Chapter 8

  Japan Is a Terrifying Country

  Japan is a terrifying country.

  Until now, I had said it jokingly.

  But now, I understood it for real.

  Ever since that incident, whenever I walk into the classroom,

  the room falls silent like it’s become routine.

  This must be what it means to be isolated in Japan.

  It probably wouldn’t have mattered who the “criminal” was.

  Anyone would have been treated the same.

  Japan once had a system called murahachibu — social exile.

  It may be from the past, but this kind of behavior must be carved into their DNA.

  The way order is maintained.

  The way people are ignored.

  Every school drama and movie looks the same.

  Which means this country has always worked like this.

  Once someone is labeled “acceptable to bully,”

  everyone follows.

  As long as they aren’t the target,

  they stay silent.

  Among all of them, the isolation of the so-called “nerd” was especially severe.

  The tension among the girls had disappeared —

  maybe because I became the villain,

  or maybe because I became the new target.

  Either way, it seemed they were relieved.

  Stolen story; please report.

  Which meant that now,

  the only outsiders in this class were me and the nerd.

  No. Calling him “nerd” is rude.

  He chose to pair up with someone already in social exile.

  In a strange way, we were equals.

  His name is Harumiya Taka-chika.

  Not a name familiar to British ears,

  and apparently not common in Japan either.

  To be precise,

  he behaves like British nobility.

  No matter how much he’s ignored,

  no matter how much he’s excluded,

  he still tries to lend people money.

  Once, I almost accepted his help —

  but after asking my parents, I returned it immediately.

  My Japanese parents said:

  “Never lend or borrow money.”

  “When money ends, relationships end.”

  After school.

  The classroom was empty.

  Only Taka-chika and I remained.

  Our eyes met awkwardly.

  As if resigned to the situation,

  his eyebrows lowered slightly behind thick glasses.

  “Hinomichi.”

  “What?”

  “Want to walk home together?”

  I nodded quietly.

  I put on my backpack.

  For the first time in a while, I smiled.

  “Where do you live?”

  “Near the university hospital.”

  “Then we’re going the same way. Want to hang out?”

  “My parents aren’t home today.”

  “Why are you telling me that? You’re strange.”

  His lowered eyebrows lifted just a little.