Being included in the Cleaning Duty would always be a bane for someone who only wanted to slack off. However, this kind of thing had long been ingrained in every student starting from our grade school. Schools taught children like us to be responsible citizens. Although it wouldnt always be successful, that kind of teaching was successfully reflected in our society.

As for me well, I only saw it as part of our duty and to keep up my character that was known to the public. I was a fairly diligent guy when it comes to different school duties even when I was stealing girls left and right during middle school. Thats why even if I had the reputation of being an unapproachable guy, no one doubted when they found out that I was part of the Student Council.

Unfortunately, I got too focused on the new changes in my life that I neglected that. And now, it resulted in me being part of it for three straight days.

Im not complaining, of course. This is also a way to at least disperse some of the rumors surrounding me.

As it turned out, because I skipped three times, some of our classmates assigned during those days where I didnt show up were grumbling that I was a slacker.

I heard that from one of the guys assigned today.

Onoda, did you get struck by lightning? You didnt escape today.

Thats how he said it and in a loud voice at that.

Just from the tone and how he wanted it to be heard by everyone in the room, hes definitely someone envious of the attention I was getting.

I tried to recall which group he came from And alas, hes among Fukudas followers.

Whether that was about Chii or some other girl or he just hated my guts, I couldnt care less.

In response to that, I only went on what was assigned to me, not bothering with what he wanted to accomplish.

My Classmate A status mightve been stripped off me but I was still someone hardly approachable. Especially if theyre not girls.

If I wanted to, ignoring Sakuma was well within my ability. That guy only got on speaking terms with me because of Satsuki. I felt bad when I stole Satsukis love for him and redirected it to me but thats just it. Thats why theres really no chance for me to become friends with him or any other boys in our class or those close to my age.

I could show respect to those significantly older but most of my interaction with anyone else would just be an act.

Anyway, seeing that I didnt bite that bait hed thrown, the guy clearly showed irritation and those who heard his voice earlier also dropped any interest upon seeing me walk away.

On another note, Saki was among the girls on the Cleaning Duty today. With her usually cheerful attitude that shes using to cover her inferiority complex, the girl swooped in and took that chance to take a jab at the guy. Most likely her way to help me.

Speak for yourself Mushitani-kun, didnt you escape last time? And if I remember correctly, you got called out by our teacher last year because youre not showing up in every duty assigned to you. Onoda-kun here is repenting of his act. He voluntarily took three consecutive duties to make up for those times he escaped. Have you?

With her arms crossed and while clutching the blackboard eraser, Saki had her chin raised as she seemingly looked down at that guy.

Upon hearing that, the guy visibly choked on his words as his face turned purple from having no rebuttal. He stomped his feet and turned around just to escape the scrutiny thrown at him by those who heard Saki.

The girl then approached me. She had a proud smile on her lips but there seemed to be an imaginary tail wagging behind her as she waited for praise from me.

Great job. And thank you, Saki. You dont have to, you know? I whispered my answer as I swiftly patted her head.

Hes definitely aiming to embarrass you. I cant help it.

I dont care about any of that. He can bark all he wants and it will not affect.

I care though. Youre my after all

Mhm I know. Next time, leave it to me. Ill flip the table on them and make you proud that Im your

I smiled and copied how she left out that last word that defined my status when it comes to her.

Through Sakis action, I realized that I made another blunder. I kept comparing my present self to how I was before. However, presently, I am not the same guy as before. I cannot do the same thing as I did before.

At the moment, I have a clear status with the girls around me and I fully accepted it.

Im their boyfriend.

As much as I cared about their reputation, they surely cared for mine as well. They wouldnt like it if I got embarrassed by others or got branded by demeaning words.

And thats what made Saki take action on behalf of me.

I probably looked uncool back there when I simply ignored his question

Lets finish this quick, shall we? We can go together and I paused for a bit before lowering my voice further, we can make a stop along the way.

Understanding what I meant, Saki bit her lips seductively for a moment before swiftly changing her expression to normal.

No one caught it, their attention was still on Mushitani, whos wiping the desk until it became squeaky smooth, after all.

Following that, we turned our backs to each other because that attention directed to Mushitani would soon expire. We couldnt let the others catch on to the fluffy atmosphere surrounding me and Saki.

Around 10 minutes later, Saki accompanied me to the back of the Administration Building. I got assigned to gather the trash and bring it here to the incinerator.

Since I told her that wed go together, the girl chose to accompany me in this mundane task so that we could be together even a few minutes longer.

I know. That few minutes is considered precious for them so I kept my mouth shut and just granted it to her.

Besides, its a lot better than walking there alone.

After dropping the garbage bag there, we then turned our heels towards the Club Building.

Five minutes later, we reached our stop.

However, before we could open the door and enter it, someone appeared at the periphery of my vision

I only needed to turn my head slightly to see who it was.

The silent guy, Taku.

Hes outside their clubroom.

Its fairly obvious why he is out.

He definitely heard that Saki is with me.

So... He still hasnt given up, huh?

At the moment, he already noticed us. However, Saki hasnt seen him yet. Shes in a daze, after all. The clubroom I picked was the most special one for us.

Without waiting for her to snap out of it, I opened the door and pushed her inside.

Before I followed her inside, I turned my head towards the silent guy. Hes already running towards me, aiming to stop me from entering.

Unfortunately for him, hell be five seconds late.

Before his eyes, I stepped inside and swiftly closed the door behind me.