The change in Ryuichis mental state showed itself in a clear, tangible manner. It happened a few days after hed gone to stay at Satsukis house, on a certain day after school.
Ughthis isnt good. Im going to be late at this rate.
A female teacher passed by Ryuichi as he and Shizuna were about to head home. She was carrying a large cardboard box and her expression was very troubled and anxious.
Whats wrong, Someya-sensei?
She was a music teacher known as Someya, and she was quite young amongst the schools teaching staff and quite popular amongst the students; her black-rimmed glasses served as her defining trademark.
Oh, hello, Rindo-sanand Shishido-kun.
She furrowed her brows when she looked at Ryuichi. The way she looked at him gave off a similar vibe to Hamasakis, and it put Shizuna, to say nothing of Ryuichi, in a bad mood straight away. Still, she did not take the bait and pulled on his hand, anxiously urging him to leave quickly.
Wait, Shizuna.
Huh?
He approached Someya. He may not have been that terrifying a delinquent to be feared by others at school, but when he approached her, Someya naturally stepped back a little.
W-What is it?
That sharp, cutting glare of hers was definitely something that shouldnt have been directed at a student. Still, he paid no heed to it and took the cardboard box that she was holding in her hand as if to snatch it away from her.
Where do you want this?
Im asking where you want me to put this.
T-The audiovisual room
Got it. Is this all?
Errtheres actually eight more boxes like that one.
Now that he was holding the box, he realized that what was inside was probably some kind of paper, but it was considerably heavy nonetheless. It wouldve been quite tiring for a woman to carry, and with eight more of them, she wouldve had to make at least nine trips back and forth.
Shizuna, could you gimme a hand?
Yes. Of course.
You guys?
Her expression of vigilance toward Ryuichi changed into a blank, dumb one.
You look like youre in some kind of hurry. Youve probably got something to do, dont you?
Uh, yes. You see, my father is hospitalized. So, I was going to make time for a visit today, but I still have these to carry.
All the more reason why you should leave it to us and get the hell outta here, then.
Her eyes widened even further as she stared at Ryuichi. He urged her along, telling her that she had no time to be stuck in a daze. He then carried the cardboard box in his hands toward the audiovisual room.
Unexpectedly, however, the door was locked, so he decided to trust in the miracle that Shizuna would somehow bring it along with her.
Ah, I knew we would need the key.
Great job. Sheesh, Someya wouldve had to make another round trip just to go get it, huh.
With a giggle, Shizuna put down her cardboard box and unlocked the door. She went straight in and placed her box in an open spot, then headed back out to bring the rest of the boxes. On the way, she glanced back at Ryuichi and spoke.
Someya-sensei mustve been surprised. I kinda snapped when shed told me you mustve been up to something, and I told her that you werent that kind of person.
You snapped, huh.
He gave a chuckle. Well, hehadexpected her to have that kind of conversation with Someya. His guess was spot-on, so he didnt think much of it, but he had to say, the way she responded was very much typical of her in a sense.
Ryuichi stopped, though his back was still turned. As Shizuna looked up at him with concern, he reassured her that he was fine with a mutter and opened his mouth.
Thanks to that, I managed to talk about a ton of things with him. Well, as a result, it did help me take a step forward, for better or worse. So, I do have to thank you for that, I guess.
Tchwhat even is that?
He started walking away with nothing more to say. Hamasaki, perhaps still unsatisfied, continued to speak further. This time, it wasnt to Ryuichi but to Shizuna.
Rindo, Im really concerned for you as your teacher. Ill be talking to your mother next. About her daughter having a dangerous relationship.
Tch.
It was then that Ryuichi heard Shizuna click her tongue for the first time. He, who was nearby, could hear it, but Hamasaki on the other hand couldnt However, Ryuichi was surprised by the fact that Shizuna had actually clicked her tongue.
So even you click your tongue, huh
Well, Im a human, too. Of course I get annoyed.
And with that, she turned around.
Go ahead, do as you please. Youre more than welcome to try your hand at something pointless.
Well, it definitelydoessound like itd be pointless.
Well, it definitely
does
sound like itd be pointless.
Ryuichi could only say that because he knew Sakie. Shizuna looked forward as if she did not want to see his face, and this time Ryuichi pulled her along as they went on their way.
Its so frustrating.
Ryuichi knew what she was talking about. It was no use worrying about such things, but he could understand her feelings because he knew that she was thinking about him a lot.
Though he knew it was impossible, if Ryuichi were the honor student and Shizuna were the delinquent, he would have thought the exact same thing with their relationship as it was.
Im just happy enough to have you girls who know me by my side.
Then that means Ill have to stay by your side forever. Mark my words, Ryuichi-kun: Ill always be there for you and illuminate your heart.
Yup. Thank you, Shizuna.
Fufu, youre welcome. Hey, Ryuichi-kun, I know its a little late to go into town now, but Im in the mood to have some food!
Lets go grab a hamburger then.
Urk Alright! The calories arent going to be pretty, but Ill eat it!
Ryuichi smiled broadly, saying that that wouldnt bother him at all. If he had to say, Shizuna was the kind of girl whose fat went to their breasts and not their belly.
Well, he didnt know if it was because of the food or not, but she also mentioned how her breasts had gotten a little bit bigger ever since she started hanging out with Ryuichi.
Dont worry bout it. Well, dont gettoofat until youre round as a ball, though.
Dont worry bout it. Well, dont get
too
fat until youre round as a ball, though.
O-Obviously I wouldnt want that either!
Thus, they headed into town together as if to forget their unpleasant exchange earlier. Incidentally, Someya thanked Ryuichi and Shizuna quite graciously on a later date. Ryuichi told her not to worry about it, but this time, he didnt feel any unpleasant or hostile glances from Someya.