arrived at the cafeteria, they bought their meals and ate together. When they finished, they returned to their classroom.
Meanwhile, Hikaru had just finished eating his bento, though he hadn't been able to finish it. He packed it up and stored it under his desk as Akemi approached him.
"Hikaru-kun," Akemi called out.
"Oh, it's you, Akemi," he replied.
"It's so rare to see you not eating with Mizuha-chan and her usual group. Are you guys fighting?" she guessed.
"No, we're not fighting. I'm just not feeling well today," he replied.
"Oh, that explains why your face looks a bit red. I think you've caught a cold," Akemi said.
"Cold? No way, I'm totally fine," Hikaru insisted. But suddenly, he started coughing.
"See, I told you, you have a cold," Akemi said. "You better go to the nurse's office and rest. Don't worry about the teachers—I'll handle it and tell them about your condition."
"Thanks for your concern, Akemi. I'll go now" Hikaru said as he started moving toward the nurse's office.
Meanwhile, back with Shimizu and her group, they had finally arrived at their class. As they entered, Shimizu noticed some girls whispering to each other and looking at them.
"Shimizu-chan, what's wrong?" Eri asked, looking at Shimizu.
"I don't know if it's just me, but I think they're talking about us," Shimizu replied.
"It's not just you. I noticed it too—they're gossiping about us," Eri whispered to Shimizu.
Suddenly, one girl intentionally raised her voice to get Shimizu's attention. "See, like I told you earlier, Yuki cheated on our last midterm exam. That's why she managed to get the top score."
"So that rumor is correct?" said another girl.
"I knew this was happening. From the beginning, I never trusted that girl," replied the first girl, continuing to badmouth Mizuha.
Shimizu immediately stood up, approached the girl, and shouted, "What did you say? Repeat that! Are you talking bad about Mizuha?"
"What's up, Shimizu? Trying to defend your friend, huh?" the girl sneered. "Haven't you heard? People have been talking about it. Many are saying Yuki isn't eligible to rank first in our grade because she cheated." Other classmates whispered among themselves.
"Also, Hikaru-kun from Class 1B is close to you guys because Yuki asked you to force him, right? You did the same thing to Sakamoto earlier, didn't you? That's why she's close to you. Just admit it..." the girl continued.
"Wait, Shimizu-chan never did that to me..." Eri interrupted.
"Hey, watch your mouth! When did I ever do this to them?" Shimizu said angrily, grabbing the girl's uniform.
"Hey, what are you doing? Let me go! I just said what I heard. Why are you acting violent suddenly? So the rumor is correct, huh?" the girl said.
"Shimizu-chan, please calm down!" Eri pleaded.
At that moment, Mizuha arrived at the class with a pale and shocked expression, Takeru standing behind her. "Huh, what's going on here? Shimizu, what happened? Why are you grabbing her clothes like that?"
"Mizuha, listen, this girl was badmouthing you and really made me irritated," Shimizu explained, releasing the girl.
Turning to the girl, Mizuha asked directly, "Where did you hear this rumor?"
The girl smirked and shrugged. "Haven't you heard? People have been talking about it. It's all over the place."
"And you decided to believe it and even spread it?" Mizuha asked, her voice even. "Why did you need to do that? Do you have a problem with me?"
"Why should I care? I don't even like you. So, yeah” replied that girl.
Shimizu's fists tightened and she took a step forward, frustration boiling over. "You—!"
Zul grabbed Shimizu's arm. "Hey, cool down your anger."
"What are you doing, Zul? Let me go!" said Shimizu.
"Thanks, Zul, for stopping her," said Mizuha.
Mizuha turned her attention back to the girl. "I see. Fine, if you want to badmouth me, go ahead. But don't involve my friends in it."
"Okay, you guys, we're done here. Let's get back to our seats," she added.
"Tch!" The girl clicked her tongue. She and her companions moved to another place in the classroom and continued with their gossip.
As they walked away, Shimizu glanced over her shoulder, still furious. "You're just gonna let them get away with it? They'll keep badmouthing you!"
Mizuha gave a small shrug. "It’s just a rumor. I'm sure it'll die down soon enough.
"You're too soft, Mizuha. If I were you, I would have beaten up that girl earlier. Anyway, who's the one spreading this rumor actually?" said Shimizu, feeling a bit angry.
"How dare they say you cheated in the last mid exam? That was really too far," replied Shimizu.
"Yes, they also said you asked Shimizu to force me and Takamiya-kun to become closer with you," Eri said.
"Mizuha-chan never did something like that. I got closer with Mizuha-chan and others because she saved me and helped me study for our exam," Eri added.
"Haha, thanks for that, you two. I knew you trusted me," said Mizuha.
"Takeru, what's wrong? You've been silent since earlier. Is something on your mind?" asked Mizuha.
"Ah, sorry, I was spacing out suddenly. I was just thinking about why they started the rumor now. I'm sure you didn't do anything to other students, right?" said Takeru.
"I don't know, but I'm sure whoever started it really disliked me. Also, another reason might be that they didn't like me getting closer to Hikaru recently, I guess," said Mizuha.
"Yes, you're right. Many girls really like him. I think whoever started it was really jealous of you," said Takeru.
"I think so," replied Mizuha.
"Oh, look at the time. I've stayed here too long. I better return to my class now since lunch break already ended," said Takeru, looking at the clock on the wall.
"Okay, Mizuha. I'm going now. If something worse happens, please tell me, okay?" said Takeru.
"Understood, then see you later," replied Mizuha. After Takeru left, Shimizu and Eri also left for their seats.
On the way to his class, Takeru thought, You're really tough, Mizuha-chan. Even being attacked by rumors like that, you can still stay calm.
At the same time, Mizuha looked outside and thought, Rumors, huh? I can't believe they got me this time, she sighed. After a moment, she suddenly saw a strange vision in her mind.
"Hey, look, no one is defending her now, let's do that to her!" "Stop it! Why are you doing this to me? I did nothing wrong to you!" "No, you really make us irritated!" "Come on guys, get her!"
Mizuha held her head, feeling a bit of a headache, and thought, What? This vision again, but why do I keep seeing it? Shehad seen a similar vision after saving Eri from the bullies a few months ago.
Zul, who had been observing her from the back, approached her and touched her shoulder. "Hey, Mizuha, are you okay?"
"Oh, Zul, I'm okay, don't worry about it," replied Mizuha with tears in her eyes.
Zul was shocked to see Mizuha's tears. "Wait, why are you crying?"
"Huh, why am I crying suddenly? I don't feel sad or anything, but why?” said Mizuha, confused by her tears.
"Anyway, wipe your tears away first," Zul added.
"Thanks, Zul," replied Mizuha, wiping her tears.
"Hey, look! Is this real? She was crying!" said the same girl.
"Mizuha-chan," said Eri, looking at Mizuha.
"These girls are unforgivable," said Shimizu, truly upset. She slowly started towards them but stopped as Zul signaled her to calm down. "Zul... understood, I'll hold back," said Shimizu, nodding to Zul.
"Oh, what do you want to do now? Do you want pity from him? So pathetic!" she laughed, continuing to insult Mizuha with her friends.
Zul stepped in front of Mizuha, shielding her from the girls to give her time to wipe her tears.
At his limit, he grabbed an eraser from his desk and threw it toward the group. It hit accurately on the forehead of the girl who had been insulting Mizuha.
"Ouch! Hey stupid, what are you doing suddenly throwing this at me?"she said.
"Huh? Are you talking to me?" Zul glared at her.
"I was watching earlier. I thought you would stop, but you kept insulting her. You're going too far today, huh?"
"By the way, who are you actually? I don't recall you being my classmate before," Zul said.
"Wait! What? I've been in this class since the beginning of school, and you don't remember me? What's wrong with your memory? Besides, a foreigner like you doesn't deserve to talk to me like that. Go back to your country!" she said, grinning.
The insult about his background didn't affect Zul at all, as he was already used to hearing it.
"Me? Return to my country? What a fool. I was born in this country, you know. Did you forget what I said during our self-introduction? I think your memory is worse than mine," Zul laughed.
"Hey, what's so funny? Have you lost your mind?" said that girl, upset.
"No, not really. Also, why should I remember your face? It's so ugly it's not worth remembering. Right, Shimizu?" Zul chuckled.
"That's right, you're totally right, Zul. Someone like her isn't even worth remembering! Haha, I can't take it anymore!" Shimizu laughed, pointing at the group.
After Shimizu laughed, some classmates started laughing too.
Most of them were shocked; Zul, usually cool and calm, was talking and laughing like that.
"Not bad, Zul!" "Yeah, you totally got her!" said male classmates cheering for Zul.
"You...! How dare you make fun of me? You'll pay for this later!" she said, embarrassed.
The girl's attempt to mock Mizuha's crying failed; Zul had covered her tears, and now the class focused on Zul and her.
Zul turned back to Mizuha. "See, you don't need to worry. If anything happens, we're here for you" he said, petting her head.
"Thanks, Zul, you really covered for me earlier," said Mizuha.
"No problem," Zul said, then returned to his seat.
From afar, the girl glared at Mizuha, upset. This isn't finished yet, Yuki... you'll see, I'll show you hell from now on, she thought.
Then another girl walked past their class, looking at them and grinning. "Good, it worked as I planned. I'd better make my next move," she added.
After school ended, Mizuha was walking alone down the first-year hallway.
In the school lobby, she looked outside; the rain continued to pour. "The rain still isn't stopping. I'd better take out my umbrella first," she said.
She changed into her outdoor shoes, opened her umbrella, adjusted her grip, and walked out into the rain.
Walking alone, she kept her eyes on the ground, her shoes splashing through shallow puddles.
Mizuha sighed and thought, I'm too exhausted for today. Many things happened earlier. I didn't expect people to spread rumors about me. I hope it cools down soon. And also... what was with the vision I saw earlier? This has been happening again since a few months ago.
Well, forget about that for now. It's not the time. By the way, I didn't see Hikaru at all today. I heard he's not feeling well. I wonder what happened to him, she thought.
"Hey, Mizuha," said Takeru as he approached her.
"Oh, it's you, Takeru," Mizuha said. "You alone?"
"Yeah, like usual, I'm alone, haha," Takeru chuckled.
"The rain's still pouring, right?" said Takeru.
"Yeah, it looks like it won't stop until evening," said Mizuha.
"What's wrong? You're feeling down?" said Takeru with a concerned look.
"Huh, you can tell?" Mizuha asked.
"Yup, it's written all over your face," Takeru said.
"Really?" Mizuha asked, putting her palm on her cheek.
"Haha, I'm just kidding, Mizuha, there's nothing there," said Takeru.
"Is this related to what happened earlier, with the rumors?" Takeru asked.
"Yeah, I was a bit shocked by it today. I just thought... there are some people who don't like me after all," Mizuha replied.
"Well, this is life, Mizuha. Wherever we go, there will always be people who like us or, well, the opposite," Takeru replied. "But don't worry, you have friends who can protect you."
"Yeah, you're right. I still have friends like Shimizu, Eri, Zul, even Hikaru, and you who stay by my side whenever I'm in trouble," Mizuha replied.
"Oh, by the way, Takeru, what happened to Hikaru? I didn't see him today. I heard he's not feeling well. I tried to text him earlier, but got no reply," said Mizuha.
"Oh, you miss your boyfriend already?" said Takeru, grinning and teasing her.
"Huh? What are you talking about, Takeru? Don't say things like that!" Mizuha replied, embarrassed, her face bright red.
"Haha, you're funny, Mizuha. Well, as Akemi told me earlier, Hikaru caught a cold after lunch break, so he rested in the nurse's office and left school early," Takeru said.
"I see, he caught a cold. No wonder he didn't reply to my text," said Mizuha.
I'd better not disturb him for now, she thought, smiling.
Takeru thought, Don't worry, Mizuha, if something bad happens, we'll protect you as I promised your mother. I won't let those past things happen to you again, I promise.
"Hey, let me walk you home today instead of Hikaru," Takeru offered.
"Oh, thanks, Takeru," Mizuha said. They chatted while walking together.
Takeru then spoke "Umm, Mizuha, about today, you'd better not tell your mother," he said.
"Takeru..." Mizuha said, thinking for a moment. "Understood, I won't tell her. She might worry," she replied.
Unaware to them, someone was following quietly. They took a photo of them together. "Good, I can use this for my next move."
As Takeru walked Mizuha home, he thought, If Hikaru-kun saw this, I'm sure he would be jealous. Well, let me take care of her today, Hikaru-kun.
They met Mizuha's mother arriving in front of the house at the same time.
"Oh, you're home already," her mother said.
"You too, mom? So early for today," Mizuha said.
"Well, my job finished early today, so I came home immediately," her mother replied.
"Good evening, Mrs. Yuki, it's been a while," Takeru said, greeting her.
"Oh, Tak-kun... I mean Takeru-kun, it's been a while. How are you?" her mother said.
"Yes, I'm fine," Takeru replied.
"It's rare to see you walking home together," Mizuha's mother said. "Usually Hikaru-kun is the one walking Mizuha home."
"Well, Hikaru-kun has a cold today, so I walked Mizuha home instead of him," Takeru said.
"I see, he has a cold. Poor him," Mizuha's mother said sympathetically.
"Since you're here, how about coming in? I can prepare some snacks," Mizuha's mother said.
"Yes, mom's right. Come on, Takeru, join us," Mizuha added.
"Thanks for the offer, Mrs. Yuki," Takeru said, "but I have to head to my part-time job, so I can't stay."
"I see, that's unfortunate. Maybe next time," Mizuha's mother replied.
Takeru excused himself. "Okay, I need to go now. See you tomorrow, Mizuha."
"See you tomorrow," Mizuha said.
Takeru then walked away, leaving Mizuha and her mother. "Takeru-kun is really kind, right?" her mother said.
"You're right, mom. He is really kind, but for some reason, I feel nostalgic when I'm with him. I wonder why," Mizuha said.
Well, both of you used to be close in the past, my dear, but you have no memories of him, her mother thought.
"Mom, what's wrong? You're spacing out," Mizuha said curiously.
"Nah, nothing, my dear. Don't worry. Anyway, let's go inside. We'll eat this cake together," her mother said.
"Yes!" Mizuha said. They entered the house and enjoyed the cake together.
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To be continued…..Amemonogatari III
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