Chapter 16 Go to School with the School Idol

Go to School with the School Idol

The fateful morning came.

I told Satoshi that I would go to school today. But to be honest, all I have is fear.

I don’t want to be exposed to the same malice as yesterday.

I wonder if this will happen to something that goes viral on the Internet. It seems that even people who have nothing to do with me are directing their malice at me.

I forced myself to eat toast by pouring consommé soup over it. My stomach hurts from stress and I feel nauseous.

I’m in the worst physical condition.

“I’m off.”

I said to my mother, who were preparing the meal and went outside. The sun is shining brightly and my body feels even heavier.

When I opened the door, a girl in a blazer was waiting for me. Could it be Miyuki? I thought and the feeling of rejection made my back sweat coldly.

But when she looked back, she was as graceful as an angel.

There was an irreplaceable friend who was not Miyuki.

“Ah, Senpai. Good morning.”

Ichijo Ai stood in front of the house. Witnessing an extraordinary moment, I closed the door again.

“Eh! Why are you closing it? I got up early to go to school with you today, Senpai.”

The slightly annoyed and fussy Junior emphasizes the extraordinary moment even more.

“Oh my, is that Ai-chan’s voice?! She came to pick up my son. Hey Eiji, go quickly. It’s rude to keep a girl waiting.”

Saying that Mom joined in and came to greet Ichijo-san.

“Good morning, Ai-chan. Did you come all this way? Thanks for being there for my stupid son. Oh, yes. Ai-chan, do you like fried oysters? We’ve started serving fried oysters today, so please come and try them tonight or so. It’s a very popular seasonal dish, oyster fries with lots of tartar sauce. It’s always free for you!”

My mother speaks without brakes.

“Oh, Senpai’s mother! Good morning. I love fried oysters, but I feel bad if you keep paying for them, so I’ll pay this time.”

“Oh my, you are so determined. Don’t worry about it. We also offer delivery service, so don’t hesitate to order.”

“Yes, thank you! I’m looking forward to your fried oysters.”

As usual, my mother and Ichijo-san have great chemistry. They never stopped talking, and I could see that neither my mother nor Junior wanted to lose.

She sent me out and said, “Here he is,” and halfway through I was forced to go outside.

“Well, you two have a good day.”

We walked down the street. Gradually the students came into view.

To be honest, having Ichijo-san walk to school with me greatly reduced my anxiety. We were able to walk to school laughing even in this condition, partly because we have a chemistry that allows us to talk easily with each other.

She really likes oysters, apparently.

“But are you okay? If you go to school with me, even Ichijo-san will be bullied….”

She laughs off such concerns.

“How can that be? I know it’s not what I want to say, but I’m quite popular, both boys and girls, Senpai.”

Yes, In fact, I have never heard a bad rumor about her. It is true that she ruthlessly refused their confessions, but it is said that no one ever spoke ill of her after that. Although she was ruthless in refusing confessions, she was also kind to them, and that made them realize that there was no point in holding a grudge.

She is popular with both boys and girls and she has a reputation for being kind and caring.

“Well, that’s true, but….”

“I think Senpai should take advantage of this opportunity. Look, if you go with me, you’ll be much safer, right? At least, the risk of being verbally abused directly will be much lower.”

Well, that’s true. I walked past some students, and those who saw me were surprised.

“Why is Ichijo-san, who hates men, walking around with a guy?”

“Hey, isn’t that guy the ‘Aono’ I’ve heard so much about? Could it be that she was forced …?”

“No, I don’t think so. Because, Ichijo-san, she looks like she is having such a good time.”

“I’m sure that’s true. I’ve never seen her look so happy.”

Those were the only reactions.

“Hopefully today’s rumors will dispel the slander. Smears from irresponsible third parties. And, of course, from the girls who love to gossip.”

She laughed happily.

“But I don’t want this to ruin your reputation.”

“Senpai is very kind. But you were too careful. I don’t care if my reputation is damaged just because I went to school with Senpai. I don’t want someone who doesn’t know your character well enough to demonize you.”

We’ve only known each other for one day, tho.

“Really, you’re…”

More than once I almost cry with happiness to have such a great best friend.

“It’s not time to cry yet. When it’s all over, we’ll cry a lot together.”

Yes.

Thanks to Satoshi, I have the determination to go to school.

Thanks to Ichijo-san, I have the determination to face those slanders.

I was on the verge of distrusting people, but I think I can still trust people.

We’re moving forward, one step at a time.