Game Gyaru

Chapter 95: The Slight Truth

Things weren't so bad now for Hakuta, surprisingly easy once the pieces all fell together actually. However it was also not a guarantee either. There was nothing stopping Ino from staying away from him like before after the day was finished. However if things continued on this path, then he was confident things would end up in his favor.

"Thanks for the smoothie." Said Ino, sipping on a gift from Iruka. "You really didn't have to."

"But it's so much funner when we're all doing something together." She assured her. "Really, it's nice to see you kick back for once. I'm always seeing you busy with your work and 'responsibilities' that it's cool seeing you like this." Iruka had put air quotes around the world, responsibilities, that it almost seemed like she didn't view what Ino did as the class representative as important.

"Someone has to do that stuff." That small snide remark, even if not meant for any offense, was picked up on by the girl. "A lot of girls like you are always messing around and not helping."

"Eh? Girls like me?" She was surprised to be blamed at all for any wrongdoing. In her mind, she normally avoided trouble and definitely didn't like hurting others.

"Sorry, that came out wrong." Ino turned her head down and away from her. "I just mean that no one else is taking care of things, so I end up having to do all the work."

"But isn't there Hakuta?" During her short time here, Iruka had seen him helping the girl out with carrying stuff. Considering his relatively weak build, she probably should've asked another boy who had strength in his arms. "I don't know why you stopped asking him for help. I'm sure he'd love to do it if you asked." There were better choices than him, but if he was the reliable one, then he should be the one for the task anyway.

"It's complicated." Ino turned towards Hakuta subtly, silently mouthing the words to ask for his aid. He took this and immediately came to the rescues.

"Anyway." He said, cutting into the conversation. How about we get up and enjoy some of the sand? Can't just stay sitting here on a beautiful day like today."

"Yay, that sounds fun!" It was easy to dangle the keys of joy in front of Iruka to get her to take the bait. It allowed the other two some escape from their personal problems, even if all that girl was doing was trying to understand them better. It was unlikely she would have any negative feelings if she knew the truth.

But what if she knew the truth about Ino's feelings? If she was aware that she hated not just her, but who she was. Would that be the line that pushes a kind, loving girl like Iruka to hate?

It was not a question he wished to see have answered ever in his lifetime. But knowing all the other secrets he tried to keep under wraps, the boy knew it was only a matter of time before it came out. After all, Shiuka was aware.

And knowing she was aware, even despite her not appearing to have any animosity towards either him nor their class rep, made him feel uneasy. This was what he wanted. He wanted Ino to be his friend, almost in an odd manner, even with the risks associated.

Which begged the question, why did he want her to be a friend? Hakuta risked a lot if he did succeed in his desires, so there had to be a good reason to why he would do this. Was Iruka right? Did he hold secret feelings towards this girl? The boy would disagree with that assessment, but the real reason just didn't seem true to him.

Honestly, Hakuta just wanted to make a friend that he wanted in the first place. When it came to all the gyarus, the boy ended up being forced into that situation with them because of how he came to live with Shiuka.

Even the boys weren't people he would say he walked up because he liked them. He only knew them because they lived next to each other growing up. While his friend's families would move to different houses in junior high, they still stuck around because they all knew each other so well.