Into The Water

Chapter Sixteen: A Sense Of Forgiveness

Minami Taiga was the bane of Makoto's existence in elementary school. Her teasing was relentless, always making sure to point out each and every one of his insecurities whenever he's around her. And because she often sat next to him in class, he was around her all the time.

"You have food stuck in your teeth. That's so disgusting. Maybe you should just stop eating since you won't gain any weight, skinny legs."

"Gross. What's that on your face? It looks like a second head."

"Do you always have to hang out with Nanase, doofus? How long are you going to follow him around?"

"Tachibana Makoto is the dumbest guy I've ever met. Oh sorry, Tachibana. I didn't see you sitting there."

He never thought he could ever hate anyone as much as he hated her. He was convinced that her sole purpose in life was to break him down to nothing. And she succeeded on more than one occasion. He never cried in front of anyone though—especially not her. He never gave her that satisfaction. He just stood there and took it, saving his tears for when he was alone.

When Rin transferred into the school, the bullying lessened to a degree. Rin was always standing up for him, throwing every insult he could think of at Taiga. And Makoto was grateful for that because he didn't have it in him to go against her. His bank of comebacks were pathetic compared to Rin's. So he'd just stand back and let him handle it.

"What are you doing here? Did someone leave your cage open?"

"What's that on your face, Minami? It's hideous. Oh, never mind. There's nothing on your face. That's just how you look."

"At least Makoto isn't stupid like you, Minami. If you graduate, it'll be a miracle."

His comebacks would shut her up temporarily, but when she found her voice again, it was frequently used to take a shot at Makoto. He was Haruka's taller than average, awkward best friend who became her favorite punching bag for six grueling years.

He grew some thick skin and became used to the torment, but his insecurities were always there. She'd never let him forget about them. She was the spawn of Satan, the meanest bully on the planet, and he'd hate her for the rest of his life.

Minami Taiga was the worst girl he'd ever met. And if he never saw her again, that would be fine with him.

------

The bell had already rung when Makoto and Haruka enter school grounds. Students are scampering to class. Makoto didn't sleep well last night. His stomach is still churning thanks to Gou's protein powder fiasco yesterday, and his eyelids hang heavy.

Haruka walks ahead of him as Makoto climbs up the school steps like a zombie. He looks up, and he catches Haruka's unspoken concern in his eyes.

"You want me to pay the infirmary a visit, right?" Makoto says, smiling because he can always tell what Haruka's thinking. The sound of classroom doors closing echoes off the hallway walls. "Go ahead. I don't want us both to get suspended," he teases.

Makoto proceeds to the school's infirmary. He sits down, clutching his backpack. The room is a bright and clean, thanks to the best effort of the appointed doctor. Still, the medical skeleton in the corner and teaching skull, looking a little bit too detailed to be fake, freak him the hell out.

"You're looking a bit pale there." The female doctor adresses Makoto, wearing her white pristine coat and holding onto a cup of store-bought coffee. She asks him a few questions and then gives him some medicine for his upset stomach. He takes the pills, gulps it down with some water, then heads for class.