Nyanta & Pomeko

Chapter 52: Takeru Dojima

It was a very rainy day. I usually eat lunch with Dojima in the courtyard, but today we're having lunch in the classroom.

　The two of us were talking about novels and the upcoming test. We were having a peaceful time.

　Suddenly, something happened.

　Saejima, the mischievous boy in the class, stood next to Dojima and poured the juice he was holding over Dojima's head.

"Oh, sorry about that, your hair was a little shaggy, I'll fix it."

　As he said this, Saejima capped the plastic bottle and roughly crushed Dojima's head with one hand.

　I had to speak up immediately.

"Wait, what are you doing!!"

　The class was filled with giggles. I could tell by their expressions that they were all laughing.

　I recognized them by their expressions. They all thought this was a joke. They're just having fun using Dojima to see my reaction.

　Some students have a suppressed smile, some have a high-pitched laugh, some look a little disgusted, and some make fun of us while pricking their fingers.

　My heart was rapidly squeezing out of me. Scary. I was filled with such emotions.

"Haa, It's just a bunch of loners being loud to each other."

"Yes, it's not good to ignore them. You have to tease them properly. We're in the same class."

"Uwa, he really poured juice on him. Oi, you should do the same."

"You know, Dojima scares people because you never know what he's thinking."

"That's why we're messing with him."

　The voices of my classmates passed through my ears. It's my fault. Because of me, Dojima will be bullied too.

　This is no joke to those who are being bullied.

　This time, it's not just about being ignored. He's going to be used as a toy like this.

　When I thought about it, my legs began to tremble. But .......

　But, but, Dojima–

　I took out a handkerchief from my pocket with trembling hands.

　Then, I gently wipe Dojima's wet head.

　It's juice, so it's sticky. I have to wash his head to get it clean. I don't know what to do about this situation. Even Dojima is scared—–.

"I-It's okay, Dojima. Oh, the school uniform will get dirty."

　Dojima touched my hand as I wiped it. I don't know why it felt so warm.

　I don't know what it is, but despite this situation, Dojima's eyes look really beautiful.

"Hizaki, your beautiful handkerchief is going to get dirty. I've got a big towel in case something like this happens. Look."

　Dojima took out a towel from his bag and started to wipe his hair.

"By the way, Hizaki, is this because my hair is shaggy and he wanted to clean it out of kindness?　I see, I need a haircut for this."

"Do-Dojima, you know, this ......."

　Dojima is the same as always. When I saw Dojima, my fear eased.

"Oi oi. I'm talking to you, you know?　Turn around. You, are you right in your head?"