A monster

But saying ' friend' seemed rather strange too. Ru and her, what exactly is their relationship? He walks home with her a lot, and they eat lunch together. They also shop and go to the movies; they message each other good morning and goodnight.

Sumire paused in mid-thought. Wait a second, these activities, aren't they something couples do?

'No wonder San always looked so bitter whenever I hung out with Ru.' But ahh, it is too late to change things now. Moreover, she has gotten used to spending so much time with Ru. If she were to distance herself now, it would be stranger.

Forget it; it's not like she is in a relationship now, so nobody should mind this situation.

"Does that mean I still stand a chance? I can steal you away then, hehe."

Sumire blinked and blinked. As she looked at him for a few seconds before realizing what he had just said. Sumire immediately backed away. "Uhh?"

Sei laughed. "Ehhhh? You don't have to back out of your chair like that."

"I mean, it's a bit embarrassing. Sorry." Sumire apologized.

Sei-kun, does that mean he likes her too? No, no definitely not. She may have agreed with Asahi's statement but only half-heartedly. It's not possible for them all to like her; otherwise, she would surely have noticed.

At those words, Sei laughed weakly. "Hehe. I was only joking around. You really do take things seriously." Sei changes his tone."But on the other hand, how will you survive if you open yourself up too easily? After dealing with the troubles of being an idol, even at school, I'd know."

"Are you struggling being an idol after all?" Sumire asked.

It was something she had never once thought of asking them. Since they were all - they were all always together, and she thought that as long as they remained together, they'd be able to overcome anything.

Sei averts his gaze from her. "Well, I'm used to it, I guess."

Despite his vague sounding words, she could sense the pain in his tone. Sumire sighed deeply. Even though she said she would avoid him for awhile, it is difficult. Moreover, he truly is not a bad person.

"I don't think this is something you ought to get used to." Sumire trailed off. "If you're having problems, why not discuss it with the others?"

"Like?"

"Hmmm, depending on the issue. I think Masaru-senpai, Mikaze-kun and Daiki-sama would be willing to lend an ear."

"What about you? If I rant, would you listen?"

"Of course, I'll do my best to help you."

"I'll pass on you, Sumire-chan. After all, you have your own worries to deal with."

"Now that you mention it, you have to tell me-" Sumire paused when she saw the look in his eyes.

His eyes are different then most people's, one of them is red, and the other is blue. Ah, that's probably the issue. It has already been a year since Sei-kun debuted, but he is probably still experiencing discrimination because of his eyes.

"Those people have nothing better to do. If you focus on their words, you will become monsters like them."

Sei chuckled. "A monster?"

"Mmm, people's envy and greed make them monsters. Whenever they express their dissatisfaction and point out another person's flaws, they only risk exposing how ugly and rotten they are."

"I see. I suppose that is true."

Her thoughts broke off when she heard the sound of her phone. "Ah Mikaze-kun is back."

"He probably needs your help; get going."

Sumire turned to him, slightly concerned. "Will you be fine?"

"I will. I'll just indulge myself in the beauty of tragedies."

"Then I'll be off." Sumire picked up her belongings and hurriedly left but not before turning to look at Sei one last time. He had picked up the othello book that she left behind, but his gaze was elsewhere.

She wonders why even though there is somebody in pain right in front of her, all she can do is offer him words like this. Is it so hard to console somebody who is in pain?

Sumire walked down the hallway deep in thought. It was quiet since everybody was in class. There has to be something more she can do for them. Sei-kun is probably not the only one struggling. The entertainment industry is a brutal place.

Everybody is doing their best to survive every day; that is why she cannot burden them with her issues. Unlike in the past, people surround her; she is no longer by herself. She has many friends and has formed strong bonds with them.

But there is still something missing. It's messed up how she still feels so lonely and miserable every day, even though everybody is so kind to her.

Her thoughts broke off hearing voices.

"I'm sorry, but I can't go out with you."

Ah, is she stumbling on a confession? Perhaps she ought to walk the other way.

"Mamoru-kun! Is it because of that girl?"

Sumire blinked when she heard the name that left the girl's lips. Could it be the one being confessed to is Ru? She cautiously peeked behind the wall and, sure enough, spotted Mamoru and a girl opposite him. That girl is a second-year student, right?

She watched as Mamoru suddenly frowned and looked at the girl, displeased. "If you're going to refer to someone, you should do it by name. You seem to be very familiar with Ki, so you should at least address her by name."

Uh-oh, Ru is mad.

"Why do I have to address somebody like that by name?"

Hey, hey now, who on earth is this girl? She is quite sure they have never spoken before. But her tone is so hostile. She knew many people disliked her for being close to Ru, but she didn't think it was this bad.

"Somebody like that?" Ru repeated. He still wore a smile on his face, but Sumire could tell he was furious.

"Yes, somebody like that. I heard that you were supposed to be accepted into a school with higher prestige. But because of this girl, you missed the entrance exam."

At those words, Sumire's eyes widened. What does that mean? Didn't Ru tell her that he took the exam another day and failed?

'The questions were too hard even for me. Don't mind it; at least I can attend the same high school as you.'

Sumire clenched her fist. Ru is such an idiot; he didn't have to go this far just to protect her. But Ru probably realized that she would be uneasy without him by her side. How could he toss away such an opportunity to be with her? Is she that important to him?

It was a question she had avoided asking him before because she feared the answer.

But when he behaves like this, is it not obvious?