Chapter 16: Planning the Date

The morning had begun in a relatively calm, almost deceptively calm atmosphere.

In class, Ms. Samaeki addressed us in a professional but reassuring tone.

"Despite yesterday's incident and the interruption of the basketball evaluation,Ms. Lussiareka and I are satisfied with the skills you've demonstrated. No student has a grade below average, which is acceptable, but don't slack off. You're in Onkawa, after all."

The students responded in unison: "Yes, ma'am."

The classes then followed one another at an almost automatic pace, as if nothing had happened the day before.

That way adults have of acting as if nothing had happened... I'd never liked it.

We just moved on, accumulating class time without really looking at what was hidden in the gaps between our silences.

Afternoon was approaching, and the students were getting ready to go to the cafeteria or leave the building to eat outside.

I decided to go to the restroom to wash my face, hoping to clear my head.

On my way out, the hallways were filled with whispers.

Some were stealing glances at me, others whispering fragments of stories.

The incident with Jason was on everyone's lips.

He was leaving the counselor's office, looking annoyed.

The counselor said to him sharply.

"Consider yourself lucky yesterday's incident didn't escalate. Given your three years of exemplary behavior at Onkawa, you're simply suspended from class for a week."

Some students were laughing at him as he left.

'I thought, "Well maybe if they knew what really happened, it would be a different story." » reminding me of the proverb: "One man's misfortune is another man's gain."

In schools, the group effect often pushes students to imitate the majority without really understanding.

Jason spotted Mia.

He ran towards her and grabbed her shoulder.

"M-Mia, please talk to me, I have to…" She interrupted him violently, pushing his arm away.

"That's enough! You and I have nothing left to say to each other. Stay away from me."

She left, leaving him frozen.

The students murmured, "Look at that bully. She doesn't love you, leave her."

"Does he think he can do anything with his face why even is this weirdo still at Onkawa?"

Jason gritted his teeth.

His veins were visible on his forehead.

He met my gaze for a moment, ready to charge, but changed his mind when he saw the CPE still watching him. He sniffed, then left the building.

It was 2:00 PM. Until 4:00 PM, it was club activities.

Several club recruiters approached me, trying to get me to join.

But I already had a club in mind.

"Better to go than lose my attention" I thought.

I walked toward the door of the book club, my choice fully in mind. Saya was there.

Her familiar silhouette comforted me. "Jessy? What you doing here?" she asked smiling surprised.

"Hmm. Saya, are you part of the book club?" I pretended to be surprised.

In truth, I already knew she would be here I just wanted to spend time with her.

"So do you like reading nook." Saya smiled softly.

"Of course I like to read. What about you?" »

I replied. "I was overwhelmed by the clubs, so I chose the one that suited me best."

She nodded amused.

Just then Mia came in with a stack of notebooks, which she dropped when she saw me.

She blushed and avoided my gaze.

Saya, amused, said, "I didn't know you really liked reading.

I have to go get my bag.

Mia I'll let you explain to Jessy how the club works."

Mia nodded shyly we were alone.

I took advantage of it i walked over to her and took her hand.

"You look cute today too," I whispered in her ear.

"Don't joke," she murmured blushing even more.

But I could see she appreciated the compliment.

I cupped her chin between my fingers.

She looked at me intensely, her eyes half-closed, waiting for something.

She wanted a kiss.

So I gave her what she silently requested.

Without warning, I placed my lips on hers.

It was soft, then more intense.

My tongue slid between her lips.

I gently held her against me.

Then I broke the kiss, keeping my forehead against hers.

"Mia..." She opened her eyes, waiting for what I was going to say.

"I want to get to know you. Are you available for a date, after school?"

"A date? After school?" she repeated, surprised.

"You don't want to?" She raised her hands a little confused, but her smile betrayed her desire.

"Y-yes I do that just surprised me I'm not doing anything after school."

 I smiled.

"That perfect. So right after school, we'll go out."

She nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Okay."

The book club had just gained a new member.

But for me, it was mostly an opportunity.