My Story of Falling for the Class President Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Life Consultation with a Gal

It was after school on a Wednesday with no club activities, a few days later.

I finally decided to consult soone about the worries I'd had for a while.

'Ise-san, want to walk ho together?'

'Eh? Well, since it's hot today, treat to so Garigari-kun♡'

'Got it.'

I put on my shoes at the shoe locker and walked out the gate together with her.

I couldn't quite bring myself to broach the main topic.

Then,

'You've got sothing on your mind, don't you?'

'...Yeah, I was hesitant about consulting Ise-san since we haven't known each other long.'

I briefly explained what Kousuke had said to , my own story, how I avoided giving answers about my bullying experience the other day, and what happened after.

I talked about venting my emotions at Aoi and about my family issues.

I hate the person I am now, and I hate the kid I used to be.

I hate myself for not being able to do anything even when my brother is suffering.

I hate myself for only being able to laugh awkwardly while watching my parents work so hard.

This is the darkness within that I've never told anyone about.

Ise-san listened the whole ti without interrupting, just occasionally saying, 'Yeah,' or 'I see.'

I got flustered when Ise-san started crying while I talked about my brother.

(Don't cry in front of people—!)

'I think it's natural for you to feel that way, Tachibana.'

She got straight to the point.

'You're just a kid, after all. It's natural to feel frustrated, to have insecurities and a sense of helplessness. Anyone you ask would probably give you logical advice, words of empathy, and their own opinions. But that's not what you want, is it?'

Ise-san continued.

'You're putting yourself down, but Kita-chan and I were saved because of what you did for yourself and for Rena Kashii. So, no matter how much you put yourself down, it pisses off when you belittle the Tachibana who helped us. Even if it's you doing it. Oh, wait a sec?'

(Ise-san says "aashi" when she's angry or irritated, huh.)

Ise-san started making a call sowhere.

'It's ! , I said! Just co here already! You're not at club activities, right? Just co!! Go straight out the gate, turn right! Head to the north area, and you'll find us!'

After hanging up, Ise-san continued.

'Talking to soone like , who you haven't known for long, might actually be a good idea. But whether I affirm or deny what you're feeling, it's ultimately up to you, Tachibana, right? So, isn't it more about "who" you ask rather than the answer itself? Right now, you might lack confidence, but maybe you're not asking the right person. Are you scared to ask? Embarrassed to show your dark side?'

'...'

(She's more insightful than I expected. I've got nothing to say.)

'I'm glad you relied on . Hearing about you, the bullying, your insecurities—there was a lot in what you shared today, so I feel like I understand you a bit more, Tachibana. One more thing: you seem to have a complex about your family's debt and worry too much about your brother, even though the reasons are different. I get how you feel, but neither of those things is your fault, you know?'

(Consulting Ise-san wasn't a mistake.)

After glancing at her phone for a mont, Ise-san started waving toward the back.

'Over here! Over here!!'

??

Kashii-san?! Kashii-san ca running over at a light jog?!

'You're late, Rena Kashii!'

'It's because Ise-san called out of nowhere! What's this about!'

With a sly grin, Ise-san said,

'Well, from here on, Rena Kashii will listen to you! Tachibana, isn't it more about who you ask than what you ask? Next ti, I think you should talk to Kousuke-kun. And when we et next, Haagen-Dazs will do, okay?'

'Rena Kashii, you were helped too, right? She's struggling this much, so just listen to her. Even with your "for everyone's sake" attitude, there are people who slip through the cracks, aren't there? You owe one.'

Ise-san laughed with a 'nihihi♪' and then veered off down a side path.

Huh? I have to talk to Kashii-san?

We've been distant lately, so it's hard to talk to her.

Talk about my weaknesses and the parts of myself I hate to Kashii-san, who I like?!

That gal just passed my life consultation from one person to another!

And so, in a completely unexpected way, my life consultation moved into its second round.

Tachibana and Kashii just stared at each other with dumbfounded expressions.

———————————————

Ise-san, after parting ways with the two of them.

(I wonder if Tachibana will be able to talk properly? Even if it's just a consultation, if this ends up helping things work out later, doesn't that make a Cupid?)

I figured it out right away when our seats were next to each other. Sho Tachibana is always watching Rena Kashii with his eyes.

It was also obvious right away that Rena Kashii cares about Sho Tachibana.

Of course, he put himself on the line to stop the bullying for his own sake, but probably—no, definitely—for Rena Kashii's sake too. I just knew it.

(I guess I like Tachibana quite a bit. My chest hurts a little.)

That's the kind of woman Narumi Ise was.