Back with the boys, Shido's face became curious. "So, where are you two heading off to in such a hurry? The infirmary? Or a secret date?"
"We are going to the Junior High," Kashima replied, his voice turning serious. "Shiyi's brother forgot his water bottle as well, so we need to deliver it."
Shido raised an eyebrow. "She can go alone, can't she? Why are you going with her?"
Kashima's expression darkened. "Some boys in the classroom were bothering her because she was wet. I had to step in. I'm taking her to finish her errand so nothing else happens."
Shido's smirk disappeared instantly. His eyes turned dark and dangerous. "Bothering her? Who? Give me the names and their classes."
"It was Tanaka and Sato from Class 1-C," Kashima replied coldly. "They think they can say whatever they want just because they are first years."
Shido's expression became terrifying—he looked even angrier than Kashima. "Class 1-C? Those losers? I'll make sure they regret ever opening their mouths. I'll handle them later." He looked at Kashima and added in a low voice, "But don't let a word of this reach Kento. You know how he is. He's the most dangerous one in our group when he's mad. If he finds out, those kids won't even be able to come to school tomorrow."
As they began to part ways, Shido stopped Hori from following them. "Let them go alone, Hori. They have things to talk about."
Shiyi and Kashima started to walk away, finally finding a moment of peace. But suddenly, a loud, booming voice echoed down the hall.
"KANZAKI! THERE YOU ARE!"
A tall boy with perfectly styled hair and a very bright badge that read President of Kami High School came running toward them. He had a wide, beaming smile and eyes that sparkled with way too much energy. He was the kind of person who filled the whole hallway with his presence. He loved Kashima and treated him like a little brother because he wanted Kashima to take over as President next to next year.
"I've been looking everywhere for you! I need your help with the new club budget! Come on, my future successor, the office is waiting!"
Kashima looked at the President, then at Shiyi, and let out a long, tired sigh. His perfect moment was completely ruined.
The President stood there, grinning broadly and holding Kashima's shoulder like he was a prize trophy. Kashima looked at Shiyi, then back at the President, his brow furrowing in frustration.
"President, please," Kashima said, his voice straining to remain polite. "I have a very important matter to attend to. It involves a student's well-being and a delivery to the Junior High. Surely the budget can wait twenty minutes?"
The President leaned in close, his energetic smile turning into a desperate, sweating pout. He lowered his voice to a frantic whisper that only Kashima could hear. "Kanzaki, please! It's not just the budget! I tried to do the advanced calculation section of the report myself and... I think I accidentally divided by zero. Everything is a mess! If you don't help me, the school's financial board will think I'm an idiot! You're the only one who can save me!"
Kashima closed his eyes, a small vein throbbing in his temple. It was true—the President was a great leader, but he was famously terrible at high-level mathematics.
Shiyi watched the exchange and felt a soft pang of sympathy. She saw the heavy weight of the "Genius" title on Kashima's shoulders. Stepping forward, she tightened his blazer around her and gave him a reassuring smile.
"It's okay, Kashima," she said gently. "The President really needs you, and I've already taken up too much of your time. I can go to the Junior High by myself. It's just next door, and I'll be under the umbrella the whole time. I promise I won't get a single drop more of rain on me."
Kashima looked at her, his blue eyes searching hers. He didn't want to leave her side, especially after the morning she'd had. "Are you sure, Ayasaki? If those boys from earlier—"
"I'll be fine," she interrupted, her pink eyes sparkling with confidence. "I'm the Vice-Treasurer, remember? I can handle myself. You go save the President before he breaks the school's calculator."
Kashima sighed, finally giving in. He handed her the large black umbrella. "Fine. But go straight to the nurse's office the moment you return. If I don't see you there in fifteen minutes, I'm coming to find you."
"Deal," Shiyi laughed softly. She took the umbrella, waved a quick goodbye to the frantic President, and disappeared into the crowd toward the school entrance.
As the first bell finally rang, echoing through the grand halls of Kami High, the morning rush began to settle. The students disappeared into their classrooms, the whispers about the "Treasurer and his blazer" faded into the background, and the teachers began their lessons.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, washing over the prestigious stone walls and the cherry trees of the campus. It was just another day at one of the country's most elite schools—a place of high expectations, secret whispers, and the quiet, growing bond between a golden-haired genius and the girl who cared too much.
The school infirmary was peaceful and quiet. The only sound was the light rain tapping against the glass window. Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of clean sheets.
The door slid open quickly as Kashima stepped inside, slightly out of breath. He had just finished a mountain of math problems for the President, and his hair was a little messy from the rush. He stopped when he saw Shiyi. She was sitting on the edge of the white bed, wearing an oversized school gym tracksuit.
"Ayasaki," he breathed out, walking over to her.
Shiyi looked up, her eyes wide. "Kashima! You look like you just ran a marathon."
"The President... is a lot to handle," Kashima muttered. He stood in front of her, his gaze softening. Without thinking, he reached out. His hand was steady and cool as he gently pressed his palm against her forehead to check for a fever.
Shiyi's breath hitched. She froze, her heart thumping so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Kashima didn't move his hand away; he just looked down at her, his blue eyes searching hers. The air between them felt warm and heavy.
"You're still a bit pale." He whispered, his voice low. Shiyi couldn't find her voice. She just nodded, her face turning pink.
SLAM!
The door didn't just open; it hit the wall with a loud bang. Shido walked in like he owned the place, followed by Hori and Tamiko. Kashima jumped back so fast he almost tripped over a chair, pretending he was just looking at a medical chart on the wall.
"Hey! Are you two busy after school?" Shido asked, not noticing the awkward silence at all.
"Why? What's going on?" Kashima asked, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"Kento is sick," Shido said, leaning against the bedpost. "He skipped today. I thought we should all go to home and visit him. He'd be so happy to see us."
Shiyi stood up, looking worried. "Is he okay? Kento is so strong, it's scary to think of him sick! Is it something serious?"
Kashima frowned. "It is very unusual for him. Is he actually in pain, Shido?"
Shido let out a loud, bark-like laugh. "Nah! It's just a stomach ache. Honestly, I think he just ate too many spicy snacks while playing games last night. He's acting like he's dying, but he just needs some company."
The girls started talking about gifts. "We should get him something tasty!" Hori suggested.
"Oh! I have the perfect gift!" Tamiko said, her eyes sparkling with pure innocence. She pulled out her notebook. "I'll bring him my notes from all of today's lectures! That way, Kento won't be sad about missing his education!"
The room went silent. Shido stared at her. Kashima stared at her.
"Tamiko..." Shido said, trying not to laugh. "You want to give a guy a stomach ache... with math notes? You really are an angel from a different planet."
Hori giggled and hugged Tamiko. "She's so sweet! Only Tamiko would think homework is a cure for a stomach ache."
Shiyi smiled, the tension finally breaking. "Well, I think it's a great idea. We'll meet at the gate after the final bell."
The final bell rang, and the school was suddenly filled with the sound of students rushing home. Outside, the rain was coming down hard. It wasn't just a drizzle anymore; it was a heavy downpour that made the sky look dark and gray. The ground was covered in puddles, and the air felt cold.
Kashima stood at the main entrance, watching the rain. He saw Shiyi standing a few steps away, looking worriedly at the sky. She didn't have an umbrella.
"Ayasaki," Kashima said, walking up to her. "You don't have an umbrella. You'll get soaked again."
Shiyi looked at him and gave a small, shy smile. "Oh, it's okay, Kashima. Maybe I can just borrow a spare umbrella from the office? I don't want to be a bother. I can walk to the Junior High on my own."
Kashima shook his head. "The office is out of umbrellas. And it's too cold for you to walk. My car is right there. Just come with me."
Shiyi looked at the rain, then back at his serious face. She realized he wouldn't let her walk. "Okay. Thank you, Kashima. You're really kind."
"But... are you sure?" Shiyi asked, looking at the expensive black Mercedes waiting at the sidewalk. It wasn't a crazy car, but it looked very top-class and luxury. "I don't want your driver to go the long way just for me."
"We're going that way anyway." Kashima lied gently. "And it's much safer."
Shiyi looked at the rain, then back at his serious face. She realized he wouldn't let her walk. "Okay. Thank you, Kashima. You're really kind."
Just then, Shido appeared out of nowhere. He didn't just walk; , he hopped happily towards them lifting his pant legs up high. He looked like a girl trying to keep his dress clean and held out his hand to Kashima with a dramatic look on his face.
"Oh, Young Master Kashima!" Shido said in a high, funny voice. "Please save me! My beautiful black crystal school shoes will be covered in mud! A delicate person like me cannot walk in such a mess!"
Kashima rolled his eyes, but a tiny smile almost touched his lips. "Shido, stop acting like a fool. If you want a ride, just say it."
"I want a ride!" Shido said normally, grinning. Hori and Tamiko joined them, laughing at Shido's drama. They all walked to the car. But as they reached the door, the Driver stepped out. He was a middle-aged man who looked very strict.
"Young Master," the Driver said, bowing only to Kashima. "The Master said you must come home immediately. No friends are allowed today."
Kashima's face turned serious. "Driver, tell my father or the Butler that I am at the library. I am taking my friends to visit Kento."
"I cannot do that, Young Master," the Driver said, shaking his head. "I will not tell a lie to the Master. It is wrong."
Kashima felt his blood pressure rising. "But I am telling you to—"
Suddenly, Shido put his hand on Kashima's shoulder. He moved Kashima aside and stood directly in front of the Driver. The Driver looked up, startled by how tall Shido was. There was a long moment of silence. Shido just stared at him.
'Don't tell me...Is this kid thinking of hitting me?' the Driver thought, feeling a cold sweat on his back. 'He looks like a troublemaker.'
"Shido, no!" Tamiko cried out, her voice shaking. "Please don't think of hitting him! He's an elder!"
"Yeah, Shido, stay calm!" Hori added, grabbing Shido's arm. "Don't do anything bad!"
Kashima just stood there, looking at the Driver. "Actually, go ahead, Shido. You have my permission to hit him. He's being very annoying."
Shido didn't hit him. Instead, he leaned in and spoke in a very respectful, soft tone. "Excuse me, Mister. Can I ask you something? Are you an angel?"
The Driver blinked. "What? An angel?"
"Well," Shido said, his voice suddenly turning sharp and savage. "Only angels never lie, right? Have you really never told a lie in your life? Or are you just doing this on purpose because we look like pests to you? Do we look like we don't belong in this nice car?"
The Driver gulped. He looked at Shido's intense eyes and then at the worried girls. He realized that if he said no, these kids would stay in the rain and he would be the one who looked like a villain.
"Fine," the Driver muttered, looking away. "Just get in. All of you."
"Thank you, Mister! You're the best!" Shido cheered. He hopped toward the car, stopping to admire the shiny paint. "Wow, look at this! This car is amazing, Kashima. The leather probably smells like money."
Kashima walked past the Driver. "He didn't deserve your thanks, Shido."
Shido turned around with a mischievous smirk. "You're right. You're the one who needs a thank you!"
Without any warning, Shido grabbed Kashima's face and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"HEY!" Kashima yelled, his face turning a bright, glowing red. He pushed Shido away with all his might, wiping his cheek with his sleeve. "Don't do that! That's gross!"
Shiyi and Hori watched, trying not to laugh. Shido just laughed and jumped into the front seat. Kashima stood there for a second, his heart racing. He acted like he was disgusted, but deep inside, he felt a warm spark of happiness that his friends were so close to him. He climbed into the back seat next to Shiyi, still blushing hard.
As the car pulled away from the school gates, the sound of the rain against the roof became a soft, rhythmic hum. Inside the car, it was warm and lively. Shido was already messing with the radio, trying to find a high-energy song, while Hori and Tamiko were chatting with Shiyi about the best fruit to buy for Kento.
Kashima sat by the window, his head leaning against the cool glass. He looked at the reflection of his friends' smiling faces in the dark window. For a moment, he felt a strange ache in his chest.
'They're so happy to be heading to a home where someone is waiting for them,' he thought quietly.
His mind drifted to his own home—a massive, beautiful mansion that always felt more like a museum than a house. Most of the time, the rooms were empty and silent. His mother, Kaori Sakurai, was a world-famous Hollywood actress. She spent most of the year in Europe or America, filming movies and walking on red carpets.
To her, Kashima was a beautiful son she could show off in photos, but she barely knew his favorite food.
Then there was his father, Seijurou Kanzaki. As the CEO of the Kanzaki Group, his life was his work. He saw Kashima as a project—a successor who had to be perfect in every way.
Kashima stared at the passing streetlights. In his house, no one ever asked how his day was. No one noticed if he came home late or if he was feeling tired. In fact, he realized with a bitter feeling that he actually preferred it when the house was empty. When both his parents were home at the same time, the silence was replaced by the sound of shouting.
They fought about everything—schedules, money, and their dying marriage. The "Perfect Kanzaki Family" was just a loud, broken mess behind closed doors.
A small, sad smile touched his lips as he looked back at Shiyi, who was laughing at something Shido said.
'At least here,' Kashima thought, his gaze softening as he watched her, 'it's warm.'
The car drove through the heart of Tokyo. Even though it was raining, the city was beautiful. Bright pink, blue, and yellow neon lights reflected on the wet street, making the roads look like they were covered in jewels.
Shido was having the time of his life. He was pressing the buttons to move the headrests and admiring the fancy wood trim on the doors. "Seriously, Kashima, I could live in this car. Does the fridge in the middle actually work? Can we put snacks in here?"
"Don't touch the fridge, Kirishima," Kashima said.
Hori looked out the window and then at their reflections. "Guys, we really need to stop. We are going to a sick person's house wearing these stiff uniforms. We look like we're going to a funeral or a business meeting. Kento will feel like he's back at school the moment he sees us."
"I agree," Kashima said, sitting up straighter. "It would be better to wear something casual. It feels more personal."
"But it'll take way too long to drop everyone off and wait for them to change," Shido pointed out, finally letting go of the seat controls. "By the time we reach Kento, he'll be retired and old."
Hori smirked, a look of quiet power on her face. "Driver, take the next turn. Stop at the Kagachi main store."
Shiyi's eyes went wide. "Wait, Hori! That's the most famous fashion building in the city! I've seen it in magazines. We can't just go in there!"
Hori just waved her hand like it was no big deal. "It's fine, Shiyi. My mother is Mari Tokisaki. She's the founder of the entire Kagachi line. And my father, Kaneki Nagachika, owns the Hospital beside the store and all the medical clinics nearby. It's basically my second home. We can get whatever we need there."
The car slowed down as a giant, glowing glass building appeared. It looked like a diamond standing in the rain.
As they stepped out of the car, Shido whistled, looking up at the high ceilings. "Okay, I feel poor just looking at the doorman," he joked, though he walked with his usual confident swagger.
The moment the heavy glass doors slid open, the atmosphere changed. The air inside smelled like expensive perfume and fresh lilies. The floor was made of white marble so polished that Shiyi was afraid to step on it in her school shoes.
The staff—all dressed in perfectly tailored black suits—were busy assisting wealthy customers. But the second they saw Hori walk in, the entire room seemed to stop. One by one, the employees stood up straight and tucked their hands behind their backs.
The floor manager, an elegant woman with a sharp bun, came rushing over with a look of pure delight. She bowed so low that her forehead almost touched her knees.
---