The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 10

'WHY DO YOU hate us?' Thirteen-year-old Alasdair questioned fifteen-year-old Watanabe. It was after school, and everyone had cleaned their classrooms.

Since Alasdair avoided the librarian (she chewed noisily and wasn't keen on the catalogues), Later, he'd have her fired), he chose their vacant classroom instead.

Just like him, Watanabe hated the librarian. Just like him, he loved books. But their reasons were different. He appreciated reading and gaining new knowledge. On the other hand, Watanabe forced himself to be as intelligent as possible. The new student wasn't a genius, so he had to work harder to achieve his desired grades.

Alasdair was no fool. He knew that Watanabe doubted why a thirteen-year-old boy was in first-year senior high school. By the time they reached their last high school year, Alasdair would only be fifteen. It was one thing he was proud of.

'What do you mean?' Watanabe closed the book he was reading. A book about animals? What an odd choice. He scanned Alasdair from head to toe.

'Aren't you supposed to be home right now?'

'I live here. Well, I can always go back to our house, but yes, I live here.'

'I know that. However, why. Why would anyone choose to live here?'

This talk would be longer than he'd expected. He pulled a chair, making sure its legs didn't scrape against the floor. Sitting down opposite him, Alasdair remarked how Watanabe's glasses were too big for his face. He brushed off the urge to ask why he had such bad eyes. 'Well, it seems I'll have to answer your question before you answer mine. Anyway, I believe they're connected, so I don't see this as an inconvenience.'

With a harsh sigh, Watanabe shoved his book inside his bag and zipped it closed. 'How are they connected?' he challenged.

'Well,' Alasdair began. He folded his arms over his chest and leaned back. Alasdair had to show that Watanabe's cold treatment didn't and couldn't deter him. More so, the bespectacled boy had to see that he could trust the only son of Yamato Kaito. 'My father originally built this school for kids like me. Kids who can't blend in. I'm half, by the way. We'd also found out that although the students felt safe here, they couldn't say the same thing when they were outside.'

'So your father then decided to let the students live in secured buildings?'

'That's correct.' He couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face.

'And he's somehow extended his influence throughout Kobushi City?'

His arched eyebrows and his closed fists relaxed. There was understanding and a hint of inspiration.

'To this day, I don't know how he does it. But enough about him. What's the root of your prejudice?'

He relished the discomfort that registered on Watanabe's face. 'That's an invalid question. I don't hate nonnatives.'

Alasdair tilted his head. 'That's not how everyone sees it.'

'Fine, if you're that curious, I'll tell you the reason. However, I was being honest when I said I do not hate you. Or the others.'

The need to fish out a notepad and a pen possessed him. Luckily, he pushed it down until he convincingly appeared confident and curious at the same time.

He'd always found xenophobia interesting. Sure, it wasn't great in retrospect, but it was repulsive and fascinating. And sure, he already had a clue why Watanabe resented anyone who was not a pure-blooded Zone 1. He shouldn't be asking this. It was cruel and mocking in a way, but the hatred in Watanabe's eyes was something he hadn't seen in anyone until he met him. It was deep and burning. Later, he would laugh at how ironic his thinking was.