The Cute Yandere Next to Me

Kanako frequently approached me with questions. She never hesitated to ask, eager to expand her knowledge. Although I didn't feel like providing straightforward answers, perhaps that would make her smarter.

"I still don't get it," she sighed.

"You should try reading more," I suggested, "The books hold all the answers."

At times, the answers seemed to elude her, even though they were right in front of her. Math was simple, a matter of memorizing formulas.

But what about creating new innovations? That wasn't my concern, I only needed to remember everything to pass the exams.

Simply, it's just a matter of memorizing formulas in subjects like math, chemistry, physics, and English. While subjects like biology, geography, and history require retaining important information.

*

We were having a conversation as rest time when suddenly, the sound of the door opening caught my attention. I spun my head around to see who it was and, even before I could see their face, I knew it was Mizuhara Ayato.

I could tell just by the sound of the door twisting open and the footsteps approaching. The bookshelves and walls were obstructing my view, but that didn't stop me from recognizing who it was. I recognized him by the unique cadence of his footsteps and the familiar groan of the door.

Kanako seems a bit curious, I suppose I'll continue studying for a bit. She'll join in, it would be interesting if we met again, but not today…

As I return my attention to the books, Kanako follows suit and continues her studies.

But after ten minutes, I'm done.

I closed my books and stacked them neatly, then I grabbed the stack of books. I did help Kanako with all of the questions she had, so this should be enough, or maybe another time…

'—Wait, Hasegawa, you're leaving already?"

"Yeah, see you later, Kanako~"

I stood up, making my way to the bookshelves.

"Uh, yeah. See you later."

As I rose from my seat, Kanako suddenly spoke. I gave her a little hum and a small smile before making my way through the rows of bookshelves. I returned the books to their rightful place and exited the library, which was now bustling with people.

Ah~ What to do now…

***

The next day dawned on me like any other, with the usual routine of playing with my phone. One notification caught my attention, although I didn't bother to scrutinize it closely. It appeared to be about a study group, just as I had suspected or perhaps even anticipated. It was a predictable move, after all.

As for me, I remained indifferent, neither overly enthused nor particularly averse to the idea of joining a study group. If someone were to ask me outright, I suppose I would go along with it.

Compared to the other classes, there's no doubt that my class is at the top of the heap, the A… Upon glancing at the notification again, I noticed that it had been sent out since the very first day of the midterm announcement, a mere few minutes after. These individuals are certainly acting with alacrity, I must say. But hey, that's to be expected, right?

As the early morning sunlight streamed through my window, I began to feel restless and bored. I had been lying around for far too long and it was time to get moving. Deciding to go for a walk, a familiar routine for me, I left the dormitory and made my way to the schoolyard.

With every step I took, I found myself getting lost in my thoughts. Sometimes, I would twirl around just to break the monotony. The fresh air and serene atmosphere of the schoolyard were a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere of my room.

As I wandered around, my feet seemed to have a mind of their own, leading me to the mall. But to my surprise, the mall was closed. It was strange that they would shut down, especially during midterms, but it wasn't like I cared anyway. I continued on my walk, enjoying the peacefulness of the morning.

For the next few hours, my classmates were busy assembling their study groups. They approached me and asked me directly to join them. I just hummed and smiled in response, not giving a clear answer. It was amusing to see them get confused and start asking each other questions.

Truth be told, I wasn't really interested in the idea of a study group. After class, I attended their group sessions but didn't really study. Instead, I found myself scribbling in my notebook in the library's booked room, while they were busy observing their seatmates.

My seatmate noticed my lack of enthusiasm and looked confused. She wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words. It was pretty amusing to see her reaction.

Time passed by quickly, and I didn't really have strong feelings towards my classmates or their study group. I was just doing what I should be doing, like always. As evening approached, I made my way to the library where I found Kanako. Kanako didn't seem to notice my presence as she focused on solving a question in her book.

I wandered over to the bookshelves, scanning for a particular title, but it was nowhere to be found. Someone must have taken it, which was a waste of my time. With a sense of aimlessness, I settled into a seat behind Kanako, letting my eyes wander around the library.

Minutes ticked by in silence.

Kanako looked exhausted, and I couldn't blame her. I knew what it is like to feel like you're stuck doing something you don't want to do. But that's just how life is, right?

You have to do what you have to do, even if it's not what you want. Or so they say.

As time passed, Kanako finished her studies, shutting her books and gathering her bag before restocking the books in their places. Her focus remained undeterred by my presence as if she was completely oblivious to my existence.

An inexplicable thought crept into my mind, one that seemed to betray my better judgment. I visualized myself playfully scaring her from behind as a surprise, causing her to fall awkwardly to the ground, before breaking into an awkward fit of laughter.

However, such fantasies had no place in reality, and I could not understand why my mind was indulging in them.

But just as I was lost in my thoughts, my imagination became a reality. I was jolted out of my reverie as Kanako fell to the ground. Though it was a brief lapse in her composure, I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the unexpected turn of events.

Unpredictability is perhaps life's most intriguing aspect. A curious thought, yet not so surprising for someone like me.

Don't you agree, Mizuhara Ayato?