CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL

The everlasting summer sea. The boundless blue sky. Perfectly clear air. The rustling of the salty sea breeze that gently wraps around the body.

Here, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean without feeling the sweltering midsummer heat.

Yes, this is really a Sea Paradise.

OHHHHHH! This is the best AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

From the deck of a luxury liner loudly rang the screams of Ike Kanji who stood with both hands raised. Usually, complaints and phrases like SHUT UP! came flying from nowhere, but today of all days there was nothing and everyone finally enjoyed a blissful moment. There was a remarkable view from the best place on the deck in the reserved seats.

What a fantastic view! Im really super excited!!!!

A group of girls led by Karuizawa showed up from the inboard compartments. She pointed at the ocean and with a ear-to-ear grin said: Really, what a terrible scenery

Kushida KikyM, one of the girls of the group idling about, was also ecstatic and was sighing while looking at the sea.

After overwhelming hardships, the midterm and the finals we finally welcomed summer vacation. It was waiting for us with open arms.

Koudo Ikusei Senior High School had organized for us a luxurious two-week trip. A cruise on a luxury liner.

Im glad I didnt leave school, Ken. If this trip was an ordinary trip, it wouldve been definitely impossible for me. How does it feel to be someone on the verge of being kicked out, who was in the last place even in the final exam? Tell me, how does it feel?

Even if this question was instigated by Yamauchi Haruki, SudM Ken, far from looking blue, just howled with laughter. The fierce and cool appearance of the lone wolf merged completely into the laughing classmates figure. Its all a piece of cake if I depend on my skills. Didnt they say I could show my ability of playing the leading role to resolve everything with my intellect?

Despite being in agony only some time ago, this trip seems to have completely blown everything away. It surely seems like this blue sea washes away all the usual troublesome things and the difficult situations.

I never wouldve dreamed I could be part of such a luxurious trip. And its 2 weeks, 2 WEEKS. When mom and dad will hear it, they will be so surprised that they will piss in their pants.

As SudM said, from an ordinary persons point of view, this is a non-standard trip. In this high school, supported by the country, theres really no need to pay for miscellaneous expenses or tuition. And naturally, even for this trip. Its all special treatment.

And needless to say, the exterior of the liner we boarded and the facilities were also very fulfilling. From a first class restaurant and the theater where you can enjoy plays or live performance, to a classy spa fully equipped of anything. If I ever thought of travelling as an individual here, I would need to spend 100.000 yen in the off-season.

Finally, such a marvellous and commended trip starts today.

The schedule will go on like this.

In the first week, were going to make the most of our summer vacation by staying at a pension built on a desert island.

Then, the following week were going to sojourn on the cruise boat. At 5 am, the first year students will take the bus simultaneously and head towards Tokyo Bay, then the passenger ship will leave from the port where the students boarded.

While eating breakfast in the liners lounge, the students could behave as they pleased. Additionally, a very fortunate thing was that all the facilities on the ship could be used free of charge. For us, usually worried about points of shortage and expenses, this was a life-saver.

Suddenly, Kushida turned towards me and gave me a thoughtful look. Backed by the ocean and the blue sky, Kushida looked even more shining and I dont know why but my heart pounded, despite being ugly.

Impossible, it cant be that shetowards me.

Well then, how about Horikita-san? Arent you always together?

I couldnt allow myself to be captured in the haze of her vision. It seems like she was simply thinking about Horikita.

Come on, now. Im not her guardian

I cant remember seeing her on board after breakfast.

You dont seem much of a person who enjoys travelling, are you more like one who enjoys staying in the room?

I guess so

Around noon we can go on the private beach of the island and swim freely. I cant wait!!

It seems like this school owns a small island in the south, and were heading there now.

Attention to all the students! Please gather on the deck. Youll be able to see the island soon. For a while, you will be able to see a very meaningful and splendid scenery. This curious announcement suddenly reverberated throughout the ship. Kushida and the others paid attention to it and calmly seemed to be looking forward to what was to come.

A few minutes after several students started to gather, the island appeared.

Ike let out a whoop of joy. The students noticed it and they began to cluster on the deck all at once. When a whole mass of people crowded the place, some bossy students came to push us so that they could take our place on the best position.

Ah so bothersomeHey, get out of the way! You rejects!

In that moment, one of the very intimidating boys thrust away my shoulder. In a sudden fluster, I grabbed the balustrade of the deck to avoid losing balance and falling. Those students laughed at me in disdain.

Hey you, what the fuck are you doing?

SudM became extremely upset and intimidated on the spot. Kushida, worried by the situation, came beside me. Another girl who followed behind that student and saw the scene actually had a very miserable aspect.

You should understand this schools system. Its a school based on merit. There are no human rights in class D. Defectives have to behave obediently and submissively, like the rejects they are. This side, were all class A.

The D class then departed from the bow (of the boat) like they had been kicked out. SudM seemed displeased, still he didnt give in to a fight and was able to endure with it, which proved that he was becoming a little more grown-up. Or was it simply because he understood and accepted class Ds inferior position?

Hey everyone, you were all here. What happened?

Among the students who came flocking, one boy called out to me.

Although we sensed that the situation was displeasing and unfair, there was no need to have unnecessary worries. So better to pay no heed to it.

That boys name was YMsuke Hirata. Class Ds Leader.

Im also the leader of the group to which I belong.

The rooms allocation in groups was about to be decided in that moment. While I was just expecting not to be called by Ike and SudM to whom I was relatively close, the group simply ended up in over capacity.

Just when I remained alone, the entrance of Hirata kind of like a Messiah settled the situation.

Say Hirata, how far did you get with Karuizawa?

Ike addressed Hirata who actually never tried to get closer to Karuizawa.

Why dont you take the chance of this long-awaited trip and try to be more flirty with her?

He poked fun like that, having also heard that Hirata hates when other girls look at him.

We just go to our own pace, huh sorry. Ill be going now. Miyake-kun seems to be in trouble.

His mobile rang and Hirata went back to the ship while fiddling. Busy is the destiny for popular people.

Whats with him? Is he really only worried about his classmates?

But Karuizawa is Karuizawa, and apparently theyve not been much close recently soperhapstheyve broken up? If its like that, then it sucks. Kushida-chan will have much more competition.

Certainly, they could be less close compared to when they started dating. But I dont feel like theyve fought or the situation has got uglier. Because indeed they seem to get along well when I see them talking.

Ive decided Haruki. Iwill confess to Kushida-chan on this trip

Well, what the fuck. If she dumps you Ike, its gonna be incredibly awkward. Will it be okay??

This is only for my selfish reasoning. In any case, isnt Kushida-chan very cute? Thats why I think most of the boys want to ask her out. However, as shes out of my and their league, and shes not used to confessions Im sure that theres a possibility that Kushida-chans heart will be shaken by my sudden love confession. But theres only a little hope there.

I seeyou made up your mind already..

Ahyeah

Yamauchi wanted to burst into opposition about that, but he did nothing. He was looking over the deck restlessly as if he was searching for something.

Whats the matter?

Ahhh, no nothing

After ignoring me absent-mindedly like that, in the end Yamauchi didnt touch the Kushida subject anymore.

Hey hey Kushida-chan. You got a minute?

Uhm? What is it?

Ike immediately approached Kushida who was calmly looking over the sea nearby. Obviously, that was a suspicious move.

Wellhow shall I sayHasnt been about 4 months since we met? Thats why, before long I wonder if its okay to call you by your first name. You see, it sounds cold and distant when I call you by your last name.

Now that you mention it, Yamauchi-kun called me by my name before I realized it

Eh, I guess its bad if I call you KikyM-chan, after all.

Ike exclaimed a bit deflated but Kushida beamed nonchalantly.

Of course, theres no problem with it! Should I call you Kanji-kun too?

UUUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH KIKYO-CHAN AAAAAAAAHHHHHH

Ike cried out and screamed assuming a pose of one who was going towards heaven or of someone who just received a package with Platoon the Movie.

Kushida laughed softly. I guess she saw him as strange and funny.

First names uh?come to think of it, what is Horikitas first name?

SudM naturally asks me if I know it.

Its Tomiko. Horikita Tomiko.

Mhm Tomikoits a cute name. As expected, the feeling is perfect.

Ah no, I was wrong. It was Suzune

You littledo not make more mistakes. Suzune uh? It feels perfect like Tomiko, but 100 millions times more

Whether Horikitas name is Sadako or Sam, it would be selfish to feel it or say it without permission.

During this summer vacation, I will also call you by your first name. Suzune, Suzune

Well, it seems like the boys want to get closer to the girls during this vacation.

Meanwhile, none of the boys calls me by my first name nor I call them with theirs.

Thats right. Hey look here, Ayanokoji. You made me try practicing. Now you practice saying Suzunes name too

Practice? Why? Practice, you sayThats not normal.

You cant do something like practicing saying a persons name unless you do it before the person himself.

Dont tell me that the simple-minded SudM intends to make me out to be an imaginary Horikita.

He was staring at me intensely.

Probably because hes imagining the opposite sex, but that gaze is awfully gross.

Say, Horikita, you got a minute? I need to talk to you a little

Im not Horikita

I became immediately disgusted and turned away with a face of disapproval.

YOU IDIOT! Its practice. I also dont want to do it, but its necessary for me, mhm maybe or maybe not. Because if I dont practice I cant be good. Its important I give it a shot either way.

I really dont want to hear such a horseshit talk.

Ahhh, since it cant be helped, Ill just go along with it and be patient.

Horikita. It isnt strange that were always treating each other as strangers? Weve been acquainted for a long time. And it seems like others are calling each other nicely with their first name. How about we do it too soon. gradually?

[..]

Unconsciously, I wanted to hit SudMs head so much. But I endured it with patience and mentally just like an adult would do. Just like an adult would do.

Say something! Why are you not practicing with me?

No, noWhat do you want me to say?

Just something that Horikita is likely to reply. Since youve known her for a long time, you must know what shed say, right?

Our level of acquaintance is 4 months, so its impossible for me to know such things.

Even so, SudM insisted that I played the part of an imaginary Horikita. I clenched my fist unconsciously as to threaten someone.

Im one step from becoming an adult and I should do something like this on behalf of Horikita? Feel free to practice by yourself

Instead, Ike acted as a substitute.

While looking a bit shady, SudM said: Horikitais it okay if I call you with your first name?

Um wellSudM-kun is not really a handsome guy, isnt he? I mean, it seems like he doesnt have much money either. He isnt really my type, cant you see? I mean, sorry sorry, isnt he an outcast?!

Ike was acting as a gyaru (t/n: a woman adhering to a fashion trend usually marked by brown or blond-dyed hair, gaudy clothes and accessories) high school student who, on the contrary, looked nothing as such. So SudM, even while being on the deck, decided to chokehold him and making him writhe in agony.

Theyre always full of vitality, these fellows. Just by looking at them, the fatigue builds up and accumulate. Still, it seems funny.

After a while, all around the gasps grew louder.

The students enthusiasm also increased greatly when the island could be clearly visible to the naked eye and the distance shortened more and more. I thought the ship was directed to the island, but I dont know why we passed through the pier and the ship began encircling around the island. The area lent by the country to manage the island is 0.5 km. The highest altitude is 230m. Its a very tiny island if seen from the perspective of Japans totality as a country, but if seen by a hundred and a dozen people on a cruise like us, it was even too big.

Somehow, the liner circumnavigated the island and showed it entirely. It continued to go round and round the outer perimeter without changing speed. Although the ship barely made a splash of water, it actually navigated at an unnatural high speed.

Its a very mysterious sight Im impressed. Dont you think so, Ayanokoji-kun?

Oh? hmm yeah true.

I looked at Kushida whose eyes were shining while looking at the desert island, and my heart pounded a little. Again. After all, Kushida was really cute. I wanted to protect that smile and that child-like behaviour.

From here, we will land on an uninhabited island owned by the school. Students should change into their jerseys, check their prescribed bags and luggage properly and dont forget to bring out their mobile phone. After that, please assemble on the deck. Please keep all your personal belongings in your rooms. Since theres a possibility that you wont be able to go to the toilet for some time, please settle it properly now.

This announcement rolled around. Apparently, the docking point on the private beach is near. It seems like Ike and the others are going back to change with high spirits. I also turned my feet back to the group room. Then I dressed myself in a jersey I used during physical education class, returned to the deck and waited for the boat to reach the island. As we drew closer to the island which was directly ahead, the enthusiasm of first-year students reached its peak.

From this point onward, starting from the students of class A, well begin to descend in order. Moreover, its forbidden to bring mobile phones on the island. So please, hand them over individually to your homeroom teacher and go down the ship. With the teachers voice on the loudspeaker, the students went down the stairs of the ship in order.

Whew, please hurry up! Even though were thinly dressed, were all sweating here.

The deck of the anchored ship was too exposed to the sun. No wonder many complaints came out. Class D was standing on the ship ready to go down while enduring the heat, and in the end Horikita joined them too. At first glance it seemed like a usual situation, but something has shifted. There was like a feeling of discomfort and uneasiness. Even Horikita who is usually a methodical and scrupulous person seemed to be anxious about outward appearances. Nevertheless, she kept her black hair tousled not changing completely her own aspect. She looked a bit cold and unconsciously she rubbed her arms while waiting for the landing on the island.

What have you been up to?

Ive been just reading a book in my room. For Whom The Bell Tolls. You wouldnt know.

Cmon. It was one of Ernest Hemingways representative works, wasnt it? An unparalleled masterpiece, no doubts about it. I thought about it for a long time, but Horikitas hobby of reading this kind of books is amazingBut, I wonder about the priority of reading even during this wonderful trip. Well, in these circumstances Im also dubious on whether I favoured the room as a good place to read books or not.

Lets just forget about it. The person herself wont say anything about the topic and to pry inquisitively from here would be rude.

Im anxious about the sequel, but if its forbidden to bring personal items, then I cant do anything about it.

Regretfully and awkwardly, I clear my throat.

These are not things that people commonly say while going down to the beach.

Going ashore and leaving the boat took longer than I thought. Probably because the teachers divided and compacted the students in two sides, and they were proceeding to check their luggage.

Hey, strangely arent they being too guarded or, how should I say, careful? They should confiscate mobile phones during a test, not now. It looks like its even forbidden bringing too many personal items

Definitely. If people are only playing in the ocean, I also feel like they dont really have to go to the extent of doing that.

By the way, abaft there was a helicopter. Speaking of unnaturalness and strangeness, that one was unnatural too. Well, it is true that it was a little suspicious, but maybe I was thinking too much. If students brought a mobile phone to the sea, probably some of them will end up getting it wet or broken. Bringing extra personal things could also imply that all the garbage will pollute the beach. If someone suddenly fell ill, the helicopters dispatch could be useful and probably it wouldnt be such an unlikely story to tellright?

Soon our turn will come, and we will get off the ramp after receiving a rigorous inspection.

At that time, I didnt realize yet this place was going to be the borderline between heaven and hell.