This was the first time in Shuchiin Academy's hundred-year history that a student was hospitalized because of a dispute with a classmate.
Something this serious had to be dealt with strictly, otherwise the school would face immense pressure.
"So, does that mean I'm getting expelled now?"
"You bastard… so that's why you suddenly started a fight? You were hoping to get expelled?"
Sagara Kaya's brow twitched violently. She looked at Takamine Rinji, who wore an expectant expression, and felt thoroughly irritated.
She had been in her office preparing an exam when she got a message: "Takamine Rinji from Class 1-B injured a classmate."
The worst part? Her first reaction was: "Wait, he only got into a fight?"
"You really want to leave school that badly? Planning to go back to the battlefield in Afghanistan?"
"I've considered it."
"Forget it. I already spoke with Sosuke. You're not going back."
"…Aunt Kaya, even you use these underhanded tactics?"
"Shut it! At school, you call me Sagara-Sensie."
Sagara Kaya irritably scratched her head, ruining her usually sleek blue hair.
"I'll speak to the school and try to get them to go easy on you—"
"Please don't."
"Shut up! You listen to me while you're in school!" she shouted. "The current punishment is a one-month suspension for you to reflect at home…"
"Can we extend it a bit? The guy's in the hospital, after all."
"A month is the limit."
Kaname sighed deeply.
"At least… you didn't kill anyone."
"Of course not," Rinji replied matter-of-factly. "The research department still needs live experimental subjects. They're in short supply right now."
"I knew you were acting too cooperative all of a sudden! Wait a second… the ambulance that took Ogino away—did you call it?"
"I did."
"…Don't tell me—!"
Kaya's face paled in horror.
"Your guess is close enough. That vehicle wasn't going to the hospital. It was headed to the research department. If he's lucky, they might still find his whole body tomorrow."
"How deep is your grudge?!"
"Honestly, not that deep. It's just… complicated."
It took about ten minutes for Takamine Rinji to explain the whole situation to Sagara Kaya.
"I see… so that's what happened."
"Yeah, that's the whole story."
"You've grown," she said with a smile. "This might be the first time you've actually considered someone else's feelings."
"Ishigami's my brother. Of course I care."
"…That Ogino kid is a problem too. If we expose him, Ootomo Kyoko could get hurt. But if we ignore it…"
"No need to worry. He's practically gone already."
"And what about you?" she asked helplessly. "Aren't you worried about your reputation? We brought you to school so you could enjoy your youth, and now look at you…"
"I am enjoying youth seriously."
"Stabbing someone for your bro is youth too, isn't it? It's not all about romance."
"…Anyway, figure out how to get Ogino out of the research department."
"Alive or dead?"
"What do you think?! Alive! We need him alive to fix this mess!"
---
After being lectured endlessly in the office, Rinji finally stepped outside.
Kaya had told him that if he wanted a lighter punishment, he'd have to make sure Ogino Ko stayed alive. Also, during his suspension, he should study seriously—midterms were in a month.
As he walked through the halls, students kept their distance. Some even stopped to point and whisper.
"I think that's him."
"The one who beat up the guy from the drama club. They say he was brutal."
"So scary."
"Someone said he's not even from here originally."
Rinji didn't say anything. He simply stopped walking and gave them a faint glance.
That was enough to scatter the whispering students in fear.
"Guess I'm still pretty intimidating."
"Rinji…"
"Hmm?"
Rinji turned around at the voice. Ishigami stood there, head down.
"Ishigami, it's not a good time for you to be seen with me. Remember your role—'the righteous victim who stepped in to stop a fight but got punched by the delinquent.' Don't forget your setting."
Normally, Ishigami would complain, "What a convoluted setup," but he clearly wasn't in the mood today.
"Rinji, you should reveal the evidence."
"Huh?"
"If you don't clear things up, people will keep thinking you're just a violent lunatic who overreacted."
Ishigami clenched his teeth.
"This is all my fault… if I hadn't lost control—"
"You want another punch?"
"If it's punishment for my stupidity, I'll accept—"
Pow!
Before he finished, Rinji punched him in the stomach.
"Urgh…"
It hurt, but not too badly—just enough to make him bend over.
As Ishigami doubled over, Rinji leaned in and whispered, "Listen, I promised to handle this, and I will. You won't get hurt. Kyoko Ootomo won't get hurt."
"But Rinji—"
"I punched you not for your recklessness, but for not trusting me."
Rinji smiled gently and patted his back.
"I'm your bro. Remember?"
"…Yeah."
"Good."
Rinji straightened up and walked past Ishigami, waving as he left.
Ishigami watched him go, fists unconsciously clenched.
"I do trust you… Kyoko's safe. Ogino got what he deserved. But… your reputation…"
He lowered his head, bangs covering his clouded eyes.
"Because you treat me as a brother… I can't let them keep destroying your name."
"Rinji, I'll clear your name."
"Even if…"
"I have to sacrifice Kyoko's smile to do it…"
"Hey, Ishigami."
Rinji suddenly turned around again.
"Don't do anything unnecessary, or we're back to square one."
"…"