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The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.
❀⋆˚｡ ╰┈➤ It has been nearly three weeks.
Three weeks, and that pesky student council president is still coming for his periodic visits. It started as every few days, then after a while every other day, and now—every single day.
And every time he came, he ate at least one of your snacks.
Ranpo always made the excuse that the principle would force him to come see you, but an excuse only works for so long. It seemed now that he was actually enjoying pestering you.
You heard his cheerful greeting from a distance and knew what was coming.Thus, you could almost be heard by the whole school—audibly sighing.
The routine had become more of a chore for you than anything else, yet Ranpo's enthusiasm remained insatiable. When he reached you under the cherry tree, he immediately looked at you with a mischievous smile.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Troublemaker!" he greeted, tipping his hat with mock politeness. "What do you have for me today?"
Without a word, you handed him a bag of chips. He looked surprised for a brief moment, but then his eyes lit up with amusement.
"Ah, obeying my demands so nicely today, are we?" He grinned, clearly delighted with himself.
You responded dryly, a hint of irritation in your tone, which was a deviation from your usual energetic and well-timed jabs. "Yeah, yeah, enjoy your snack. I'm lucky to be able to afford this much." You pointed to the small stash of goods beside your bag.
Ranpo only laughed in response, clearly unfazed by your annoyance, as he settled comfortably beside you, opening the bag with a 'pop'. "You're awfully sour today, something happen? Cafeteria wasn't serving your favorite side dishes?" He added with a snicker.
The president expected one of your witty remarks, but when none came, he silently confirmed to himself that something was definitely wrong. It was an unexplainable thing, but he had an uncanny intuition that you had been in another fight.
Instead of getting mad as he usually did, he gently brushed your hair away and focused on the fresh bruises you were trying to hide.
You tried for a moment to push him away, but something stopped you. Was it the feeling of not wanting to get in more trouble with him? Or was it—not wanting to hurt him?
Concern filled his eyes as he leaned in closer to get a better look. Then, he took out a handkerchief and began to wipe away the blood, exposing the extent of your injuries.
"I've been caught." You tried to joke, but only a dry and half-hearted laugh came out. Ranpo's expression only grew more worried.
He reached into his pocket and revealed a few bandages. "You're lucky I wasn't feeling as lazy today. The nurses watch over the infirmary like hawks, so it wasn't easy to steal these."
Ranpo sighed as he started applying the bandages, his touch unusually gentle. "I had a feeling you'd gotten into another fight," he said with an undertone of annoyance. "You really shouldn't fight anymore. This is the last time I'm going to cover it up!"
A more believable chuckle escaped your lips—perhaps it really was real. "You said something along those lines last time."
"But it's true, if you're caught fighting again, you'll be expelled," Ranpo reiterated.
You grinned in response, seemingly unbothered. "Sounds like you're not just worried about reputation anymore—perhaps...the Great Student Council President has taken a liking to me?"
The young man found himself caught off guard by the sudden claim, and light blush crept across his cheeks. But he was quick mask his embarrassment with a grumble. "Don't be stupid. I'm only concerned about the school's reputation."
Your comment had rattled him slightly, and he shifted uncomfortably, arms still crossed over his chest. After he finished applying your bandages, he made a point of turning his face away from you, a gesture that couldn't help but make you laugh. It reminded you of a pouting child.
Underneath it all, though, there might just be a hint of truth to your teasing. "You're right, if I'm gone who will give you free snacks? And listen to you complain about the student council?"
He gave a small huff.
A brief silence lingered, yet you were content to keep it this time. However, Ranpo suddenly spoke again, his voice notably softer, almost carrying a hint of plea—or maybe it was a plea?
"Just...promise me not to fight anymore. Okay?"
You nodded your head slowly, eyes closed as you listened to the swaying blossoms of the cherry tree.
"I promise."
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION 11.01.2023 ❀
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— A small sign on the window of Yokohoma High Nurse's Office : "Students must check in to receive aid, all infirmary visits must be recorded. Thank you."
