Reverse X Trap - Chapter 7

In an unusual way, early morning clouds had gathered and followed by the sound of thunderstorm. The wind was also gradually become stronger. That day, Jun Hoshizora went to school for the first time, not counting what happened yesterday. He wore a hooded jacket that covered his hair with only his face was visible. Some students looked scared and avoided him on the way to school. They were whispering, questioning his identity to those who knew him from his appearance yesterday. There were also that commented on his appearance that looked like a delinquent. Hoshizora himself did not care about the conversation nor the look that was addressed to him. Right now, he was just thinking of getting nice seat to take a nap and what was for dinner.

The door of class 1-1 was opened rather loudly, attracting the attention of students who were engrossed in conversation inside. Their annoyed expression turned to tense after seeing who was standing there. Jun Hoshizora took a look of the class, searching for a seat. He found a seat near the window on the back. The student sitting in front of the seat looked frightened by him.

“Hey, this one’s empty?” He asked, pointing to the seat. The student looked surprised, then nodded slowly. All of a sudden, she was about to correct herself, but Jun was already sitting, with his feet on the table. Some students looked on with anger. Jun noticed that, but all he did was look away at the black cloud outside the window.

“Hey, Hoshizora. That’s my seat. “The voice of a young man called him. Jun turned and saw his class rep standing there with a small smile.

“Yo, glad that you final came. I meant to pick you up so we can go together, but the weather isn’t on my side today, so I had to hurry. ” Said Takuji. Unfortunately, Jun ignored him. Takuji only sighed before shaking his head. He went to the girl in front of Jun.

“Kumano, want to swap seats with me? It’s on the 2 row from the front. “He said softly. Kumano looked confused for a moment, then nodded and moved from her seat. Takuji then sit in Kumano’s old place.

“I moved 1 place forward, but it’s cool. If there is anything you need, just ask me, Hoshizora . ” He said while looking back at Jun. Jun just responded with a grunt.

—

The lesson started normally. Enoshima-sensei asked Jun to introduce himself first, but he fell asleep. Displeased, Enoshima-sensei was about to woke him up with a shout, but Takuji immediately stopped him and woke Jun up slowly. Jun woke up with a confused expression, looking around and got surprised to see Enoshima-sensei stood there.

“Hoshizora, Enoshima-sensei asked you to introduce yourself.” Nodding, Jun stood up, but suddenly Takuji touched his sleeve. He motioned Jun to open the hood of his jacket. Jun sighed, and opened up his hood.

“My name is Jun Hoshizora. I’m not a new student actually, I had personal things to do before. That’s all. “He sat down immediately, not in high spirit at all.

“Nice to meet you Hoshizora.” Said Takuji while hinting his friends to follow suit. The others did the same, making Jun felt a bit surprise. He lowered his head slightly, not wanting his flushed face to be seen. Feeling satisfied, Enoshima-sensei resumed the lesson.

—

Lunch break finally arrived as students took out their meals or simply chatting with the others. Takuji stayed in class, he waited for Asuka and Riku to come up to him as usual before eating together on the roof. Seeing Jun alone made him drown in his thoughts again. Inadequate living conditions, skipping school, mistaken as a delinquent but actually a person with a heart of justice. Takuji thought his best friends were strange enough, but Jun had caught his attention as well. Noticed that he was being stared at, Jun slammed his desk.

“AI!” Takuji got startled and he saw Jun’s unhappy expression.

“Hey, got a problem with me? Wanna fight?” His face looked fired up and Takuji started sweating.

“Um, no. I wasn’t.” Takuji stuttered from the deep glare of Jun. Fortunately, he was saved by the arrival of the two people he was waiting for.

“Taku, let’s eat!” Asuka’s cheery voice soothed his fear away.

“Yo Taku! Sorry, got something to do for a bit.”

Asuka and Riku came in together. As always, the boys were stunned to see Asuka, this time tying his hair into a side ponytail. Riku wore a hairband for the first time, and her fans started to talking about it immediately.

“Ah … it’s raining. So we eat here?” Hearing Asuka’s words, Takuji glanced out. The rain finally came down heavily. Thunder and lightning raced on with the wind. He shrugged his shoulders.

“What else can we do? I think it’s fine to eat here once in a while. You guys can use the other tables next to me and Hoshizora.” When they heard Hoshizora’s name, Asuka’s face lit up while Riku was shocked.

“Hoshizora came? Where is he Taku?”

“Oi oi, are you kidding me?”

Takuji responded simply by pointing his head toward the young man sitting behind his seat.

“Hoshizora! You really came. I’m so glad that we can meet again. Hihi.”Asuka cheerfully approached Jun. Jun was surprised that Asuka suddenly got really close. He quickly looked away.

“Hi … Nishikawa, and Mr.boyfriend.” Said Jun as he tried to remove the tension because of Asuka’s fragrants started invading his nose. Riku snorted.

“Oh, hello. Did not see you there. How nice. Just came to school, already taking people’s seat without permission. As I recall, Taku sits at the back and here is where a girl named Kumano sits.

What have you done to Kumano?” Kumano let out a small shriek because she was happy that Riku noticed her. Jun grinned and crossed his arms.

“I did nothing. I asked her if the seat was empty, and she said yes. So I wasn’t at fault here. And besides, class rep here asked Kumano to swap seats with him. So there you have it.” replied Jun in a casual manner. Riku does not like to hear her friends got mocked, so she grabbed Jun’s collar.

“Hey! Watch your mouth, buddy! I’m really grateful to you for helping Asuka, but if you can’t stop acting like a jerk, I’m going to teach you a lesson right now!”

” Oi oi, I just want to take with a nap. You ruined my peaceful afternoon. I suggest that you get your hands off of me and buzz off.”

“What?!” Roared Riku impatiently.

“Come on you two, that’s enough! I told you yesterday, I don’t like people who use violence.” Seeing the two of them almost fight, Asuka told them to stop. Riku immediately let go of her grip. Waiting for both to calm down, Asuka spoke again.

“Let’s eat together. Hoshizora, are you hungry? Here, I bring a lot of foods. Eaten up! “Asuka opened his lunch box containing a sandwich. Hoshizora’s appetite rose, he even started drooling.

“Is it really okay?” She asked confidently. Asuka nodded.

“Of course. I’m glad if anyone eats the food that I make. To make people happy through cooking is my way of life. Hm hm.”He said it with pride. Takuji tried to suppress a laugh. At times like this, he sometimes forgot that Asuka was a man whose personality and appearance were like a girl. Nevertheless, he was very kind to anyone.

“Ok. Thank you for the food.”Jun devoured the sandwich. After he swallowed it, he cried all of a sudden. Seeing that, Asuka hurriedly pulled out a tissue.

“Goodness! Is it spicy? I didn’t put chili sauce or anything like that I think.”

“Mmm … not like that! This is good! So good! It’s been a while since I eat this kind of food. Can I have 1 more?” Relieved to see it, Asuka offered the rest of his sandwiches while eating 1 for himself. Takuji and Riku finally started eating as well.

—

“Ah I’m so full. It was so good, Nishikawa. You are very talented. Lucky you, Mr.boyfirend, she is good at making the stomach happy.”Jun praises Asuka while looking for a chance to mock Riku. Asuka blushed while Riku just sighed. Does this guy not realize that Asuka is actually a guy? The trio decided to tell him at another time.

“That was delicious. So, how was eating together feels like? “asked Takuji to Jun. Jun tilted his head.

“Hm?” Jun didn’t catch the meaning of Takuji’s question. Takuji took a quick drink, before explaining.

“I was thinking you either not eating or eating on your own. So since every lunch I always eat with both of them, I intend to invite you. And it works I guess.”

“Huh? It’s none of your business whether I’m eating or not. You don’t have to buddy-buddy with me class rep.”

“Takuji. Tsuburaya is fine too. We’re classmates, and I want to help you to feel welcome here, Hoshizora. So don’t be so reserved with me.” Said Takuji.

“True. High school is once in a lifetime, Hoshizora. If you want, we can make beautiful memories together.” Said Asuka followed by a nod from Riku.

“Well, I still don’t like you, but they’ll find a way to drag me along later so no point fighting you. But remember, I’m watching you.”

Hearing the three cared for him, Jun looked down. From what happened on that day back then, no one cared about his whereabouts or anything related to him. But now, there were 3 people who think he existed. Jun laughed, gradually getting louder every second. The whole class was confused because of his sudden act.

“Um, Hoshizora?” Takuji asked with a concern.

“Ah, it’s nothing. Okay okay. We’ll see if you can make my high school life as fun as you said.” Said Jun while looking out of the window, where the rain had stopped and a streak of light pierced the black clouds until they vanished one by one.