Continuing with the act as well as what we planned together, Saki started by telling Hayashi-sensei that were all from the same class as well as their supposed friendship.

That was necessary for setting the stage for the fake school nurse to put down her input in the situation. While her current identity was enough for her to dole out a verdict, I only needed her as a mediator.

No. Theres nothing to mediate, actually. Shes nothing more than a witness. Because at the end of the day, I wouldnt let this guy off lightly.

He could run to Ogawa or Tadano for help but his connection with my girls would be severed completely. Kikuchi might also have a say on it but even with only Sakis testament, shed definitely stand down and not defend him anymore. Their friend crossed the line he shouldnt cross.

For the next ten minutes, Saki didn't hold back at all. The only detail she omitted was our intimate moments. Its unnecessary and, of course, its something that should only be between us.

Since Hayashi-sensei was aware that Im not just sticking to Shizu, the only reaction she had when Saki confirmed our relationship was a raised eyebrow. Other than that, nothing.

As for the silent guy, even if hes already grimacing from the scorching pain of his bruised face, his ugly turned even uglier as though got shot multiple times by invisible arrows.

Maybe, as his last respite, he's still hoping that Saki's previous kindness to him would once again resurface and prevail, letting him off lightly.

He's delusional like that. Of all the things that he could pick up from Ogawa, it's that trait.

Anyway, Hayashi-sensei continued her treatment while listening to Saki. That was not an act, she's really doing her job as the school nurse.

However, once she finished, the hidden director who was exerting precise control over herself when handling the silent guys face, switched gears. As though she donned another identity, the air around her changed as she straightened her back and crossed her arms as her gaze swept at us.

That, alone, made the guy shake in fear again. He looked like a wet chicken already, shivering from the cold after rolling himself on a mud field.

Saki and I didn't falter at that. I even met her Hayashi-senseis gaze. With how confident I appeared, she almost cracked her neutral expression. Maybe I would get scolded by her later. But thats fine. Knowing her, Im certain that shes going to call for me and narrate everything in detail again later.

I guess I can consider that as the price of troubling her this early in the morning. I mean, students and teachers had just started arriving at the school. For her to drive here early, we probably interrupted her beauty rest.

After a few seconds of silence, Hayashi-sensei released a sigh before starting.

"I take it that you're supposed to be friends with each other. Why resort to stalking? Student, stalking is a criminal act. You can say that youre just admiring her if its once or twice. But to do it almost every day youre turning yourself into a ticking time bomb whos on the verge of assaulting someone."

You like her. Is that it? Then why didnt you confess to her and shoot your shot when you still have a chance?

You can blame no one else but yourself for this turn of events.

Although those words were already thrown at him by us earlier, having Hayashi-sensei deliver the same essence again buried him even further in his ditch.

At the moment, apart from fearing me and my fists, he also got pushed and kicked to the edge of despair. It wont be long now for him to break.

But even so, many would consider this as letting him off lightly. We couldve killed his social life. His parents might even disown him for turning into what he is today. But well, Im still feeling a little merciful or its just more convenient to stop the buzz that will also trouble us if things go that way.

However, in case youre being intimidated by Onoda-kun as well as to be completely impartial to you, Ill send them out. Youll have to tell me everything from your side. But do remember, if you lie. I will know about it. Any leniency that I may give you will be off the table.

And theres the next part. It wont just be Hayashi-sensei being impartial, it will be another proof that his statement and confession that we managed to fish out of his mouth are valid. By acting like a reliable adult that can help him avoid the worst outcome, itll solidify his crime.

Was it devious? Well, not quite. In the end, he will just be cut off from their club and he could still be the same silent guy who seldom talks.

Ill just have to deal with him from time to time to reinforce his fear of me. Remind him that even when I use violence against him again, I will still be the one on the right.

I trust senseis judgement. Well be going then. I stood up and respectfully bowed to the woman.

Saki did the same but before turning around to join me on my way out, she added, Can I say one last thing to him, sensei?

Although she didnt expect that, Hayashi-sensei found no reason to reject it. She stepped aside to clear the view for the both of them. Hmm? Sure. Go ahead.

Thank you Saki expressed her gratitude to Hayashi-sensei first while also squeezing my hand tightly. Perhaps channeling courage from me. A couple of seconds later, she continued. With her stern, unfeeling voice, she said to the silent guy, Taku, youve never been put in my eyes before. Not once have I considered you to be my friend. In my head, youre just a guy in the same circle. Whether youre there or not, I wont notice. Next time, dont take one act of kindness and make it an obsession. Reality is this cruel. You cannot view it on one, narrow lens. You have to widen your perspective. I may have shown you kindness but I dont consider myself kind. Im simply an opportunist, living the best life I could.

This girl Although she said she isnt kind, delivering all of those words can also be considered kindness on her part. Even with how harsh it sounded, it was her last advice to him.

Hayashi-sensei couldnt help but be pleased with it.

And naturally, I also felt proud of the girl.

Following that, we didnt wait for Takus response anymore. We stepped out of the infirmary and left the School Building together.

Theres still an hour before the start of classes. And due to that, we can resume our morning date and celebrate her birthday with just the two of us.

As for our destination theres a suitable one where we wont be disturbed.

Our clubhouse.

Alright, class. Sugiyama has called in sick. Maemura is among the ones competing for the Girls Basketball Club. The others who are absent have been dragged by their clubs to watch and cheer for them in their competitions. And in light of the Interhigh, the Director decreed that the school day will be concluded early. Classes will end after the fourth period. Youre free to go. You can go to your clubs or cheer for our sports clubs competing today. Thats all.

Time passed and the first period soon arrived. After the usual morning greeting and scanning the empty seats in our classroom, Shio started with that morning announcement.

Looks like we predicted it right, a lot of free time today and perhaps in the following days too. Unfortunately, even with that, my days will still be packed.

Looking to my right, Saki was borrowing Satsukis currently empty seat. Even if we already spent that much time together in the clubhouse, itll never be enough.