Chương 136: Molesting Itsuki
At night, Shinichi called his secretary.
"Itsuki, are you busy?"
First there was a suspicious rustling sound, and then Itsuki's slightly flustered voice sounded.
"Ah, no, I'm not busy, I'm studying by myself. What is it?"
Shinichi listened carefully, like the sound of a bag being thrown into a trash can, but it wasn't very clear.
He put questions aside for now and continued speaking.
"You're the most serious about studying out of the five, so I want to ask, have you had any difficulties studying recently?"
There was silence on the other end of the line, and Itsuki spoke softly.
"No..."
"Do not lie."
Showing the chairman's momentum, Shinichi cut off her words forcefully, and then softened his tone a bit.
"This is an investigation for the normal operation of the committee. Please tell me honestly... Do forest school problems conflict with school work?"
"...So he came to you?" Itsuki's attitude was slightly indifferent, but Shinichi knew that this faint anger was not aimed at him, but Fuutarou, "You don't need to worry. If you care about him, we will take care of this matter ourselves..."
"If it could be done, you wouldn't be transferred here, would you?"
Shinichi spoke softly, Itsuki fell silent again, and the two of them experienced a few seconds of silence.
Then Shinichi suddenly asked
"If you do poorly in your midterms this time, and your family will blame you for it, do you want to put forest school matters aside for the time being?"
"This isn't to give up completely, but to focus on studying first, and to continue after the exam… If I rearrange your schedule like this, would that be acceptable?"
"..."
Itsuki was silent for a bit longer this time, and then, a sincere and unwavering voice entered Shinichi's ears.
"Can not accept!"
Shinichi was surprised: "...Why?"
"In that case, in order to meet the deadline, shouldn't you do more work?" Itsuki's voice was dignified.
"As your assistant, I really can't sit by and watch something like this happen. Sorry, I can't accept a schedule like this!"
This time, Shinichi was speechless like an idiot, and for a moment, a soft laugh leaked out, "...Hahaha, this is the first time I've heard you not say honorific, Itsuki."
"What's the point there?!" After Itsuki reflexively complained, her cheeks turned slightly red from embarrassment.
"It doesn't matter. As a secretary, sometimes you have to use harsh words to wake up a groggy boss. You are very competent."
"Is it true?" Itsuki's voice sounded a little happy, and then Shinichi heard the sound of a notebook being turned over, "I didn't say this sentence in the book, so I have to remember it..."
"…So, have you decided to give up on this midterm?" Ignoring her behavior, Shinichi kept asking.
Itsuki answered without hesitation: "Of course not! It is the student's job to do their best every time they take an exam. Bad grades are absolutely no reason to avoid studying!"
She stopped suddenly, and was slightly lacking in confidence.
"Even if I don't let that tutor teach me, I'll be studying hard on my own… Yes, I'm teaching myself now! So, this is definitely not an escape..."
Hearing her muttering as if asking for approval, Shinichi could only chuckle, his voice softer even he couldn't detect it.
"I know, Itsuki, I know your seriousness and hard work. This is definitely not an escape, but the right move to maintain your pride… If you are not confident, I guarantee it."
This is what he said in his heart, all this time, not only has Itsuki been observing him, but he has also been observing her.
Except for mealtime, Itsuki spends almost all of her free time between classes dealing with official business or preparing for studies, and Shinichi never sees her playing games or going out to play.
Even Miku plays Warring States Warriors from time to time to relieve stress. Nino even goes singing karaoke and shopping with the ladies in the name of official exchange.
Not to mention Ichika and Yotsuba, one wanted to act and catch up on sleep when she was free, the other wanted to help others everywhere, and also had club activities to take care of.
Only Itsuki was always focused on her studies and official duties, and rarely slacked off.
Except for mealtime.
That's why Shinichi can tell her frankly.
"I accept your opinion, but don't be too pushy, give yourself more time to rest, and let me know if you encounter difficulties – the secretary has an obligation to rely on the boss, please write down this sentence."
"Eh? Yes..."
Itsuki was stunned for a moment, then quickly picked up a pen, feeling her face warm and her heartbeat quicken, she started writing words in the notebook.
(This is both praise and consolation. What happened to Asada-kun... I always felt weird and something was off.)
She was confused in her heart, but she was too embarrassed to ask.
(And he doesn't always hide his kindness like before... Because I'm an assistant, so he's more open?)
Itsuki turned her notebook forward, tapped the nib of her pen at the line "Asada-kun is clumsy, not good at expressing kindness", and hesitated whether to cross it out.
At this time, the door suddenly opened with a bang.
"Itsuki!"
Nino walked into Itsuki's room and glanced at her.
"That's on your side, right? Leave it to me!"
"Eh--!?"
Itsuki was suddenly startled, felt her heart beat faster, and her face became even redder.
She hid the cell phone behind her hand in panic, looking nervous, and shouted incoherently: "Although it's true that I'm on his side now, I have no intention of taking him away! He is not yours, what are you talking about? Too weird to give it to you…"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Nino tilted her head slightly, despite her confused look, she looked around the room, and finally took out a bag of potato chips from the trash. Reluctantly reaching in, she took out a greased celebrity photo card.
"I found it... Didn't I say it already? Before you eat it, tell me that you have to remove the contents first. This is a limited edition gift. If you eat it, I have to buy online."
Itsuki said reluctantly: "I'm sorry! I'm not going to eat things like potato chips!"
Only then did she realize she had misunderstood, she crouched down with her head in her arms, and let out a weak groan.
"What was my head thinking..."
"I just want to ask." Nino looked at the clock on the wall, an ugly expression on her face, "Oops, the idol drama is about to start!"
After finishing speaking, Itsuki, who was embarrassed, Nino ran out of the room in a hurry, and closed the door.
Itsuki's room fell silent.
Ten seconds passed before a calm voice with complicated emotions sounded slowly.
"Nino was there just now, you ate potato chips and taught yourself?"
The phone was held tightly above her head, Itsuki didn't speak, and her head was buried deeper between her knees.
Shinichi hesitated for a moment: "Uh... Although it's not a big deal, I shouldn't have any opinion about your personal behavior. But at this late hour…"
"If you eat potato chips, you'll-"
Before Shinichi could finish speaking, Itsuki was so embarrassed and angry that she screamed into the cell phone.
"Asada-kun, good night!"
Then hang up directly.
Shinichi looked at the cellphone screen where the call was ended without permission, and laughed dryly.
The second time, he heard her speak without honorifics...
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