Following Shio’s reminder, my feet dragged me upstairs to the Administration Building to see Hayashi-sensei. It’s within my plan anyway. After doing all that, I was definitely not going to just dip out halfway and let the woman handle it all. That would be irresponsible. Besides, if I wanted to keep being in her good graces, I better show her that I’m

However, before going to her office where she should be waiting, I stopped by the infirmary.

There, the silent guy was still resting on one of the beds.

When he saw me entering, his relaxed expression despite how deformed his face is currently immediately turned into one of abject terror. He looked to his left and right, possibly looking for a way out or an escape.

Unfortunately for him, with only the door I entered from the only entrance and exit of the infirmary, there’s nowhere for him to go. In the end, after realizing that it was futile, he sat up on the bed. He pulled up his legs and assumed a guarded stance as though he was anticipating me to hit him again.

I guess the fear that I instilled in him was working properly. But there’s no way to find out if that would persist even after this day or after his bruises healed.

You know. If it’s not a trauma, it’s not impossible to forget the fear after some time passes. In most cases, you have to remind them about it.

I am the one who decided to let him off like this, I have to see to it that he won’t act up again in the future, otherwise, I don’t know if I can still hold myself back in dealing with him.

“Yo. How’s your wound?”

I raised my hand and greeted him casually as though I wasn’t the one who pummeled his face to be that deformed.

At first, his fear overcame his mind and he trembled like he was doused in cold water. But after a few seconds of silence and perhaps, feeling the pressure from me, he opened his mouth, “I... It’s fine but it hurts.”

“Oh. Good, you answered well. If you lied and told me it didn’t hurt anymore, my fist might’ve visited your face again. You understand, right? That’s the price for not listening to me. You have to keep remembering that pain. If you repeat it, you won’t just feel like that. You’ll feel worse than that. Can you imagine being in a wheelchair? Or what if you can’t get that up anymore? You get me?”

I clapped once and that caused him to flinch. And as I was saying all that, I gradually closed in on his bed, exerting more pressure on him.

Cold sweat started to form on his forehead. The white blanket of the infirmary bed started to get crumpled from how he gripped it. If I push him more to the edge, it won’t be a surprise if he pees himself.

But let’s not get to that. It’ll be troublesome for Hayashi-sensei. I already troubled her enough, after all.

“I... I won’t go near her anymore.”

“Hmm? Of course, you won’t. You’ll be quitting that club. I don’t care where you go from now or if you still want to be around Ogawa and Tadano but never will I let you around my girls anymore. You see, I don’t really care if you like Saki. It’s a normal thing to be infatuated with someone. Heck, I know a lot of guys eyeing my girls out there. If they did also act up like you, I assure you, they’ll suffer the same thing from me. No. They’ll be worse off. You understand, right? I’m letting you off lightly because, at one point, you probably did something deserving to be called their friend. You just messed it up with your obsession.”

Yeah. Before he got too infatuated with Saki, he was still a normal friend in their circle. They’ve been together for more than years. It’s impossible for them not to bond once or twice with whatever they’re doing as a circle. But he messed up. Much like how Ogawa messed up by being a coward and dismissing the other girls’ attraction to him. If he made it clear early on then I would probably meet them in this school as a recognized couple already. Furthermore, Hina and Izumi would’ve also given up on chasing after him.

Indecision really brings too much trouble than what it’s worth.

“... Thank you.”

Perhaps not knowing how to respond, it took him more than a minute to say that with so much difficulty. It sounded more like a groan even.

“Heh. So, you know how to thank someone, huh? It’s fine. You don’t have to act that subservient. I know what’s going on inside your mind. Rest well. You’ll probably be suspended for a few days but don’t worry. I’ll ask them not to announce it. Heal up and when you return, it will be like nothing happens except, you’ll be on your own.”

Upon saying that, I shrugged and turned around. There’s no need to prolong this visit. I already said everything I have to say. If nothing was drilled in his mind then too bad for him.

On my way out, I ran into Tadano who probably had a gist of what happened. He looked conflicted as he stood before me but he didn’t say anything. He walked past me and disappeared into the room I just exited.

There’s nothing to worry about. I just reminded that guy to behave appropriately, after all. He would stop Tadano himself in case he decided to stand up for him.

Let’s see... Mei-chan is one message away. That girl will definitely be enlivened if I contacted her. Tadano will be choosing his words and actions correctly for sure.

-

-

“Sensei, I’m ready for my punishment.”

I thought of starting with a greeting but upon seeing Hayashi-sensei who was clearly waiting for me to show up, I switched gears and immediately lowered my head.

Looking at the teapot and two teacups in front of her, my assumption was correct. And considering how it already lost its steam, she's been waiting for more than fifteen minutes already. I made her wait.

Without giving me so much as a glance, I saw Hayashi-sensei’s face twitch a little. A moment later, her lips curved up as her stern voice reached my ears.

“At least you’re aware that you’re also not off the hook. Come here and sit down. We don’t have all day.”

Upon saying that, she fixed her sitting posture, and her crossed legs switched positions. She’s trying to maintain her authoritative composure. She’s aware that intimidating me would be useless, after all.

Anyway, I expected that this is how she is going to act.

Following her words, I sat down right in front of her. Before facing her gaze directly, I reached for the teapot and filled our cups with lukewarm tea.

I handed her a cup and she took it wordlessly after a few seconds of simply staring at it.

Then, I also held up my cup and made a toasting gesture to her before we both took a sip.

Uh. It didn’t taste good since the heat was already pretty much nonexistent.

Likewise, Hayashi-sensei frowned and put the cup down right away, “Haa. This is enough. Come on, aren’t you going to make your plea?”

“Why will I plead? I’m aware of what I did. But if sensei can let me off easily... I’ll appreciate that.”

It’s not like she’s gonna accept that if I tell her that I’m not at fault for what happened. No matter the result, I’m well aware that I still went a little overboard. And like I previously decided, I’m ready to accept the consequences of it.

“Let you off easily. Not possible. I’m the Director. In cases like this, even if your actions are justified, I can’t be too impartial.” She paused there. Perhaps, to check on my reaction. Upon seeing me still unmoved, she let out a small sigh before exuding the same dignified aura of an authoritative figure.

“Sugiyama will be suspended for a week and his parents will be called here. He needs behavioral correction. As for you, give me your armband. I’ll be holding onto that this week. You’ll temporarily be unable to assume your duty as the Disciplinary Officer. Also, starting today, you’re going to report your activity to me. Do you understand?”

Alright. The first part was good enough. There’s no need to drag that out, the most important thing will be the involvement of his parents...

On the other hand... what is this woman thinking when she thought of that punishment? Surrendering my armband and reporting to her... Does she want to monitor me?

She’ll be in for a surprise if she hears how my day usually goes...