[Edomae, Morikawa-san… I want each of you to gather as many issues as possible regarding the interactions between male and female students. We'll hold another discussion in the auditorium to continue the debate on everyone's concerns.] — President Shirakawa said.
As you can see, the President asked us to talk with the students again.
Ayame, the president, and the vice-president went together to speak with the female students.
As for me, I asked Ryuichi to help, and he accepted. I told him that if he was busy, he could refuse my request, but he told me not to worry.
So right now…
"I'm impressed how you can talk normally with girls! Morikawa-san, how can I be like you?" — Student A asked eagerly.
"There's something I wanted to ask. Why don't you ever come to the boys' recreational room?" — Student B asked.
"Could you make this quick? I'm kind of in a hurry." — Student C said.
"Before I answer your questions, let me say this... if you have another appointment, feel free to leave. You're not obligated to stay here." — I said.
"…" — Student A glanced at Student C.
"…" — Student B also glanced at Student C.
"Sigh~… continue." — Student C said.
"Okay, then. As for why I can talk normally with women, it's because I don't overthink to the point of fearing them. And why I don't go to that room? Because I don't have any reason to, since my friends happen to be girls."
"I see your point, but I'm still scared of them sometimes. Did you know? There was news about a man who got stabbed by his own wife." — Student A said.
"He's right! And you're friends with Edomae-san… Seriously, aren't you at least cautious of her?" — Student B asked.
"As far as I can see, you like hanging out with girls, right? I mean, you stood up for that girl. Seriously, how could you berate one of your male schoolmates like that?" — Student C asked—or rather, criticized me.
"First, it's okay to be scared of women or people in general. If you're afraid of them, you need to acknowledge that. But think like this, one day you'll have to deal with them, whether you like it or not. Nobody is telling you to date girls... relax. Second, Ayame is a nice girl. She's my friend, so I have no reason to be cautious of her. And lastly, Senpai—or rather, anyone—shouldn't harass people like that, especially during a culture festival. Just so you know, I would have stood up for her regardless of gender."
"I totally agree with you!" — Student A said.
"Just between us… you're not after her wealth, right?" — Student B asked. I guess it was just out of curiosity.
"Since the first debate with the student council president, all we've seen is you siding with girls. Let me be honest, you're doing it just to get a seat in the student council, right?" — Student C accused.
"I'm not after her money. Actually, I'm surprised you asked that instead of asking if I was after her bo—… never mind. Believe whatever you want, but trust me, I always try to think of what's fair for both sides — men and women. Seriously, don't you think men get way better treatment than women? Look at me, just because I'm a guy, I got the scholarship from a simple interview."
"Hey, guys, don't you think you're being rude to Morikawa-san?" — Student A defended me.
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. But really, none of us would dare approach Edomae-san. Sure, she's beautiful, intelligent, and brilliant, but that's exactly what makes her scary." — Student B said.
"Yeah, I bet if she married you, she'd control every bit of your life. Don't get me wrong, Morikawa-san. I'm not insulting her… actually, please don't tell her what I said, okay? My bad for being mean." — Student C suddenly... backed off?
"Guys, did she do something to you? I'm amazed you're that scared of her. Anyway, enough about Ayame. Is there anything else you want to bring up? From what I've seen, we male students are still afraid to interact with girls — especially with all those recent reports about men becoming victims."
"I mean… why would a woman, especially a wife, do something like that? Just because he had another woman? It's unbelievable." — Student A said… wait a minute.
"And did you see the other news? A man was forced by a woman using drugs. Not just one—several of them." — Student B added… yeah, that's concerning.
"Morikawa-san, there's no way you're going to defend them, right?" — Student C asked.
"I'd say yes and no. In the first case, the husband is guilty of adultery. But don't get me wrong, the wife shouldn't commit a crime. She should've just left him and lived her life far from that kind of man. In the second case, yeah, that's frightening. I can see why we need to be cautious."
"Morikawa-san, sure he cheated, but is it that big of a deal?" — Student A asked...Huh!?
"See, Morikawa-san? That's why we don't get how you're not scared of Edomae-san. Just like he said, some women want to control every part of a man's life. And you know she has the power to do that, right?" — Student B said.
"At first I thought you only sided with girls to take advantage of them — especially the rich ones. But now I think you're just a moron." — Student C said… does he have something against me?
"Okay, let me ask you all something. How would you feel if your girlfriend or wife had an affair with another man? Put yourselves in their shoes."
They looked at each other and answered:
"Well… I'd be sad. But not that much. It just means I should find another girl, right?" — Student A said.
"I can't imagine a woman doing that. But if she had an affair, then she must've just wanted my body." — Student B said.
"Same as them. And like I thought, you're a moron." — Student C said.
I was flabbergasted.
"You know what? Maybe I am. Because I'd be furious if my girlfriend embraced another man. Just imagining it makes me want to punch him. And as for her, I'd scold her and then break up since I'm not stupid to trust her again."
"I see… so the wife who stabbed her husband was actually that angry because he betrayed her trust… maybe." — Student A concluded. No shit, Sherlock.
"But even then, you're not desperate to have just her, or to control every part of her life. You're a decent man." — Student B added.
"You're the one overthinking. Is something bothering you?" — Shut up, Student C.
"Alright, looks like you don't have anything else to say. Thanks for staying, and I'll bring what we discussed to the auditorium."
"Thanks, Morikawa-san! Good luck!" — Student A said. What a good guy.
"Thanks, Morikawa-san! I'd say you're really brave." — Student B said. Sometimes rude but not a bad guy.
"I must say, I was wrong about you. If you ever need some advice, come to our recreational room." — Student C said. Sigh~ he really piss me off.
And then they left… Man, I'm exhausted. Talking to just three students already wore me out.
Makes me wonder how the girls' side is doing… Someday I'll ask Ayame if I can see how they manage… or not, since my presence might make them uncomfortable.
"Hey Tomoki, finished? Good work."
"You too. Good work."
"I guess it's time to head home."
"You're right, but before that, I want to ask... how would you feel if your girlfriend cheated on you with another man?"
"It would suck, but it just means she was after my body instead of a serious relationship."
"Wouldn't you feel angry? What about the guy she cheated with?"
"Angry? Like hate? I can't imagine that. As for the guy, I'd probably feel sorry for him."
"I guess that's how it is."
"Something on your mind?"
"It seems men think more lightly about cheating compared to women. I can understand why women would go crazy if their partner cheated."
"Oh… so that's what you're worried about. You're too kind for your own good."
"Seems so."
"You should just rest today. It's already getting late. See ya!"
"Thanks, Ryuichi, for everything. See ya!"
"Don't worry, man."
And that's how today ended.
What a day.