After the exam ended, Kanda Shuichi suddenly remembered something—he had planned to give Ichinose a gift.
Since her class had performed so poorly this time, he figured he could treat it as a small consolation gift. Plus, she had practically been covering for him in his role as student council vice president, so he could also see it as a thank-you.
Class A—Ichinose's class—had overworked themselves in the month leading up to the exam, which caused them to underperform during the actual test.
No one was expelled, but they lost to Sakayanagi's Class B and ended up losing 200 class points. As a result, starting next month, they would fall back into Class B's position.
"It's okay, we were in Class B from the start. Even if we fell behind, that doesn't mean we won't have another chance in the future. We're just back to where we started."
For the past few days, Ichinose had been comforting the discouraged students from Class A with those words, always wearing a gentle smile.
Then one day, after school, she returned to her dorm and found a beautifully wrapped box in her mailbox.
There was also a small note attached.
[Winning and losing is part of the game. Do your best next time~ Thanks for your hard work with the student council too. Just a little gift, nothing much~]
The sender was Kanda Shuichi.
Seeing the gift, Ichinose, who had been feeling exhausted these past few days, suddenly felt a bit lighter.
Kanda was being surprisingly thoughtful. But what kind of gift did he send?
Judging by the packaging, it looked quite fancy. It must've cost a lot of points. But then again, Kanda never seemed short on points.
Hmm… might as well open it and take a look. I'm kind of excited.
Feeling happy and smiling with anticipation, Ichinose carefully unwrapped the gift from Kanda Shuichi.
But the moment she saw what was inside—a delicate silver-white hair clip lying quietly in the box—her smile froze, and her mind went blank.
The next second, the box slipped from her hands and fell to the floor.
And as luck would have it, Kanda Shuichi happened to walk into the dorm lobby at that exact moment, witnessing the entire scene.
What the…?
Was my gift that bad?
It cost nearly twenty thousand points!
And it's even a trendy item this year.
Even if you don't like it, you didn't have to drop it on the floor, right?
Besides, weren't you really interested in this hair clip when you saw it before?
Kanda Shuichi still hadn't realized what was going on. But judging from Ichinose's reaction, he felt like he should at least ask.
Wait… could she be like Kushida?
Acting all kind and gentle on the outside, but secretly throwing away gifts behind people's backs?
"Um, Ichinose…"
As Kanda Shuichi walked closer, just as he was about to ask why she dropped his gift, he caught a glimpse of her face from the side—tears were streaming down.
She looked completely dazed, her eyes unfocused, as if she was in a trance.
When she heard Kanda Shuichi's voice, Ichinose turned to look at him and instinctively took two steps back.
At this point, even someone with zero emotional awareness could tell something was seriously wrong.
"Ichinose…? Are you okay?"
This… this has to be because of the hair clip, right?
Wait, was she paying attention to Kamuro's hair clip before not because she wanted it, but for some other reason?
Kanda Shuichi had a bad feeling that he might have really messed up.
Meanwhile, Ichinose, when she saw the hair clip, had thought it was Kanda Shuichi sending her a warning. That was why, the moment she saw him, she instinctively backed away in fear.
But then she noticed the confused and uneasy look on his face. That wasn't the expression of someone trying to threaten her.
"Sorry, Kanda. I'm fine."
After saying that, she quickly turned and ran toward the elevator.
Who are you trying to fool?
There's no way this looks like nothing's wrong.
Without even bothering to pick up the hairpin and gift box from the ground, Kanda Shuichi immediately ran after her.
Just before the elevator doors closed, he forced them open.
"Huff... huff... You don't look fine at all like this." Kanda Shuichi, slightly out of breath, said as he looked at Ichinose crouched in the corner, her head buried in her knees.
Although his body had mostly recovered this time, that sudden sprint of a few dozen meters still left him a little winded.
Hearing Kanda Shuichi's voice so close, Ichinose slowly lifted her head, her eyes already welling up with tears.
"Um, listen..."
Just as Kanda Shuichi was about to say something, the sound of students talking came from nearby.
He immediately shut his mouth, stepped into the elevator, and pressed the button for the fourth floor, closing the doors.
At last, the elevator started moving before anyone else arrived.
He let out a small sigh of relief and turned to look at Ichinose, who was still in the same position, as if she had just suffered a huge blow.
The elevator quickly reached the fourth floor. After hesitating for a moment, Kanda Shuichi grabbed Ichinose's wrist and pulled her up without giving her a chance to resist.
Hopefully, there wouldn't be some weird rumor tomorrow like—"Kanda Shuichi from Class D made Ichinose Honami, the leader of Class A, cry in the elevator."
"Come with me."
Thanks to his regular exercise, Kanda Shuichi was able to pull her up; otherwise, he might not have managed.
But clearly, he was overthinking it. Ichinose seemed completely out of it, her expression dazed and unfocused. Right now, she was just following him without even realizing it.
Leading Ichinose all the way back to his dorm, Kanda Shuichi only let out a small sigh of relief after closing the door behind them.
He wasn't really afraid of rumors, but if something like this got out, it could damage Ichinose's reputation, and that would probably cause trouble for him as well.
After locking the door, he turned around, ready to say something to Ichinose—only to find that she had already crouched down by the bed, just like she did in the elevator.
But this time, she didn't bury her head completely in her knees. Instead, she left her eyes visible, staring blankly at the wooden floor.
Seeing her like this, Kanda Shuichi suddenly felt a little guilty.
Did giving her that gift actually mess her up this badly?
At the same time, he realized one of his weaknesses—he couldn't handle seeing a girl cry in front of him, especially when it was because of him.
Someone once said that a girl's tears have a strong impact.
Kanda Shuichi never believed it before, but now he did.
"Uh… Ichinose?"
He cautiously called out to her, and she slowly lifted her head to look at him.
"Why?"
Why?
What do you mean, why?
I'd like to know that too!
"Why did you give me that?"
Ichinose's question caught Kanda Shuichi off guard.
So that's what she was asking about?
"Because back during summer break, when we went to the pool, I noticed you seemed really interested in the hairpin Kamuro was wearing. I figured you might like it or something."
In this situation, Kanda Shuichi had no choice but to answer honestly—well, at least half honestly. He had known for a while that this hairpin was special to Ichinose, but he hadn't expected her reaction to be this strong, especially in a negative way.
Summer break?
Ichinose, lost in thought, seemed to recall something. Back then, Kamuro had three of these silver-white hairpins in her hair, and later, Kanda Shuichi had clipped one onto his own head.
Was my reaction that obvious back then?
"Then… why are you giving me a gift?"
"Because you helped me a lot with the student council stuff." Seeing that Ichinose had calmed down a bit, Kanda Shuichi secretly sighed in relief. "Originally, I was planning to give it to you as a birthday gift, but your birthday had already passed. So, I decided to give it to you after this exam instead.
If your class wins, consider it a celebration. If you lose, then take it as a little comfort."
A birthday gift…
Hearing those words, Ichinose's mind drifted back to that time.
"Kanda… I have something I want to tell you… Would you be willing to listen?"
Ichinose's breathing was a little shaky, her hands clenched tightly together, even trembling slightly from how hard she was squeezing them.
Her voice was full of unease. It was a request, yet to Kanda Shuichi, it sounded more like she was pleading.
Just what kind of thing… could make you this desperate?
Seeing her like this, Kanda Shuichi didn't refuse. He nodded. "If you think I'm someone who should hear it."
"Kanda… you are."
Ichinose muttered softly, then looked up at Kanda Shuichi.
"…I-I did something wrong… I… stole something."
The look of disgust she had expected never came. Even after hearing her words, Kanda Shuichi didn't show any reaction at all.
He simply gave a slow nod, signaling that he was listening.
Then, Ichinose began to tell her story about what happened in her third year of middle school.
"My family is just my mom and me, and I have a little sister who's two years younger. We didn't have much, but I never thought of it as a bad thing."
Another one…
Katsuragi's parents were gone, Ayanokouji only had a father, Kanda's parents were gone too, and now Ichinose was another one with only a mother. What's with this school…?
And except for Ayanokouji, they all had little sisters…
"My mom had to raise two kids while working at the same time, so she was always exhausted. Because of that, I thought about finding a job right after middle school so she wouldn't have to work so hard, and so my little sister could have a better life."
When she mentioned her sister, Ichinose's expression softened.
"But I bet your mom wouldn't have agreed to that."
Ichinose gave Kanda Shuichi a strange look but still nodded.
That made sense. What kind of mother who loves her child would let her talented daughter start working right after middle school?
As for why it was clear that Ichinose's mother loved her... it was simple—Ichinose said her life wasn't unhappy.
"Just like how I want my little sister to be happy, my mom also wants me to be happy."
Because of that, Ichinose worked hard in school, hoping to earn a scholarship to ease her mom's burden. Her little sister was also obedient and never asked for anything. She never went out to play with friends and always endured in silence.
However, human patience has its limits. Before young Ichinose's birthday, when she was in her first year of middle school, she had her first real desire for something—a hairpin worn by her favorite celebrity.
Hearing this, Kanda Shuichi immediately realized that the item young Ichinose wanted was the same hairpin he had given to Ichinose Honami.
To fulfill her daughter's small wish, Ichinose's mother pushed herself beyond her limits and took on extra shifts. As a result, her health deteriorated, and she ended up in the hospital.
And naturally, young Ichinose never got the hairpin she wanted.
"I still remember it clearly—even now. I remember my mom lying in that hospital bed, crying as she apologized to my sister. And my sister... she was so angry at our mother, screaming and crying for the hairpin she had been waiting for all this time..."
Kanda Shuichi could understand this reaction. He remembered having moments in his childhood when he desperately wanted something, throwing tantrums, rolling on the floor, and shouting. Of course, his parents had disciplined him for it.
After all, Ichinose's sister was just a first-year middle schooler back then. Thirteen years old?
A breakdown can happen in an instant. Even a mature adult can reach their breaking point—let alone a child.
Besides, it was something Ichinose's mother had promised her. Sometimes, when adults break their promises, it can make children deeply resent them.
As for understanding...
Heh.
How many people can truly understand their parents at the age of thirteen?
At least, Kanda Shuichi couldn't.
"…Seeing them like that, it hurt so much. I wanted my sister to be happy, and I didn't want my mom to keep suffering. So, after school on my sister's birthday, I went to the department store."
Ichinose took a shaky breath as she continued.
"Back then, the feelings I had must have been dark… But what did it matter? Just this once, I'd do something bad for my sister. It wasn't a big deal. After all, so many people in this world do bad things—it's not like I was the only one.
We've endured for so long. There was no reason for us to be blamed. Even if I did this, I'd be forgiven… I kept telling myself that, over and over again.
And then, I stole the hairpin my sister had always wanted."
Sorry, Ichinose. I know it's rude to let my mind wander while you're talking, but I just can't help thinking about Masumi right now.
"I took the hairpin home and gave it to my sad little sister, and since I had stolen it, there was no fancy wrapping. As a gift, it was pretty crude—nothing like the one Kanda gave me today."
Hearing that, Kanda Shuichi's face stiffened. "Now's really not the time to joke about that, is it?"
"But my sister was so happy... Seeing her smile, my guilt faded for just a moment. But that wasn't right. After that, the guilt only grew stronger and stronger."
Ichinose let out a bitter laugh.
Seeing Ichinose like this, Kanda Shuichi had the urge to call Kamuro Masumi over and show her what a normal reaction to stealing looks like.
"Because it was stolen, I told my sister not to let our mom know. But my sister... it was like she wanted to prove how much I loved her. She wore the hairpin when she went to visit our mother."
"And of course, my mom could tell her daughter had done something wrong. That was the first time I saw her truly angry. She slapped me hard, took the hairpin away from my sister... My sister cried and cried. She must not have understood why. She had no way of knowing that I had stolen it for her."
"Then, even though she was still in the hospital, my mom dragged me back to the store and got down on her knees, begging for forgiveness… Watching my mother kneel and apologize, that was the first time I truly realized how serious my crime was. No matter what kind of excuse I gave, there was no justifying what I had done."
"In the end, the store didn't call the police on me, but rumors spread in an instant. I shut myself away. For the last half of my third year of middle school, I never left my room."
"Later, my homeroom teacher told me about this school. The tuition and living expenses were fully covered, and after graduation, I could get a job anywhere. So I came here, hoping to start over from zero."
So this was Ichinose's past—the past she had kept hidden all this time.
Because she had stayed home for six months, the school placed her in Class B.
After hearing her story, Kanda Shuichi didn't know what to say.
Either way, he didn't think she deserved to be blamed.
Stealing is definitely wrong, but Kanda Shuichi still felt that Ichinose's mother had gone too far.
Normally, in a situation like this, most parents would take their child to the store and say something like, "My child didn't know any better and took something without permission, and I didn't notice it."
In the end, they would either pay for the item or return it, apologize themselves, and then have the child apologize as well. That would usually be the end of it.
Store employees generally wouldn't call the police since it's easier to just let it go.
Of course, there are also some irresponsible parents who act like nothing happened. Their kids then grow up thinking what they did was okay, and eventually…
Either way, doing something like kneeling in front of others in front of your own child, like Ichinose's mother did—let alone doing it, even thinking about it was out of the question.
Maybe it was due to cultural differences, but even so, Kanda Shuichi still didn't think Ichinose's mother was right.
If she had just made Ichinose return the item or even had Ichinose kneel and apologize herself, then maybe she wouldn't have ended up staying home for half a year.
Maybe her mother felt like she had failed to raise her daughter properly and needed to atone, but in the end, all it did was nearly break Ichinose.
Honestly, for her to have stayed inside for half a year because of this and still not end up in a depressive spiral—Ichinose must have a really strong heart.
"I have a question," Kanda Shuichi suddenly said. "Ichinose, were you always the kind of person who's really kind to others?"
"Huh?"
Ichinose was caught off guard. Where did that come from?
"You're not just trying your hardest to be nice to people because you feel guilty about hurting your mom and sister after stealing, right?"
Ichinose froze at Kanda Shuichi's words.
Am I?
"I… I don't know." Ichinose gave a bitter smile and shook her head. "Kanda, are you disappointed in me?"
"Disappointed? Why?" Kanda Shuichi tilted his head. "If I were the kind of person who'd be disappointed in you just because you stole something once, then you're really underestimating me. I don't think you're some saint… No, even saints make mistakes, don't they?"
"You did do something wrong, but your mother apologized to the store clerk for you, and they forgave you. There wasn't even any real harm done, so I don't see why this has to be dragged out any further."
"If anything, the fact that you stayed home for half a year over this is what really surprises me."
Hearing Kanda Shuichi's brutally straightforward remark, Ichinose let out an awkward, almost instinctive laugh.
"Ahaha… sorry."
"And why are you apologizing again?" Kanda Shuichi stood up. "Wait here. I'm going out for a bit."
"Huh?"
Before Ichinose could ask anything, Kanda Shuichi had already slipped on his sandals and stepped outside.
A few minutes later, Kanda Shuichi returned, holding the box that Ichinose had dropped earlier.
"This is for you… No, for your sister. Though I don't know if this will still be popular by the time we graduate."
As he spoke, Kanda Shuichi extended the box toward Ichinose.
But to his surprise, tears welled up in Ichinose's eyes again and rolled down her cheeks.
Wait, what? Didn't you already say everything? Why are you crying again?
Just as Kanda Shuichi was feeling at a loss, Ichinose suddenly stood up, grabbed the box from his hands, and then threw herself at him in a hug.
Whoa! Coach, she just tackled me!
"Thank you, Kanda," Ichinose murmured close to his ear. "If only I had met you sooner."
Hearing that, Kanda Shuichi gently patted her back.
"It's not too late now."
Ichinose didn't say anything. She just held onto Kanda Shuichi for a while before finally letting go, her face slightly red.
"Um… can I use the bathroom? I want to wash my face."
"Of course."
After Ichinose went into the bathroom, Kanda Shuichi finally let out a breath.
Damn, it's her fault for having such a great figure.
When Ichinose came out of the bathroom, she looked like her usual self again. But since she had just been crying, her eyes were still a little red.
"Oh, right, Ichinose. I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this to anyone."
If this were outside of school, it wouldn't matter if Ichinose showed her weakness. At most, she'd just have to deal with people's criticism on her own. But this school was different.
If someone wanted to target Ichinose's class, they wouldn't hesitate to spread this information.
And knowing Ichinose, she would never deny what she had done in the past. If this got out, it could cause chaos in her class.
And since Ichinose cares so much about her classmates, she could end up getting hurt because of it.
"…Huh?" But Ichinose looked hesitant.
"Is something wrong?"
Why does she even need to think about this? If you ever need to talk, just come to me. What's there to hesitate about?
"Um, Kanda… what if I already told someone?"
Seeing Ichinose's awkward expression, Kanda Shuichi was speechless.
So I wasn't the first one she told?
"Who was it?"
His expression darkened a little.
"It was President Nagumo. He promised he wouldn't tell anyone," Ichinose quickly explained.
Nagumo?
That guy?
But why would Ichinose tell him?
Then, Kanda remembered something Horikita Manabu had mentioned in passing before.
Nagumo had used his authority to bring a first-year student into the student council.
"Was it when you were trying to join the student council?"
Ichinose looked a bit surprised, then nodded. "When I got rejected from joining, Nagumo-senpai approached me and said that Horikita-senpai would never accept anyone who wasn't from Class A."
"That's bullshit," Kanda Shuichi shot that idea down immediately. "I was personally invited by Horikita Manabu."
That damn blondie.
Do you seriously not get why Horikita Manabu didn't want first-years in the student council?
But why was he approaching Ichinose back then?
Then Kanda Shuichi thought about the current situation with the second-years.
Damn it, is that bastard Nagumo targeting Ichinose!?
"Ugh…" Ichinose made a troubled face. "Since Nagumo-senpai said he believed he had the ability to be in Class A, he openly shared why he was placed in Class B when he applied to the student council. So I… did the same."
That bastard.
No wonder Horikita Manabu was wary of you. You're seriously that shameless?
Tricking innocent girls?
Just wait until I get a chance—I'll make you pay for that!
Seeing Kanda Shuichi's annoyed expression, Ichinose quickly explained, "It's okay! Nagumo-senpai has a great reputation among the students. Everyone says he's a man of his word!"
Hearing that, Kanda Shuichi paused for a moment. That guy did have a good reputation. Even when he lost points to Kanda Shuichi before, he didn't try to go back on his word.
But that didn't mean he was a good person. Otherwise, Horikita Manabu wouldn't be so wary of him.
That guy was outstanding in both academics and sports. Even though he was placed in Class B at the start, it took him less than a year to lead his class to Class A and take control of the entire grade.
On top of that, he handled his student council duties flawlessly and was now the student council president.
But Kanda Shuichi knew he was bad news.
Otherwise, during the pool game, he wouldn't have purposely aimed the volleyball at Kanda Shuichi on the shore.
"No matter what, don't tell anyone about this in the future." Kanda Shuichi's tone was serious. "If this kind of black mark gets out, someone might use it against your class. I wouldn't stoop to such dirty tactics, but not everyone thinks the same way."
Ichinose nodded repeatedly. After experiencing so many class battles since the start of the school year, she understood how dangerous it was for personal information to leak.
She was lucky she told Kanda—if it had been someone else, things could've turned out badly.
She actually knew that Nagumo was trying to get information from her, but she didn't say anything because she enjoyed the way Kanda Shuichi cared about her.
"So, can I still come to you when I need help?"
"Of course! Always come to me!"
"Hehe, Kanda-kun, you're really kind."
"Of course! I'm the kindest guy in Class D."
"But starting next semester, you'll be in Class C."
"Then I'll be the kindest guy in Class C."
As they chatted, Kanda Shuichi suddenly made a request to Ichinose.
"Ichinose, leave the student council."
"Huh? Why?" Ichinose looked confused. "If it's because of Nagumo-senpai, I'll be more careful from now on."
"No, that's not it. I want you on my team."
Kanda Shuichi didn't hide his intentions.
At a recent student council meeting, he had proposed a rule: whoever recruits someone gets to manage them. The rule was passed, which meant Ichinose was technically under Nagumo's control.
— ¶ —————————————————————
If Ichinose quit the student council and then rejoined under Kanda Shuichi's authority, she would officially be part of his faction.
That way, if anything happened, Nagumo wouldn't have the power to interfere. It was also a way to protect Ichinose.
"Alright, I understand. I'll submit my resignation to Nagumo-senpai tomorrow."
Ichinose didn't even ask for a reason—she just agreed right away. Looks like the timing and reason behind that gift earlier were perfect.
"Oh, by the way, do you want to give this hair clip to your little sister right away?"
— ¶ —————————————————————
Speaking of gifts, Kanda Shuichi remembered how he had once helped Katsuragi.
"Huh? Is that even possible? I thought the school didn't allow contact with the outside world."
Ichinose was stunned for a moment but also looked hopeful.
"Leave it to me. Just tell me—do you want to or not?"
"Of course! Please help me!"
Ichinose nodded repeatedly. After experiencing so many class battles since the start of the school year, she understood how dangerous it was for personal information to leak.
She was lucky she told Kanda—if it had been someone else, things could've turned out badly.
She actually knew that Nagumo was trying to get information from her, but she didn't say anything because she enjoyed the way Kanda Shuichi cared about her.
"So, can I still come to you when I need help?"
"Of course! Always come to me!"
"Hehe, Kanda-kun, you're really kind."
"Of course! I'm the kindest guy in Class D."
"But starting next semester, you'll be in Class C."
"Then I'll be the kindest guy in Class C."
As they chatted, Kanda Shuichi suddenly made a request to Ichinose.
Speaking of gifts, Kanda Shuichi remembered how he had helped Katsuragi before.
"Huh? Is that okay? Isn't our school strict about no contact with the outside world?"
Ichinose was stunned for a moment by Kanda Shuichi's words, but at the same time, there was a look of anticipation in her eyes.
"Leave it to me. You just have to tell me whether you want it or not."
"Of course! Please help me!"
Ichinose's eyes immediately lit up with excitement.
"In that case, let me show you what Kanda Shuichi can do," Kanda Shuichi said with a smile. "Is there anything you want to say to your sister?"
Ichinose opened her mouth but then shook her head.
Never mind. If you don't say it, I'll say it for you.
Something like: *I'm doing well here, don't worry about me.*
"By the way, does your sister have a social media account?"
"Yeah, she does."
Though a little confused, Ichinose still nodded.
"That's good," Kanda Shuichi said, nodding as well. "I'll buy a new hair clip for your sister. You can have this one instead. I hope you don't mind."
"T-That's not right, I should pay you with points."
"No need, no need. I don't really need points. Instead of giving me points, just treat me to a meal sometime."
"Then… it's a deal!" Ichinose nodded, accepting Kanda Shuichi's kindness.
After chatting for a little longer, Ichinose got up to leave since she had plans to have dinner with friends.
After seeing her off, Kanda Shuichi let out a long breath. Today had been quite a productive day.
————— ----
You can read 10 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu