As always, Inugaki looked like he chewed a bitter pill as he watched Shizu stick close to me. How happy was he when he became her Vice President? He probably thought that hed get the golden chance to close their gap and eventually win her heart.

Alas, my sudden appearance foiled every fantasy in his head. Not only did I get closer to her, but I also spelled the gradual change of Shizu. His chances dropped lower than zero and his constant nagging about me erased every goodwill he built up for doing his job properly.

Of course, he tried getting back to her good graces but it was already too late. And with his involvement with Ichihara Jun surfacing, he couldnt even go back to the Student Council anymore.

If somethings going on in his head, it must be the same two sentences over and over, I cant accept it. It shouldve been me.

Was it karma? Nope. Hes simply just not that good enough for Shizu. For all I know, hes probably someone who gets a lot of admirers. Hes popular that way. However, when it comes to the girl that he eventually fancies, that popularity is worthless. Thinking that shed come over eventually, he decided to work under her to raise his appeal in her eyes.

At least, he tried, I guess?

Nonetheless, thats no excuse for his subsequent behavior after Shizu brought me to the Student Council.

He had nothing to prove anymore.

You Stop sullying the Presidents image! Inugaki barked at me. He had no rebuttal to Shizus words so he resorted to targeting me instead.

Anyway, his two friends also gawked at the sight of me holding Shizu, seemingly amazed and envious at the same time.

Unlike Inugaki, they didnt dare question us. Because its too obvious in their eyes that Shizu wasnt even resisting. This closeness was approved by her.

Thinking about it, if theyre close enough to Inugaki to eat dinner together in this restaurant, they mustve heard about his fanciful designs for Shizu.

Having lost against a junior, they could only look at their friend with pity.

Senpai, are you dreaming? How am I sullying her image? I nonchalantly answered his barking. If anything, youre the one enforcing your image of her. Shizu, what do you say?

Shizu clicked her tongue and elbowed my side. I know. She wanted me to deal with Inugaki alone hence she whispered those words. But then again, shes also hoping to bury the guy further and crush his hopes.

Shes already tired of dealing with him. Furthermore, interrupting our long-awaited date added to his list of crimes against her.

Do I look like an untouchable gem to the three of you? Shizu started with a question.

Without extracting herself from my hold, she straightened her back and faced them with her usual countenance. Moreover, instead of only addressing Inugaki alone, she also included the other two behind him.

The two immediately shook their heads while Inugaki looked like his heart had been crushed. Hes already groaning in pain. However, he still couldnt let go.

His hostile gaze at me as though he was looking at his mortal enemy remained. Too bad for him, I could barely register that in my head.

Hes nothing but a dog of Ichihara Jun. Even if he considers himself smart, hes unwise and blinded by his obsession. Enomoto might be a douche for acting like a hidden boss in the shadows but at least, he has his priorities straight.

Youre free to interpret what kind of relationship I have with this guy. You can accuse me of anything like being unfair for favoring this guy alone. But one thing will not change, we will diligently perform our duties in school regardless of our relationship.

Shizu continued. Every time she would say this guy, her eyes would automatically focus on me followed by an affectionate smile.

If they still fail to understand that, theres nothing more to say to them.

Shizu, can I kiss you?

Ignoring the blank looks on their faces, I brought that question up as I caressed her cheek in front of them.

I cant help it after hearing all of that. At the very least, I managed to hold myself back from kissing her right away without asking for her permission.

Were in public, numbskull!

Despite reminding me of that, Shizu pressed her hand on mine, seemingly encouraging me to do what I asked. And in front of them.

Obviously, the two found it unbelievable. They gulped down their saliva as anticipation grew in their eyes.

As for Inugaki, his face was already dark. He lost all traces of hope. If not for the setting, hed probably sink to his knees like a hopeless sob.

Right. We should only do it in private, huh? Sorry, I got taken in by your words.

D-dont mind us, Onoda-kun, President.

What the hell?

One of the two interjected. His nose was already flaring as if he was going to witness something lewd in front of his eyes. Are these really our seniors?

Theyre as hopeless as Inugaki.

Anyway, this should be enough.

After caressing Shizus lips, I lowered my head, kissing her swiftly.

Shizu didnt mention it but I could sense how much she loves my decisiveness this time. I mean, she understood the reason why were keeping our relationship vague for interpretation. But with this, her wish to flaunt our relationship even if its just to these three was successful.

The one who urged us to continue immediately clapped while the other one shook his head with a wry smile. He tapped Inugakis shoulder as though trying to comfort him.

On the other hand, Inugakis eyes turned bloodshot. He had already seen us in other risqu situations but kissing in front of those he knew personally confirmed how he lost the race to Shizus heart.

Without saying anything else, he angrily stomped his feet as he tried to walk away while evading us.

His two friends chased after him. However, barely ten steps later, Shizu turned around to leave a message to them.

Youre supposed to be our seniors. Please conduct yourselves appropriately next time. And Vice President, weve shown enough for you to stop with whatever notion you have in your head, right? Anyway, Im still waiting for your report regarding that previous incident concerning Ichihara Jun. Were not at school so drop in and report on Monday.

Oh. Right. He did something foolish again today. Ill warn you if youre going to defend him again. Save yourself from the trouble.

Although she sounded generous for even reminding him like that, theres no doubt that those words were invisible slaps to his face.

In the end, all three walked away frowning. If theyre blabbermouths, wed probably hear about them spreading our relationship to the entire school.

Hmm Hes really asking for a punch in the face, Shizu.

Seeing the dog's back tremble in fury from Shizus parting words, I couldnt help but blurt that out.

Shizu understood where I was coming from. She answered with a nod,

Hold your fist, numbskull. I doubt hell give up just like that. He has a knack for getting back up after being humiliated. If words arent enough, let him talk to your fist next time.

Am I getting permission to use violence now?

You do know how to use it properly. You displayed it excellently earlier. Do not risk getting punished for raising your fist for a coward like him.

I see. Its not that she didnt want me to continue being violent against those idiots. Its just not worth the risk considering violence and assault are still a punishable crime in societys eyes. Shes just looking after me.

Anyway, with the idiots blocking the entrance leaving, we entered the restaurant and paid extra for a private room where we could eat our dinner in peace.. Disregarding the price of the grilled eels, I ordered a few servings for us to share.