Chapter LIV: The Smasher
In their hardworking town, and village, Tengen wakes up to do his daily routine. Though he has a lot to do on his plate of pasta, like taking a quick bath, eating his breakfast, and feeding the dog before going to school. He then waits at the station at 6 in the morning. Before going to the entrance, memories then begin to slip into his mind.
During their 1st semester,
"Hey Tengen, can you do me a favor?" (Gin)
"Yes what is it?" (Tengen)
"Can you maybe get me attached with *looks at Hanako*" (Gin)
"Ok, I'll do it man, no problemo, btw good luck to you if she wants you hehe" (Tengen)
When the squad went to a fast food restaurant, like when he was still new to them, he was left with Hanako at the table.
"Hey, it's Tengen right?" (Hanako)
"Yes? Btw, you're Hanako I take it?" (Tengen)
"Yep, so I was thinking, you know, you have such a nice hair" (Hanako)
"Thanks, I get that a lot, by the way, same with yours, it's cool" (Tengen)
The pair then talked and talked until they developed feelings for each other. Enmei, carrying their orders with Akiko, Asahi, and Kota at his back, says,
"Ok guys, so here's our ord—"
Due to the unravelling something the pair had developed, he goes out just to get some fresh air. Gin looking at this, has a red question mark on his face.
"Gin, I know you're going to be mad at me now, but I'm really sorry. She wants me but I know my etiquette about this and I hope you understand this situation you and I are in because this girl might not like you and now she wants me, I'm terribly sorry, please forgive me", Tengen speaks in his thought when he saw Gin glaring at them.
On other occasions when Kota invites them for a hangout, he and Hanako always get late. Meanwhile on one occasion, they always treat each other sweet like buying each other a commemorative plushies, and even outfits. He usually gets off at the school gate and always wait for Hanako. But sometimes, things go down unexpected.
On Valentine's Day, the same day Kota was turned down, he and Hanako also talked in private.
"Why weren't you replying to my texts? I was worried the whole time for you" (Tengen)
"Hey, I need some space from your idiosyncratic plans and words for me. Your father just exposed us in front of the class during their meeting, should you have done something just to interfere with him?" (Hanako)
"Well, no because…." (Tengen)
"Because what?" (Hanako)
"Look, I didn't want him to know but sometimes he asked me and of course I let out the truth for no burdens should I carry more" (Tengen)
*shakes her head*
"Tsk, sometimes you have to lie" (Hanako)
"Well lying can't help because I'm a good boy to them, I sacrificed my truth for their hard work they have done just for me, did you expected me to just lie and get away with it? No!" (Tengen)
"Well glad for you, raised up as a good boy for their values but I'm a bad girl, ok? Not a flipping obedient girl, I'm free who I am to be! PERIOD" (Hanako)
"Then why did you do this to me?" (Tengen)
"Because…WHY NOT mf! It's my life and you've been clingy recently to me that's why I need to do this!" (Hanako)
After that, he comforted Kota and went home immediately.
"Hey, what's the long face kiddo", his father asked him but Tengen went straight to his room.
He was crying and at the same time, playing some sad songs. But as he woke up the next morning, he realized something. Even with an empty heart, he still helps people in his community and being kind to different students and teachers at their school. Though he doesn't have her anymore on his side, his vibe hasn't changed but a little bit of independency awoke him.
"There are still many girls out there, why am I like this?
It's not like the end of the world, I was just thinking it negatively", he thought to himself.
From time to time, he garnered some strength and his usual energy and left the past behind even though they still see each other in the classroom.
At the time Kota went missing, Hanako spoke to him to clarify that they don't have anything anymore.
"Ok, I might be sorry of what I did back then but I want to tell you that we could still be friends academically." (Hanako)
"Well it's ok, there's no biggie" (Tengen)
"So, will you help us find Kota?" (Hanako)
"Sure but if it will be late, I'm going home, besides he just went out for some space, like us lol" (Tengen)
He sometimes go to his computer to do some Oyougle to meet with other people, and sometimes helps his mother at their restaurant. Since he was into rackets that time, one of his friends encouraged him to play badminton. During their practice,
"Aim higher if it's high" (Tengen's friend)
"You only need a perfect timing to hit the birdie" (Toshiro)
"Wait, birdie? What do you mean?" (Tengen)
"I mean the shuttlecock, yakisoba" (Toshiro)
"Hey, thanks but don't call me that!" (Tengen)
As they practice, from an accurate angle of the shuttlecock flying amidst the net, in an instant, Tengen smashes it through and lies flat on the opponent's court. Though he had been through many struggles, he had been fighting this with good attitude.
Back to the present, even though he can't wait anymore for Hanako after what she did to him, he still enjoys something and that would be his life as a teenager. He goes inside the school, opening his jacket revealing a whole new personality. Though sometimes they see each other, but the feelings have died.
The next day, Tengen isn't yet at school on his usual arrival time. Kota looks aroundthe class and outside to make sure if the coast is clear.
"Hey Gin, look at this" (Kota)
He then pulls out a sachet of noodles from his bag.
"Yow bro, wtf do you think you're doing? He may be late you know" (Gin)
"Yep but I'mma just put it here, on his chair" (Kota)
"Hey, it's artificial Tengen! Lmao" (Gin)
As soon as the teacher arrives,
"Who's absent?" (The Teacher)
"Anasui, ma'am" (Class rep)
"Nope, he's here" (The Teacher)
"Wait what?" (Class rep)
They then look at his chair, laughing all their way where some even knelt down.
"Excuse me ma'am, sorry I'm late—
Wait, what you guys laughing about?" (Tengen)
The class laughs louder as he asked that. He looks at his desk and seems unamused until he looks at Kota menacingly but eventually laughs with them after a while.