Go-Toubun no Hanayome √AE

Chapter 43:Colors of a White Stone ④

Isanari was walking home alone deep in thought. Without realizing it, there were multiple people following him. In this crowd, there were many of the previous students Isanari had beaten up in the past, looking to enact revenge. They ran past him and got in front to intimidate him.

"Why don't you stop right there? We'd like to have a nice, long chat with you!"

As all of them chuckle, Isanari just passes by them without even noticing them.

Isanari:[What is this feeling?]

Confused, all the students look at each other. They try again in the exact same way, worried that Isanari didn't hear them the first time. After the third time, he finally stopped.

Isanari:[Man, why am I thinking so hard about this?]

"H-Hey, why are you ignoring us!?"

Isanari finally noticed the gang before him.

"Hehe, so you're finally in the moo-"

Isanari:"You're annoying."

The gang got scared as Isanari stared at them with a look that could kill. All of them began to run away as the source of the fear kept walking along trying to figure out his feelings.

...

Isanari:"You're asking me to tutor you?"

Kotoha:"Is that bad?"

Isanari:"I don't even know what my most recent grades are, but I doubt they're anything positive."

Kotoha:"I-I see."

Isanari:"I'm more surprised you're having trouble. I always see you studying when I come by."

Kotoha:"W-Well, I didn't start taking my studies seriously until I quit being the gang leader. So I can't say I have too much experience when it comes to the subjects I'm supposed to be taking. I tried studying alone but I have no clear direction. Looking through every page in the book isn't going to help me if I don't understand what I'm looking for. I also feel bad about asking students and teachers seeing as I used to act in a pretty bad way in front of them. I know most have forgiven me, but I can't say I've forgiven myself just yet."

Isanari:"...What you're saying is you just need some guidance, huh? Why don't you come to my school?"

Kotoha:"Your school?"

Isanari:"I may not be a genius, but I do know someone that can help you. I wish I could say I knew people, but I doubt that bookworm will actually help."

Kotoha:"Are you sure about this?"

Isanari:"Hell yeah! After all, you've played along with my requests all this time, so I want to pay you back in a way. Not to mention, all my challenges must have taken time away from you to study, so this is partly my fault."

Kotoha smiles.

Kotoha:"Thank you, I appreciate it."

Isanari turns away.

Isanari:"Don't mention it..." [That was a direct attack.] "W-Well, see you then!"

Kotoha:"Ah! That's right, he didn't challenge me today...Huh? When did I start looking forward to those?"

...

Rena:"You'd like for me to help you?"

It was after school, Isanari and Kotoha were standing in front of one of the most popular teachers at his school, Ms. Nakano.

Isanari:"I know I'm not in the position to ask this of you, but you're the most reliable teacher I know. Besides, even if I didn't know that, If a stoic party pooper like Maruo likes you, then that must mean you're an incredible person."