"Phew... what a relief! Despite feeling a bit awkward at first, everything turned out fine in the end. I even managed to share a little with her."
Everything went surprisingly smoothly. I was fully prepared for Chiyo to react with a slap and a quick exit. However, when I mentioned wanting to take her on a date, she was taken aback and then overwhelmed with embarrassment.
Despite her annoyance at my comment, she eventually relented, saying, "I-If you really want to go on a d-date with me... it can't be helped. I will try to help you in my own way."
I can still vividly recall the rosy hue that tinted her cheeks as she uttered those words. I couldn't help but find her utterly adorable, so I playfully teased her once more before she reached the point of genuine annoyance and left.
When I got back, I was a bit surprised to see that only Meiko, Shinggo, Joe, and Andre were present. Despite my efforts to be punctual, Gakuto ended up arriving last and making all of us being punished.
That day was definitely bizarre. In the morning, me and the guys got roughed up so badly that we passed out and had to be rushed to the infirmary. It was only then that I realized just how fixated Gakuto was on his figurine, going to extreme lengths to get me to go along with his plans.
After my chat with Chiyo, my spirits lifted, and inspiration struck. In addition to that, she also said she'd lend me a hand, but I'm not sure about the specifics.
As I contemplate my consequences for the day, feeling more tired than usual, I can't help but feel a sense of apprehension about what tomorrow holds. That's why I wait outside the prison, eager to discuss my fresh idea with Meiko.
"Hey, Kiyoshi, is it true our holiday was canceled because of you?" Out of nowhere, someone threw me a question, and as I looked up to see who it was, I saw Andre's unmistakable face.
I noticed a hint of sadness in his small eyes, and it just occurred to me that he might have lost some weight.
Yeah, even if it's just a little bit, I can tell because we've been spending a lot of time together these past few weeks. Not only does his body appear more sunken, but his cheeks also show signs of fatigue, and his eye bags have become darker and more prominent.
"Who on earth said that nonsense?"
"Gakuto, he said you were the reason... I never expected such cruelty from you. You have no idea how much I too eagerly await this holiday... *sobbing...*
'Ugh, that glasses guy is really getting on my nerves. He's trying to turn everyone against me, but honestly, I couldn't care less. I just know he's going to make my high school experience a living nightmare.'
Fortunately, Andre was too busy crying and looking down to notice the intense look on my face. I wanted to clear up this misunderstanding quickly, so I began explaining myself to Andre.
"Don't lie!... I can tell you're keeping something from us. Gakuto mentioned that you received special treatment from Vice President Meiko..."
"I should be the one who gets that!... I want her to discipline me again, just like she did before... I don't want her feeling sorry for me... lately, she hasn't even bothered to bring our food herself."
'What the fuck is he talking about? Is he trying to pour out his heart to me right now?'
It appeared that way as Andre's tears grew more intense. Before I could react, he tightly gripped my shoulder. Despite his size and hopelessness, he still possessed some strength. I had to stand there and listen, with no other option.
After a few minutes, Andre finally stopped. His face looked more ugly, with a mixture of snot and tears. I couldn't help but comment:
"You should probably wash your face now. You wouldn't want Meiko-senpai to see you looking like that, would you?"
"Sorry, Kiyoshi, I took it all out on you... you're right. I don't want Vice President Meiko to see me now."
"It's fine as long as we sort out our misunderstanding."
Even after Andre let go, my shoulders still ached, but I just sighed. Right at that moment, another figure appeared beside us, casting a shadow. As soon as I heard her icy voice, my body instinctively straightened up.
"I swung by to check on Meiko and the prison, but guess what I stumbled upon?"
"P-President M-Mari... are you here to personally punish me?" Andre's breath caught in his throat as the sadness vanished from his face, giving way to the familiar pervertedness he displayed whenever he anticipated punishment.
"Shut up! You disgusting pig! I didn't come here for you!" As soon as I heard her harsh response, a chill ran down my spine. The intense hatred in her words was unmistakable.
However, it seemed that Andre was an exception to the rule, as his excitement only grew. All of a sudden, the sky turned dark, and a piercing scream echoed from above. The image of crows swarming in the sky deeply affected me.
"H-Hold on a sec, President Mari, I apologize for his behavior. Please don't use violence," I had no choice but to step forward. If I didn't intervene, I knew the crows would surely come after me as well.
Mari remained silent, her gaze piercing as if she found no satisfaction in witnessing our suffering. In response, I compelled Andre to lower his head and bow before her. Fortunately, his distress over the crow outweighed mine, prompting him to quickly apologize while repeatedly banging his head on the ground.
"Hmph, it looks like Meiko's training paid off because you all caught on to your mistakes pretty quickly. So, I'll let you off the hook this time."
Although I didn't kowtow along with Andre, I have to admit that her arrogant and superior attitude got on my nerves. Throughout the entire encounter, she kept her arms crossed over her chest, and her face displayed impatience as if she wanted both of us to leave her presence.
I told Andre to return to prison first, as I still had unfinished matters to attend to with this woman. Even though it's just the two of us now, the annoying presence of the crows lingering nearby makes me feel uneasy. Naturally, she wasn't thrilled when she saw I was staying, but I was determined to stand my ground.
"Actually, there's something I want to discuss with President Mari."