Chapter 93: Kuzu-kun's Worries [side Yukari Tomonaga]
Two failing grades... I really don't want remedial classes... My winter break will be gone...
Once this week's tests are returned and we finish the rest of the curriculum, next week is the closing ceremony, and then it's winter break...
Whew.
I can't help but sigh...
My worries aren't just about failing grades.
The distance between me and Kuzu-kun, and Kuzu-kun's worries. These two things are what's really bothering me right now.
After getting my very first suspension ever for an inappropriate relationship with Kuzu-kun, I finished my "recharging period" and came back to school...
*Note: Suspension is not a "recharging period" lol
Ever since I became Miss Hokusho, I guess people were jealous, and all sorts of people started treating me coldly,
but after my suspension, it got even worse...
The rumors were awful—like, I betrayed and dumped Kousuke-kun after he helped me with dieting and all kinds of things, or that I switched to Kuzu-kun at the last second, or that I rebelled against Osada-san right after becoming Miss Hokusho, even though she always looked after me.
*Note: They're "just rumors," but they're actually true.
Osada-san is the most competent person close to me and seems like she'd be tough in these situations,
and yeah, maybe I didn't exactly "rebel," but... I did mess up...
There's just no way I can consult Osada-san about this...
☆ ☆ ☆
"That's not true, right?"
Osada: "...Tomonaga, you sure talk to me a lot, huh?"
Osada-san looks at me in exasperation.
In the end, I decide to go to Osada-san for help because I'm totally lost.
"I mean, a lot's happened, but we're classmates and we worked together at the culture festival, right?"
Osada: "Didn't the notebook from the other day make us even? I already kept my promise to help you once!"
Yeah, you'd say that...
But you know?
"But I got two failing grades and... I have to do remedial classes in the end... The notebook alone wasn't enough to avoid failing..."
I plead pitifully.
Osada-san... hey?
Please listen...?
Osada: "It's not like my notebook was bad, right? Maybe you just didn't study enough!"
Osada-san listens to me, a bit annoyed.
I really like how she looks after people!
...So please don't look so intimidating...!
Osada: "What are you trying to say? The way you're talking, do you want something from me?"
"As expected of Osada-san! You get it!"
She glares at me—super scary...
But I can't back down, and there's no one else I can ask!
"Actually, um..."
I confide my current problems to Osada-san.
The failing grades are one thing, but—
Right now, because of the rumors, Kuzu-kun and I are being completely ostracized, and it feels incredibly uncomfortable.
The rumors about me and Kuzu-kun's relationship, the diet program, and stuff with Kousuke-kun aren't exactly baseless, but they've been blown way out of proportion, and now everyone's keeping their distance and watching us with so much malice.
...Especially the environment around Kuzu-kun has changed drastically, and the rumors and insults about him are even worse than what I get. Kind, sensitive Kuzu-kun is getting his heart fried—wait, I mean hurt—and is really suffering.
"...Kuzu-kun's taken so much damage that... well, he can't even, like... do anything naughty with me? He's so shocked and hurt he just can't? Is there anything we can do?"
Osada: "W-w-wait, naughty stuff...! Just going in and out of a love hotel the other day is already... for a high schooler...!"
Osada-san can't hide her shock.
Osada-san is surprisingly innocent.
The Follower girl laughs at Osada-san's reaction.
"I know! But you're the only one I can ask, the only one who might be able to help... I appreciate the notebook! But just one more! Please, just one more favor!"
There's no one else I can rely on but Osada-san.
Both in ability and personality.
The only person I can think of who could actually help is Osada-san.
Honestly, I know it's selfish,
and I know I'm not really in a position to ask.
But Kuzu-kun's troubles and pain are real.
...I feel like Kuzu-kun's keeping his distance from me just a little...
I know better than anyone that he's not the type to judge people by looks or status!
*No sense for people, huh.
I beg Osada-san to help me, to help Kuzu-kun.
Osada-san quietly closes her eyes and listens, then mutters,
Osada: "Tomonaga, do you want to do something about the rumors for Kuzu's sake? Or do you want to fix the damage and insults to Kuzu?"
Yes! That's it!
I tell Osada-san about Kuzu-kun's pain and all the damage to him.
...If we could solve Kuzu-kun's worries, right? He'd still need me, right?
I could be by his side again, right?
Osada: "...All right... After school, bring Kuzu-kun here. I'll listen to what you have to say."
Yes! Thank you!
I thank her and rush off to find Kuzu-kun!
☆ ☆ ☆
Yukari realized that Kuzu was trying to keep his distance.
☆ ☆ ☆
Osada Ai had anticipated this. side Osada Ai
Follower: "Huh? You're actually helping Tomonaga?"
"Even though she betrayed you?"
"Is it because you're weak to earnest girls?"
"Shut up already. Anyway, I promised Saito-kun I'd keep an eye on Tomonaga so she doesn't cause trouble for him."
Follower: "Well, speaking of rumors, what Tomonaga and Kuzu did to Saito-kun was just cruel!"
"Don't say it like 'delicious', okay!"
I blurt out my idea.
"Then, how about tying both of them down?"
The idiot says something outrageous,
Follower: "Eek! Tie them up?! Ai-chan, are you doing that kind of play with Ryo-kun?!"
I shout, bright red!
"Cut it out! Ryo-kun and I have pure love!"
Ryo-kun would be so disappointed if he heard that!
I'm not that much of a pushover. While putting some restrictions on those two, I decided to go with the plan I'd already discussed with Saito-kun to make sure he wouldn't be troubled.
See Chapter 73: Osada-san's Proposal
...I don't want Ryo to see me like this.
*He knows. Ryo knows and still likes me lol