After a long day of academic torment, Anshi stretched wide with a satisfied yawn.He had spent the entire day sleeping through class—and somehow, that was exhausting in its own way.
"Hey, Hayato, wanna head home together?" Anshi asked his desk neighbor, who was still tidying up his things.
"Sure," Hayato replied without even lifting his head. The BD disc still wasn't finished, so going to Kendo Club practice today didn't seem worthwhile.
To Anshi, his Aibo was the definition of a true man. Look at him—Senior Miyajima had invited him countless times, and while any other boy would've gone weak in the knees, Hayato hadn't so much as twitched his third leg. Cold and ruthless. If he said no, then it was no.
…Of course, in reality, Hayato was also thinking that he should at least check in on Kase Masafumi's training progress at the dojo. But nothing—not even Kase's progress—could compete with the joy of watching his precious videos.
As Hayato stood, Yamamoto Sakito walked hesitantly up to him.
Hayato rarely paid attention to his classmates' antics, but earlier during lunch, Anshi had nudged him with a laugh, saying, "Look at Yamamoto, he's so downcast. Did he tumble down the stairs or something?"
When Hayato turned his gaze on him, Yamamoto looked nothing like the lively boy he remembered. Normally, the guy was as restless as a rabbit during breaks. But this afternoon, he hadn't dared utter a single extra word.
And now, standing in front of Hayato, Yamamoto looked hesitant, opening his mouth as if to speak but closing it again.
Hayato knew well enough: this was the guy who had spread all sorts of "good words" about him to Kurashiki Reina, sparking yesterday's drama. He didn't feel like humoring him.
Seeing Yamamoto's awkwardness, Hayato only shot him a glance before turning to leave.
"L…Lin—Hayato!" Yamamoto finally called out.
"What?" Hayato turned back, voice edged with impatience. Yamamoto's face flushed red, then pale. His lips moved, but no sound came out.
"…Oi, Yamamoto, you're not looking for another fight, are you? Forget it, I won't allow it!" Anshi clenched a fist with mock bravado.
"N-No… nothing like that…" Yamamoto shook his head frantically, but still didn't get to the point.
"Let's go, don't bother with him," Hayato said coolly.
He slung his cheap backpack over his shoulder, wooden sword wrapped in white cloth tapping against his back, and made to leave.
Watching him go, Yamamoto finally broke—
"I'M SORRY!!"
The sudden thunder of his voice stopped Hayato in his tracks, and every student still in the classroom turned their heads in shock.
"…Huh?" Hayato blinked.
"I—I shouldn't have badmouthed you in front of Kurashiki yesterday. It was my mistake! Please, forgive me!" Yamamoto bowed deeply in the traditional craftsman's bow. Hayato only scratched his neck and muttered,
"Oh." If apologizing alone could solve everything, what meaning would compensation have?
"Please! You must forgive me!" Yamamoto grew frantic, almost reaching to grab Hayato's sleeve—only for Anshi to intercept him, glaring.
"What are you going crazy about!?"
"I-If you don't forgive me, Kurashiki's boyfriend will beat me up after school! He knows scary people, really scary people, and I don't want to get involved with them! Please! I beg you!"
The arrogant boy from yesterday was gone. Yamamoto now looked pitiful, eyes wet, like a child begging his mother.
Hayato understood. So that was it—after Kurashiki realized she'd been deceived, she must've turned her anger back on the one who embarrassed her.
"Oh, right…" Yamamoto fumbled for his wallet, pulling out several crumpled banknotes—several thousand yen in total. Likely the money he'd used to repay yesterday's losses. "I-I'll give you money! Just please, forgive me!!"
"Nonsense!" Hayato snapped, his tone sharp. "How could I accept your money!?"
The whole class was stunned.
Even without knowing the full story, everyone watching felt that Hayato, standing tall with those words, radiated an almost righteous aura.
"It's normal for classmates to quarrel a little. Once it's cleared up, that's the end of it," Hayato lectured firmly. "But bringing money into it? What kind of person do you take me for!?"
Anshi had already been stretching out his hand toward that wad of cash—after all, several thousand yen was a huge treat for them. But hearing Hayato's righteous words, he could only force himself to pull back and echo his friend:
"E-Exactly! What do you take us for!? Extortionists, huh!?"
Yamamoto's fingers trembled as he looked at the two, their figures seeming to glow with the light of benevolent Buddhas. He was speechless, then nodded heavily. "…Mm!"
He was deeply moved.
"Alright, alright." Hayato spread his arms. "Come on. A hug, and this matter will be in the past, okay?"
"…Okay." Yamamoto stepped forward and hugged him.
It was a perfect picture of reconciliation. Youthful bonds mending after conflict—at least, that's what everyone watching thought. Even Yamamoto himself felt the warmth of friendship.
Then, in a whisper only Yamamoto could hear, Hayato spoke:
"Give me the money later. Privately."
Yamamoto's entire body jolted, his face draining of color.
Hayato released him with a smile, patting his shoulder. "Now go home. Don't hang around outside—it's not safe lately."
Another shiver ran down Yamamoto's spine. Not safe… it was impossible not to connect those words to the "dangerous people Kurashiki's boyfriend knew." A blatant threat!
But in the atmosphere, he could only nod and mumble, "…Mm." Then he hurried out of the classroom.
"You should've just taken it," Anshi muttered.
Hayato gave his husky friend a cold, contemptuous look. You even call yourself Anshi, and you still don't get it?
How could I take it openly? That would be bribery. The important thing is to maintain the appearance of integrity. Take it secretly, and you still pocket everything without a scratch.
Tapping his back with the wooden sword, Hayato strode calmly out of the classroom.
And sure enough, every classmate now looked at him with newfound respect.
"Oh, there you are!" someone called out just as he stepped into the hall.
…
…
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/Kazenova223
If you guys wanna check it out.