My New Life

Chapter 32: Midterm Results

The little pack of red liquid erupted as he squeezed it between his fingers, and he nodded.

"This worked well."

I nodded.

"It did."

"How's your fists?"

"Meh, they're okay. It's not like I h-haven't punched concrete before."

Ayanokoji leaned back in his seat, still holding onto the mask, staring at it.

"To be honest, those punches probably could've killed someone normally."

"Yeah, let's just say I actually was frustrated, at myself though. I felt angry a-at myself for making her go through that."

"I'm still surprised you had me actually stab you."

I lifted my shirt, taking a loot at the puncture wound, and laughed it off.

"It's fine, this much is nothing, plus, I'm tending to it well."

"Are you sure it will work?"

"I'm hoping so, it's likely that the change won't be instantaneous, but over t-the course of our time here."

"Just to let you know, she really hates Horikita and I."

"You think I didn't already?"

"Sorry."

I shook my head.

"No no, I get it. If I'm being completely honest, you're the only one I've really o-opened myself up around. Koenji as well. I understand that Horikita sees that I'm smart, but doesn't t-think that I can apply that knowledge well."

"...Why are you telling me this?"

"I don't know, I just felt like it, I'm not really trying to hide it a-anyways, not anymore."

I looked down at my fists.

"Slowly, I'm starting to get forgotten memories b-back, and I can feel my confidence building."

I laughed, shaking my head.

"That being said, I still can't help but be embarrassed at even the little things."

"The reason I'm telling you all this, if I had to think of a proper reason, It's p-probably because I feel like you should know. I did kind of use you after all, but despite that, I hope you can s-still view me as a friend."

I put my hand out, and he shook it.

"Of course."

I smiled.

"Thanks. Welp, I should head out, I got s-some more stuff to prepare for the future."

"Don't leave too little for Horikita."

"Haha! I wouldn't dream of it! She wouldn't forgive me if she s-somehow found me out!"

"Alright, bye."

"See ya."

The first time I'd seen Ayanokoji look genuinely surprised.

It happened when I approached him with my plan, telling him I knew all about how Kushida threatened him, and told him about what I'd been doing the last few weeks.

It was kind of strange, Ayanokoji seemed like the kind of guy that would have a straight face no matter what, hell, the only thing different about him when Kushida was threatening him was that he looked like the whole thing was a big bother.

Although, I guess it is surprising. I've given off the impression I'm smart, but can't apply my smarts to anything.

Even Horikita didn't see past this.