When the two heard Akiyama Mio's complaint, they glanced at Shiro Sakamaki with mischievous smiles.
From the glint in their eyes, it was obvious—they were trying to drag him into the pit with them.
But that illusion was promptly shattered by Kotobuki Tsumugi.
"Don't look at Shiro-kun, Ritsu. He's number one in the entire grade. There's no way he's eligible for make-up exams."
Tainaka Ritsu, who had just opened her mouth to speak, froze and pounded the table. "Damn it, you saw through my ploy again. It's my own fault, I guess."
While sipping his black tea, Shiro suddenly rembered—he hadn't paid Tsumugi for the saxophone yet.
"Tsui, how much was the saxophone you lent ? I've been using it quite a bit, and it's been working great. Just consider it sold to —send your bank details and I'll transfer the money."
Kotobuki Tsumugi shook her head with a soft smile. "No need, Shiro-kun. My father said the saxophone was a gift for you."
"Seven hundred thousand!"*3
The others gasped in shock at the price.
They'd originally assud it was maybe around two hundred thousand yen, but seven hundred?! That was on a whole different level.
"Yes, 700,000 yen," Tsumugi said, still smiling sweetly. "It's not that expensive, really."
"Judging from its craftsmanship, it's worth every yen," Shiro added casually.
Listening to the utterly out-of-reach conversation between the two, Ritsu and the others practically turned to stone.
Just then, the door to the activity room opened, and in walked Hiratsuka Shizuka, clad in her signature white coat, her long hair swaying behind her.
"Excuse , is Shiro Sakamaki here?"
Tsumugi and the others instinctively stood up the mont they saw her, looking a bit tense. Even the ever-energetic Ritsu and Yui quieted down.
The teacher's aura clearly had a natural suppressive effect.
Shiro, however, remained completely unfazed. He continued eating his biscuit, paying no mind to Hiratsuka-sensei's dramatic entrance.
"Oh? A tea party? Looks good. Mind if I try so?"
Kotobuki Tsumugi imdiately relaxed, taking out a spare tea set and pouring Hiratsuka a cup of black tea.
"Please enjoy, Hiratsuka-sensei!"
Hiratsuka sat down at the table, eyeing the assortnt of cakes and cookies in front of her. Her expression was unreadable.
If she hadn't been the Light Music Club's advisor, she might have wondered if this was the Afternoon Tea Club instead.
She took a bite of cake. The rich sweetness lted on her tongue, and she couldn't help but close her eyes in bliss.
"This is... really good."
The others eased back into their seats as it beca clear Hiratsuka wasn't here to talk about club business.
Still, her gaze soon turned to Shiro, who was busy writing in his notebook, her expression turning serious.
She knocked on the table in front of him. "Sakamaki-kun, are you not going to greet your teacher?"
She placed extra emphasis on the word "teacher."
Shiro finally set down his pen, glanced up lazily, and said, "So, Hiratsuka-sensei, what brings you here?"
Hiratsuka took another bite of cake and followed it up with a sip of tea. Her face softened in delight before returning to its usual sternness.
"Nothing much. Just wanted to check in about what happened after school that day."
Although she didn't specify, Shiro knew exactly what she was referring to—those girls who ended up in a coma.
"It's nothing. I just taught them a lesson because I couldn't stand their behavior."
"In case they leave school without understanding consequences, I was just giving them a preview of reality. If you're here to thank , there's really no need."
Hiratsuka clenched her fist but relaxed again.
Even she couldn't say they didn't deserve it. And if she could beat him, she might've thrown a punch herself.
"Still, don't you think you went too far? They were just classmates. Did you really have to go that hard on them?"
"They're still shaken up. Their families are already demanding explanations from the school."
Tsumugi and the others, although unsure what Shiro and Hiratsuka were discussing, could sense that he had done sothing quite... intense.
Hiratsuka sighed. "If this escalates, the school might be pressured to transfer you or revoke your exchange status."
Shiro closed his notebook and sipped his tea. The rich aroma helped soothe the slight annoyance bubbling inside him.
"So, Hiratsuka-sensei... what are you suggesting?"
"I know you're not a troublemaker, Shiro. But under the circumstances, it'd be best if you apologized. Just showing that attitude would make the rest easier to handle."
Shiro's eyes glead with cool defiance.
"You want to apologize?"
"If that's your suggestion, then you can go back. No matter what happens, I'll take responsibility for my actions."
Hiratsuka's face remained calm—she'd expected this reaction all along.
She stood, placed her empty teacup on the table, and turned to leave.
At the door, she looked back with a small smile. "Kotobuki-san, the tea was excellent. May I drop by again soti?"
"Of course, Hiratsuka-sensei! You're welco anyti."
With a nod, she waved coolly and stepped out of the room.
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