Senior and Junior of the Literature Club
Eiji’s PoV
I said goodbye to the teacher and went straight to the school gate.
I had promised that the three of us would go home together today.
“Senpai, you’re late. As a punishment, please buy us something sweet at the café.”
Ichijo-san sweetly said that and made the atmosphere more relaxed. That’s just like her. Maybe she was trying not to make Hayashi-san too nervous. As expected, it must’ve been uncomfortable for her to meet me.
“Sorry, my fault. I was suddenly called out by the teacher. Well, I kept you waiting; at least I’ll treat you to some cake.”
“Yatta. Then let’s have a limited fruit cake, Hayashi-san.”
“Wait, that’s expensive…”
“Eh~ why not?”
I feel like we have known each other for a long time, even though we’ve only known each other for a short time.
I looked at Hayashi-san, and she smiled sideways at our exchange, though she still looked nervous. Well, I guess I helped a little.
“Hayashi-san, let’s go then. I’ve no choice; I’ll at least buy you a cake set.”
“…Eh? I didn’t wait that long!”
She was nervous, but Ichijo-san, who had guessed everything, laughed and interrupted her.
“Don’t worry, Hayashi-san. Senpai just wants to show the younger girls how cool he is, so we’ll spoil him…”
Still, Ichijo-san is a person who cares a lot, so on the way to the café, [I’m sorry I forced the flow like that. I’ll pay for half of it later, please]. She sent me a very touching message.
“Okay, thank you.”
Hayashi-san smiled a little happily.
We chatted over cake in a café in front of the station.
I didn’t dare mention the bullying problem.
It would be a better distraction, and she would laugh.
“Senpai, you had flowers in both hands; you got a lot of attention from the other students.”
Ichijo-san laughed, as if teasing.
“Oh, yes, even Ichijo-san’s fans are looking at me now, and I wonder what will happen now.”
Hayashi-san’s face turned red with embarrassment, and said,
“I don’t have any fans. …”
“Ah, sorry, there’s a call from someone at home. I’ll go out for a few minutes."
Ichijo-san said that and ran out of the café, leaving us alone…
“Aono-senpai?”
Hayashi-san looked right at me, her voice shaking.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry. I was now in the same position as Senpai, and I realized how frightening it was. I’m sorry that I couldn’t be by your side back then. And yet you were so kind to me…I really am sorry.”
Watching her painfully apologize over and over again reminded me of the time I met Ichijo-san on the rooftop.
With a sad face that made my heart ache. She sincerely apologized to me.
“Hayashi-san…”
“I’m sorry. I don’t deserve for you to be so kind to me. I should’ve been on Aono-senpai’s side, but I was too scared. And yet, you two are here for me. I’m really sorry.”
She must’ve regretted it for a long time. If that’s the case, then she is a victim as well. First of all, I was not bullied by Hayashi-san. It always bothered her that she didn’t stop the bullying and let it go. But if she had done that, Hayashi-san would’ve been a target as well. No, she has become a target just by distancing herself from the b🬀lly.
In the end, it became clear that bullying is an affront to human dignity.
I cannot forgive those who made her suffer so much. My body burns as I realize that these are the feelings that Satoshi, Endo, Ichijo-san, and the teachers had for me.
I’m filled with gratitude for those who fought to protect me. Now I must share with Hayashi-san what I have received from everyone.
“Hayashi-san, you don’t have to apologize. I’m really grateful and impressed that you didn’t join in the bullying. I know what a courageous act it is. I know because I’ve been in a similar situation. That’s why I’m on your side. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to talk to me. Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to some of my trusted friends.”
“Ah, is that okay?”
“Of course. It’s not just me. Ichijo-san and my friends will definitely be on your side. Hayashi-san, you’re not alone.”
I know how much I want those words.
She cried with big tears in her eyes, which stifled her voice.