“And just so you know, Fujisaki beat the crap out of him. She looked really cool back then,” Naru told Kano and Yama.
“That's good. Even though we don't understand your problems at all,” commented Kano who was surprised when Naru suddenly told her everything that happened last night during lunchtime.
“But seeing you guys get back together like this. You two seem to have made up. I feel more grateful for that,” Yama said.
“You're overdoing it.” I pinched Naru's cheek anxiously.
“We feel lucky that you two finally made up. Although I'm actually a bit unclear about what kind of incident you two were dealing with before. To the point where Ikari kept staring at the two of you for a while,” Kano chided.
“Huh, what do you mean?” I didn't understand what Yama was saying.
“Oh that. I thought you realized it. But apparently not. You can look over there, Ikari seems to keep looking at the two of you,” Yama casually pointed at Ikari.
For God's sake I really didn't even notice at all. Doesn't this mean there's going to be a new problem. But for some reason Yama was acting so casual as if he wasn't afraid of the new trouble he was facing.
“Fujisaki,” called Naru who noticed that Ikari seemed to be keeping a sharp eye on us.
“Later. We'll take care of it together,” I said trying to remain calm.
***
School Roof
“I think yesterday's problem doesn't need to be continued anymore.” That's about the opening sentence I could give for the first time when dealing with Ikari.
Ikari wasn't his usual self this time. He didn't immediately launch into a rant or anything like that. He just kept quiet. Seeing him like this, made me feel worried whether the contents of his head were okay after I beat him up last night?
After being silent for a long time. It also forced me to be patient. Finally Ikari opened his mouth.
“Do you mind if we pit our strength against each other? Just you and me. Let that big guy behind you just be a spectator.”
I raised one eyebrow. Why the sudden request to pit our strength against each other? Was what happened last night not enough for her?
“I don't understand your request,” I said.
“I'm still not satisfied with what happened yesterday. And this time I want to see the results when fighting one-on-one with you.”
“Is this about your distrust?” said Naru.
“You big guy just shut up. I just want to deal with this friend of yours.” Ikari prevented Naru from getting further involved.
I myself did not understand what Ikari wanted. “If there's something that makes you feel dissatisfied. You should say it directly and not make unnecessary excuses.”
“Does that mean you're admitting defeat to me, loser?” And at last Ikari's filthy mouth was working again.
Ikari approached with steady steps, his sharp eyes filled with seething anger. He didn't care about Naru's confused look and the calm expression I was displaying. To Ikari, this was a matter of self-esteem that had to be resolved here and now. People who have low self-esteem usually always feel uncomfortable, when they feel inferior to people they consider inferior to them.
“I've never been afraid to face you, Ikari,” I said firmly. “But if it's just to satisfy your ego, it's pointless. You challenged me because of the dissatisfaction in your heart, realize that your desire is just a form of vanity.”
“It's more than just ego, Fujisaki,” Ikari replied in a low but stressful tone, his voice sounding very heavy. “I've always felt like you're the obstacle in everything. Whenever I try to move forward, you're always in front of me, as if mocking my abilities. I feel like you're just a stumbling block in my life.”
His words surprised me. I knew Ikari might feel like he had a problem with me, but I never thought that his feelings were this complicated. “So, this is all about your jealousy?” I asked incredulously.
Ikari clenched his fists. “Yes, I'm jealous! Jealous of everything you have and everything you can do. And I'm sick of it! You're taking everything I have. The music and the attention from the agency that should only go to me, shouldn't go to you for nothing.”
I paused for a moment, trying to understand the emotions stirring within her. “Ikari, life isn't about beating others. It's about being the best version of yourself. You seem to think too badly. Don't destroy yourself,” I admonished him. From this it was clear that her jealousy was overblown.
“Nonsense!” yelled Ikari, swinging his fist at me. I dodged quickly, realizing that he wouldn't listen to any excuses under the circumstances. We engaged in a fierce battle, punches and kicks flying at each other, creating a thumping sound on the school roof. Of course I had to fight him, I wouldn't stand by and put up with his rude, thug-like behavior.
However, the longer we fought, the more I realized that this wasn't the solution. Ikari was not an enemy I needed to defeat, but someone who needed to be understood and supported. When I saw the hateful look in his eyes, I felt a deep sense of empathy. Ikari wasn't evil, he was just lost in his feelings of jealousy and insecurity which he took out on me. And made me the guilty one for his incompetence. It's a pity that she'd become a fool for being so blindly jealous of me.
Finally, I decided to end the fight. I blocked one of his punches and held his hand firmly. “That's enough, Ikari.”
He tried to break away, but I didn't give him a chance. “It's not about who's stronger. We're both in the same place, facing the same challenges. There's no point in us fighting like this. You think hurting me will make you feel better?”
Ikari panted, sweat pouring down his face. “You don't understand...”
“I don't understand, Ikari,” I cut in firmly. “But I'm trying to understand your feelings. But beating me up won't make you feel better. What you need to do is talk to Yori. You know, she deserves your apology.”
Ikari was silent, as if my words had broken through his wall of hatred. I released my grip on his hand and stepped back. “Talk to Yori. Settle your issues with her.”
Naru, who had been standing behind me, nodded in agreement. “That's right. We're all here to support each other, not bring each other down like you are. If you want to solve the problem at least don't use violence like this.”
Without waiting for a reply from Ikari, Naru and I turned around and left him alone on the roof. We knew that this was an important moment for Ikari to reflect and make the right decision.
***