6 The actual reason

The bell has rung few minutes ago. We were on our way back to class, after all that Isogai was in a really good mood. She was humming some songs I guess and was swaying her body as she walked.

"Hey, Itsuki."

"Yes?"

"Call me Ine form now one."

"Okay."

I said that with an expressionless face. It does not matter what I call her. But I think it does to her.

"You answered it really quick. Are you in fact in love with me?"

"If that ever happens I will be happily hit by a truck."

I did not joke there. There is no way I can be in love with anyone of my age. I have grown past that phase. Now getting my heart stolen is not so easy.

"Wow that really hurts me."

"But please do not cry this time. The class is just in front of us."

If she cries again it really will be a pain to deal with it. Thanks to before I could not properly eat my lunch. So much happened just because a popular girl cried. That really is a scary power to wield.

"I won't. I do not cry so easily."

Saying that we entered the classroom. Seeing Ine in a good mood everyone had a relieved face. Looks like this was all taken care of. But one person did not have a relived look on his face.

I did not get any other glare or glances the rest of the day. Everything went peacefully. I really am happy that this will not happen again. Moreover Ine saw a new side of Fumihiro in the past three days. I really think what will happen to their relationship.

Today was Monday huh? So I can play the school piano on Wednesday. Looks like I have to make do with my own piano. There is nothing wrong with my own piano but I think I have given the reason why I do not prefer it. Also, I learned a new piece by Liszt and really wanted to play it.

I went home without much problem (Ine). She was called by someone after school. Looks like that person is making their move. They are going to take advantage of this event and try to use it. So, I expected for Ine to drop by my house.

She did drop by. She said she wanted to meet Gon. Looks like this guy got a nice company.

"Gon, Ine is here to meet you."

"'kay, wait what? Did "you" just said "Ine" Itsu?"

"Yes, now come here."

Gon walked in the room. He was wearing a blue colored sleeveless t-shirt and a grey colored pajama.

"This is really rare Itsu."

"What is?"

"You calling Ine-chan by her first name."

Seeing us, Ine who was in a bit of gloomy mood raised her head and said while moving both her hands in front of her.

"It's not what you think Gon-san. I asked Itsuki to call me by my first name."

"Guaaaahhh!"

Looks like he got substantial damage by that line.

"Wow you call me Gon-san and Itsu is being called Itsuki. You really are a biased person Ine-chan."

Aww, Gon was almost about to cry. Ine tried to cheer him up.

"Oh I am really sorry Gon."

"Really?"

"Really."

She said that with a big smile. Big enough to make Gon come back to his normal self.

"Then it's okay. Also you came to meet me but not Itsu?"

"Yes, I meet Itsuki every day at school, but I do not get to meet you Gon."

She even won over my imaginary friend, this girl is really scary. I walked out of the room and told Gon to keep Ine's company. I waited for them to complete talking while I was in the other room playing Fantaisie impromptu. I did not do that to create any sort of environment. I was a little bored and did not want to read anything so I started playing.

Gon entered the room and said that Ine is calling me. I stopped and entered the room. For context it was the living room. I sat down in front of Ine.

"So, what happened after school?"

"What do you mean?"

"You did not just come to talk to Gon did you?"

"Why do you think that?"

"Come on Ine you know that I know why you are here. Fumihiro confessed to you didn't he?"

Her face showed that I was right on mark. Her expression turned from happy to a little sad one. She patted beside her tell me to sit there. I sat there without any question.

"How did you know Itsuki?"

"It will be a really long explanation."

"I have lot of time. I don't mind. I called mom and told her I will drop by your house."

Wait she told her mother about me? I wonder what she said, probably good things because if she didn't then she wouldn't have allowed her to be at my house.

"What did you tell her about me?"

I just wanted to know out of curiosity.

"Huh? Weren't you the one who was about to explain me?"

"Okay... First, you know that he likes you."

She nodded which allowed me to continue with my explanation. Since when did I wait for her approval? Anyways let's continue.

"He liked you for a really long time, it showed from how he interacts with you. So, when he saw you today in that position he got really angry at me and also found a chance. A chance to confess to you. He wanted to be your emotional support and help you. But when you came back after lunch he was a bit disappointed. Thinking that you are wearing a happy mask he tried to persuade you and thus confessed to you."

After my explanation ended there was complete silence in the room for some time. Gon still could not get his head around what I just said. It was natural as he did not see any of this first hand. Ine then smiled which told me I was right from start to finish.

"Did you see all that Itsuki?"

"No, I have zero interest in seeing such worthless actions of people."

"Hmm, but I have to give it to you that you were right on the mark. I wanted to see if you could figure that out."

"So this was test for me?"

"Maybe."

Maybe huh? This word really is a strange word. When someone uses it they mean that you can be right, not that you are right. Using maybe leaves suspense in the heart of people but that did not bother me because I knew for sure I was correct.

"Okay, stop looking at me like that, you are correct. Also when I rejected him saying I saw him as a good friend he...."

"Said that the real reason was because you like me. Am I wrong?"

"Yes, he did say that even though that is not true. For now."

"Don't worry I will make sure that it will never me true."

This kind of love was the last thing that I wanted in my life.

"That made me a little sad anyway. Which piece were you playing on the piano? Was it Chopin's?"

"Yes, I am surprised you know about classical music. It was Fantaisie impromptu."

"Can you teach me how to play it?"

"Do you know how to play the piano?"

"Yes, I can play it but I am not too good at it."

"Then I can lend you the sheet and you can learn on you own. That is what sheet music was made for."

I had no intentions of being a musical teacher. I wanted to do something on the same line when I was 10 years old but I was a child then.

"You are no fun."

"Umm, looks like both of you forgot about me."

Gon was sitting where I was sitting first, he had a sad look on his face. Don't look so sad I will not steal Ine from you Gon. You can have her. I won't have any problem.

Looks like Gon understood what I said. He can tell what I am thinking by the look on my face so he was back to normal. He really forgot the fact that he is not real.

"Oh sorry Gon but as Itsuki said I also came to meet you. You really are a fun person to have around. Now I understand everything that Itsuki said about you. You and Itsuki are polar opposites but you two are really compatible."

"Yep, that is true. Itsu and I are like from different worlds..."

"We are from different world."

"Ya, I know that no need to rub it in my face. But he really is a nice guy if you get to know him properly. He will never abandon a friend or even an acquaintance in need."

"But I can easily abandon you."

"How is that Itsuki?"

"By dying."

I said that with a straight face. I think I took it too far as they both were staring at me the same way you would stare a crazy person. What I said was true, don't stare at me dammit.

"Itsuki please do not try that."

"Ya Itsu. I care about you. If you will die even I will lose existence."

So I was a mere medium for his existence. Well that is not a lie, I am. I made him and due to some reason even Ine can see this guy. Leaving that aside, I asked her the most important question.

"It's getting pretty late, aren't you supposed to go home now?"

"So you don't want me to stay any longer."

"That may be one way to put it."

"You really are rude to me aren't you? Try to melt that cold heart of yours."

"Even the heat of the sun will not suffice."

That is true this version of me is the real me and the old version was also me. But I prefer to live as this version of myself. That is my decision which I won't change. I will never regret that.

"Before leaving add my number again. You deleted didn't you?"

She snatched my phone from the table and started fiddling on it. So now she does not need any permission to use my phone. Well there is nothing really private in it. Not even photos.

"Hey, why aren't there any photos on your phone?"

"Because I did not click any?"

"Why is that?"

"Because I never thought that it was a crime. Officer Isogai."

It took a little time for her to realize what I just said. When she did she puffed her cheeks and pouted. How can someone be like this? I always wonder. Anyways I did not mind at all. I took my phone back from her and checked it. She added her number with the name "Ine (smiley emoticon)". This girl.

"Okay, so you should go back. It will be dark soon."

"Why say that? I live next door."

"Just leave already."

Finally she left. Gon saw her of and I went back to my room to lay on the bed. It really was a tiring day. I had not done so much in one day for a long time. I guess that is why.

I checked the time and it was currently 6:30 PM. Think I should start preparing dinner. I checked the fridge for some ingredients.

"Guess I will make some fish today."

Which I did, and then I had my dinner at around 7:30 PM. It was same as always, nothing special. Gon was sitting in front of me with his head on the table. Is he in a bad mood or is he not feeling well? Yes that also happens.

"What happened to you Gon? Sad that Ine went home?"

"How did you know?"

What? I was just joking. Is that the reason? There is some serious problem with this guy. He looked at me and then again laid his head on the table. I decided not to deal with him any longer. Stupidity is contagious, so I need to be really careful. Looks like I will be needing masks and gloves also maybe a gun but that won't do anything to him.

I continued eating when my phone started vibrating. Who is calling at this time? I can only think of one person but it was not her number. It was an unknown number so I decided to ignore it. After some time it rang again. Then again, then again, then again. This is really a pain so I decided to switch off my phone.

I finished with my dinner, washed the dishes and after a quick study session went to bed. One more day and then Wednesday.

I did not sleep well. I had the same nightmare but I cannot blame Ine for that. It is all on me, I cannot run away from it anymore. It may be my fault but I now need to accept it completely. Me coming here was also part of me running away. No more of this. I am going to live a peaceful life here till my high school ends. Wish me luck guys.

I woke up and turned my phone back on. Really, 20 missed calls? Just how much this person loves me? Anyway I did not care, maybe a wrong number. I went to the bathroom and continued with my normal routine. When I was making breakfast the phone rang again. Again this number? What is wrong?

I finally decided to pick up the phone and shut them up.

"Wow, really 20 missed calls. Just how much do you love me?"

"Heh? When did I say I love you? Well I do but not in that way."

Wait a minute. I know this voice. No way.

"Asuka?"

"Yes it's me yours truly and lovely. Cute but scary, kind and charming Asuka."

Okay, now listen. Takana Asuka is my little sister. She lives at our home town. I believe I have already told you about her. I last saw her on her birthday. She really came here to celebrate when I said on the phone that I really wanted to celebrate it with her.

"Wait, this is not your number."

"Oh about that I accidentally dropped it in the river. Tee-Hee."

"Don't Tee-Hee me. This is the fifth time this happened be more careful. Maybe you will sometime fall in the same river. Anyway why did you call?"

"About that..."

At that moment the bell rang. No way, she came to meet me? But it was only July 16 so how? I went to open the door and as it opened she jumped at me to hug me but I dodged it. Sorry Asuka don't jump at me like this. She fell on the floor and her bag flew open and all her cloths were all over the place.

I helped her up and then she hugged me again. She is one person I won't mind hugging at all. Oh, also she is 2 years younger than me so she is in her final year of junior high.

"I am here oni-chan."

"I can see that now get off me and pick up your cloths. I am making breakfast so do it quick. Looks like I will make your favorite."

"Omelet Rice?"

"Yes."

"Yaay."

She jumped up in happiness. Watching this creature always brings a smile on my face. This is a more natural one. I realized that just now because the door was still open and Ine was looking at all of this. Did I get late today?

"I never knew you can smile like that Itsuki. You should smile like that more. It really suits you. And who is she?"

Hearing an unfamiliar voice Asuka faced the owner of the voice. She was dumb struck seeing her. She did not move. I waved my hand in front of her but she did not move. Did she just witnessed a ghost? I pulled her cheeks to bring her back to her senses. They were as soft as always.

"Oni-chan I want an explanation right now."

"What you need right now is a breakfast. You did not eat did you? Ine you have to go on your own today. I will be late handling this creature."

"Oh, so she is your sister. I guess I will join you guys."

I was about to say something when Asuka stopped me and spoke up.

"Come in, come in. I also wanted to see want kind of people are Oni-chan's friends."

Well I can never disagree with her. This is the ultimate power of little sisters, they can get anything done very easily. I wish I was someone's little sister. Not that I do not love my own little sister.

Ine entered the house and I went to the kitchen. Asuka along with Ine also entered the kitchen. Asuka pulls out a chair from the table and made Ine sit there. Is she trying to play good cop bad cop or just a detective? But whatever. Asuka is the kind of person Ine will love being with. I went to the fridge and brought out the most important ingredient for omelet rice. Eggs.

"So what is your name?"

"Isogai Ine, ma'am."

Ma'am? What is she? A high ranking officer? Well she is right now so I think it makes some kind of sense.

"What is your relationship with oni-chan?"

"We are friends."

"Acquaintances."

"That's not true."

Hearing that Asuka jumped on Ine.

"What my oni-chan says is always true."

"Yes but Asuka, here I was just joking. Unfortunately we are friends."

I did emphasize the "unfortunately" part just to tease Ine a bit. So I got another person to tease instead of Gon, nice. Also Asuka can see Gon I still don't know how. I continued with my work.

"So Isogai-san how did you meet oni-chan?"

"Just call me Ine like Itsuki does. I met him in the music room when he was playing piano."

"Is that true oni-chan?"

"Do not involve me in your interrogation any further or do you want me to ruin you omelet rice?"

"NO!! Please don't do that. Keep up the good work."

With this I could continue with cooking while Ine was being interrogated. When they had finished I made gave them both their breakfast. I unconsciously made some for Ine too but her dish was smaller. I think I will eat bread for breakfast today.

"Sorry I to make you do this Itsuki."

"Don't worry. Anyways, Asuka. Report."

"What all?"

"Everything."

"Roger that sir."

Now that I saw her properly, she had cut her hair short. Before they were really long. Now they went just below her shoulders. This new look really suited her. She grew taller in the past few months. Puberty, I guess. Her dish had a rabbit made on it with the ketchup. She loves those little things.

I checked the time and it was almost time to for school. I stood up grabbed my bag and wore my shoes.

"Asuka take care of the house."

Saying that I left for school with Ine.

"You also take care and come back fast."

How can I do that? School always end at same time. Ever heard of a schedule?

"Your sister is nothing like you Itsuki."

"I am sorry? Wait why am I apologizing? Maybe my parents should."

"I was just commenting and why apologize? It's not your fault."

It's biology's fault. No, science? No, I don't know whose fault it is. We don't know the actual origin of anything so we cannot point a finger on anything. Sad for people who like blaming people for things like this.

The school was in front of us and I started to speed up. It was going to be our summer holidays after this week so everyone was in a good mood.

I entered the class and sat at my seat. Ine also sat on her seat and started talking to her friends. I still had time so let's go back to reading. After a few minutes Ine came to my seat.

"Hey, Itsuki."

Hearing my first name being called out by Ine the entire class became silent. It was as if you could even hear the heartbeat of each person in the class.

"Yes."

"Can I come to your house today?"

The ball has been dropped. The whole class was in confusion. No one knew what was going on. Well, it was not common for a girl like Ine to come to my house.

"Why is that?"

"I wanted to talk to Asuka-chan more."

"Okay."

"Who is this Asuka-chan Takana?"

Shouted one of the boy but I decided to ignore. Mind your own business. But everyone in the entire class had the same question. Isogai turned to boy and replied,

"She is Itsuki's little sister."

When they realized that they all let out a sigh of relief? Why are you all sighing? Did they have another stupid idea in their head? I decided to not further be involved in this but before going I told Ine.

"But I am planning on taking her to the café which opened in front of the school."

"Oh? No problem, I will accompany both of you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Saying that she winked at me while smiling. Why did she wink? I have no idea. I have no idea what is going on in this girls head. Well I can figure out if I think hard but I don't want to. It will be a little tiring and there won't be any reward in finding it out.

The rest of the day went as normal. Nothing out of the place happened. While I was leaving Ine called me out. She was running towards me and behind her was her usual group Fumihiro and some other boys and girls whose name I did not bother to know.

"Don't you think you should spend more time with them than with me?"

"Huh? I do spend time with them and also spending time with you is not that bad you know. In fact I really enjoy it."

"Whatever, let's go."

As we left I could feel everyone's gaze on me. I feel like I would have been like air forever if it weren't for Ine. Really how did I end up here? I guess not every question will get an answer. It really is frustrating.

We reached my home and Asuka was laying on my bed. She was reading one of the books from my shelf. I did not bother to see the title because I know which one she picked up. I remember the position of every single book in my shelf.

"Oh, welcome back oni-chan and, Ine-san? Why are you with him?"

"I come home with him now."

"No you don't. Stop lying to my little sister not that she will believe it. Anyways, Asuka get up and change if you like. We are going to the café in front of my school. The coffee there is really good."

"What? Really? Yaay let's go."

Really watching this little creature always make me smile a lot. She jumped out of the bed and left the book there. At least put it back. Looks like I need to stop spoiling her a bit. Not that I spoil her. My stopping spoiling her a bit means completely stopping it.

We left my house and went up to the café. Outside the café I noticed some people staring inside through the window. What should I do? Should I tell them I saw and stopping spying on us? Well the target is Ine and me and I do not want my sister to get in middle of all this. I decided to ignore them for now.

"What will you like Asuka?"

"Cold coffee and pastry!!"

She jumped.

"Okay."

"Um what about me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't you going to ask me?"

"I don't want to bother you Princess."

"You really like teasing me."

I don't. Okay maybe a little but only a little.

We took what we ordered and sat on an empty seat. Asuka sat next to me and Ine sat in front of me. After sometime Asuka broke the silence.

"Oh I forgot to ask oni-chan. Are you and Ine-san dating?"

Puuuuuuuuuuuuf!! Ine spat out her drink. It almost hit my face but good thing it didn't. Everyone looked at us. Ine stood up and bowed down to apologize everyone. She sat back and said.

"No we aren't dating Asuka-chan. We are just friends."

"Just friends huh? Oni-chan do you plan to go through all of that again? Is this why you came here?"

Asuka looked at me with a little scary eyes. Now that I think about it why did I end up like this here? I did not come to this town to do all this. Now that I think about it. What did I come here for anyway?

Conclusion: I don't have any. I am just lost.