Dekisugi actually underestimated his popularity. Basically, every classmate came up to greet him or ask why he was late. Dekisugi could only deal with it one by one with a dry smile. He couldn't say it was because he forgot the way to school and ended up being late.
"Dekisugi, why are you late today? This is the first time I've seen you late."
At this moment, a soft and warm voice came from beside Dekisugi, and he subconsciously thought it was another greeting from a classmate. Because Dekisugi liked this voice, he turned to see who it was.
The snow-white shirt with a pink collar, the soft pink skirt, delicate skin, and shining, expressive eyes gave him the answer instantly: Minamoto Shizuka.
She was the only close friend the original Dekisugi had in class. Shizuka, the girl who was second in class and third in the grade, was one of the few who didn't feel pressured by Dekisugi's excellent grades. Other students, despite Dekisugi's easygoing and helpful nature, often subconsciously distanced themselves from him.
"Oh, it's Shizuka. Well, I guess it's not bad to sleep in occasionally, hahaha."
You couldn't be too casual when facing Shizuka, and it turned out that the original Dekisugi still had a good impression of her, which slightly influenced Dekisugi's consciousness.
While he saw Shizuka as a cute little sister, given the mental age of someone in their twenties, Dekisugi couldn't deny she was endearing. He touched his head and smiled cheerfully at her.
"That's surprising. I didn't think you could be lazy sometimes," Shizuka said, covering her mouth with a chuckle.
She didn't doubt his excuse. After all, they were just ten years old. Nobita, on the other hand, would probably come up with a much bigger, less believable excuse.
Then Shizuka smiled as if she remembered something and invited Dekisugi. "Dekisugi, would you like to do homework with me after school? I've got snacks and drinks."
Dekisugi thought about it. The original Dekisugi often did homework with Shizuka, and their relationship had grown little by little. But today, he had already promised Nobita he would help him with homework, so he had to decline.
Dekisugi glanced at Nobita, who was standing at the classroom door, watching him and Shizuka with undisguised jealousy. Suppressing a smile, Dekisugi shook his head and turned back to Shizuka.
"Sorry, Shizuka. I promised Nobita I'd help him with his homework after school since we were both punished earlier. How about we do homework together tomorrow instead?"
Hearing that, Shizuka looked a little disappointed but quickly recovered. "Oh, that's fine. If you're helping Nobita, I'll join in, too. We can finish our homework together in the classroom. What do you think?"
Shizuka's hopeful gaze made it impossible for Dekisugi to refuse, so he nodded. "Sure."
"Great! I've got a few questions I need help with, too. Let's talk to Nobita!" Shizuka exclaimed, grabbing Dekisugi's hand and pulling him toward the classroom door.
Dekisugi followed, a bit embarrassed. He wanted to sit and rest for a while, as his legs were still sore from standing earlier.
Outside the classroom, Takeshi Gouda (Jaian) and Honekawa Suneo were pestering Nobita. While they were close friends, the two often bullied Nobita, with Suneo showing off his toys and Jaian often taking them by force. Despite this, Suneo always seemed eager to flaunt his possessions in front of Nobita.
Seeing the bullying, Shizuka intervened without hesitation. "Stop bullying Nobita!"
This was typical of Shizuka, who always stood up for Nobita. Nobita, who often felt neglected, deeply appreciated her support. Dekisugi watched the scene unfold with mixed feelings. The scene felt both familiar and strange to him, stirring a sense of nostalgia.
Jaian scowled and said, "Hmph, it's Shizuka again. Nobita, you're so weak! Let's go, Suneo."
Suneo followed Jaian, still trying to curry favor with him. Dekisugi chuckled softly at the retreating duo.
Nobita, meanwhile, tried to brush off the incident, pretending to be brave in front of Shizuka. "I'm fine. Really."
Shizuka smiled warmly. "Alright then, Nobita. Dekisugi and I will help you with your homework after school. How does that sound?"
Nobita's face lit up. "Really? That's awesome!"
As Shizuka and Dekisugi started discussing homework plans, Nobita mumbled something under his breath, glancing at Dekisugi. Dekisugi's sharp ears caught the words: "If Shizuka is here, there's no need for Dekisugi."
Dekisugi frowned slightly but decided to let it slide. Nobita was just being Nobita.
The day's classes flew by. Nobita stood outside during lessons, having been punished earlier. Finally, at the end of the day, Sensei dismissed the class but stopped Nobita before leaving.
"Nobita! Don't forget to finish your homework tonight, or I'll have to call your parents. Understood?" Sensei warned.
"Y-Yes!" Nobita stammered, visibly nervous. The thought of his parents being called was enough to motivate him.
Jaian and Suneo, on the other hand, found the situation hilarious. "Let's go play baseball without Nobita!" Jaian declared, and Suneo laughed his signature laugh as they left.
Dekisugi grabbed a chair and joined Nobita at his desk. "Don't worry, Nobita. If you have any questions, Shizuka and I are here to help."
Moved by Dekisugi's words, Nobita nodded vigorously. The three of them then settled down to finish their homework together.
Meanwhile, back at Nobita's home, Doraemon, the round, a blue robotic cat, peered out the window with concern. "Nobita must be making up his homework again. I told him to do it earlier, but he wouldn't listen. What am I going to do with him?"