A Silent Voice and a Rigid Heart

Chapter 4

Kazuya's POV

Tadano and I watched a group of students play some game. A game that I have no clue how you play. I looked to my right to see Komi staring at them and from what I can read, she wants to join them "Do you want to try it?" I asked her. She jumped and looked at me then looked down, nodded.

I stood up and Tadano whispered in my ear "She's doing so well. But it's the cool kids. It won't be easy to join in" I looked at him "I mean, if they see me with you then it might be difficult" I just looked at him and he looked to Komi "After school, when everyone's gone, we can invite Najimi and Agari and have a private game" 

I could try to approach those kids but if that's what they want, then that's fine.

Komi instantly nodded at his idea "Alright" I said. I was about to sit back down when Najimi yelled.

"Hey, Komi! Do you want to join in? It's fine! Come on over!" Najimi called out to us. We all just looked them.

"No way! Is Komi joining us?" a student asked.

Komi started shaking with nervousness.

"It's okay. Everyone's happy to have you. Right?" Najimi looked back at their friends and see them excited or just thanking the heavens that Komi is joining them.

Komi was shaking but approached them which surprised Tadano and I. I can see Najimi smirk while crossing their arms. Tadano then followed "Um, can I join too?" he asked them while scratching his cheek but I can see those fake smiles that they don't want Tadano joining. Since Komi is there, they act nice. I sighed and approached them "Come on guys, let Tadano join" I said with my hands in my pockets.

"Want to join Karasaki-kun?" Najimi asked. I shook my head "I'm just here to keep on eye on you guys to make sure you don't make Komi do something weird" I stood beside Komi. I looked at her and saw her look away and ears were red.

Everyone was just playing while I stood behind Komi watching everyone play. Minutes into the game and it was Komi's turn. Everyone looked at her, waiting for her to say something "Five" she quietly said. I could tell that they let her win.

Komi - Won

Tadano got Last Place

"Looks like she got the hang of it. Let's up the stakes" Najimi said "Let's play Bamboo Shoot! The loser has to make a kissy face!" 

"Kissy face?! I want to see Komi's kissy face!" everyone exclaimed. I looked at Tadano shocked. Seriously dude? Not gonna lie, I do want to see it but at the same time, I don't want someone so pure do something weird.

The game then begins and everyone is clearly aiming to see Komi's kissy face. Looks like it's just Komi and Tadano. I looked at Tadano and he caught my gaze. 'Don't win Tadano, please. Don't let them see Komi's kissy face'. I looked at Komi and she just tilted her head. I can see Tadano thinking so hard on what he should do.

"Eight shoot" he said and raised his arms "Oh no! I said the wrong number! I guess I lost". Everyone just stared at him then started to stand up. Thank you Tadano but also sorry for what you have to do.

We all got back to our seats with Tadano looking down on his desk. Komi then shows her notebook to Tadano. Tadano then looks at her "Ah. Uh, yeah. I'm fine. I just have a stomach ulcer" he said shaking and pale.

You're clearly not fine. 

That got Komi worried "Ow, ouchie...Oh it hurts..." Komi puts her notebook down and writes then holds up her notebook. I couldn't see what it says but it made Tadano relieved. Komi then wrote on her notebook again and turned to face me then held up her notebook.