Leaving School with the School Idol
I told Takayanagi-sensei, who had come to see me in the afternoon, that I would talk to my parents about it.
Sensei seemed a little relieved and asked if I was okay with that.
I nodded. What Mitsui-sensei had told me was still on my mind. I knew it would be more childish to keep it a secret.
I wasn’t going to run away anymore. I wanted to fight alongside everyone.
So, I had to talk to the adults I could rely on and fight with them.
“Well, thank you. If you’re not comfortable telling them, I’ll do it. The principal also wants to involve your family to discuss how we should proceed.”
“Yes, Sensei. Thank you. But I still want to say these things on my own.”
“I see. You’ve really… gotten stronger in half a day, Aono-kun. Hmm, your family runs a restaurant, right? If so, they must be busy. We’ll try to arrange a time to meet as soon as possible. If it works out, I’ll visit your house to discuss the matter. But here’s my contact information. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call this number.”
“Thank you. It might be late at night—would that be okay?”
“Yes, I’m a bit of a night owl. I’m actually more energetic at night than in the morning. The later it gets, the better I feel. It might not be ideal for a teacher, but that’s my rhythm.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his self-deprecating joke.
It was a relief.
“I’m counting on you, Takayanagi-sensei.”
“Yes, you can count on your teachers, Aono-kun.”
And that’s how my second day of school after the summer vacation ended.
When I walked out of the front gate, a beautiful girl was waiting for me.
“You’re late, Senpai!”
I felt a little relieved by the teasing kindness of my junior.
“Well, as you can see, I’ve been stopped by everyone, so I’m late. And when I finally made it to the top… I got a lot of cold looks again.”
My junior laughed at my somewhat awkward response.
“It’s because of the rumors, but I think you’re making more enemies, especially since you walked to school with me this morning.”
“I can’t deny that.”
“But I’m glad.”
“Eh?”
“Because compared to this morning, you look so much more relaxed… or cheerful. I noticed it right away. It’s a good thing.”
Apparently, this junior is really paying attention to me.
“It’s thanks to you.”
“Eh? I didn’t do anything.”
“Of course not. But you were the first to believe me, Ichijo-san.”
You’re the only one who hasn’t let the rumors affect you. I can’t tell you how much that’s helped me. The people closest to me… except for Satoshi, don’t believe me.
“I see. So, I’m special?”
She emphasized that part teasingly, but honestly, it was the part I couldn’t wrap my head around.
“Yes, you’re special. Really. That’s why we became best friends the day we met.”
“Hehehe~”
She looked happy, but there was a bit of complexity in her expression. “Well, it’s not bad being best friends. But I see, I’m special,” she muttered, almost to herself.
As we left the school, our unique duo caught the attention of those around us.
Rumors spread even more than they had in the morning. Maybe that’s Ichijo-san’s strategy, too.
“Was it okay?”
I asked, feeling a little uncomfortable.
“Yes, what is it? Are you worried about rumors of a romance or something~?”
She responded somewhat jokingly, but I appreciated her kindness in making the situation feel lighter.
“No, it’s not that. I’m just wondering if your reputation has been affected or if people are saying bad things about you because you’re walking with… me.”
School idol, saint, angel. There were many words used to describe Ichijo-san, but they also came with the expectations of those around her.
“You’re so kind, really, Senpai. Even when you’re going through the hardest time, you still care about me.”
“Of course. It’s only natural. I don’t want my best friend to get hurt because of me.”
“Yes, I knew you’d say that. But don’t worry. The rumors about a romantic relationship won’t really cause any harm.”
“That’s still a problem, though. Sorry, Ichijo-san, but I need to ask just to be sure—are you seeing someone or have a boyfriend?”
“Is that what you’re asking me now? If I did, I wouldn’t have done something as romantic as going out with you yesterday. Normally, you’d check first before asking me out, right?”
That’s a perfectly valid point. Rational Ichijo-san—she’s using this rational approach to refuse what could be perceived as a forced confession, based on the rumors.
“Sorry, and thank you.”
“No, it’s my pleasure. But I did my best to get up early, so I’d like a little reward.”
“Eh?”
“That’s why I’m asking if you’d like to go out with me now. How about something sweet to eat?”
All I could do was respond with a nervous smile as my junior made her bold proposal loud enough for everyone to hear.
I could hear the muffled gasps of students leaving the school.