Chapter 14: The Café Disaster

Author's Note: Belated Merry Christmas and Advanced Happy New Year, everyone!

Anyway, I'm very very sorry for not publishing this chapter since September 2024, because (again) of busy at work at office and home, and I even had writer's block.

PS: Enjoy reading this latest chapter.

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Youjin Kinoshita's POV

I couldn't believe what had just happened on the train a while ago. I had falsely accused for the fourth time by none other than the new School Council President, Kurin Onimatsu. Even worse, the police were involved and I was nearly arrested. Thankfully, I had evidence with my mini-drone and body camera to prove my innocence. And of course, the real culprit was apprehended and the police chief offered me a formal apology.

But what Onimatsu-san did to me was unforgivable. She reminded me of my mortal enemies Nonaka-san, Susami-san, Hana-san and Sakura-san, the ones who made my life miserable with false accusations before. The more girls falsely accuse me, the more I find myself hating them, except the landlady Hayashi-san, of course, who has always been kind to me. When Onimatsu-san tried to apologize and express her gratitude, I refused to acknowledge her. It felt like she was trying to silence me or make me forget the incident on the train. Eventually, I would reveal her true colors to everyone at school.

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed, thanks to Onimatsu-san, I decided to find solace in my favorite dessert café. As I walked in, the aroma of baked goods greeted me. The place was quiet, with only few costumers enjoying their meals.

As I spotted an empty table, I made my way over, took off my face mask and jacket and sat down. After placing my bag on the floor, the waitress approached and handed me the menu to choose something to eat and drink.

"Five-layer pancake with chocolate syrup and a cup of matcha tea, please." I told the waitress.

Then she nodded and left my table. I was supposed to choose parfait, but I decided against it. My stress called for something warm and soothing, like a hot cup of matcha tea. Eating cold dessert and drinking a hot beverage at the same time was bad idea that they might upset my stomach.

While waiting for my order, I took out my phone and plugged my headset into my ears. Aside of writing stories as my hobby, my other hobbies are playing games, reading manga online and watching anime. That's right! I am an otaku. My dream isn't only to be an author, but also going to Akihabara, the ultimate destination for otaku culture.

"Here's your pancake and tea, sir." The waitress suddenly appeared before placing my pancake and tea on the table.

"Thank you," I smiled at her. Looking down at the beautifully stacked pancakes drizzled with chocolate syrup, I clasped my hands together. "Itadakimasu!"

Then I began eating, savoring each bite. Honestly, eating while watching anime has become a comforting habit of mine, unlike being with Hayashi-san during breakfast, lunch and dinner. That's why I could enjoy my meal in peace.

Or so I thought.

"Is that Kinoshita-kun?"

Even with the volume on my headset turned down, I could hear the chatter around me. Hearing my name sent a chill down my spine. But where did that come from? I glanced around and spotted two unfamiliar girls at the nearby table. Wait a minute, aren't they students from my school?

"Yeah, you're right. It's him!" One of them said excitedly.

If I remembered correctly, those two were involved of bullying under Susami-san's orders. They were second-year students, but from a different class. I tried to ignore them, but they approached my table. Great… so much eating in peace. Note I was sarcastic.

"Hi! You're Youjin Kinoshita, right?"

Hearing my full name made me look up at them. Both girls were slightly shorter than me. One of them had long, dark brown hair, while the other had short, light brown hair. And they shared the same brown eyes.

"Sorry for disturbing you." The dark-haired girl said. "Anyway, I'm–"

I cut her off mentally. I don't want to know her name.

"And I'm–" The light-haired girl added, but I also cut her off mentally.

I'm doing my best to remain calm since I don't want to cause a scene with those girls here in the café. But to make me frustrated, they sat down at my table, one on each side. What the hell are they thinking? I'm trying to let myself eat alone in peace!

"We need to talk, Kinoshita-kun." The dark-haired girl said.

'Do not disturb me, do not disturb me, do not disturb me, do not disturb me…' I said in my mind in anger while eating my meal slowly.

"We're really sorry about what happened." She continued. "We didn't know Nonaka-san, Susami-san and your sisters were lying."

"Yeah," The other girl nodded. "Nonaka-san made us believe you cheated on her and Susami-san made us attack you for her. We feel terrible that we know the truth."

Even with my headset on, their words reached me loud and clear. I wanted to yell at them, to tell them to leave me alone, but I couldn't.

"Also, we told Nonaka-san where you live now."

Wait, what?!

"And we told her we're no longer friends with her." The light-haired girl added.

So they were the ones who revealed my new address… and they were former friends of Nonaka-san as well. How dare they?!

"We have a confession, Kinoshita-kun."

'Confess?' I thought as I looked at them skeptically. Don't tell me they–

"We like you, Kinoshita-kun." The two girls said in unison.

What the hell? Their sudden confession made my heart race, though I tried to remain calm. But I nearly choked on my food. I even don't feel the blush on my face, but only a feeling of deep unease. Thanks to Nonaka-san and Susami-san, confessions like these were now a source of trauma.

"We've really like you for a long time, Kinoshita-kun."

But they joined the assault for Susami-san. And now they have a crush on me? Ridiculous!

"We already agreed that you can choose either of us or both of us to go out with."

Are you serious?! That reminded me of my step sisters' confession that how they had been fine with me going out with those four girls at once, including Nonaka-san and Susami-san. Of course, I had rejected them.

"So, will you go out with me, or her… or both of us?"

No, there's no way! They believed those liars' false accusations and even assaulted me, only to regret it later. And now, they confessed their feelings to me? I couldn't accept it.

"Uh… hello, Kinoshita-kun?" The dark-brown-haired girl said.

I ignored them.

"Can you hear us?" The other girl asked.

Still no response from me.

I glanced at them for a moment. They exchanged a nod, which made me suspicious. I prayed they would leave me, so I could have peaceful time here.

But then, something completely unexpected happened. As I sipped my matcha tea, closing my eyes to relax…

"I love you!" The dark-haired girl whispered to my left ear.

"Chuu!" The light-haired girl suddenly kissed me on the right cheek.

…I flinched that made me spit out my tea and drop my cup. The tea soaked my clothes and pants and the cup shattered on the floor. All eyes in the café turned toward us.

Thanks to those girls, I reached my limit.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" I shouted.

My outrage echoed through the café.

"Kinoshita-kun, I'm so sorry!"

"Sorry, we didn't mean to surprise you!"

I clenched my fists while glaring at them.

"HOW DARE YOU DISTURB MY PEACEFUL TIME HERE, B*TCHES?!"

Those girls trembled in fear.

"Sorry, we didn't–"

"Shut up!" I spat. "Didn't you see what I was doing here?"

"Kinoshita-kun, we just want to apologize."

I was about to yell again when I suddenly felt a pat on my shoulder. I turned and a female staff member looked at me with concern.

"Sir, please calm down. You're disturbing other costumers."

I wanted to lash out at her, but I held back.

"Miss, could please leave us alone for a minute? I'll be leaving soon." I asked her politely.

She nodded and left me and the two girls.

"You, b*tch!" I glared at them.

"Kinoshita-kun, please calm down. You're embarrassing us."

"No, you two embarrassed me!" I snapped back.

"Look at me!" I continued as I gestured to my soaked clothes. "I'm drenched, thanks to you two! And the cup is shattered!"

They bowed their heads in shame.

"If it makes you feel better, then we'll pay for the damage for you." The light-haired girl said.

As they grabbed the money from their wallets, that reminded me of my stupid parents about to give me the money, but I couldn't accept it from my new mortal enemies. Oh, wait! They are already my enemies since I executed my revenge at school.

"Tch!" I scoffed. "I don't need your money."

"But–"

"I said I don't need your money!" I shouted. "I will pay for the damage myself!"

I slammed a few ten-thousand-yen bills onto the table. My vacation funds are now wasted, thanks to them.

"Kinoshita-kun, I'm so sorry. We didn't mean to disturb you." The dark-brown-haired girl said, bowing her head.

"Yeah, I'm sorry too. We'll leave now."

As they turned to leave, I grabbed their wrists to stop them.

"Wait, wait, wait! I'm not done with you two, girls!" I glared at them.

Then I turned to the waitresses in the distance.

"Excuse me, where is your manager?"

The staff exchanged glances before one of them went upstairs to call the manager. And later, the manager who was a black-haired woman appeared. She didn't seem surprised by the scene. Perhaps, she had been watching through the café's CCTV monitors.

"Manager, I'm not sure if you know me, but I'm a regular here. And I'm really sorry for this mess." I told her as my voice tinged with sadness.

"If it weren't for these two girls…" I tightened my grip on their wrists. "I would still come back here."

Then my tears welled up in my eyes.

"Wait, you mean…" The manager was shocked.

"That's right, Manager." My voice broke. "I, Youjin Kinoshita, am permanently banning myself from this café."

Gasped filled the café as I declared my decision.

"This café is no longer my favorite anymore. I promise I will never come back here… ever again!"

Releasing the girls' wrists, I grabbed my jacket, face mask and bag as I prepare to leave.

"Get lost, b*tches! And don't ever involve yourselves with me again. Understand?"

My glare made them tremble.

"W-W-Well…" One of them tried to answer.

"I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

I screamed so loud to let out my outrage that caused them to freak out.

"Y-Yes!" Both girls stammered in unison.

Turning to the manager and staff, the girls began bowing and apologizing to them.

"Manager, we're so sorry."

"Yeah, we're so sorry!"

As I walked out of the café, their voices faded behind me.

"I'm going home." I muttered under my breath.

The memory of the café incident replayed in my head, fueling my bitterness. Thanks to Onimatsu-san and the two girls, my day is ruined! My fists clenched tightly.

"Hey, wait!"

I heard a familiar voice. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"The manager said–"

I quickened my pace.

"Wait, stop!"

"Kinoshita-kun!"

I turned my head slightly. Those two girls from the café chased after me like I owed them something. Their expressions were desperate, like they thought I would stop and hear them out.

But when I turned a corner, I got bumped by someone that caused me and the unknown person to tumble to the ground.

"Ugh! That hurts. I'm sorry." I groaned, shaking my head to recover.

"No, I'm–"

Wait a minute, another familiar voice was heard. Could it be?!

"Oh, it's you, Kinoshita-kun. Found you!"

It was Onimatsu-san.

My eyes widened in disbelief. This couldn't be happening.

"There you are, Kinoshita-kun!"

"We finally caught up to you!"

I turned my head to see the two girls who were catching their breath. Now, I was surrounded. The three girls together had completely boxed me in. I tried to keep my composure, but my mind was racing with frustration. I couldn't let them cause another scene here with me, especially in public.

"Kinoshita-kun, you ran off earlier, and I didn't get the chance to treat you properly." Onimatsu-san said, brushing herself off as she stood.

"Oh, you're here, Onimatsu-san." One of the girls told her.

"And you met Kinoshita-kun a while ago?" The other girl asked.

While they chatted, I took the opportunity to quietly stand and back away. I could slip out of this situation before it escalated.

"Hey, where are you going?"

I froze.

"Kinoshita-kun, please! Just hear us out. Let us apologize and treat you to something."

"Yeah, we didn't mean to upset you earlier."

"And we were trying to explain about the manager–"

"Tch!" My harsh tone cut them off.

"Kinoshita-kun?"

Their eyes widened at my reaction. Then I turned and dashed away from them.

"Wait, Kinoshita-kun!"

"We're so sorry!"

"Please, don't run away!"

I could hear their voiced behind me as I sprinted through the streets.

'Damn it! Why is this happening to me?' I thought bitterly. 'Why do they keep following me? Am I cursed?'

My thoughts like that were always in my mind that I couldn't understand. Was it because of my former girlfriend Nonaka-san who ruined my life in the first place? Or because my biological mother died during my birth? The questions burned in my mind, unanswered.

Finally, I reached the train station. Ignoring the original plan to go to the beach, I decided to head straight home. There is no point in staying out any longer.

Hours later, I arrived back at my apartment. As I approached the building, I noticed the landlady Hayashi-san standing outside.

"Oh, Youjin." The Hayashi-san was surprised. "You're back early. Did something happen?"

I sighed heavily. "Yeah, you could say that, Hayashi-san."

But she was confused. "What's wrong?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but I felt a lump in my throat. Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.

"Woah, woah! Calm down." Hayashi-san said, gently rubbing my back. "Just tell me what's going on, Youjin."

I finally calmed down and nodded at her to explain everything: The train incident with Onimatsu-san, the café disaster with the girls I never knew their names, and the three said girls who had turned my day into a nightmare.

"Three girls from your school caused all this trouble? That's rough, Youjin. I'm so sorry to hear that." The landlady said sadly.

"I know! Can you believe it?!" I wiped my eyes. "The new Student Council President falsely accused me and the two girls I don't know disturbed my time alone. They are just like Nonaka-san, Susami-san and my sisters who betrayed me. It's like I can't escape my cycle."

Hayashi-san pulled me into a comforting hug. "I know it feels like the world is against you right now, but you can't let anger consume you, Youjin. But are you really sure you still want to return to school after the summer break?"

I nodded firmly. "Yeah. Like I said before, I got this."

"Then I respect your decision, Youjin." She smiled at me.

"I will beat the hell out of anyone if they will mess up with me." I added.

The landlady shook her head.

"Youjin, just try to understand anyone, even when their actions seem hurtful. Violence and anger won't solve anything."

I clenched my fists, but nodded reluctantly. "I'll try, Hayashi-san. But I will also make sure no one messes with me again. I'll teach them all a lesson if they do."

She patted my head. "Just be careful, okay?"

"Yeah, I will."

For the rest of the summer, I decided to stay at home to avoid unnecessary travel or interactions. I spent my time indulging in my hobbies and completing my summer homework.

The three girls who had ruined my day were now on my list of mortal enemies. I would ask Hayashi-san to ensure those girls were banned from entering the apartment building, just like I did with my family, friends and the high school principal.

More importantly, I couldn't wait for returning to the hellish school next month.

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Author's Note: For the next chapter, here is the tinny tiny spoiler: SCHOOL!

Stay tuned for the next chapter. Peace!