3 The job

Sensei really has told me some very interesting things about Takana-kun. The thing is, in our school the results are never told in public. Students only get to know their marks from the teachers.

Haruka sensei handed me all of Takana-kun's standings and I noticed that he got full marks in all of the subjects. How? Is this guy even human? And when I touched his arms I felt that his muscles were also really tough. It was not something you could not get without proper training.

Just what kind of person is he? On top of that he is really good at playing piano. It was as if his playing was speaking to me. It was saying,

"Listen to this and you will reach the kindest and happiest part of your heart. If you can't do that on your own, then I was pave the way."

I felt that even though he was playing the Moonlight Sonata, which I considered to be a sad piece. He really is "different" and that is what makes him interesting.

I may not look like it but I became pretty bored of my life. There was nothing new in it. The entire day just felt like a repetition of the last one. I feel like Takana-kun will change that repeating life of mine.

Now it feels like I am in a romance anime. I guess someone should write a book about it. But I am not sure if it would fit in the romance genre. I really watch too many anime.

I was thinking all this when I was surrounded by people I call "friends".

"So Ine-chan, why did sensei call you and that, what was his name again? Ta... ki... nu? Takinu-kun right? Ya, so why were you called? In the morning also I saw you both talking to sensei."

"Takinu", what a nice nick name for Takana-kun. I giggled while chanting that name in my mind Takinu-kun, Takinu-kun. Hehe. That is a good name to tease him with.

The one who spoke up was Sakura Aika. She has been really close to me since the start of the school. She was in fact the first friend that I made in school.

"Aika-chan, his name is Takana. And sensei called us to ask our help for something."

"Also, Ine-chan I see that you started to talk a lot with Takana, and you also came to school with him today. Is there a reason for that?"

The boy who said that was Fumihiro Daichi. He is really popular in school. He is the captain of our baseball team and is very nice to everyone.

"The reason is that I found out that he just lives next door. So now we come to school together. He may not look like it but he is a really nice guy."

I needed to call him a nice guy to keep his status high even though he has not been all that nice to me. He normally just ignores me and is also very rude sometimes. But anyway he is quite unique so I just cannot ignore him.

It was time for lunch break and I left my friends behind and went to meet Takana-kun. Really, he has a nice place to eat lunch. Open the window of the music room and you can even feel the cool breeze on your face.

Today I had made sandwiches for my lunch while Takana-kun had bought lunch from the school canteen.

While we were having lunch I saw Takana-kun staring at the direction of the door where I saw Haruka sensei standing. She was in her normal work cloths and on which she wore her lab coat. Her long black hair were tied in a ponytail and she was looking stunning as always.

She walked into the room and pulled a chair next to Takana-kun. Wait! Takana-kun does not mind that. What? Is that possible?

"Takana and Isogai-san I have a job for you."

Hearing that Takana-kun stiffened a bit and became more attentive. What was this job?

"What is it this time sensei? And why add Isogai to it?"

"Because, she is the closest student to you."

C-c-c-closest? What is sensei saying and why am I getting all flustered?

"Don't worry, I will not try to be a burden Takinu."

Oh no, in just called him Takinu and no honorifics? Well whatever, I don't feel bad calling him that and also his face did not show any annoyance.

"Takinu? Hmmm, Isogai-san aren't you getting too familiar with my favorite specimen?"

She really loves that word doesn't she.

"Its ok sensei, I do not mind. To be more specific I don't care what she calls me."

Uhhhhh, Takinu you are too rude to me. I also am a human with a heart. You need to realize that.

What I did not realize was I just said that aloud. How I realized it? Well because then Takinu said, "All humans have a heart I know that, but then there are some heartless people too."

I did not get what he said but what I do know is that he said something really harsh. I guess I have to just play along showing I understand everything. I will ask him later what he meant. Popular person technique: maximum communication! Wait, now it sounds like a deadly move from a shonen manga. Well, you can kind of say that it is. Depends upon the person using it.

While I was thinking about which show I had to go home and watch, sensei and Takinu had done talking about the "job". Seriously, what kind of job is he given? An errand to run? Or a top secret mission by some special organization?

I really need to stop thinking about anime right now.

When sensei stood up and walked out of the room I asked Takuni. Seriously I love calling him this.

"So, Takinu what is this job?"

"I was about to tell you because you did not hear."

"What! How did you kn- NO, I mean what are you saying?"

"Give it up Isogai, I know you were not listening I noticed it. Anyway about that, sensei said she will be sending someone who I have to help in solve his problem."

"And, what should I do?"

"You have two choices, do not come or just stand there and become a mute spectator. Also if you decide to come remember, no matter what I do, do not open your mouth unnecessarily."

"Hey, why is that? Never mind, I know what you will say. Okay, I will come and not say anything unnecessary."

"For future references, tell me what did you think I would have said?"

"That I am incompetent for this."

Obviously, because this guy in front of me was a super human. I think. I would be nothing compared to him.

"Hmm, that is a nicer way of putting it. Guess, you got the basic idea."

"Wait, nicer way?"

What I said was not at all nice. What would he say then? Wait, I don't want to know because I know anything he says he will be way too specific. I don't want to soon kill myself.

New title for him: rude prince. Wow, here also I gave him the title of a price. Well, it does suit him perfectly.

"Okay, so this price is taking his leave, common folk."

"How did you know I was thinking that?"

"I have the ability to read people's mind."

"Really? Wow."

"It was a lie, you were thinking out loud."

Heeeeh? W-w-w-what!!!!! I said that out aloud too! What is happening to me today?

"Wait, when do we have to do it?"

"After school ends, we will have some time. Sensei already gave us permission for it."

Now that I think about it, I always had an eye on him. Since the first day of school we were in the same class. While everyone was talking to each other and socializing. Takinu was the only one who was sitting at his seat and listening to music. He did not talk to anyone and so, no one even noticed him.

I guess I am envious of him sometimes. He gets so much time for himself and does not care what other think of him. He can even speak whatever is on his mind without hesitation. That is something that I long for.

Why? Because I on the other hand am always thinking about my status in class, what people think of me, what I need to do to be more of a people person. I never get free time for myself. Even my anime watching has decreased because of that. Wow, again anime.

"Don't worry, because grass on the other side is always greener."

"What? You heard that too?"

"If you don't want me to hear then stop thinking out loud."

"Why is this happening when I am with you?"

"Who know?"

He walked out of the room but then stopped at the door. He bent his head down a bit, not facing me and said in a low voice,

"You need to be happier in how you are. It is not a bad thing what you do. Society will always need people like you. You don't need to change too much. Just a bit because there is always place for growth."

Wait, did he just said something nice to me?

I guess my ears were ringing.

"It's not ringing idiot, even I have a kind side, maybe."

I said that out loud too? What is happening with me today? I am so going to mess up this job which sensei has given us. Sorry, Takinu if I do something I should not have done. Sorry in advance.

I wonder why am I saying these things out loud? Maybe, just maybe, I think I don't need to think what to say to when I am with Takinu. Is that how it is? Who knows? Also, I am not in love with him or anything, nor I am a tsundere. People get the wrong idea really quick.

Oh I forgot to ask one thing,

"Wait, where are we meeting?"

"In the music room I guess."

"Are you part of the music club?"

"No, but only I use it for some reason."

"Ok, got it. After school in the music room."

Then after lunch all I did was thinking what was going to happen. Who is the person? What problem does he have? What will Takinu do? Will I ever be able to come to such a decision? Due to all this I dosed off couple to time in class which I should not have.

Every now and then I found myself looking at Takinu for god knows what reason. It really was too much for me to handle.

Finally, the bell rang and it was time for me to head to music room.

Takinu went ahead of me and I saw 3 chairs were placed there. Two chairs right in front of the door facing each other and one chair right at the corner of the room. You will not notice that chair until you sit on one of the two chairs. At that chair Takinu was sitting with eyes closed. Aww, he was so defenseless like that. I thought of having some fun and approached him. Then I tried poking his cheeks but as soon as my finger was about to touch them, a hand griped my hand and stopped it. The grip was too hard, ouch stop it. Takinu opened his eyes and when he saw me, he let go of my hand.

What were these animal instincts?

"Don't scare me like that Isogai."

"Huh? You were the one who scared me. What was that?"

"What did it look like?"

"Animal instincts."

"Hmm, interesting anyway go sit there."

He said that pointing at the chair facing the door.

"The person is about to come soon."

I sat there and we waited.

After 10 minutes or so the door opened. A tall boy of athletic build entered the room. As he entered he immediately noticed me,

"Ine-chan why are you here? Are you the one who is solving this?"

He was the captain of the baseball team Fumihiro Daichi.

"Before anything sit down."

He sat down at the chair and asked again.

"So, are you the one who will solve my problem?"

"No, I am going to. Isogai is just a mute spectator."

Daichi-kun then turned around hearing Takinu's voice.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Like I told you. I will be solving your problem."

"Huh?"

"Never mind. Isogai it looks like you know him."

He turned towards me and looked right into my eye. Then he picked up his chair and sat next to me.

"So, can you tell me your name?"

"Wait, you don't know who I am?"

"Isogai can you tell me who he is."

"Yes, he is Fumihiro Daichi from our class."

Seeing him talking like that Daichi-kun spoke up.

"Hey, why are you asking her about my name?"

"Because my simple question could not get through your brain Fumihiro."

Takinu said that with cold eye. If you ever get looked at like that, just pick up your phone and call the police. You never know what that person will do to you.

"What? Are you picking a fight?"

"Calm down Daichi-kun that is just how Takinu is."

"Takinu? Isn't his name Takana?"

"Enough with the irrelevant talks. Now, tell me about the problem."

"Whatever. So, the thing is that I am a-"

He, stutters for a moment and completes.

"- a smoker."

What? Daichi-kun smokes? No way. This is a joke right? I can never see him smoking, not even in dreams (I did not dream about him by the way). Why would he smoke? I thought that is what Takinu would ask.

"So, when did you first started smoking?"

"Huh? Aren't you going to ask why?"

"I am the one asking questions here. If you cannot answer properly tell me."

Takinu was ruder than normal. What has gotten into him? Did he dislike Daichi-kun? No, he would not let his personal feelings get in the way. He is not that weak. Then why?

Daichi-kun stopped looking at Takinu and looked at me and said,

"Since, first year of high school."

"And how much time has passed to be precise."

"About a year and three month."

Woah? He smoked for that long. How did any of us never noticed.

"And when did Haruka sensei caught you?"

"Is that even relevant."

Upon that Takinu scowled at Daichi-kun with even colder and scary eyes.

"One month ago."

"I see, have you ever tried quitting."

"I was so grateful to sensei for not telling any of the authorities. Maybe because I was a student of her class. So, I tried quitting but it is too hard. Isn't there an easier way?"

He said that with such an innocent voice. Anyone who would have heard that would have their heart melted but not this guy next to me.

Takinu silently stood up and starting walking out the room.

"You're coming or not?"

With that both me and Daichi-kun stood up and started following Takinu. While walking Daichi slowly whispered to me,

"What is this guy's deal?"

"Even I have no idea."

With that we found ourselves in front of the home economics room.

"Come in, I have the permission."

"How?"

I was too curious about what was going in his mind so I asked. I thought he would glare at me but he responded,

"I get the permission to use any three room for these things. Haruks sensei gets it for me to be more precise."

Did he think everything through when he was in the class?

We entered the room and then Takinu turned around and asked Daichi-kun,

"You want an easy way right Fumihiro?"

"Yes."

He said that with hope in his eye, but that hope soon shattered when Takinu took out something from the drawer. It was a kitchen knife. What is he thinking?

He held out the knife to Daichi-kun and he took it.

"So, why are you giving me this?"

"It is the easiest way to change this habit of yours."

"What?"

"Take this knife and stab and kill yourself, then be reborn if you can and change it."

Both of us could not believe what Takinu just said. Is he serious? Well he looks serious. Really?

"Are you out of your mind there is no way that I am going to do that to myself."

"Too bad, then there is no easy way for you to change it."

"What? I thought sensei sent me to you so you will solve it."

"I did try but you are not willing to do it."

"Wait there no way I will do that. I am not that crazy."

"But you are crazy enough to start smoking at such an early age even though knowing the risk."

Hearing that Daichi-kun went silent. He mustered some courage to reply,

"But I can't help it what's done is done right?"

He said that and faced towards me but I did not utter a word. Why? Because Takinu told me not to say anything unnecessary. I guess that was what he meant. I did sympathize him but I think that would then work against what we or Takinu is trying to do.

Seeing that Takinu spoke up.

"I am the one who is talking here so face me. Isogai is just a mute spectator do not expect anything from her."

"Wait, I did not-"

"Fumihiro you look like you are from a sports team am I right?"

"Yes", Daichi-kun said in a low voice.

"Speak louder the way you were before."

"Shut up!!!"

Daichi-kun shouted. What? I have never seen him like that. His eyes were wild and he was breathing heavily.

"Yelling won't solve your problem. Don't tell me a person like you who is in the sports team of our school has such low will. To be in the sports team you need to be in the top condition and really skilled which does not come easy. Don't tell me such a person cannot do something so simple."

"Shut up, shut up, shut up-"

Daichi-kun started saying that again and again but Takinu ignored him and continued,

"This world isn't so easy and kind. This world is a world full of rotten people and rotten heart. Right now you cannot do anything if you act the way you are currently.

Back to the point this habit of yours will also ruin your Baseball carrier."

Wait, how did he know?

"What do you know about me?"

"What I know? I know nothing. All I know is that you are a low level creature who will only ignore his shortcoming due to his current acts. Someone who will easily ruin his own life with his own hands. Someone who thinks he is better than me but cannot prove it. Even Isogai agrees with me. That is why she did not speak up when you looked at her with such pathetic look on your face."

"Shut up!!"

"If you want me to shut up then show me that you can on your own stop this low habit of yours without any excuse. Do that and I will happily kneel before you and prostrate myself."

What did he just say? I guess Daichi-kun also had the same thought because he had this unusual face on his face.

"Hey, are you serious Takana?"

He said with a creepy smile on his face.

"I never lie about stuff like this."

"Then I will show you."

Saying that he laughed hardly and continued,

"Don't forget this."

Then he went out of the room and slam the door shut.

"Ask."

Huh? What did he say?

"You have many questions on your mind right now. Right? So ask."

"Really? But you said not to say something unnecessary."

"It was till the job was done and it is so speak up."

Wait? I can ask him anything about this? Is he sure because there are so many questions in my mind that if I start then it will take more than a day to answer all. So, I think I will narrow it down to the main questions.

"Okay. So, how are you so sure that the job is done?"

"There are two things which will make humans to do anything possible even the most dreadful things like murder. These are love and hate."

"What?"

"Yes, and this is the harsh truth. People say that love is the strongest driving force of human actions but hatred is also equal if not more effective. I knew there was no way that I could pull it off the first way, so I used hatred."

"Why would he hate you?"

Do you know about the seven deadly sins?"

"Yes, I have it is wrath, sloth, lust, pride, gluttony, envy and greed."

"Exactly, so I used three of them against him. I used some really insulting thing to trample his pride. Then I also proved it to him that you are agreeing with me instead of him even though he knows you for much longer."

"I see."

"Doing that also made him envious of me and when your pride is trampled and envy also come in place, it triggers wrath which ultimately made him hate me."

"I get it but why did he became envious of you?"

"You are the reason for it?"

What? How am I the reason? All I did was keep quiet and not say anything. I am really confused and I guess it showed on my face.

"Not your face but your mind."

I did it again.

"Yes, the thing is he liked you and got envious of me when you took my side. That is what it looked like to him."

What? Daichi-kun likes me? I did not know that?

"The way he looked at you gave it away."

"I get most of it so how did it help in solving his problem?"

"It was the last thing I said to him. When you hate someone, you will do whatever in you power to look down upon them, so when I said I would prostrate if he quit smoking he readily agreed. It is only a matter of time now."

"Are you okay with that?"

"With what?"

Hey, don't give me that. You know pretty well what I am talking about. Don't you?

"Yes, I am okay with being hated by other and doing that what I said. It does not really matter because I don't care if anyone hates me or not. It's not going to hurt anyone is it?"

What? How dare he said that? It would not hurt anyone? And he is okay with it?

"IT WILL HURT ME TAKINU!!"

Before even I realized I shouted. Takinu is my friend now, I think. I don't want this to happen to him and done by another friend of mine. It's too cruel.

My eyes started to fill with water. Seeing that Takinu came near me and slowly poked my head.

"Guess there still will be people I get attached to. What a pain."

"What?"

"I have a moto, well had one. It was, "do not engage with people because then you will end up hurt sooner or later". Guess you are going to break my moto."

What? He had such a moto? Why does he have such a cruel moto? What happened? Is that the reason why he is different?

Guess I need to find that out. Maybe it has something to do with two years ago.

Conclusion: Takinu is a nice nick name for him (tee hee).