Chapter 7: An excess in indulgent

"Why so shocked" The man said in a callous tone, almost mockingly.

He received no answer, however, since I my mind was blank. I could never think properly under pressure after all. Besides, I was busy clutching her wound, trying to keep her innards from spilling out. I couldn't think, I couldn't feel, I couldn't breathe, the world that I have existed in for so long seemingly uprooted.

"Why!" I screamed back at him with all of my pathetic might.

"Because I can" The answer was cold, inhuman "Besides, why would you care, child?"

"Wh…What do you mean?"

I asked desperately. He simply looked back at me with uncaring eyes. All of his previous gentleness gone without a trace. There is simply no shred of empathy to be found here.

"Everyone around you are just mindless sheep, enjoying their empty life by filling it with fake smiles and dramas. Posers, the lots of them, who can only follow others, think about idiotic trends and follow the most arbitrary of system" The man said with a dispirited tone. But then a grin appeared, he declared grandly "In the end, we are all just matter, born as dirt and die as dirt! We are just insignificant speck of this vast world, thinking we are better than all! But you know the truth right, that our life is just meaningless, existent is just a pain!"

My eyes widened into a horrified realisation, I recognised that spiel.

"What's wrong, boy? Isn't that what you told me. To be blessed with such mighty intellect, to be such a philosopher among the world of blinds. Why so quiet, boy? Aren't you the adult one, the savy one among the sheeple of this world!"

The man said, not yelling or screaming, yet there was such an intensity to his voice. I was completely petrified, overwhelmed with his presence.

"I don't understand, why… would you do this?" I asked with trembling voice all the while trying to hold her wound. It's not working, however, she slowly turned cold due to losing too much blood. With the last of her strength, she still reached out to pat me on the head. I could feel her fading warmth.

"Isn't she just like them, an insignificant speck of dust. Why are you crying boy, why are you trying to save her?" The man continued, his cynical words drilled into me violently "Aren't you like that as well, nothing. If that is the case, then this wouldn't make much of a difference"

I looked up only to see the flash of a blade coming down at me.

"President, are you alright?"

I woke up violently to the caring voice of Dorian Grey. My hands are still shaking so profusely and… covered in blood. It doesn't take me long to realise it's not real though. My filter is being affected by that dream, or to be more precise, recollection. I try to focus but the red just don't go away. I will just ignore this for now then.

"Nothing, just a bad dream" I answered a still worried man.

But still, for this memory in particular to flare up… "Dorian, do the name Nathaniel rings any bell"

The answer I receive is a positive no. Then I have no explanation why this would resurface now. In case you want to know, uncle Nathaniel is an acquaintance of sort. He only visited us a few time but those occasion tended to be quite memorable… or bloody.

Despite also having yellow hair and blue eyes, he… doesn't feel like a Grey. All of the identified people (including me), have unnaturally clear and… beautiful iris. Gosh, just saying that make me feel rather narcissistic. That's why I wear glasses by the way, to make my eyes just that less noticeable.

Back to uncle Nathaniel, the point is that he just too… plain. Now that is not a word I would use normally to describe him but here it works. Most of all, he is German apparently (his Japanese is perfect though) while the Grey are of English descent. Nevertheless, maybe he is involved somehow but frankly the link is not significant enough now for me to explore.

Come to think of it, I seem to have accepted being part of that bloodline rather quickly. As if that is the truth I have known all along.

Oh well, enough mellowing around, I need to change out this uniform of mine. I've worn it for two day straight already. Looking through my wardrobe, it's finally dawned on me… I haven't done the laundry yet. Quick, if I am fast enough maybe I can wash this one in time, there should be plenty of time.

Checking the time, another horrible realisation dawns on me. I am already late!

"What's wrong, President?"

"Eh, Dorian, this morning was there any alarm"

"You were sleeping so soundly so I turned it off"

Ah, why did he has to do that! I understand his intention though, but still. Quickly packing my stuffs, I wrap up and bolt my way to school. Dorian seems to be saying something but it just flies over my head.

Dashing up the hill to school, it doesn't take long for me to reach my destination. The exercise, however, was hellish on this unattended body. My legs are shaking, I am also sweating profusely in this crumpled shirt. My lungs feel like bursting from improper breathing. Nevertheless, I made it and just in time as well!

That's when I notice the ground to be strangely vacant.

"Where is everyone?" I whispered to myself, a sense of dread seems to linger in the air.

"Isn't today Saturday, school is off today, right?" The voice of Dorian answered me "That's what I was trying to tell you earlier"

I can still hear people though, on the weekend clubs are still active after all. But then again, it's not like I have anything to do with them. Maybe dropping by to say hi to Akihiko, or not. I am never fond interacting with him while his friends are around anyway.

I turn around to find Dorian starring somewhere attentively. There is a sense of wonder on the man face, enough to make me try to see what is he focusing on.

"The school? Is there a problem with it?" I asked him.

"Nothing really, it's just that I have been there for what feel like decades and yet… this is the first time I actually see this place" His voice was trembling with amazement, at something like this? I can hear him whispers "So this is it, what the world look like"

There is such a childlike innocence on his face. So much so that I also want to see it, the vision that he is seeing. But then I am too used to this world, enough to apply an entire detail filter over it. I am too dispirited, but at least I can feel envious toward people with appreciation.

"Hey" I interrupted his train of thought "I am going to town today for a bit, want to come as well?"

The answer I receive is a predictable energetic "Yes!"

I need to drop by my place for a change of clothe first though. So, we walk back, shrouded in the sound of nature. I want to strike some sort of conversation but there isn't anything I could think of. Now isn't the time for serious conversation so talking about the rot isn't so hot. But then aside from that, what else is there to say. There isn't much I can ask Dorian that won't invoke something negative.

I can talk of this town, but then again there isn't much here to say. Despite being on an island, the place doesn't really have anything that unique or at least to my knowledge. That is partly the fault of the unengaged me. There is definitely things here to talk about but I am simply don't know enough.

Dorian doesn't mind though as he soaks in the scenery around. Suddenly, something seems to catch his attention as he looks straight up.

I also turn my attention upwards to find the strangest of occurrence. To me, it is something both cliché and new.

It is a girl falling from the sky.

Baffled by this occurrence, I forget to actually do something. Luckily, Dorian is there to catch the falling girl. That's when I also notice something about the man again, his amazing beauty. For some reason, his overwhelming overlay is back, shrouded him in an irresistible handsomeness. Guess that this is natural for him when faced with a stranger.

That begs the question though. How can I observe this change? I am seeing the world including Dorian through a filter of my own. How can I notice that he has his aura back? How did I even pick up on that? Guess there are still many questions unanswered about my ability. Altering my own perception like this while taxing isn't that difficult to perform, it's just like natural instinct. It's worryingly useful.

… Wait, isn't that girl going to fall straight through him!

Fortunately, that isn't the case as she lands squarely in Dorian's arms. Meanwhile, I notice that instead of moving a single muscle to help the girl, all I did was standing there analysing the situation. So much for priority.

My own train of thought is derailed, however, by the scenery in front me. A girl being held by such a handsome price-like man with yellow hair and blue eyes. This looks straight out of some over-written adjective-overabundant sappy fairy-tale like story.

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Dorian's charm seems to ooze outside even, enveloping everything around. It makes the scene even more enchanting. It is almost mesmerising even for someone like me who is used to this. I have to hold back from exclaiming "Awwwww!"

Oh the girl is Azumi by the way who comments "Oh my".

Her reaction makes me nearly yell 'what' out loud. She just got snatched by a stupidly handsome man in such a romantic scenario. And yet, all she could mustered up was just a mildly surprise 'oh my'!

"Are you hurt anywhere" Asked Dorian with utmost care. I can literary see flowers blooming behind for some reason. Maybe my filter has amplified the man charm or it has gone to next level… Or more probable the answer is both combined.

"Whoa, so people like this do exist!" Azumi, meanwhile, is being completely blunt. While she looks certainly excited not to a level that I am expecting.

Maybe Dorian's charm isn't that strong and it is just… me! No, I already have Yuuko!

Anyway, an introduction is needed "Dorian, this is Azumi. Azumi, this here is my… cousin, Dorian"

"Nice to meet you" The man said with such charm that even my heart flutters slightly.

Azumi seems to be taking it wildly different from me though "Nice to meet you too" She said with a surprising amount of grace. The girl, while doesn't swoon over the effect, is certainly aware of it. That is probably the reason for her look of excitement, just like a child finding a new toy or something.

The girl take a step and suddenly various ripping sounds ring out. Before I can react, a particularly striking coat is put around her. It's belong to Dorian, he is certainly a gentleman. But still, is he that powerful now? To materialise his own coat! I mean he did catch her earlier but now he is creating a separate object. How does this work even?

Can I even apply logic to them anymore, all that is happening.

"Look like I am in a bind here" Azumi commented still with an amused look.

From the sound of it, her stocking isn't the only thing that gave out but the coat has covered up everything. Not that I am curious or anything… no I am not!

"Well, the female dormitory is near so maybe you should go there for help" I suggested.

"I was just there and… there isn't actually anyone there right now!" Azumi declared proudly but for what I can't really tell.

"Then, what are you going to do then?"

Around the school there were several barracks left from the war. Two of them were converted into inns by the locals only to fall into disuse. They were repurposed into dormitories for students who live too far away from the school. Even so, barely anyone uses these buildings. At least thank to their origin as inns, all the rooms include a proper bathroom.

Now here I am, sewing this shirt in silent except for the sound of the shower.

In the end, I had to offer Azumi my help. "Why don't you drop by my place" I asked innocently, still being swayed by Dorian's gallantness in the background. In hindsight, that really sounded as if I was hitting on her!

Nevertheless, the girl took up my offer almost instantly. Now that was reckless of her, to go domain of a guy she barely knows. I meant a girl with that… figure ought to be more careful. That was on my mind that was until I gaze at Dorian. His overwhelming gentlemen nature just simply wiped away all my impure thought.

Finally finish with fixing this shirt which is extremely soft to the touch. While her skirt is our school uniform this is definitely not. I check the mark to find a familiar brand name… Wait, this one is incredibly expensive! Just where does this girl crawl out from.

I take the clothes to the washing machine room and return just as Azumi finishes with her shower.

Adorning the gym clothing that she definitely borrowed from someone, that t-shirt is rather tight for her… well-endowed members. The girl doesn't seem to mind much though and it also kinds of deflate my… enthusiasm somewhat.

"So you just arrived at the island yesterday?" She is talking to Dorian.

"That's right, quite late as well so I haven't gone anywhere yet" The man scratched his head.

"Jeez, so have you treat you to any of the island specialties yet?" Azumi turned to me.

"Does such a thing even exist!"

"… Now that I think of it, no" The girl looks like she just had the discovery of the century.

"Now that you think of it!" You should be local here, not me!

Without any hesitation, the girl shuffles in her rather big back pack and draw out several packets.

"We do have this though!" She proudly announced.

"Kinako bou is a common treat you know!" I exclaimed then turn to a confused Dorian "This… is viscid mocha covered in soybean powdered… Don't worry, it is actually quite good"

My latter clarification isn't really needed though seeing that the man seems excited already. Azumi hands out a packet to all of us. The girl immediately rips hers open and Dorian follows suit. Those two look just like some children thirsting for cheap treats.

But still, it's been a long time since I last had some dagashi. Despite their cheapness, only one shop in my old town sells the things. Dazzled by the variety, the childish me always wanted some. Atsuko is very strict about the matter though and she would bust me every single time. Apparently, it had something to do with mother eating an excessive amount of dagashi before. Ah, is this what they call sins of the father (or in this case, mother)!

Taking a bite, a childish delight jolts through my body. It's been too long, the flavour is more nostalgic than I had expected. I can remember my first time having this treat. It was a rainy day and mother managed to smuggle a few. We were caught in the end but it was worth it.

Looking up, I am greeted with the most bizarre of scene. It is of Azumi, licking the kinako bou in the most sensual of way. At any time I would welcome this but…

"Why are you even eating it like that!" I am having childhood flashback here, interjecting sexual innuendo is the last thing I need "And Dorian, stop copying her right now! You are freaking me out"

"There is another way?" Azumi looks most surprise.

"You could just bite it" I exclaimed out loud once again "And Dorian, you don't need to look so guilty" The man looks like kick puppy for some reason, probably because of me scolding him.

All the yelling finally gets to me though as I start to choke on the bit "W…Water"

Azumi immediately reaches into her back pack again to draw out her own drinking bottle. I have no idea what is in it but now is not the time to dilly dally. Grabbing the item, I suck on the straw.

"PFFFTTTT!" I let out a violent cough and managed to aim it at the ground just in time.

"President, are you alright?" Azumi and Dorian both asked me worryingly. The girl seems comfortable using my supposed nickname immediately.

Spoiler alert, I am not "Alright… alright! Why did you put bin ramune (powdered soda) in here!"

"I completely forgot about that!" She admitted.

"Where are their original package?"

"Well… I suddenly wanted to eat monaka so…" She whistled while looking away.

"In case you are wondering, bin ramune's bottle can be eaten, not the outer package though" I explained to Dorian "But still, this is filled with powder… How many did you even eat!"

"That is just minor detail. Why don't you let your cousin try it out as well!" She said trying to turn the subject.

I let her slide this time, more like there is no reason for me to pursue this in the first place. Dorian, meanwhile, is holding the bottle with both his hands carefully. Why does he look like a kid now, where did that princely person go. Taking some, the man cough slightly.

My first time having this was at school, the naïve me thought it was liquid and sucked with all my might. The result was catastrophic, as I writhed on the floor. Yet, I couldn't stop, the thing was strangely addictive and before I knew it, the whole bottle was gone. Kneeling two hours as punishment later was totally worth it.

"You certainly have a lot of stuffs in there" Commented me about the back pack.

"Of course!" Replied Azumi as she churned out lots more different kind of candy.

"Wait, why do you have so much!"

"I was going to crash Aoi's place, but she told me straight to the face 'I'm busy'!" Crossing her arms, Azumi stands tall.

"Don't look so proud of that!" At this point, I can't seem to decide whether she is random or stupid. I will go with the latter for now "Anyway, you shouldn't eat too much dagashi like this, it is not good for your health"

"President, you want some umaibō?" Azumi casually added.

"Were you even listening to me… Wait, is that takoyaki flavour…" Darn it, I fell to the dark side.

"Cetainly, I also have much more than that, you know" The girl whispered while circling around me like a predator waiting to pounce on its prey. I need to resist it but the temptation is just too much.

"Don't you want to know what it taste like, takoyaki umaibō? Salami umaibō? Mentai umaibō? Teriyaki? Even pizza umaibō?" She said sensually, or at least that what I heard.

Meanwhile, Dorian's eyes are filled with amazement from all the exotic name "So many flavours" He commented with such childish enthusiasm.

There is a war in this head of mine. All of mine discipline, forged by Atsuko's years of strict teaching is being shaken. I can even imagine her stern gaze saying 'No!'. I am but a monk now finally faced with the greatest temptation.

"It's just candy!" I can hear my own voice whispering.

"NO, they are cheap candy, dagashi. They aren't good for me!" Me myself answered

"Come on, just this one occasion" My voice continued, however, to try and lead me astray.

"NO, this is a matter of discipline…"

The words rang hollow as I reach out in quiet dignity with my head hangs low. There is a rustling sound and when I look up again, there it is. Umaibō in the palm of my hand. Azumi look at me with gentle, approving gaze. Dorian, meanwhile, is determined to try out all the tastes. Despite him acting like that, there is still a sense of grace and etiquette. There is no trace of crumbs around the man at all. Azumi seems to find that amusing somehow.

The fallen indulge myself all right in all of my earthly desire. My body trembles at the taste of sinful sakura daikon, shiver at the feel of ume jam. All the while the sound of fue ramune plays on, interrupted occasionally by a cracking sound of candy. And that fugashi? Absolute ecstasy.

Of course, vice of the flesh isn't all that we dabble in. There is also the deep dark hole that is known as cards. From old maid to Uno, oh boy do we play them all.

Feeling hungry, we crack countless cups of butamen. Azumi even had a 'brilliant' idea of trying some cooked with ramune instead of water. Needless to say, the result was an absolute disaster.

That gives the girl an idea though, to mix different kind of ramune together! And so, we embark on a journey to find a new flavour. After countless trial and error, only Dorian manages to mix up anything drinkable which is rather delicious. Too bad he has forgotten the original label and so the new taste couldn't be reproduced.

In the end, here we are just lazing around, finishing off the rest of the new mix. I am now too full of dagashi and so is Dorian who is currently in bliss. Azumi is, meanwhile, lying half on the bed, her head sticking out. Starring at the girl, something catches me eyes. Is it just me or has her size… decreased somewhat? Oh well, it isn't important.

"I need to go home" The girl commented lazily "It will get dark soon and my place is quite far away"

What she said completely caught me off guard, it is that late already. We have spent half a day like this! Well, aside from the fact that my IQ has dropped to the single digit it wasn't so bad after all… Actually I can't remember the last time I had this much fun. For some reason, even with this memory nothing comes up at all.

Dorian also looks rather sombre though. All of his sparkling handsomeness was long gone, replaced by a child-like excitement that I've never expected. To him, today was a whole new experience, a whole new world even. And here I thought I understood who he is. So arrogant of me, as usual.

"Well, that was fun, President and you too, Dorian. See you both again"

"Wait, let me get your clothes first" Standing up, I take my leave and return shortly after, empty handed.

"What's wrong, President?" Azumi asked.

"Well… I forgot to put your clothes in the dryer and someone is actually using it now"

Head hanging low, I admitted. Now that is an embarrassing display, I should really feel bad for that. Yet, I can't seem to hide a grin on my face. Why am I feeling so thrilled right now?

Azumi gazes at me with a surprise expression which is soon replaced by her amused look. For just a moment, there is a strange sense of maturity to her. That was probably my imagination though as the girl once again crosses her arms and says.

"Guess I will hang around a bit more then. Oh well, it's not like I can make it back now anyway!"

Both me and Dorian look up with joyful eyes. It looks like the fun will go on for now.

"Who wants another round of Uno!" Azumi challenged us both.

"I certainly don't mind" Dorian answered with the brightest smile I have ever seen.

"Wasn't you the one losing last time" I said, pushing my glasses up "Bring it on then!"

So we play on right until late before all crashing on the floor, sleeping soundly more than ever.