Part 1

The sun was shining brightly in the deep blue sky.  Birds could be heard chirping the trees that surrounded the school building…how I long to be outside.

I am in class right now; this is my last year of high school. My school is located on top of a hill and my seat is by the window, needless to say the view is fantastic.

If I had to put my feelings into words I can honestly say this day has been wasted. It is such a beautiful day…why oh why am I stuck in class listening to Mitsuhide (my classmate) read a brief history of virtual reality?

“…with the passage of the Virtual Reality legislation, virtual reality games have now must adhere to regulations set by the Ethics commission…”  Mitsuhide rolled on in his singular monotonous tone.  I am not criticizing here or being a jerk.

In all fairness, other than his reading Mitsuhide, is good at everything else. He’s tall-thin-athletic build, got the most amazing anime like hairstyle, fairly good at academics and sports, girls drool over him and he’s a good friend of mine….his only short coming is his style of reading. Mitsuhide reads in the most peculiar way – like a robot; completely devoid of emotion. Now imagine listening to a robot speak for the last twenty minutes, and trust me when I say ‘he sounds boring as hell’. I truly believe everyone else (with the exception of me) in class has mastered the art of sleeping with their eyes open…I envy their skill.

“…The Ethic’s commission has set out a charter for the general welfare of the virtual reality community and its users…”

This is it…I think can’t hold back anymore. My eyelashes feel like they weigh a ton.

“The prime guidelines of the charter include, banning memory indexation. Memory indexation has long been a controversial topic and has been banned in Japan and several other countries following several protests…”

It can’t get any more boring than this….must resist…must resist….eyes closing…must resist…

“The second ruling, banned reality-virtual mapping. Japan and the USA were the first to implement reality mapping bans….though Japan later relaxed its requirements. Now virtual reality spaces may be mapped…”

No more power to resist…. Mitsuhide voice is too powerful ….approaching extreme boredom….

*WHIZZZZ*

No one saw it coming (including me) and no one heard it (I did hear it). A small white object whizzed through the room; its target my forehead. If I had my skill from Royal Road, I would have easily been able to dodge it – but the fact is this class is being taken by Hideyoshi Sensei, an old timer who hates technology and believes that lessons need to be delivered in physical locations and not in virtual reality. To put it simply, this isn’t fantasy land and I have no dodge skill – the chalk piece (yes he uses chalk in this day and age) whacks my skull with full force.

*SMACK*

“Owwww!” I yelled out as I began rubbing my forehead in pain. At this point even I don’t know what hit me.

Mitsuhide lowered the text book, stopped reading and he looked up at me, the source of noise. Most of the class also seems to have woken up by my scream of pain. Everyone was looking around (relieved faces) to see who screamed.

“Nao-kun!”  Roared Hideyoshi Sensei. “Stop staring out of the window all the time!”

The class roared into laughter; I seem to be playing the role of the class fool more often than I know it.

“Yes Sensei!” I replied earnestly as I hid myself behind my book to hide my embarrassment as well another possible incoming projectile.

“Don’t yes Sensei me! Repeat what Mitsuhide has just been speaking.”

“All of it?” I ask with my eyebrow raised.

The class began laughing again. I have no idea what is so funny – especially since the more they laugh the deeper trouble I get into.

At this point, I could describe Hideyoshi Sensei turning from red to blue to purple in complexion.

This is not a good sign.

This is a sign of doom to come.

This is a sign of Hideyoshi Sensei about to explode.

Just for your reference, Hideyoshi Sensei  is often compared Mount St. Helens since both share a strikingly resemblance when they explode.

Hideyoshi Sensei seemed like he would explode today…

I believe it is a beautiful day to die.

I wonder if my class will think of me as a martyr who died saving them from Mitsuhide’s boring voice?

“Sensei!” Mitsuhide interrupted the teacher before he could explode.

Hideyoshi turned towards his favourite student’s calling like a loyal dog turning to listen to its master. “Tell me Mitsuhide.”

“Sensei! There is no point getting angry at Nao.”

-          Ah! As always Mitsuhide to my rescue. –

I don’t mind him rescuing me, but he would have done this for anyone or everyone in class – that is just how he is. So him rescuing me is nothing special.

“However, I do agree with your sentiment that he needs to be punished.”

-          Eh? –

“Yes Mitsuhide. I completely agree!” Sensei nodded.

-          Wait a second! You are supposed to be the teacher here! What is this about agreeing with Mitsuhide???!!

“So as punishment, I suggest cleaning duties for Nao for the entire week. Since, Nao completely hates cleaning.”

“Nao-kun! Cleaning duty for you for a week!”  Hideyoshi cried out in excitement – he really believes I hate cleaning duty. Just for the record I don’t mind cleaning duty, compared to having my parents called to school, I’ll take cleaning duty any day.

-          See Mitsuhide, is not bad. This is the kind of guy he is – frightening how easily he can manipulate someone’s trust in him but he is my friend, so I don’t mind it :)

A tiny boy shot up his hands as he cried out, “Sensei!” That is Tadashi – the nerd of our class. He even dresses up like a typical nerd – terrible mushroom haircut, massive spectacles and freckles (terribly unpopular with the girls).  I believe his parents are anime characters, since he looks like one himself.

Hideyoshi turned towards Tadashi, his second favourite student, and nodded.

“Mizuki-san is on cleaning duty this week!”

-          She is?

“Will she be relieved from her duty?”

-          No!! Don’t! I have a huge crush on Mizuki, the ice beauty queen – typical tsundere girl of our class.

Her white skin, jet black hair, and frail appearance give the typical innocent girl demeanour what she really is. She isn’t mean or spiteful but rather she doesn’t speak to anyone. In fact, even the teachers have given up on getting her to speak. She’s also a bit of a loner, she doesn’t interact with anyone. During lunch breaks, she always sits alone in her corner…any boy who dares to approach only gets burnt… yes I like her which is why I notice all these details.

“Sensei! Mizuki should monitor Nao’s work, otherwise Nao will do a shoddy job of it!” Mitsuhide interrupted.

-          Yes! Thank you Mitsuhide! I love you! This is exactly why you are my best friend! I knew I could count on you!

“Then that settles it, Mizuki please keep an eye on Nao as he cleans up.”

Mizuki silently nodded in acceptance. She is serene and calm as always; even when nodding. <3

I think Tadashi was disappointed with the conclusion – he bit his lips angrily as he sat down – I may have imagined that.

What I definitely did not imagine was all remaining boys in class groaning and giving me the cold death stare. Basically, there is an unspoken rule in class amongst the boys – no one and that means absolutely no one is allowed to make a move on Mizuki. (for those wondering the girls in the classes showed faces of disgust when the boys began groaning)

This might be the first opportunity that I have had to be alone with Mizuki. I seriously owe Mitsuhide a big one. I wonder if he intentionally chose cleaning duty as my punishment knowing fully well that Mizuki was on cleaning duty…

Mitsuhide sat down and turned behind towards me and secretly gave me a thumbs up and a wink.

-          So it was completely intentional. I seriously owe him one now.

*Sigh*

The reason for my sigh may become more apparent after I explain that Mitsuhide asks for the worst return favours – these return favours usually involve severe wrongful acts – details of which are best kept secret….I can only wonder what it is going to be this time.

Part 2

I have terrible luck – mostly in relationships with the opposite sex.

Till just a while back, the glorious yellow sun was greeting all that basked under its sunlight and now dreary dark clouds hover above us. The picturesque scene has now changed to a dismal one.

You may be wondering what this has anything to do with relationships with the opposite sex?

Everything, what is the one common neutral topic that you can always speak to a girl about without having her reject you?

The weather!

It’s always the damned weather!

I hung my head low in disappointment as I begun wiping the board. Mizuki is sitting on her seat behind me.  I wonder what is she thinking right now?

Maybe, I should prop my shoulders up and appear more cheerful….no wait, she might think me crazy for being cheerful while cleaning the board….

If you are a “guy” (or even a girl), then it must be fairly obvious that first impressions are everything when in front of your crush. I have kept a low profile forever….but this is the last year of high school…this might be my last chance…

Should it be a chan or san? Not chan for sure….but san sounds too formal?

“Mizuki-san…” I began – cautious approach. 

*CRACK* Bright light flashed in the darkened room.

Woah! That scared me! Lightening!

Ill omen?

I wonder did she hear me?

“Mizuki-san…” Try two.

“…”

No response...is she ignoring me? Was I too soft – that she can’t hear me?

The room dimmed even further…dark clouds have begun gathering. Is this a foreboding sign of doom of my love life?

*Sigh* it’s probably going to rain.

What was I thinking…Mizuki is the ice queen. She doesn’t talk to anyone. Countless boys have tried before me and died a martyr’s death – why did I ever think it would be different for me...now I am too embarrassed to turn around and face her...my face must be red like a tomato.

*CRACK* The class room was bathed in white light once again. I would have squealed like a little girl every time the lightening flashed had it not been for Mizuki sitting behind me.

*SHHHHHHHH* Snap! It’s really pouring cats and dogs! I didn’t even bring my umbrella.

*CRACK* Three times already! Must be a pretty bad storm…

“Yikes!” I felt something ‘soft’ hug me from behind.

It’s Mizuki. <3

“Mizuki-san?” I called out as I look back to confirm if it’s her.

It is! <3 <3

Her eyes are closed and she’s trembling as she is hugging on to me….am I dreaming? This must be a dream…the beautiful ice queen hugging me? This kind of stuff only happens in anime….

Could this be a confession?

No wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

She must be scared of the lightening.

“Are you frightened by the lightening?” I ask while forcing myself to assume a more manlier voice.

Mizuki nodded her tiny head.

Hoho! She’s adorable! Afraid of lightening…<3 I might as well melt right now. Thank you God! Thank you Mitsuhide! I love dark clouds rainy depressing weather! If knew this is how it would turn out, I would pray for lightening every day!

I turn around slowly while Mizuki is clutching me and face her.

Wow, she smells awesome. She’s just the right height …. *Ahem* sorry, imagination running wild.

I begin stroking her head, “there there, everything will be alright.”

I am loving every moment of this – I have lived my life to the fullest today – I have no more regrets in life!

“…”

Okay, as awesome as this situation is, I should capitalize on it and build further. I don’t want to be remembered as the sleaze ball who took advantage of her…I rather be the sleaze ball who later went on to become her boyfriend (and who knows even husband <3 ).

“I didn’t know Mizuki-san was afraid of the lightening.”

Mizuki looked up at me while still hugging me. I realize her figure is smaller than usual as holds on to me – is it because she is scared? Her cheeks were puffed as she said, “Mizuki isn’t afraid of the lightening.”

A heavenly angel’s voice; sweet like honey. This is the first time I have heard her voice – it’s the kind of voice you want to hear more and more of in bed….I want to hug her tightly right now….but control!! Control!!

“Really…” I say while playing it cool. “Then, why is Mizuki-san hugging me?”

Mizuki suddenly realized the precariousness of her actions and jumped away from me.

I smiled seeing her flustered innocent look; normally she is expressionless in the last two minutes I got to see two different expressions. She is soooo cuuutte!

“It’s okay to be afraid of lightening, Mizuki-san…” I try to assure her – you can come hug me any time – I will be your personal teddy bear if you want.

Mizuki stamped her foot on the ground. “Mizuki isn’t afraid of the lightening!” She shouted.

I love it how she refers to herself as Mizuki. She’s like a little kitten getting angry. <3

“Okay…then why did you hug me?” I’ll play along if you want me to.

Mizuki took a deep breath and whispered something barely audible. “Mizuki, is afraid of the dark…”

Kawaii! It’s something more basic! Just the way she said makes me want to hug her.

“We could turn on the lights…” I suggest.

Mizuki took a step back.

Now what?

“Mizuki is afraid of that.” She said as she stood behind me and pointed out at a full anatomical human body replica – which was next to the light switch.

“The dummy?” I ask her in confirmation.

She nodded her headed slowly.

Now that I think about it many a times, whenever she got a seat next to the human body replica she swapped her place with someone else…now I know why…Mizuki the ice queen is afraid of flesh and bones…she seems to be much more innocent and purer than I previously imagined.

“Then let me turn on the lights.” I offer.

Mizuki nodded slowly with uncertainty.

This may not be the most manliest thing I have ever done, but I certainly do feel like the knight in shining armour saving the frightened princess.

I am fending off my beloved from an inanimate object and turning on the light switch.

I am amazing.

I reach for the switch board and flip the switch….nothing happens.

“There seems to be a power outage…”  Even the town seemed to be unnaturally dark.

“Come back!” Mizuki cried out while shivering and standing in the other end of the room (the largest possible distance from the replica).

I had no idea she was so scared of the dark – I am growing slightly concerned now – is that even normal? Please let Mizuki be normal! I am done with crazy women in my life!

“Are you okay?” I ask her as I walk towards her.

“Come back!” She screamed again.

I hurry back to her side; she tightly embraces me.

I am slightly confused now – is she okay? And I mean this in a serious way.

“I had no idea the darkness frightened you so much…do you want to…”

Before I could offer to take her home, Mizuki began murmuring something uncontrollably – like reciting a poem, “Fear not the shadows but that which lurks in it, Fear not the living but the dead, fear not death but not dying…”

She looked frightened to death as she dug her nails tightly into my arms. I winced in pain.

“fear not the darkness, for it is darkest before dawn. Fear not the winter for spring shall follow after…” She mumbled on.

Is this from some prayer recital?

“Mizuki fears nothing…Mizuki…”

“Hey! Hey! Are you okay?”  I asked her as I broke free from her embrace and shook her up.

She stared into my eyes and whispered, “save me…” before fainting into my arms.

Part 3

“Sensei!” I shouted out as I noticed the lady in the white overcoat locking up the clinic.

I think I startled her. She jumped hearing me shout out to her.

She looked up at me and immediately took control of the situation; she saw me carrying an unconscious girl.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Put her down on the bed. How did she get hurt? Who is your homeroom teacher? Have them call her parents.” Her questions and instructions were quick and precise.

I quickly described to her what happened before Mizuki collapsed; hearing this the nurse seemed to be more relieved and told me not to worry. Nonetheless, I rushed to find Hideyoshi Sensei.

After that everything happened so quickly, I am not too sure what happened next but I found myself walking back home in the rain in a complete daze.

Girls are so light and soft.

There’s a lot running through my mind. The recital seems to be something I have heard before…I have no idea where but I am certain I have heard it before….

*Sigh*

I hope she’s okay.

Part 4

If yesterday’s events can be described like sugar (tastes sweet but is really bad for your health), then today would be stone  (tastes terrible, and definitely bad for your health).

After Muzki fainted into my arms, I picked her up (resting against my back <3 ) and rushed to the medical wing…the rest is history…well it ought to have been…instead there are very dangerous rumours floating about.

It began like an ordinary morning as any other that is till I began walking to school.

The girls from my school began giving me strange stares and whispering as I walked past them. Strange dark stares – almost as if I were guilty of the most heinous crime.

I paid no attention – I was still lost in yesterday.

“Fear not the darkness, but that which lurks in it…” I mutter those words as I walk past everyone. I am certain I have heard these words before. I just can’t remember where…

When I reached class, the atmosphere was at least ten degrees colder than outside – everyone was glaring at me.

Their chilly stare broke my train of thoughts…I looked at everyone and everyone stared back at me….

“Morning?”  I greeted out to everyone; slightly awkward.

That was the cue everyone had been waiting for – I was greeted with a tsunami of questions.

I literally jumped back as everyone surrounded me.

“Is it true you attacked the ice queen?”

-          Huh?

“Is it true you kissed?”

-          Eh?

“Is it true you confessed to her?”

-          Wait…

“I heard you attacked her while she was unconscious!”

-          What???!!!

“No! No! I heard he hit her on the back of her head to ravage her!”

-          Where are they hearing this from?

“Nao-kun is disgusting!” A girl from ‘another’ class declared.

-          What the heck? Why is she even here?

“Did you really carry her like a princess in your arms?”

“Was she soft?” (that boy didn’t live long – the girls attacked him)

“Enough!” Mitsuhide screamed from behind me.

Everyone jumped back, scurrying away like pests.

“Nao-kun has done nothing like that!” Mitsuhide declared.

-          A true friend to the rescue.

“You haven’t right?” Mitsuhide whispers to me.

“Of course not!” I cried out.

“Then leave it to me.”  He assured me.

“I know we all have questions, but wouldn’t it be best to ask Nao-kun to explain it himself.”

-          Eh?

Mitsuhide grabbed my arms and force me down on the teacher’s seat. He twisted the table lamp towards my eyes, nearly blinding me. The scene was straight out from the movies. The detectives have tied the suspect to the table and begin interrogating him.

“Where were you on the night of XX November 20XX?”

“Isn’t that just yesterday?” I ask as I raise my hand to block the intense light blinding me.

“Just answer the question, Nao! You are in court and have sworn to speak the truth and nothing but the truth!”

-          Wasn’t this a class? School?

*Sigh* I guess this would be fault number two of Mitsuhide – hyper excitement and melodramatism.

“I was home last night.”

“Well that’s not what we hear….” Mitsuhide said as he began pacing the length of the class room.

 “Rumours have it that you and fair innocent Mizuki were going full on ecchi last night…”

-          Full on ecchi? I think the only action I got was in my dreams.

“I was alone at home, Mizuki was in hospital…”

“Aha! So you admit it! You attacked Mizuki!” Mitsuhide jumped at the first opportunity.

If you think Mitsuhide is being a jerk, he really isn’t. This is Mitsuhide style manipulation. Right now everyone in class is beginning to pity me and at some point they will come and support me – all because Mitsuhide manipulated them into feeling sympathy for me.

“No really, I didn’t…she is scared of lightening and the nurse said she is also anaemic. So she might have worn herself out…”

“Aha! So you attacked her the first chance you got! You sleaze ball!”

“That’s enough!” Hideyoshi Sensei interrupted the interrogation. “If you all must know, Nao was very brave and courageous. He rushed with Mizuki to the nurse as any honourable man would. He did not panic and he helped us teachers to every extent possible.

-          Thanks Sensei! You aren’t that bad yourself.

Mitsuhide smiled and winked at me. Damn him, he timed this with Sensei’s arrival – didn’t he?

Soon there were a lot of ‘Ahs’ and ‘Oohs’. I think the girls (and boys) had a better impression of me.

“But Sensei!” Mitsuhide cried out. “Isn’t it Nao’s fault that Mizuki fainted? If Nao didn’t hate cleaning then Mizuki wouldn’t have had to stay and then she would be able to rest…”

-          Wait Mitsuhide what are you getting at? Isn’t it over?

“Class is starting Mitsuhide, get to the point.” Hideyoshi Sensei asked irritably.

“Sensei! Nao-kun should take responsibility and drop off the class notes at Mizuki’s home!”  Mitsuhide suggested with lightening speed.

-          Ah now I get it! I completely agree! I should take responsibility and visit her…I wonder what Mizuki looks like when she is in her pyjamas.

“Sensei! Nao doesn’t make any class notes!” Tadashi objected.

-          Damn you Tadashi! Why must you get in my way every time!

“She can give my copy!” Mitsuhide shot back.

-          Yeah! She can have Mitsuhide’s class notes!

“Sensei, won’t it be better to email them to her.” Tadashi reasoned.

“Won’t the light from screen strain her weak eyes?” Mitsuhide argued.

-          No, Mitsuhide there is nothing wrong with her eyes…but for the sake of argument! Yeah! Won’t it strain her eyes!

“Sensei, he can send it to her Kindle!”

-          Good one Tadashi….

“Sensei, Nao-kun has a responsibility to at least visit her out of courtesy.”

-          Yes! For the sake of being a gentleman!

“That settles it! Mitsuhide share your class notes to her and Nao go visit her after school.” Hideyoshi Sensei shouted out as he slammed his books on his table – the old man seems pretty annoyed.

-          And the winner is Mitsuhide! Thank you Mitsuhide! A second opportunity! God bless you!

I wasn’t paying attention to Tadashi, but he wasn’t smiling when he sat down.

Part 5

I am standing in front of huge ….ostentatious doors, behind which I can see a garden comparable to paradise and in the yonder a palatial mansion.

-          Why am I really here? I feel so out of place and context right now! Wait! Why is a girl like Mizuki attending my school! Don’t the ultra-rich attend elite schools for the wealthy?

So it turns out Mizuki is rich…..really rich…princess level rich…I have good taste…beautiful and rich.

Well then Otto-san, I hope you welcome me into your household….

I hit the massive doorbell on the wall with full force. My shoulders are drooping conveying the burden I feel placed over me. It not just the fact that Mizuki is ‘rich’ that is getting to me but also the threats I received from all the boys in the class – not to make a move on her.

“Saji-mansion. Who are you here to see?”

“Saji Mizuki?”

I had no idea her last name was Saji…. Can’t be the Saji industrial group…that would just be crazy…

There was a moment of silence and then the gates began creaking open – slowly….

I guess that means I can come in?

***

It took me roughly ten minutes to reach from the main gate to the mansion…before I could even the ring the bell, the door opened…that was creepy; almost as if someone was impatiently waiting on the other end for me…watching my every step.

“Hi, I am here to meet Saji-san…”

Standing in front of me was Mizuki in pyjama’s. She looked very harried and her face wore a pained expression. No maybe I should clarify this a bit more, her expression literally said ‘You are such a bother. Why are you here?’

“Hi Mizuki-san…”

Before I could say or explain any more, she grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me through the house.

I kid you not, we were no more than a blur racing through the palace that she calls home. Before I could absorb the details of my changing surrounding, I found myself in Mizuki’s room.

If you thought I’d be happy being in her room, you are dead wrong.

My heart just broke in two.

***

Mizuki-san the pure angel of my school – I would think that like any girl her age  would adore girly stuff. Their room would be flooded in pink hues…cuddly pink ponies…posters of pink rainbows…pink pillows…pink lingerie…

My hopes lay shattered.

Mizuki is nothing like the typical girl I imagined her to be….

Posters of pink rainbows? Heh…her room is plastered with posters of thugs draped in guns and ammo.

Cuddly pink ponies? Reality; models of automatic machine guns….

 Pink pillows? Where the heck is her bed? I don’t see any bed here! Does she sleep on the floor?

Lingerie? Heaps of filthy laundry.

Her room is dark and cold. The curtains are closed, shunning all natural light.

The ceiling is so high up that I can’t even see it in this darkness.

The only source of light is the artificial cold white light from the switched on monitor screen behind her….

Suddenly everything is starting to make sense…

Her unnaturally pale skin….a result of lack of exposure to light.

Her thin frame….a result of lack of exercise.

Her cold attitude to everyone…a result of being a otaku.

I could feel my world crumbling around me. The grand illusion had been shattered….

Everything is spinning… I faint

***

When I open my I find myself facing Mizuki. She has a vacant look in her eyes.

I scramble up as I realize that I am laying on her lap.

A moment ago I would have died of a nosebleed knowing that I rested my head on the frozen goddess’ lap….now I am filled with dreaded thoughts of having acquired some dreaded otaku disease.

“So….” I say; my unease is visible. “I came to give you notes for today…”

“Liar..” She said as stared at me intently.

“Ummm…” My eyes are darting around looking for the exit. This place is hell on earth. There is a slice of mouldy pizza on the wall! Ewwwwww!!

“I think I should go…” I whisper.

Mizuki walked closer to me….I would have taken steps back but I am already up against the wall. (I don’t want to touch the wall!!)

“Nao-kun is afraid of the dirt?” Mizuki asked in a playful tone.

Dirt? You call this dirt? This is the kind of filth even cockroaches avoid! What is she the harbinger of the plague?

I smiled meekly as I looked at Mizuki. My eyes are begging her to let me go.

“I thought you were afraid of the darkness…” I enquire as I move closer to the exit.

“Mizuki is not afraid of the dark!” She harped.

“But Mizuki is afraid of lightening? Or maybe she is afraid of the human anatomy…”

Mizuki’s mouth curved like can upside down ‘U’.

It seems my words have distracted her.

I find myself finally free of her gaze…her gaze is strong that it froze my movement.

Mizuki walked towards the monitor screen and I rushed towards the door.

Must exit this filthy room! Quickly! Before she catches hold of me!

I open door…only to be crushed by a way of unwashed laundry.

*Mommy! It stinks!*

***

I open my eyes and see Mizuki staring at me from above.

Déjà vu…

*Sigh*

“Nao-kun is so perverted…” Mizuki whispered.

Wait me perverted….how dare she…..I then noticed I am covered in Mizuki’s unwashed lingerie…as privileged as I feel…I find myself somehow disgusted and want of a boiling shower.

I remove her panty from my face and get out of the filth pile slowly…

“I must take my leave…” I mutter, my face is red in embarrassment and anger whilst my heart is in anguish.

Mizuki-san (who now had a lollipop in her mouth), approached me…she was really close…close enough to make me uncomfortable…

“Here...” She said as she held up a disk in front of me.

I am unsure, whether I should touch it or not.

“It’s clean…” Mizuki said with a grin. She’s appears less innocent right now and more like the devil.

I took it from her hand slowly; while trying to avoid any physical contact.

“What is it?” I ask (still holding it with two fingers).

“The answer to the questions you seek.” Mizuki replied while turning away. Her voice was sweet like honey, seducing me…

“What questions?” I blurted out. Does she know?

Mizuki turned around, winked at me and then held her finger against her lips to motion me to silence.

I am left in a daze….regardless of the degree of filth…Mizuki showed me a side of her right now which I had never seen before…a naughty devil.

I think I can find a way to love her despite the degree of uncleanliness she maintains in her room.

Part 6

I rushed to my room, without greeting anyone in the house.

I locked myself in my room and stared down at the disk Mizuki had handed me.

I got a case for it on my way from Mizuki’s home.

I begin examining the disk, while I rest against the door. It appears to be an ordinary CD disk…but is blue in colour. Other than that it is very clean, no scratches…based on the thickness and shine, I would say sixteenth generation data storage device…at least a 200TB data storage capacity…the typical size of a gaming disk.

I can hear me breathing loudly and my heart beat excitedly.

This is the first time in a long time that I have been this excited for something other than a girl….

Could this be possibly what I have been looking for?

A tiny etch on the side of the disk caught my eye. It was barely visible and I just managed to see it…with some difficulty and adjusting the disk against the light, I could tell someone had scratched on to it… ‘Zonbi no Sekai’.