Chapter 168 A Place to Rely

A Place to Rely

Eiji’s PoV

After Takayanagi-sensei’s World History class was over, I was on my way to the gym for the next class.

The day I first met Ichijo-san. I remember sneaking out of school and being chased by the PE teacher. I didn’t know what was going on that day, so I thought it was inevitable, but later, when I met the PE teacher, he bowed deeply to me.

“Aono-kun, I’m deeply sorry for my insensitivity to you during your difficult time. I realize that it was my fault for assuming that those who sneak out of school without checking are bad. I was wrong to treat you like a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. As a Sensei, I should’ve done better to protect you as my student. I understand that my actions did not match my words, and I am sorry.”

The PE teacher, who was usually stern and strict, sincerely apologized to me. In fact, I felt sorry for him. I think it’s normal for a teacher to warn a student if he or she tries to leave the school during class. But he took my situation into consideration and apologized to me. That alone made me feel saved.

Today, since there’s only him and me, we’re going to play table tennis. It’s an elective class where you can choose between basketball and table tennis, so it seems like a good fit.

Since my previous class ended early, I decided to buy a drink from the vending machine before going to the gym, where I met Ichijo-san.

“Hi Ichijo-san, you should still have class, right?”

I couldn’t help but say that when I saw her, who shouldn’t be here.

“Ah, I actually left early because I had to talk to the principal about something. Since I met my Senpai, I’ve learned to skip class, you know?”

When she teased me like that, I felt a little sorry.

“No, that’s …”

“Just kidding. But I want to talk to you about it. I need your help with a friend of mine. It’s about Hayashi-san.”

Ichijo-san told me what happened.

Ai’s PoV

“Why…Hayashi-san is irrelevant! It’s too much!!”

My senpai was furious, as expected.

“I already told the principal. I want to protect her and prevent her from being isolated as much as possible. Will you please cooperate, Senpai?”

I told him pleadingly. I knew what he would say.

“Of course. I will ask both Imai and Endo to cooperate. I cannot allow Hayashi-san to be bullied like I was. I was saved because Ichijo-san was with me. When I feel discouraged, it’s really nice to have someone who’s sure to be on my side. I’m happy to cooperate with you. Let’s all three of us go home together today…”

He’s kind.

That’s why I like him.

“Hehe, good.”

I immediately externalized my feelings a bit. I was really happy to meet him.

“Hayashi-san, you are not alone. Please tell her that.”

“Yes!”

Feeling happy, I tried to go back to the classroom to tell Hayashi-san quickly.

“Ichijo-san!”

I was stopped.

“Huh?”

When I turned around, he looked at me sincerely.

“Thank you for everything. The reason I was able to get back on my feet so far—the reason I was able to start over—was because of Ichijo-san. Thank you.”

“It’s also thanks to you…”

I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for you.

You are the one who gave me something irreplaceable. You remind me of love, kindness, and human warmth.

I love you so much that if this weren’t a school, I would want to hug you.