I wont nag about you fighting thugs again. Its inescapable, no? But color me surprised at how much youre thinking about holding back for us. Our worries are affecting you, huh?

Isnt it natural?

It is. But numbskull, dont get tied down by it. Ill be more concerned if you let yourself get beaten up without fighting back. Id rather scold you with empty words of concern than nurse you back to health with your body bruised and battered.

Still lying on the sofa, I had just finished telling her about my encounter with Ichihara Jun.

As I expected, Shizu immediately went to check my body if I was hurt anywhere before expressing those thoughts. She might be contradicting herself there but shes just reminding me that when it comes to things like that, I should always prioritize my safety more than what they would think about afterward.

Mhm. I understand. I think my mindset went from not wanting to hit them to thinking that our date would be ruined if I held back in fighting them. Look, they left no crease or stain.

Ugh. Thats amazing, huh? Im just glad youre alright, numbskull. So, whats next?

I have the evidence. I think I can push for his expulsion... But only if Hayashi-sensei can accept it.

Do you think she wont?

Not really. Even if shes the first one to tell me not to use violence, I can sense her concern about me. She just didn't want me to get in trouble. And its Ichihara were talking about.

Their familys influence, huh? Do you have a plan?

I wont call it so much as a plan but... its now or never, Shizu. For Marikas safety...

I support you. Im sure that youll be like this if Im the one in the same position. Shes not safe anymore if hes willing to spend that much money in order to deal with you and force her to stay with him.

Right. Thats why he paid that much. He probably picked the strongest thugs out there to deal with me.

Had they won and I truly hurt my arm and leg, hes probably going to use that as a pretext to threaten Marika into submission. In place of ensuring my safety, hed demand her to become his obedient fiance again. Never to approach me again.

As my thoughts went to that, my rage bubbled up again. Shizu was quick to notice it as she grabbed my hands, filling in the gaps and preventing me from clenching my fists.

I looked at her in appreciation before sitting up. Then after another kiss, I calmed down the rage inside me and forced a smile, giving her the chance to tease me.

We laughed a little, easing the tension brought about by our conversation.

Thank you, Shizu. Lets go to Hayashi-sensei.

Un. The day is still not over. Well have plenty of time for our date. Well go as the strongest couple among the students of this school. The Student Council President and the Disciplinary Officer.

Strongest, huh? Are the Demon King and the Hero?

Taking that analogy again was just another attempt to lighten our mood. Even if were going to march into the gates of hell sorry Hayashi-sensei its better for us to not be too caught up in seriousness or it would be straining for us.

Maybe? Youre the Demon King, numbskull.

No. Arent I supposed to be the Hero?

This guy... No one sees me as a Demon King.

Yeah, right. Ill pretend those who know you personally arent afraid of you before your change.

Ugh. Dont rub that on my face... Okay, itll be the Demon King and the Hero-turned-Demon King Lover then.

Thats even more shameless. But better.

Shizu glared at me, unamused at the shamelessness that I kept spreading to her. Nonetheless, as we continued in this conversation, our body relaxed and we smoothly finished preparing to leave the room.

Geez, are you influenced by Elizabeth or Aya-chan? Or maybe Ririka as well? One of these days, youll embody all of your girls preferences.

Hmm? Shizu, thats already a reality. I love everything about all of you so... I also embraced their hobbies.

Talk about being dedicated.

Only someone like me can do this.

Theres no one else like you, numbskull.

As Shizu spat that last sentence, we both laughed at our silliness.

We then made another round to check that everything was in order before Shizu returned to my side, linking arms with me and locking our hands together.

On our way to the Administration Building, I continued telling her the rest of my day and likewise, Shizu told me how bored she was being alone in that room.

She said she shouldve asked Watanabe and Komoe to stay with her. At this point, shes now capable of making small conversation without turning it awkward. She truly changed a lot from the Shizu who could make the whole Student Support Club silent with her presence.

And I like the idea that even Komoe wasnt a stranger to her anymore. That girl also needed a friend. Even though people could say that shes too fragile just because a boy rejected becoming her friend, everyone has a unique personality. And its not like she wont be able to change herself.

Look at me... Im probably the most prime example when it comes to a change in mindset.

When Shizu heard about Hanabi and how that goofball jumped into my net, she leered at me and pressed on to tell me more about the girl who found the most fun by my side. Perhaps, she wanted to experience the same feeling as that girl. To find each moment with us fun and worry-free.

I told her Ill introduce her next time.

As for Matsuri, Shizu didnt want to hear me retelling our tragic tale of separating because we couldnt agree with each other. Shes jealous that I considered that girl my first even though it should be Miwa-nee. And shes also jealous that even if I havent reconnected with the girl yet, Im already showing signs of how much Im looking forward to that day.

Theres no appeasing that jealousy. She let it go right after a kiss, after all.

Then lastly, when I brought up what happened between Orimura-sensei and I... although I didnt explicitly tell her that we ended up doing it, she sniffed it out of me.

Or rather, the way I described our interaction was enough clue for her to discern the truth.

She asked me about what I plan to do with her and I answered with the same words I used earlier; Ill let her attempt to correct my ways and see where we go from there.

Shizu contemplated for a moment before putting on a smirk, As if someone can get out of your grasp. Youre already a menace. Correcting you is impossible.

Or so she said despite my explanation that theres still a little chance for that.

But she just hit back with her certainty that Im hopeless and its actually the girls who are more likely to change as time goes by. I couldnt refute that because thats a definite possibility.

Well, if any of them heard that, I'd surely be scolded by them so I just kept my mouth shut.

Soon enough, we reached the vicinity of the Administration Building.

Eguchi-senseis car was already gone. They finished their visit to Hayashi-sensei and most likely, Orimura-sensei also hitched a ride along with Kawakami-senpai.