Chapter 384: Time to End It
Because she had a cold, Eriri wore a mask throughout the classes today. The teachers who came to class did not object when they found out, nor did they call on Eriri to answer questions.
So... was that a good thing?
"Of course it's a good thing!"
During lunchtime at the Art Club, as everyone ate their bentos, Eriri nodded vigorously: "Other classes are fine, but I really don't want to be called upon to answer questions in English and Math class. I won't even mention English class, which always stresses me out, but in Math class, whenever I'm called on, I usually have to go to the blackboard to solve a problem. I wish I could be invisible; it's so embarrassing if I get the answer wrong!"
"That's true."
Usami agreed, saying, "To be honest, I don't really like being called on by the teacher either, but thankfully, teachers usually only call on students with good grades or those who are spacing out."
Utaha immediately chimed in from the side: "So, Eriri, which category do you fall into?"
"Me? I definitely belong to the good grades category!" Eriri said without hesitation, but under everyone's gaze, she slowly lowered her head, her voice weakening, "Um, I occasionally space out, just occasionally! Besides, spacing out is very common. No one can maintain high concentration for an entire class period. Kaede-kun definitely can't do it either, right?"
Hearing the question thrown to him, Kaede smiled and nodded: "That's true. I also space out and daydream during class sometimes, but I always prepare my homework in advance, so daydreaming isn't a problem, nor is being called on by the teacher. So, Eriri, when I tell you to prepare your homework, stop being stubborn, understood?"
"Ugh... why are you bringing that up again..."
Pouting, Eriri picked up a piece of chicken and put it in her mouth: "I don't have the same efficiency as Kaede-kun. I have to do homework, prepare lessons, and draw..."
Patting her head, Kaede smiled as he looked at Eriri. He was just saying it; he never intended for Eriri to study at his pace. Everyone has different study methods and rhythms. As long as Eriri took learning seriously, that was enough.
After finishing lunch, everyone returned to their respective classrooms, but Kaede and Eriri remained in the Art Club. Since Eriri was unwell due to her cold, she needed to rest a little longer here during lunchtime.
Using Kaede's lap as a pillow, Eriri quickly fell asleep. Kaede gently stroked Eriri's long hair and looked down at her.
After a while, about fifteen minutes later, the door to the club room slowly slid open, and Kawashima Ami appeared at the entrance.
Looking somewhat surprised at Kawashima Ami entering, Kaede quietly asked, "Why did you come over?"
Carefully closing the door, Kawashima Ami came and sat on the chair opposite the sofa, asking quietly: "Just now, the Ryūzu Group called me. It was Dragon Pearl senpai's assistant. They found the person who was stalking me. He was loitering near my apartment this morning, holding a camera."
As she spoke, Kawashima Ami couldn't help but hug her arms, looking somewhat fearful: "I didn't expect him to actually find my apartment."
Kaede was not surprised by this. The obsessive fan had already discovered Kawashima Ami and stalked her for a while. It wouldn't be too difficult for him to find her location after that.
"So, you'll be going over there this afternoon, right?"
"Mhm, I definitely need to go see him and give that person a proper warning."
Eriri, who was resting on his lap, pursed her lips and shifted slightly. Only after seeing she made no other movements did Kaede continue: "In that case, do you need Eriri and me to go with you?"
"No need, I just came to tell you two about it," Kawashima Ami said with a smile. "I've been in contact with Dragon Pearl senpai's assistant several times these past few days. The other party is a woman, and I'm quite familiar with her now, so there won't be any problems. Besides, Eriri has a cold, hasn't she? We shouldn't let her run around."
Kaede glanced at Kawashima Ami and didn't refuse. It was indeed not good to take a sick Eriri running around.
"In that case, we won't go with you. If anything happens, just rely on the people from the Ryūzu Group. After all, you signed a contract, and they will definitely help you." Saying this, Kaede also smiled, "Once this matter is completely resolved, you should be able to properly start your work and stop hiding yourself, right?"
"That's right."
Kawashima Ami stood up and walked to the window, looking outside as she spoke: "Since getting to know you all, although I haven't said it, your personalities have definitely influenced me, especially you, Eriri, and Aisaka. The few of you never hide your true selves and live for yourselves. Especially Aisaka. She's so small; if she acted cute, her popularity would soar, but in the past few weeks, I've seen her lose her temper at the first-year juniors and chase after them multiple times, without considering her image at all. Honestly, it's quite enviable."
"If you're envious, then do it yourself."
Listening to Kaede's words, Kawashima Ami smiled faintly, didn't continue the conversation, said goodbye, and left.
Only two people remained in the club room again. Kaede looked down at Eriri's sleeping face and chuckled softly: "She's really sleeping soundly."
And just then.
"I wasn't asleep."
Eriri, whose eyes were closed, spoke, startling Kaede.
"Hiss... Eriri, when did you wake up?"
"I woke up right when Ami came in." Sitting up, Eriri pinched Kaede's cheeks with both hands and said with a beaming smile, "You two were having a very pleasant chat."
Allowing Eriri to pinch his face, Kaede also raised his hand and pinched Eriri's cheek, saying calmly: "It was just a very ordinary chat. Since that's the case, I don't need to repeat it. Kawashima's matter will be resolved today."
"That was quite fast indeed."
Nodding, Eriri said, "The Ryūzu Group's efficiency is really high!"
"After all, they were originally the local power here. Even though they've changed professions now, their foundation remains, so finding someone is easy. Furthermore, that kind of obsessive fan doesn't have any means of hiding themselves. When they run into professionals, they basically find them instantly."
Pulling Eriri into his arms, Kaede said, "But judging by this, it looks like the other boys in our class will, predictably, be dominated by Kawashima once she reveals her true nature."
"Mhm, that's very possible."
Eriri said carelessly, closing her eyes again.
She wanted to sleep a little longer.
Chapter 385: Sleeping Separately (2/2)