Before leaving the Student Council Room with Watanabe, I still spent a few more minutes on Shizus side. And thats despite her opposition.

I stood behind her and gave her shoulders a quick massage while I waited for the tea that I brewed to boil.

After serving her that tea, I helped her organize the slight mess that we created when we bump into it earlier.

In the end, instead of getting upset at my stubbornness, Shizu heartily laughed as she sent me out for the second time along with another kiss.

Well, thats what a boyfriend should do. Of course, one should learn to gauge a girls mood. If shes really against it, you should stop right away. That would just bring you negative points in her books.

In Shizus case, while half of the reason was her piles of work, the other half was for me to be effective in my position. If at all possible, the girl would surely wish for me to remain at her side all the time. Alas, we both had work to do.

After moving to the room next door, I had Watanabe sit in the same chair as last Monday. I also brought half the tea that I brewed and served her a cup.

Using her shaky hands to hold the cup, Watanabe carefully took a sip from it before speaking, Onoda-kun Uhm, can I ask what happened there?

This girl So, shes starting with that question, huh? Although shes not like Otsuka-senpai, this girl had no qualms about asking things that shouldnt be asked. Or better yet, shes too curious for her own good when it comes to us.

What happened? Watanabe, if I tell you that its a private thing between Shizu and me, will you accept that answer? I leaned forward for added intimidation.

And perhaps remembering the previous instance, Watanabe reluctantly nodded. Uhm I guess I can.

Then good. Lets leave it at that.

O-okay.

Watanabe looked like she still wanted to ask for more details but obviously, she wouldnt voice it out anymore. And even if she did, theres no reason for me to tell her an account of that very pleasurable experience.

In any case, shes not so innocent as to not be aware of what had transpired. This girl was just taking her chances to hear it directly from my mouth.

Unfortunately for her, Im not into describing my escapades with my girls nor do I have any desire to brag about it to anyone.

I let the girl finish the cup of tea before moving on to the main reason I brought her here. Well, it also allowed her to settle down and calm her mind.

You said I just have to keep an eye out on any interesting events inside the school, right? Uhm, do you know Kujou-senpai? From what I heard, because of her frustration with her fianc, Ichihara-senpai, she also started to be close to someone else. As for his identity, its unknown.

Alright. That was certainly something that would interest me, had it not been me who was the guy in the rumor.

I kept a straight face and gave my approval, How did you hear about this?

Uhm, Maa-kun told me. He has a senior whos also telling him news about the upperclassmen.

I see. Looks like we hooked the wrong fish. It shouldve been Masata-senpai. Hes more well-connected.

Eh? No Dont drag him into this, Onoda-kun. Its better that he doesnt know.

You see. Thats what I was wondering. During our last conversation, you kept on dodging when Im mentioning him. Are you trying to protect him? Be honest, Watanabe.

That Y-yes. Hes too kind to be caught up in this mess that I got into.

Too kind? That guy? Alright. Lets give him the benefit of the doubt. Apart from his rather insecure acts, hes definitely a kind senior. Although this girls intention to not pull him into this mess is applaudable, I cant help but look down at it as well. Because shes keeping this kind of secret from his boyfriend.

In any case, as long as its beneficial to us, I wont have any say in it. Besides, this girl asked for something in exchange for her service.

And you wont ask him for help?

I already told you Im interested in your relationship. I cant help but wonder why the President accepted to be in it when she wont be your only one. From what I know about her, she should be someone very strict regarding who she will make a connection with. But here you are Onoda-kun, youre a mystery.

Well, if she only knew a bit of our situation, she also wont understand why Shizu decided to stick with me. And its better if it stayed that way.

I see. Theres no explaining it other than she fell in love with me. Anyway, were going off topic, is there something else you want to report?

Turning our topic back to its original course, I had Watanabe relax by pouring another cup of tea for her.

After downing it, the girl fixed herself on her seat before continuing, Uhm I dont know if this is true but Onoda-kun, your name has been brought up when the boys started talking about Itou-san of Class 3. They said youre the closest guy or if not that, youre the only one close to her. They suspect youre already in a relationship with her.

So, its about me this time

Ah. Itou, huh? What should I say? Let them leave it to their imagination. Its nothing new. I bet youre aware of how many rumors are flying about it.

T-thats true. Theres a lot but that one has just been brought up recently.

Hmm. Alright, if its about me, you can just ignore them, Watanabe. Unless its something that could threaten me like a group of guys wanting to ambush me somewhere, theres no point entertaining them. I prefer it if its about other students.

I understand. What if its about your girls? Like the President or Kojima-senpai?

I was about to answer Yes, of course. but changed my mind at the last moment. Its still better to make her believe that were just in some kind of partnership rather than an employer and employee or a master and a slave. That way, it will ensure that she wont bear animosity towards my girls.

Ill leave that to your judgement, Watanabe. Youre not a slave here, remember?

Uhm. Okay. Then Onoda-kun. When do you think its fine to bring you to my friend?

Does she need my encouragement right away?

Not particularly but uhm, never mind.

Well, lets leave it at that for now. Thank you. I smiled at the girl as I said my words of appreciation.

Following that, I sent her out of the room.

However, the same as last Monday, it just so happened that Masato-senpai showed up from the stairs.

How unlucky can he be? Or theres also a possibility that he's been staking outside ever since earlier. Maybe he waited until he saw me leaving the Student Council Room with his girl.

In any case, since I never even touched a single strand of Watanabes hair, I had no reason to be troubled by his presence.

And so, I turned to him and waved.

Yo, Masato-senpai, going back from work? I even put on an amiable smile.

But as expected, what he sent back was a frown.

Y-yeah. What are you two doing?

And there you go. Hes now starting to interrogate us.

I was about to answer my prepared excuse but like last time, Watanabe sprang up from my side and answered it for us, Oh Maa-kun! You see, the President asked me to help him with something. We just finished with it so Lets go back together.

This girl Does she have no idea that her answer could be misinterpreted?

I turned to Masato-senpai and sure enough, he was unconvinced. But seeing that theres not even a change in my expression, he once again dropped it and walked to his girl, I see. Lets go then. Onoda-kun, are you going somewhere?

Yes. Im going on patrol. About time I act out my new role. Upon saying that, I produced the armband and wore it.

Without waiting for him to reply again, I turned around and started walking away.

A few seconds later, I could hear that guys voice scolding Watanabe and the girl answering that with a laugh.

Tomiko, how many times did I tell you not to be alone with him?

Come on, Maa-kun, Onoda-kun wont do anything to me. He already has the President as his girlfriend.

Well, thats another problematic answer in its own way. I couldnt care too much about it though.

I continued down the stairs and started moving towards that one certain club. Alchemy Research Club.