At the moment, this particular room couldnt be considered a proper office yet. Theres still at least one fourth of the room occupied by boxes and things they stored in here. Although not as suffocating as before, its still not that presentable.

I dont even have a proper table and chair to receive guests. Perhaps only if I spend a whole day organizing everything will this room become slightly decent enough to be called an office.

Because the rain was still drizzling outside, the temperature in the room was colder than normal. Nonetheless, thanks to Shizus tea, I still feel warm on the inside.

When Eguchi-sensei arrived, I noticed that her shoulders and part of her hair were wet. Perhaps, even her backside. She didnt bring an umbrella with her. She probably ran from the Administration Building to this building.

Thats a little intriguing since there should be umbrellas there. And even if she didnt find any, she could at least use a raincoat.

Its making me wonder if shes truly alright.

In any case, I held myself back from prying on it.

Before leaving, Shizu served our leftover tea for Eguchi-sensei. Its still warm so she should be fine. Also, she ran back to the Student Council Room, fetching a towel that Eguchi-sensei could use.

Once she deemed it fine. The thoughtful girl excused herself, Well then, Ill go back to my duties, Ruki, Eguchi-sensei.

We both thanked her and I even walked her to the next door.

Well, Eguchi-sensei had to take off her jacket to properly dry herself with the towel. It would be a little awkward if I remained there.

Ill continue my work here. Look after Eguchi-sensei and also learn about your duties. You can ask me later if you have questions.

Alright. Ms. President. I jokingly teased.

Not liking the way I addressed her, Shizus cheeks bloated as she closed our distance again. She then reached for my cheeks and said, Youre not allowed to call me that. Stick to calling me Shizu or if you want, think of endearment for both of us.

Soon after that, our lips met once more, sharing another wonderful memory before we returned to our work.

Although my speech was a little disastrous, its my turn to prove that she picked the right person for the job. Im going to silence those who doubted her choice.

After being encouraged more times than I can count by Shizu and the other girls, I could now feel myself fully accepting this role. It might be proven a hard task but knowing that this could potentially give me an edge to keep my girls out of trouble, I decided to do my best.

When I returned to my office, Eguchi-sensei had already finished drying up. Her worn-out expression earlier also slightly eased up.

I smiled at her and walked over before sitting down across from her.

This is new. Now, Im the one going to your office. Our roles got reversed, Onoda-kun. Eguchi-sensei smilingly pointed out.

Hearing her clear voice and seeing the natural smile on her lips, I guess I was worrying too much earlier. Shes the same Eguchi-sensei or perhaps, shes just trying to appear normal in front of me.

I mean, among her students, Im the only one who saw her in various states. And each one of those, if known by the others, would make her reputation dip.

At this moment, she probably didn't want me worrying about her again. And so, I should respect her wishes.

I humbly answered, You dont say My status is still a student. In essence, sensei and the other Guidance Counselors are still my bosses. Im only a helper.

Sure. If you say so. You have my full confidence. If youre troubled with something, I will be there to help you.

Thats extremely reassuring, sensei. Thank you.

We shared a laugh and a few idle talks before sensei went to the main topic.

Here, you should read this first. Eguchi-sensei handed me the folder that she brought with her.

On the front, I read Case Files like some kind of police record. However, thats probably not it. Upon opening it, the first thing that registered in my eyes was a picture of a student stapled on the top right.

And looking at the entry, its like a detailed profile.

I could read a name, year level, and class number as well as the date the student was enrolled.

From the date, I instantly understood that the student already graduated. Its only a record left behind by the Guidance Counselor who handled the students case.

Reading further, the student was a delinquent who sent his classmate hospitalized after a fight. He was punished with a one-month suspension. And when he returned, the Guidance Counselor stuck to him, to try and correct his behavior.

Based on the postscript at the very bottom of the page, although the student graduated from the school, the Guidance Counselor failed to rehabilitate him. In fact, he became worse.

They found out that he stopped getting into a fight on school grounds but outside, he became part of a gang. Furthermore, he didnt go to college and just continued being a gang member.

The record stopped there.

I raised my head a bit to look at Eguchi-sensei. Shes observing me closely. Perhaps, shes trying to find out how I will react to what I read.

Sensei, this case files Am I really allowed to view them?

Well, normally, this should be kept hidden And I couldnt find the reason for showing me past cases.

Will I bring that here if youre not allowed to view it? Of course, we decided to show it to you. Or at least, I convinced the other two. Its to give you an idea of our work.

But sensei, Im only a Disciplinary Officer.

Yes, you are. But not a traditional one. Asakura carefully crafted your role into what it is. Youre more or less a lone police force that can assist us with these troublesome students. You wont always deal with violent ones, of course. But if need be, we can authorize you to do so

Wait Isnt that dangerous? For the school, I mean.

It is. Thats why if the problem student requires you to get physical, it will be off the records. You have your way with words so Moreover, you have your way with words. If its you, you can talk to them and get to the bottom of their problem. You see, theres the belief that adults like us are liars. So, if its a fellow student, theyll be able to put their trust in you.

Uh I get what shes trying to explain to me. However, isnt this too much?

I thought this was going to be an easy job where I will only deal with problems brought to my desk. But as it turns out, theyre going to use me for problem students as well

Are you not confident, Onoda-kun?

I shook my head. I think its not about being confident or not, sensei. Ive only read the first one but Im guessing everything here is a record of a problem student.

Yes. You should finish reading everything first. Youll see that it wont be that troublesome for you. And like I said, I or we will be behind you.

I understand. I nodded and went back to reading.

The most common students that I saw there are the bullied ones. Especially those who suddenly chose to not come to school. Then the next one is obviously bullies. Delinquents are actually few and only the first entry went down like that.

In any case, I still feel like this is a little excessive for a Disciplinary Officer Uh Where did my enthusiasm go?