Episode 30: The Handsome Perfectionist
Mikado Kouki is fixated on being perfect.
He felt a strong sense of obligation to meet the expectations of those around him, including his parents and the school, while also enjoying being praised.
Gaining the realization that he was superior became the standard for his words, actions, and thoughts.
That’s why he worked harder than anyone else in both academics and sports, and achieved results.
He also knew how to gather popularity from his classmates.
Everything was progressing exactly as he had envisioned.
Until middle school, everything had been going smoothly.
Having obtained so much, he was aware of only one thing he lacked.
A perfect girlfriend who was a match for him.
A woman who was beautiful both inside and out, and also excelled in academics and sports.
However, there were no girls around him who met his standards.
Elementary schoolers were all too childish.
He learned about her when he became a middle schooler.
His heart trembled. He was convinced.
Ichinose Ayano was the one worthy of him.
Ichinose Ayano had that value.
That’s why, when he became a high schooler, he confessed to her.
Of course, he expected to be accepted.
He had been liked by many girls until now. It was clear that the merits of dating him were far greater compared to the other boys around.
Besides, they used to talk a lot in middle school.
The distance between them should have closed.
The preparations should have been complete.
No one should have complained.
It shouldn’t have been unnatural for them to date.
–But,
“I’m sorry!”
“I have someone I like.”
…He couldn’t understand.
There was someone he (an excellent person) liked more than Mikado Kouki (him)?
Unbelievable.
It must be some kind of mistake.
But, if such a person existed, he thought he had no choice but to give up.
It wasn’t like he was particularly attached to Ichinose Ayano.
But the problem was that there were no other candidates.
◇
It was by chance that Mikado Kouki visited the shopping mall that day.
He didn’t have any particular purpose. He just dropped by because he was bored on his day off.
It was a good place to kill time since there were various shops.
–That’s why he felt it was fate when he saw her in the food court.
And he also thought it was an opportunity.
Her lover was a lower-ranking member of the surrounding evaluation (School Caste).
He was clearly inferior to Mikado Kouki, and even to Ichinose Ayano herself.
If he confessed again, she should reconsider.
“I refuse. I have someone important I’m dating, so I can’t go on a date with anyone else, nor do I want to. So, I, with Kamijou-kun–“
She should reconsider.
“I’m going to continue my date with Yuto, so please excuse me. Also, please don’t talk to me unnecessarily at school from now on.”
She should reconsider.
But why–
“Since you don’t seem to understand, I’ll say it clearly–don’t lay a hand on my woman.”
Ichinose Ayano had the face of a maiden in love.
Mikado Kouki didn’t know she had such a face.
◇
A few days later, in the First Year, Class A classroom.
–It seems Mikado-kun confessed to Ichinose-san again.
–But he was rejected again, right?
–Why don’t you try confessing? You might have a chance now, right? You said you liked him.
–Ehh, no way. Because, at that time, Ichinose-san was on a date with her boyfriend at the mall, and he was bothering them, right?
–I heard he’s quite persistent. I really can’t stand that kind of thing.
–He’s a handsome honor student, so it feels even creepier.
–What a letdown.
Mikado Kouki tried not to show it on his face as he listened to his classmates talking about him.
No. No, no, no.
‘Mikado Kouki’ isn’t that kind of man.
He must be a person who excels in both academics and sports, is handsome, and is always at the center of attention.
Everyone should acknowledge his talent and praise his appearance.
Therefore, he must not be ridiculed.
However, in another group,
–Ichinose from Class C is apparently quite something.
–Are you saying she’s quite the bitch? Is that true?
–I don’t know… but I’ve been getting those kinds of emails too.
–From who?
–I don’t know.
–That’s even scarier.
–But, isn’t it the best when a beautiful, innocent girl is sexy?
–Try hitting on her. You might be able to get her, you know?
Rumors about Ichinose Ayano were spreading as well.
And he was secretly gloating inside.
He thought rumors were like poison.
The more malicious they are, the faster and more intensely they circulate, killing people like poison.
He knew the usefulness of that poison.
◇
The rumors had spread enough.
He thought her heart and body would be corroded.
He thought Kamijou Yuuto would run away immediately.
But what was that?
Why were the two of them still close?
…He couldn’t understand.
He didn’t want to understand. He didn’t need to understand.
After all, what Mikado Kouki was looking for wasn’t a loving girlfriend.
It was a convenient woman for him to be praised more.
◇
As expected, this was fate.
She was in his line of sight.
She was at the convenience store, looking at certain products with great interest.
The products themselves were sold in a place that was easily visible, so they weren’t obscene items.
But they were items used when doing that kind of thing.
And it was hard to think of any other uses.
In other words, this was a decisive moment.
Just the fact that Ichinose Ayano had it in her hand gave this moment meaning.
She had a strange expression that seemed happy, fun, and embarrassed.
–He thought that side of her was good too.
But,
“–If you don’t mind, would you like to talk to me for a bit?”
Mikado Kouki preferred this frightened expression.