In the bustling ambiance of Sakura High School, an unexpected scene unfolded within the confines of the Teacher's Lounge. Ms. Takahashi, renowned for her poised professionalism, underwent an astonishing transformation, unleashing a fit of laughter that defied her usual demeanor. Her hands clutched her mouth, seemingly surprised by the intensity of her own reaction. Laughter spilled forth uncontrollably, breaking through the veneer of formality she typically maintained.
Between bursts of laughter, Ms. Takahashi managed to articulate, "You certainly have a way of catching someone off guard." Her face radiated amusement, and she straightened her posture, her laughter subsiding but leaving behind a faint grin. There was a sense of disbelief mingled with the mirth, as if Yami's audacious proposition had taken her by surprise.
Yami's expression remained unchanged, his smile unwavering even in the face of this unexpected turn. "Perhaps it depends on the individual's perspective, Ms. Takahashi," he responded, his tone light and playful.
Ms. Takahashi's laughter faded, replaced by a lingering sense of amusement as she leaned against the wall. Her fingers played with a strand of her hair, and she regarded Yami with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. "Kurogane, you certainly possess a talent for theatrics. I'll give you that."
Yami's smile remained steady as he met her gaze. "Theatrics or not, Ms. Takahashi, it's a proposition, a test of conviction."
Her eyes glinted with amusement as she considered his words. "And what makes you think I would entertain such an audacious idea, Yami?"
Yami's smile deepened, his tone light. "Why not, Ms. Takahashi? You've consistently stressed the concept of equality. From what I've observed, you possess a strong sense of self-assuredness and a penchant for maintaining the upper hand. What better way to uphold your principles than by putting your own career on the line, just as you'd expect from me?"
Recognition and a hint of pride danced in Ms. Takahashi's eyes. She leaned in slightly, her voice a blend of challenge and intrigue. "But what, Kurogane, leads you to believe that our careers are equal in this context?"
Yami's smile remained, but a glint of something colder appeared in his eyes. "Equality, Ms. Takahashi, isn't bound by gender or title. It's the inherent concept of fairness that I find compelling."
A pause lingered between them, a silent exchange of unspoken thoughts. Ms. Takahashi's gaze held a mixture of curiosity and contemplation as she considered Yami's words. Her pride clashed with her professionalism, and her ego grappled with the unexpected challenge before her.
Ms.Takahashi took a deep breath, and regained her previous lost composure, "Kurogane, it looks like you are forgetting your position here, I am the teacher here and you are the student, I have the power to simply expel you from this school. I don't need to listen to your story to do it."
Yami's eyes showed curosity hearing that she can expel him easily.
'According to the School guide, no teacher has the power to expel. Only the Head or somone with the same amount of power can do it. So what gives her this much confidence?'
"Based on your words, I presume you are threarthning me of expelling I presume." Yami said but there was no fear of expulsion on his face.
"Correct" Ms.Takahashi was suprised that there was no fear on his face.
As the tension seemed to intensify, a new voice cut through the air, breaking the silence. "You can't threaten a student with expulsion," the voice asserted with unwavering authority.
Both Yami and Ms. Takahashi turned their attention to the source of the interruption.
It was a girl, her presence commands attention, but through an air of quiet confidence. Standing at an average height, she possesses a posture that exudes self-assuredness. Her dark eyes, framed by a pair of slender glasses, radiate intelligence and a hint of warmth.
Cascades of chestnut hair fall in elegant waves, brushing against her shoulders, a few loose strands soften her face, giving her an approachable and relatable aura.
A silver emblem adorns her blazer lapel, signifying her position as the Student Council President. Her tie is meticulously knotted, a testament to her attention to detail.
Addressing her, Ms. Takahashi inquired, "What brings you here, Aika-san?"
Aika's gaze was fixed on Yami, her interruption a clear assertion of her stance. "You can't threaten a student with expulsion."
Ms. Takahashi's brow furrowed, her surprise evident, but she continued, "Do you know why I was considering it?"
Aika hesitated briefly before responding, "No, but—"
Ms. Takahashi cut her off, "You didn't hear my reasoning before interrupting. As the Student Council President, knowing when to intervene is crucial. Kurogane, we'll revisit this later." With her focus returning to Yami, she added, "Your story is intriguing, Kurogane. We'll continue this conversation later. For now, feel free to move around the school."
With that, Ms. Takahashi exited the room, leaving Yami and Aika alone. Their gazes lingered, and as Yami turned to leave, Aika's voice stopped him.
"Wait," she called out. Yami faced her again.
"Ar-Are you Saito-kun, Yami Saito-kun?"
Yami studied her for a moment before recognition seemed to dawn. "Aikaaa, Aikaaaaa, Aika Takahashi?" he questioned, confirming his memory.
Aika's face lit up with joy. "You remember me, Yami-kun. It's been quite a while."
"Yes, it has," Yami acknowledged before excusing himself and departing. As he left, Aika found herself lost in thought about Yami, her musings only interrupted by the bell signifying the end of the lunch period.