Demon of nightmares

8. Annoying people

I leaned against the railing of Fuurin's rooftop, eyes narrowed, my gaze fixed on the far-off city skyline blurred by haze. The setting sun bathed everything in a dull orange glow, casting long shadows that stretched across the rooftop like fingers, clawing at every corner. The breeze carried a faint chill, lifting strands of my hair, but did nothing to settle the irritation simmering beneath my skin. It's just like Umemiya to think he can haul me up here anytime he wants, like I'm his personal project. Why do I let him keep doing this? He just appears out of nowhere, snuffing out my cigarette like it's nothing.

Flashback

I was sitting quietly on my favorite bench, cigarette in hand, trying to savor the morning air. Today was supposed to be calm, free from Umemiya or any of his gang's antics. At least, that was the hope. Not even five minutes in, I caught sight of a white-haired figure bolting toward me. "What the—?" I barely had time to react before my cigarette hit the ground, snuffed out, and I found myself hauled a solid 180 centimeters into the air. Great. Only one guy had that combination of old-man hair and oversized height.

"UMEMIYA! PUT ME DOWN!"

His annoying laugh echoed. "Nope." He slung me over his shoulder like a sack of rice and he began to walk.

End Flashback

So here I am now, on this rooftop, crowded with faces I either barely know or would rather forget. The hum of voices grated on me, too loud, too cheerful. I caught Haru's gaze from across the way—I could feel his unease—just as lost in all this as I was. Yeah, bro, I don't know what we're doing here either. Blame the human crane.

I muttered, "What are they doing with so many people up here?"

From behind, Hiragi replied, "It's just something Umemiya does. He thinks it'll get everyone talking to each other."

"Talking," I scoffed under my breath. "Right. Because that's exactly what I came here for." Typical Umemiya—dragging people up to the rooftop like it's some team-building exercise. I shifted, casting a sidelong glance at the crowd and wondering how long I'd have to endure this circus act.

Umemiya was beaming, talking animatedly to anyone who'd listen about his precious rooftop plants, gesturing to pots of flowers and herbs as if they were trophies. I wanted to hate him for it, but the genuine enthusiasm in his eyes made it hard. The idiot actually believed in this stuff.

A deep, unfamiliar voice interrupted my thoughts. "I finally get to meet you two!"

I turned, facing someone with soft, almost delicate features that didn't match the voice. Haru's jaw dropped, and I felt his confusion radiate.

"That's... a guy?" he muttered, voice barely audible.

I elbowed him, whispering, "Shut up, Haru." But even I was caught off guard. Nirei, meanwhile, looked like he might faint from excitement, muttering, "That's Tsubakino-san! One of the Four Kings!"

Tsubakino—who preferred "Tsubaki-chan" as he'd just informed us—smiled, clearly reveling in the attention. "It's alright, dear. I like surprising people." He threw a sly glance our way, his gaze lingering on Haru and me like we were exhibits in some gallery. For some reason, I found myself half-amused, half-annoyed. Haru squirmed under his scrutiny, cheeks turning red. Poor guy couldn't handle this level of attention.

Just as I was tuning out, Suo chimed in, directing his words at Haru. "Didn't you ever wonder, Sakura-kun? You're in an all-boys school. Tsubaki-chan's been around for a while now."

Haru shook his head, stammering, "I... I didn't think about it much."

Tsubaki chuckled, eyes softening. "That's fine, darling. You don't need to worry about how I dress."