Shirakawa Sawahei walked into C1 class with a steady gaze, as if no one was there, completely ignoring the stares from those around him. He walked to where Tachibana Tomoku was sitting and finally spoke in a calm tone to Oga Masato, who was bent over ninety degrees in a confession.
Even though he said please, Oga Masato and his group couldn't hear a shred of politeness from Shirakawa Sawahei's demeanor or tone.
One of the popular group's members was just about to voice their dissatisfaction when Oga Masato straightened up and apologized to Shirakawa Sawahei with a smile.
"Sorry, Shirakawa... You're Tachibana's friend, right?"
Since Oga Masato was a distinguished scholarship student who often gave presentations, it wasn't surprising he knew Shirakawa.
Shirakawa Sawahei didn't even lift his eyelids as he walked past the spot Oga Masato vacated. He then said to his study partner, "Tachibana, the club activities have started. Let's go."
Tachibana Tomoku obediently grabbed Shirakawa Sawahei's sleeve right away.
The popular group members immediately couldn't sit still. A girl with a light yellow bow said, "Shirakawa, Masato is confessing. Can't you be a bit more considerate of the atmosphere?"
"Don't you think it's rude to walk over here without saying anything?"
"Exactly, even though Senior Oga is talking to him..."
"Tachibana, are you just going to leave ?"
Shirakawa Sawahei glanced at the chatty girls. His sharp gaze made two timid ones shrink back, leaving one girl who seemed convinced that he wouldn't do anything, stubbornly holding her ground.
Seemingly sensing this tense atmosphere, a male member of the popular group stepped forward.
"Shirakawa, Masato is still confessing. Can the club activities be postponed a little?"
"We'll explain it later to the Calligraphy Club Director..."
Shirakawa Sawahei slightly turned his head and asked, "What's your name?"
The boy was stunned for a moment before replying, "My name is Shimoda..."
Before he could finish, Shirakawa Sawahei continued, "Are you close with Tsukimi Sakurazawa?"
"Then what are you explaining for," Shirakawa Sawahei said coldly. "It seems like no one here is qualified to ask for people from our Calligraphy Club, right?"
The two boys heard the sarcasm in Shirakawa Sawahei's words and were about to step forward when Oga Masato held them back, smiling brilliantly at Shirakawa Sawahei.
"Sorry, we didn't consider everything perfectly."
"Sorry for causing you trouble."
He then said to the bowed Tachibana Tomoku, "Tachibana, I'm really sorry for causing you such a big trouble... But if possible, I hope you will seriously consider my feelings."
"I don't want to give up. Even if there's only a slim chance, please consider it seriously!"
"I'll be waiting for your response."
Another standard bow of request. Any ordinary girl would probably be moved to tears by now.
Such a sunny and handsome quality popular boy repeatedly expressing his feelings sincerely—who could say no?
Oga Masato bent down, looking at the ground, unable to discern the expressions of others, but regardless, his conduct as a defeatist had reached its peak.
Sincere, graceful, humble, polite. He knew that if he persisted, Tachibana Tomoku's personality wouldn't know how to refuse!
And that Shirakawa Sawahei from the same club who intervened halfway would certainly ruin Tomoku Tachibana's usual view of him due to his forceful intervention.
Sometimes, being in the weaker position isn't a disadvantage, but rather a shortcut to gain sympathy.
Suddenly, he realized that the confession letter in his hand seemed to be pulled away.
Oga Masato felt a thrill and quickly looked up, "Tachibana..."
Shirakawa Sawahei took out his confession letter, effortlessly tearing it in half in front of his now upturned face.
The evening light backlit Shirakawa Sawahei from behind, rendering his expression indistinct. Oga Masato couldn't see his face clearly, only sensing the sharp gleam reflected in his eyes.
"No need to consider; I'll decline on her behalf."
Oga Masato's smile froze on his face.
The crowd was thrown into an awkward silence by this unexpected turn of events, until someone finally shouted, "Who do you think you are to reject on her behalf!"
"Shirakawa Sawahei, don't think we're afraid of you! Masato just doesn't want to clash with you!"
"How low, Senior Shirakawa. I used to think you were a good person. How could you do this to Senior Oga?"
"This guy is so self-centered..."
Oga Masato put away his smile and said sternly, "Shirakawa, what do you mean by this? Can you make decisions for Tachibana?"
"No matter what, Tachibana is an independent individual. She doesn't exist dependent on anyone, nor does she have to follow anyone's orders! Even parents have to respect her wishes!"
Oga Masato looked serious: "And Shirakawa, you're just a clubmate. What right do you have to say that you can make decisions for Tachibana?"
"In your eyes, doesn't Tachibana have a mind of her own?"
"Please apologize to Tachibana immediately! Otherwise, I won't let you off!" Oga Masato exclaimed firmly.
Shirakawa Sawahei was amused by his anger. He thought Oga Masato was indeed interesting; even now, he hadn't forgotten to gain favor with his study partner and sow discord between them.
Being able to act to this extent was a talent in itself.
He didn't bother debating independence and respect with Oga Masato and was planning to invite these boys somewhere secluded to properly demonstrate what it means to submit by force when a small voice came from behind him.
"I... I'll listen to Shirakawa."
Shirakawa Sawahei paused for a moment, then gently laughed.
Oga Masato almost couldn't hold in a mouthful of old blood.
I've just been talking about independence, autonomy, and respect. It's one thing if you didn't listen, but to say "I'll listen to Shirakawa"?
I'm even lifting you up, and you suddenly jumped off the palanquin to elope with the villain? Is this something a person would do! You've thrown morality's high ground straight into the Somali Trench!
The Paramecium Minister at the doorway couldn't hold back and burst out laughing. Seeing everyone's attention on her, she quickly covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to... Carry on, carry on..."
But since the main character has spoken, even if Oga Masato's popular group members had thick skin, they had no reason to continue blocking Shirakawa Sawahei and Tachibana Tomoku.
The two walked step by step, slowly out of C1 class like victors, leaving behind Tsukimi Sakurazawa and the popular group staring at each other, wanting to continue to spectate.
Inside C1, a deathly silence fell.
"Hey, Shirakawa, wait for me!" the Paramecium Minister shouted.
She quickly caught up and complained once they were a little further away, "Shirakawa! You knew not to leave with me! What if they come out and hit me out of anger!"
Shirakawa Sawahei glanced at her, "Who told you to sit there and watch the show."
"Wah wah wah, what do you mean watch the show! This was our Calligraphy Club's first defense battle. I was the chief commander, alright!"