Chapter 260 Face-Slapping Nagumo Miyabi / Ichinose: I can try with you...
The two staff members nearby, seeing the four girls emerge from the malfunctioning elevator, suggested they head to the infirmary for a check-up. The four looked at each other and shook their heads in refusal. After all, they had only been trapped for ten minutes; aside from the initial panic, they felt fine physically.
"Um... Little Kiyoshi! I'm sorry, I was too excited just now!" Hasebe Haruka realized belatedly how reckless her actions had been. Her face flushed bright red, and she hurriedly released her grip on Shimizu Akira's arm.
"It's fine," Shimizu said, suppressing a smile. This "older sister" type really did have high attack power but low defense—had she only just realized how bold she'd been?
Beside them, Sakura Airi's lips moved slightly as if she wanted to say something, but she swallowed her words and only dared to peek at Shimizu from the corner of her eye.
"Shimizu-kun, thank you truly for this time," Shiina Hiyori stepped forward, her expression calm but her tone sincere.
"It was no trouble," Shimizu replied plainly.
"I had to contact the Student Council anyway. Saving two people or four people makes no difference."
"Thanks for this... I guess," Ibuki Mio muttered, looking away. Shimizu was a bit surprised; he hadn't expected the notoriously stubborn Ibuki to offer a proactive thanks.
However, he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he turned to the two staff members still standing there, his tone turning serious:
"Listen, we appreciate you coming to handle this within ten minutes. But honestly, your inspections were clearly inadequate. My classmates pressed the emergency button repeatedly with zero response. We were lucky this time and no one was hurt, but what if someone hadn't brought their phone, or their battery was dead? They'd be trapped indefinitely. I hope you'll take your facility checks more seriously from now on to prevent such lapses."
Shimizu didn't raise his voice; he simply pointed out the facts, but the two staff members looked instantly embarrassed.
The older one stammered, "This... it was indeed our mistake."
The other nodded frantically. If this blew up or if an actual accident had happened, they wouldn't just lose their jobs; they might face legal consequences. Shimizu's words actually gave them a way out.
The two staff members exchanged a glance and bowed even lower.
"We are truly sorry! This was entirely our negligence. We failed in our inspections and duty. To make amends, we are willing to offer 800,000 personal points as compensation—200,000 for each of you four! Please, don't take this further or report it to the Student Council. we promise to improve!"
Shimizu took half a step back, handing over the decision-making power.
"The four of you should decide on this. If you want to pursue it, while the President is busy, other council members are available to be contacted."
Hasebe Haruka crossed her arms. "Since your attitude is decent, we'll let it go this time."
Sakura Airi nodded softly. "Mhm... since, since nothing really happened."
"I have no objection," Shiina Hiyori added, her expression still serene. "But the emergency button failure is a serious safety hazard. I hope you truly prioritize it moving forward."
"Hmph," Ibuki Mio let out a soft snort.
None of them were the type to be relentlessly vindictive. Since the staff apologized and offered compensation with sincere attitudes, there was no reason to persist. Seeing them relenting, the staff let out visible sighs of relief and thanked them repeatedly.
Shimizu waved a hand. "Then get to it. Since this is resolved, I'll be taking my leave."
This boy, who had solved their trouble, secured compensation, and gracefully handed the decision back to them without taking a single ounce of credit, disappeared into the mall crowd in under half an hour.
"Little Kiyoshi was quite firm this time," Hasebe Haruka remarked, watching him leave.
"He stood up for us and gave us the final say. What a rare, good man! He's so much more mature and reliable than the boys in our class."
"Mhm... Shimizu-kun really is dependable," Sakura Airi agreed.
"He helped me out last time I was in trouble too. I think... he might be the most reliable person in school."
Shiina Hiyori sighed softly, a mix of helplessness and gratefulness in her smile.
"I owe Shimizu-kun another favor... including the help this morning, that's twice in one day."
Ibuki Mio stood by in silence. Shimizu Akira had indeed done well. His way of handling things was beyond reproach. He was firm with outsiders and never compromised on principles, yet incredibly thoughtful toward his own people.
It was no wonder so many girls liked him. If this guy ended up building a harem, it seemed he had the credentials for it.
The fortune-teller's advice for Hiyori to be proactive wasn't unfounded. Look at Hasebe Haruka—she was so direct she clung to him in the heat of the moment.
What guy could resist that, especially with her figure? Thinking of Hiyori's slow and reserved nature, a thought suddenly popped into Ibuki's head.
'No, I have to help my friend out!'
Then she caught herself.
'Wait! Why am I just assuming this guy is going to have a harem in the future?!'
Realizing her thoughts were drifting, Ibuki straightened her back, her expression turning resolute—she was here to terminate any thoughts of a harem Shimizu might have.
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At 2:30 PM, as Shimizu walked out of the dorms, the sky suddenly dimmed. Large patches of dark clouds had gathered, and the air was thick with the stifling heat that precedes a storm. He checked his phone: Moderate rain starting at 3:00 PM, continuing until evening.
He immediately went back inside and grabbed a long-handled umbrella. He sent a quick message to Ichinose: "Weather report says moderate rain at 3:00 PM. Remember your umbrella."
Seconds later: "Got it! Thanks for the reminder, Shimizu-kun~"
Ten minutes later, Shimizu arrived at the cinema. Though he'd brought an umbrella, the rain hadn't started yet. He scanned the entrance and quickly spotted Ichinose Honami.
She was standing by the glass doors, dressed quite differently from her school attire. She wore a low-cut, off-the-shoulder top that emphasized her delicate shoulders and elegant neck. The curves of her chest were subtly visible. She had shed her high-school innocence for a more mature look that was genuinely eye-catching.
Shimizu naturally glanced over. It was hard not to stare at such a striking outfit. He walked up and greeted her, "Ichinose, I hope I'm not too late?"
Ichinose turned, her eyes lighting up. She gave him a smile even more radiant than usual.
"Not at all! I just got here too!"
She stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over his outfit—a light gray crewneck sweatshirt and dark straight-leg trousers with clean white shoes. It was his usual crisp, clean style, which felt both pleasing and reassuring.
"You look very comfortable today, Shimizu-kun," Ichinose praised. Realizing her own bold outfit choice, her ears reddened slightly, and she instinctively pulled at her collar.
"I... I just thought it was a bit muggy today, so I wanted to wear something cool..."
Shimizu noticed her self-consciousness but didn't tease her. He just nodded.
"It looks great. It suits you."
They walked into the cinema together. Ichinose tilted her head, her eyes curving like crescents. "Shall we go pick the movie?"
"Sure." Shimizu glanced at the snack bar. "Want some popcorn for the movie?"
"Is that okay?" Ichinose's eyes sparkled. "I thought you didn't like sweet things."
"Once in a while is fine." Shimizu headed to the counter. "Want a Coke? Ice or room temperature?"
"Ice, please! Thank you, Shimizu-kun~" Ichinose followed behind him, watching his tall, gentle figure interact with the staff, a warmth spreading through her chest.
"If it isn't Shimizu-kouhai?"
While waiting for their popcorn, a familiar laughing voice came from behind. Shimizu turned to see the Student Council Vice President, Nagumo Miyabi, with a girl clinging to his arm.
Nagumo stepped closer.
"I've heard the rumors. In the first month, you bought school rule intel from my people? And these two summer exams, Class D has been quite victorious, haven't they? You're quite capable, Shimizu-kouhai. Even the President seems to value you."
Shimizu wasn't surprised. The President had called him personally; it was normal for the Vice President to know. As for Nagumo bringing up the President, Shimizu was used to it. He simply replied, "Yeah."
This blunt admission caught Nagumo off guard. He expected hesitation or false modesty. Nagumo's lip twitched, and his face soured slightly.
'You just admit it like that? What's that supposed to mean?'
Shimizu ignored Nagumo's confusion and turned to Ichinose.
"Which one do you want to see?"
The cinema was having a "Retro Special." The choices were Shoplifters, Avengers: Infinity War, and Your Name.
Ichinose looked at the list. When her eyes passed Shoplifters, her expression darkened for a moment, as if remembering something unpleasant, and she quickly looked away. She hesitated, then whispered, "Shimizu-kun... is Your Name okay?"
"Sure." Shimizu nodded. Makoto Shinkai's visuals were top-tier, and the soundtrack was iconic.
"It's a classic. I still enjoy watching it once in a while."
As they finalized their choice, Nagumo's gaze fell on Ichinose. His eyes widened. She was a top-tier beauty—sweet, gentle, and with a unique charisma.
Then it clicked: Wait, this is Ichinose Honami from Class 1-B!
Nagumo had already grown tired of the second-year girls and was looking at the first-years. The two "Angel-tier" beauties of the first year were Ichinose and Kushida Kikyo. Last time he was at a dessert shop, he'd seen Shimizu with Kushida. Now, two months later, he was out with the other one.
'Both of them?!'
Nagumo looked at the girl on his own arm—about a 65/100, cute enough, but she looked like a commoner compared to Ichinose. He turned to Ichinose with a slight smirk.
"Ichinose-kouhai, if you want to join the Student Council, I can arrange it. With your talent, you'd shine there."
In the first month, Ichinose had applied with Class A's Katsuragi but was politely declined by President Horikita. Nagumo thought that by bringing her in now, he could win her over and annoy Shimizu at the same time.
But Ichinose didn't hesitate. She shook her head firmly.
"Vice President, thank you for the offer, but there's no need to trouble yourself."
Nagumo's smile froze. This was just like when Horikita Suzune had rejected him in the council office. He saw the way Ichinose's eyes drifted to Shimizu—the trust and reliance in her gaze were obvious. She had rejected him without a second thought because of Shimizu.
"You wanted to join the Student Council?" Shimizu asked naturally.
"Mhm..." Ichinose nodded.
"The President didn't agree?"
"No," she explained. "They said they weren't recruiting at the time, so..."
"Oh?" Shimizu mused. "But I remember the President telling me he had recruitment plans recently?"
"Eh? Really?!" Ichinose looked up in disbelief.
Nagumo chuckled.
"Shimizu-kouhai, you must be mistaken. The President has no plans for new members." Nagumo thought he knew the President best—Horikita was wary of Nagumo's influence and wouldn't expand the council easily.
Before he could finish his thought, Shimizu pulled out his phone and dialed President Horikita.
"President, it's me. I remember you mentioned the Student Council was recruiting soon? ... No, not me. I'm not interested in the Vice President position. It's Ichinose; she applied before. Is there still a chance? ... Oh? You agree? Got it. Thanks, President."
Shimizu hung up and looked at the stunned Ichinose.
"Ichinose, when next semester starts, just go report to the Student Council."
"Eh?! Shimizu, you!" Ichinose was overwhelmed with joy. She couldn't believe a phone call had solved something so difficult in under five minutes.
Shimizu and Ichinose didn't give Nagumo another glance. They grabbed their popcorn and headed into the theater, leaving a shell-shocked Nagumo and his date behind.
"That guy!" Nagumo's smugness was gone, replaced by the sting of a public humiliation.
'The President actually agreed? How?'
Then it hit him... had the 10 million points he'd spent on that test paper made the President feel Nagumo was no longer a financial threat, allowing him to expand the council? And Shimizu had even turned down a Vice President offer!
"Vice President," his date whispered. "I feel like that kouhai only said two words to you the entire time."
Nagumo snapped back to his senses. It was true! Shimizu had only said "Yeah" once, then treated him like air. This freshman didn't respect the Vice President at all!
'Interesting. Very interesting.'
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Their seats were in the middle-back, providing a great view. As they sat down, Shimizu placed the popcorn and Coke on the armrest between them.
"Shimizu-kun, thank you truly," Ichinose whispered, her eyes incredibly soft. "I troubled you again."
"So, will this be going in your little notebook too?" Shimizu teased.
"Yes! Of course!" Ichinose nodded firmly. "And... today's date will be recorded as well."
"Uh..." Shimizu hadn't expected her to be so serious about the notebook.
A familiar figure entered the theater—Nagumo again, leading his date to the seats right next to them.
"Quite a coincidence, Shimizu-kun," Nagumo said, as if the earlier embarrassment never happened.
Shimizu ignored him. The movie was starting, and he didn't have time for meaningless pleasantries. But then, he heard a cough from Nagumo. He glanced over to see Nagumo ignoring the screen, his hand resting blatantly on his date's thigh in an intimate, suggestive manner.
"Nice, very nice," Nagumo said in a low voice meant for Shimizu.
"Movies are much better this way. Otherwise, why bring a woman?" He looked at Shimizu as if showing off.
'This guy... pulling this in a movie theater!' Shimizu cringed.
Some couples did "insatiable" things in theaters for the thrill, and Nagumo was clearly trying to provoke him.
Shimizu turned back to the screen. Spending time with Ichinose was more important than Nagumo's antics. The beautiful animation of Your Name began, and the music drew him in. Ichinose leaned closer, whispering,
"Just ignore him. Let's focus on the movie."
Her finger accidentally brushed his hand on the armrest before she pulled it back quickly. They watched the story of Mitsuha and Taki unfold, sharing popcorn and exchanging glances during the emotional parts.
Nagumo, seeing their natural intimacy, felt his frustration grow.
He couldn't do much more without making a scene. He closed his eyes in annoyance. Compared to Ichinose's genuine blushes and reliance, his own date felt hollow—just a transaction of 50,000 points for her "compliance."
She didn't even come close to a single hair on Ichinose's head.
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When they emerged from the theater, it was pouring. Huge droplets splashed on the pavement. Thankfully, they both had umbrellas.
Shimizu opened his black umbrella and helped Ichinose with her white one.
"Let's go. The rain won't stop soon; it's better to head back to the dorms."
As they walked through the rain, their umbrellas occasionally bumped. At the dorm entrance, Shimizu went to say goodbye but noticed Ichinose's shoulder. Her outer shoulder was soaked, the wet fabric clinging to her skin and outlining her figure. How did she get wet with such a large umbrella?
He felt a momentary jolt of attraction. Even a calm man couldn't help but be affected by the sight of a beautiful girl in the rain.
"Shimizu-kun... can I visit your room now?" Ichinose asked suddenly. "I want to talk more about the movie's details."
"Now?" Shimizu looked at her wet hair and damp shirt. He took off his sweatshirt and handed it to her.
"Wear this first, or you'll catch a cold. Go change into something dry in your room, then come over."
Ichinose took the sweatshirt, which smelled faintly of him, and pulled it on. It was much too big, the sleeves covering her fingers and the hem reaching her thighs.
"Mhm... okay." She pulled the collar tight and whispered as she walked away, a sound so soft he barely heard it: "It smells like Shimizu-kun..."
Shimizu froze.
'What does "smells like Shimizu-kun" mean?'
He went to his room and splashed cold water on his face to cool down. He felt like Ichinose was sending him signals, but was he just overthinking it?
A soft knock came at the door.
"Shimizu-kun..."
He opened it and stood still. Ichinose had changed into a cream-colored form-fitting top and simple black shorts. Without a skirt, her long, smooth legs were fully visible.
"Um... can I come in?" She blushed as she noticed his gaze.
"Ah... yeah! Of course!"
"Shimizu-kun... actually! I lied earlier!" Ichinose took a deep breath and bowed deeply. "I didn't come here just to talk about the movie!"
"Then... what are you here for?"
Ichinose sat on the edge of his bed, hands folded on her knees.
"I'm here to help you learn how to be around girls again."
"Huh?!"
"I remember," her voice softened with concern. "Last time we went out, the girl who confessed to you... she hurt you, didn't she? She even rejected your attempt to be close..."
She looked up at him.
"You've helped me so many times. If you are... interested in a girl's body, then I... I can try with you. I accept it completely. I won't reject you like she did."
Shimizu's brain stalled.
'The girl who confessed? Karuizawa?' He hadn't expected her to take his casual remark so seriously.
"Wait," he said seriously.
"That was a misunderstanding. The girl who confessed didn't hurt me; actually, we are on quite good terms now. And I'm perfectly fine interacting with girls."
"Eh?! You're fine? And you're on good terms?" Ichinose was shocked. She realized she had misinterpreted everything. A wave of embarrassment and disappointment hit her.
'Does that mean I have no excuse to be close to him?'
But then Shimizu spoke again.
"However, I have actually been very interested in you, Ichinose, ever since school started. So, having you in my room tonight makes me very happy."
He looked into her eyes.
"I'm not getting close to you as an 'exercise' or an excuse. That's absurd and disrespectful to you. I'm just telling the truth: I simply want to touch you and be intimate with you. It might be blunt, but my motive is pure interest in you. I hope you don't find it annoying... would you accept that?"
Ichinose's eyes lit up.
"I accept! Of course I do!" Her voice was light, almost a skip. "It's not annoying at all! I... I've never been this happy!"
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