Kindness and Trust
He and I once again became the center of attention. We were almost at school, and our unusual pairing drew many curious gazes.
On one side, there was Rose Azalea—the most beautiful girl in school, known for her excellence.
On the other, there was me, Rowan Ash—the most hated boy, accused of abusing his childhood sweetheart.
People looked at me with disdain, but they were too intimidated by Rose's presence to speak out. If they dared to gossip or act maliciously, this school might no longer be a comfortable place for them.
Moreover, Rose seemed to truly enjoy this moment. With a bright smile on her face, she spoke enthusiastically, as if she didn't care about the stares around us.
Her smile was so enchanting that no man could look away. No one dared to disrupt the radiance she exuded.
"Ah, we'll be at school soon. Senior, you'll be going home with me today too, right?"
I knew this was her way of being kind. She wanted to protect me from harassment and ensure I wasn't mistreated. The way she emphasized "today too" made it clear that we had gone home together before.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked hesitantly.
"What are you saying, Senior? I'm the one asking for this!"
She even said it louder, making sure those around us could hear. That left me no room to refuse. Many other students would have wanted to be in my position, yet she had chosen me.
"Please?"
"Fufu, in that case, treat me to something! Haha, just kidding!"
We parted ways at the shoe lockers, agreeing to meet there again after school.
Now, I had to face my own struggles.
With caution, I walked towards my locker, preparing for the worst—missing shoes, nails or trash inside, or even something worse.
However, my locker remained clean, just like yesterday.
Looking around, I noticed Mr. Iwai, the head of the academic department, pacing suspiciously near the entrance.
"So that's how it is…"
It seemed he was keeping watch to ensure no one tampered with my belongings. No one would be foolish enough to commit a crime in front of a senior teacher.
"Hey, Rowan. Good morning. You heard from Imai, right?"
"Yeah, I did."
Mr. Iwai chuckled warmly.
"In that case, head to the staff room first. Mr. Thomas has been worried about you since yesterday."
I had expected to be scolded for leaving school early, but apparently not.
"Understood, sir."
Even though our conversation was brief, I could feel his sincerity.
I walked towards the staff room on the first floor.
Honestly, I felt reluctant to enter. I was sure some teachers still suspected me and would give me cold stares.
However, before I could reach the door, a familiar voice called out.
"Good morning, Rowan."
I was surprised to see Mr. Thomas standing in the corridor, as if waiting for me.
"Good morning, sir. Why are you outside?"
"Ah… well. In a situation like this, it must be hard for you to enter alone, right? So, I waited for you here."
His voice was calm as always, but I could feel his concern.
"Thank you, sir."
"This is just a natural show of concern. No need to thank me. But before we talk, let's go to the meeting room. I think that would be more comfortable."
Normally, something like this would be discussed in the student counseling room.
As if reading my mind, he explained, "If we talk in the counseling room, it would feel like I'm interrogating you. I want us to talk as equals."
I quickly nodded. I preferred a place that didn't feel like an interrogation room.
"Good."
We entered the meeting room.
"Sit beside me. It's more comfortable than sitting across from each other, isn't it?"
He gave a small smile, trying to put me at ease.
But then, he suddenly turned serious.
"There's something I need to say before we start talking."
I swallowed hard.
Mr. Thomas bowed deeply.
"Rowan, I truly apologize. I failed to recognize your situation yesterday and let you go through unnecessary hardship. I should have created an environment where you felt safe to express your feelings before summer break. If only I had paid more attention, perhaps I could have lightened your burden earlier. This is also my responsibility. I am deeply sorry."
I was shocked. A teacher, bowing his head and apologizing to me?
For the first time, I felt like someone genuinely cared.
He remained in that bowing position for over a minute.
Honestly, I felt guilty.
"Sir, please lift your head. Besides, I didn't consult anyone about this first either. And more importantly, the fact that you noticed this so quickly is already remarkable…"
As I hurriedly said that, he finally lifted his head and said, "Thank you." His gaze was sincere and full of concern.
"Rowan, I understand that you're going through a tough time. Yesterday, I also heard a little from Imai. So, it's okay if you need time to sort out your feelings. You can talk bit by bit. But… can you share your story with me?"
Logically, telling a teacher about my heartbreak didn't seem pleasant.
Especially when I had been betrayed by my childhood friend, whom I once called my lover—only for her to label me a "violent stalker" before ending our relationship. I didn't want to talk about it with anyone.
As a result, I had been ostracized by my classmates and club members, even receiving mistreatment from them. Just thinking about it made me feel miserable.
But perhaps… I could talk to this teacher.
I just needed a little more courage.
What scared me more was that if I confided in him, action would have to be taken. If my classmates found out I had told a teacher, they might hate and torment me even more.
Sensing my anxiety, he spoke again.
"Sorry, Rowan. I may have rushed things. You don't have to force yourself. You don't have to talk now if you're not ready. I understand you need time."
"…I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. Are you thirsty? It's not really allowed, but I'll make an exception today. Let me treat you to a can of soda. What would you like?"
His gentle tone felt soothing.
"In that case, cola."
"Alright, wait here."
"But sir, what about the first class? Isn't it about to start?"
"Ah, don't worry. I've arranged it. The principal will be teaching World History for the first period. He used to be a history teacher, so it's fine. Right now, the school's priority is supporting you through this difficult time."
It seemed the teachers were trying to help me in many ways. Just like with Mr. Iwai earlier. I felt grateful, yet I still couldn't bring myself to open up. I felt so powerless.
"Thank you so much."
Without realizing it, I had spoken those words.
"Hey, I haven't even bought your cola yet. Save your thanks until then."
His lighthearted tone made me feel a little better.
"Here, drink up."
Before long, Mr. Thomas returned with two cans of cold cola.
"Thank you."
"It's too hot today. I'll break my diet and drink this too."
He said it with a smile, taking a sip. He felt more like a kind older brother than a teacher.
"Sir, why do you trust me? No one else at school even wants to hear me out."
"There are two reasons."
"Two?"
"Yes. First, most students are caught up in mass panic due to irresponsible gossip. Since we're older, we can see the situation more objectively. You know how 'mob bullying' happens on the internet, right? Once someone becomes a target, they're immediately seen as the villain, and people think they're 'heroes of justice' for attacking them."
"Yeah…"
That was exactly what was happening to me.
"But often, we don't even know the truth behind the gossip. Those who join in can end up losing everything without realizing it. The people harassing you are trapped in that cycle."
"…But what if I really am what they say?"
"That's possible. But that's where my second reason comes in. From the beginning, I've seen you as someone who tends to blame himself rather than others. I don't believe you deserve to be treated this way. In other words… this may just be a 'teacher's instinct.'"
After saying that, he took another sip of his cola.
Because he had done so much for me…
I finally made my decision.
I looked into his eyes with determination. Seeing this, he gave me a gentle nod.
"Mr. Thomas, there's something I want to tell you…"