Super Spark of Duper Pride [OB] - Act I: Motivation

0-13: Revolt against the Showoff (Crier 1 & Spider 13)

Crier 1:

Naofumi Kogure is my name, but most people just refer to me as the crybaby.

I just can't help it, okay?

I am sensitive and get emotional very easily.

The tears just leak out, I have no control!

But today, someone else is taking the 'honour' of being mocked by Natsume.

Natsume: "So the creep is not coming again, huh?"

Natsume asked out loud.

Rihoko has stopped attending school for a few days now and everyone is talking behind her back.

Natsume: "With how she looks, maybe she should just stay home forever, am I right or am I right?"

Natsume asked again, this time directing his attention to me.

Not again, why do I have to be his advocate anyway?

"Um, yeah, sure."

I answered meekly.

???: "She has a name, you know?! It's Shouko Negishi!"

Then out of nowhere, Sasajima spoke out loud.

Sasajima: "And Kogure! You should really start standing up for yourself as well!"

Natsume: "What's this? Are you secretly Rihoko's boyfriend or something?"

Natsume asked Sasajima mockingly.

Sasajima: "Bullying is bullying! I won't stand for this and neither should anyone here!"

Sasajima replied sternly, addressing everyone in the classroom.

Natsume: "What are you gonna do about it? Punch me and get into trouble, little ogre?"

Natsume taunts Sasajima, but he just stares at him coldly.

Sasajima has a violent past of beating up would-be bullies and getting into trouble for it.

Ever since details about his history spreaded through rumours, both Natsume and Shinohara have made fun of him for being immature.

The irony seems to be lost on them.

Tagawa: "Natsume! Stop acting like an immature brat!"

Hasebe: "Sasajima's right, calling people by bad nicknames is wrong."

Those two, along with Sakurazaki who's not here right now, are always there to reel Natsume in when he goes too far.

Natsume looks at me, no doubt looking for backup.

...

No, I will do the right thing here.

I turn away from Natsume, refusing to give my support.

I am so angry with him, I am shedding tears from the rage.

Damn it, I must look stupid and pathetic.

Spider 13:

So, something is going on with Rihoko.

Like, she hasn't come to school for a few days now.

Miss Oka and Rep are working hard to reach out to her.

And I am actually starting to worry about her wellbeing myself.