Infirmary. The clear white room dominated by the smell of antiseptic. It's a place normally a refuge for students but in our school, it's like a forbidden land with restricted entry. One will find it difficult to get permission to stay here unless necessary.

And that's because of Hayashi-sensei. Compared to the school nurse from the 3rd High whos easy-going enough to permit Hanabi in her whimsical habit of skipping class in the infirmary sometimes, Hayashi-sensei was different. Shes like a legendary NPC in an RPG who you could only encounter if a certain condition was met.

Even those who were hurt or in need of medical attention would often not find her in this room. They could help themselves to get bandages or medicines.

That's why her identity became a part of the Seven Mysteries of our school.

Apart from Shizu, Im the only one who knows where to find her. Moreover, I was lucky to have encountered her twice in this place before.

Anyway, I can understand the sentiments of others as to why they wanted to seek refuge here. It smells nice for those who werent that sensitive to the smell of alcohol or disinfectants. The room's ambiance was also quiet and calming. If its for relieving fatigue, then its the best. And the same could be applied if you just want somewhere you wouldnt be bothered by anyone.

Thinking back, I fell asleep with Hina here. So, yeah. This place was just that great.

Concluding my thoughts there, I cleared my head and focused on the woman in front of me. Looking at how she immediately urged me to report, she probably had an idea why I was here, a few minutes before the fifth period.

Did Shio tell her about my request to leave early?

Hayashi-sensei, before I give my report, can I ask something first?

Go ahead. She nodded, her eyes narrowing a little. If Im not wrong, she already predicted what my question would be.

Ichihara Jun. Did he not get suspended?

Upon saying that, I carefully watched her reaction. Even the tiny ripple on her face would probably give me a clue. However, nothing changed.

She kept a straight face and stared at me for a few seconds.

Following that, she turned back to her table and pulled out a slip of paper. She scanned it momentarily, making sure that it was the right one before handing it to me.

I received the slip and read what was written there.

Its not a message. And the slip of paper turned out to be a business card.

Ichihara Kengo

I recognized that name. Ichihara-sans husband. And possibly Ichihara Juns guardian.

I met him once two weeks ago. He even mistook me for Ichihara-sans relative. Then when Ichihara-san cleared my identity as Koharu-sans instructor, he just dismissed me as though I was something beneath his notice.

Oh. He did instruct Ichihara-san to treat me nicely but thats probably just his way to show concern for his daughters development.

I suspected him of being the one behind those men that Ichihara Jun brought to intimidate me. However, I have yet to be certain about it. Until this moment, at least

Hearing me mutter the name printed on the card, Hayashi-sensei expounded on why she gave it to me as an answer to my question.

He called in early this morning and arrived way before any students arrived. He asked for a one-week leave for Ichihara Jun and apologized for the mess he made by bringing those thugs in to deal with you. Youre asking if hes suspended. The answer is no. I never had the chance to impose that penalty on him because that man beat me to it.

I see.

Rather than make a record of Ichihara Jun becoming suspended for a violation in school, his uncle came in personally to apologize and imposed the suspension himself by calling it a one-week leave.

One week.

Its the same duration they gave me to apologize.

If its like this Is he implying I have to come there personally, maybe crawl on my knees to look for Ichihara Jun and give my apology?

What a creative way to assert their superiority. Im impressed.

What are you smirking about? I thought youd be disappointed. Hayashi-sensei commented. I guess it showed on my face.

No. This is impressive. I guess. Not only has he escaped suspension, but theyre now expecting me to apologize by bringing myself to their doorstep.

Apologize?

Yes. Someone from that family told me to apologize to him. His guardian. Sensei, do you think this man is his guardian?

He is. Everything related to Ichihara in this school is done by him. In short, hes the reason that boy has so much freedom. He befriended the teachers to turn a blind eye to him. And he set up those followers to stick next to him and do his bidding.

Truly impressive.

I guess its undeniable now that hes the one behind Ichihara Juns crooked ways.

Too bad, Marika probably failed to notice that Ichihara-sans husband is the one responsible for Jun becoming that obnoxious.

So, theyre asking you to apologize. Did they already find out about your little stint of capturing his fiances heart? Hayashi-sensei asked. This time, shes interested and concerned at the same time.

Shes probably reveling that I seemed to hit a big wall that I may or may not topple. But at the same time, shes worried I may be crushed by the power of that family. No matter what, Im still her second-most favored student Shizu is first. On top of that, Im related to her long-time one-sided crush.

Uh. I didnt add how close weve become recently because its not really worth mentioning. Its still far from enough to sway her.

They did, I guess. I got confronted by Ichihara Jun last night.

How? Did he look for you at your house?

No. I was at the Ichihara estate.

Huh? What the hell are you doing there? Dont tell me?

With an incredulous expression, Hayashi-sensei almost leaned forward to shake me. Thankfully, she held herself back. Shes probably thinking I boldly went there specifically to see Marika, disregarding that its their territory.

Ah. Its not what youre thinking, sensei. I went there for a part-time gig as a boxing instructor.

Upon hearing that answer, Hayashi-sensei couldnt help but put a hand on her forehead. Its now confusing for her.

I mean, it is if she doesnt know the specifics. I cant blame her for that.

Alright. Stop for a moment. Give me a rundown of everything that happened. Include the hows and the whys.

Hayashi-sensei put a hand in front of me as she tried to recompose herself.

Although its not within my plan to tell her everything, I dont think its a bad idea to inform her about my whole conflict with that family.

And so, I started with my part-time job up until the point where Ichihara-san requested me to personally instruct her daughter.

Hayashi-sensei listened intently but she kept on asking questions to clarify like why did I accept the offer or whats my motive behind it.

I naturally didnt lie to her and honestly said Ive been enticed by the pocket money I can get. But more importantly, I told her that it allowed me to find out how Marika was being treated by that family.

So, in the end, its all because youre determined to get Kujou out of their grasp What am I expecting? Hayashi-sensei let out a sigh of lament once I finished my recollection.

Her concern became more highlighted but at the tail-end of it, shes lamenting my recklessness.

Sensei, I appreciate your concern for me But I will never change my decision. Im ready to fight back if it means I can give Marika her freedom.

Psh. Stop talking like a white knight in a medieval era saving a princess locked in her tower. Tread carefully, you idiot student. Dont bite off more than you can chew.

Sorry, sensei. Ive already done that. My only path is to move forward. I wont be shameless and ask for your help. This is something I have to face, after all. Its enough that you look after everyone for me.

... You. Dont make a speech like youre leaving a will behind.

Does it sound like that? Maybe. But well I better give her some good news next time to rest her concern.

Sensei, you can joke, huh? Anyway, enough about the Ichihara. Should I start with my report? Also I can see youre accumulating fatigue again, sensei. Why dont I give you a massage while reporting?

To dispel the serious atmosphere that built up because of our discussion, I added that last part to take her by surprise.

And its effective.

Hayashi-senseis face scrunched up into a scowl as she reached in to pinch my ear.

However she didnt say no.

Silence means yes, right?

And with that, after she retracted her hand, I stood up, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her with me to one of the beds.

Since Im going to give her a massage, isnt it better to do it in private? Anyone can pass by and see us through the door, after all.