Too rigid and inflexible?
Before the vacation, Kiana, who was occasionally lectured by Fu Hua for various issues, had an extremely bad impression of this class monitor. Similar evaluations had been said privately countless times.
However, if Evan were to truthfully repeat Kiana's complaints now, that wouldn't be honesty; it would be utter stupidity.
Judging from Fu Hua's expression, Evan knew now wasn't the time for jokes.
"How could that be? You are the class monitor, and this serious and earnest attitude perfectly fits your identity. Even if some people say that privately, it's probably just momentary resentment after being lectured for making a mistake. They'll naturally understand right from wrong once they calm down. Aren't there many people in the class who call you the elegant and cool 'Big Sister'?"
Evan's last phrase, "Elegant and cool Big Sister," made Fu Hua show a very troubled expression.
"Such a title full of prefixes makes me feel very unnatural. Please stop."
"Okay, sorry."
It was clearly just an ordinary conversation, yet Evan had already apologized to her twice.
Even knowing he was just being polite, this also meant she really gave people an overly serious feeling.
Fu Hua sighed inwardly.
Judging from Evan's previous words and actions, he was the type who understood etiquette. She had always advocated that friendship between gentlemen should be as light as water—neither deliberately distancing herself from someone nor becoming particularly close to anyone. Was there a problem with this approach?
Maybe I should make a small change. At least I shouldn't make people feel apprehensive when talking to me during the vacation, a time that should be relaxed and happy.
"It's vacation now. Student Evan doesn't need to call me Class Monitor anymore. Just calling me by my name is fine."
"Then Fu Hua, you can just call me by my name too. No need to add 'Student' after it."
Fu Hua nodded. Glancing at the twilight outside through the window, she couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
"Before I knew it, a day has almost passed?"
"...Did you stay in the training room all day?"
"Yes."
"You said before that training should have a proper balance. Fu Hua, do you have some misunderstanding about 'proper balance'? Even if the training volume itself isn't large, doing the same thing all day—and something like training that isn't relaxing—will cause psychological damage in the long run."
Evan had trained desperately before. Although the duration wasn't as long as Fu Hua's, the volume was much heavier. At that time, he bore considerable psychological pressure. If not for Raiden Mei's care, Evan felt he would have become depressed even if he persisted.
Even though Fu Hua wasn't an ordinary person, Evan didn't think doing this was right.
"Psychological damage... I do sometimes feel like I've forgotten many important things."
Fu Hua's tone became somewhat drifted, then quickly returned to normal. She looked at Evan with a serious expression seeking advice.
"Then do you know any suitable entertainment methods?"
"..."
There were many ways to entertain oneself. Himeko liked drinking—originally just to numb the pain with alcohol, now it had become a personal hobby. Theresa liked reading manga. Bronya liked playing games. Even Raiden Mei would occasionally make some small snacks and smile seeing others eat them happily.
What was Fu Hua's entertainment? Evan really didn't know. Even when playing the game and having Fu Hua as the bridge captain, most of her words were about martial arts training.
But... it seemed Fu Hua did mention an entertainment venue.
"If you have time next, how about going to the arcade together?"
"Arcade?"
"Looks like you haven't been there. It's a place to play games, but it's a bit different from computer games. Want to go see it together? I happened to see an arcade while wandering around St. Freya Academy earlier. We can go support their business."
St. Freya Academy, although named an academy, was actually an academy city. Besides the school and work departments, there were also many shops. It had most of the things a normal city possessed.
"I'll trouble you then."
Fu Hua didn't realize the distinction between men and women, nor did she show any shyness about walking with Evan. Evan didn't deliberately mention it either.
This invincible youthful beauty wasn't so easy to conquer.
Ten minutes later, the two arrived at the somewhat quiet arcade.
It completely lacked the lively atmosphere Evan knew an arcade should have.
After all, most people who liked playing games were boys. In St. Freya Academy, which was composed entirely of females except for Evan and Teacher Welt, naturally not many people would specially come to the arcade. Those girls would rather spend money at clothing stores or dessert shops. And the few like Bronya probably stayed at home more often.
The staff member in charge of managing the arcade was dozing off at the counter until Evan walked up and knocked on the surface slightly to wake him up.
Besides selling game tokens, the arcade seemed to also run a snack business with many snacks and drinks.
Remembering that Fu Hua had been training hard earlier and should replenish some fluids, Evan turned to look at her.
"What drink do you like? My treat."
"Eh? Considering I'm the class monitor, logically I should..."
"Didn't we just say it? It's vacation now; student identities should be forgotten. We are ordinary friends hanging out now. As a male, isn't it reasonable for me to offer to treat?"
Fu Hua finally experienced the feelings of those she had lectured.
She wanted to refute but had no grounds, as she had indeed said those words.
"You decide. I don't have any dietary restrictions. Thank you."
Fu Hua shook her head gently and didn't refuse again.
"I decide, huh... Since we're at an arcade, we should drink something fitting the environment. Two sodas, and also buy some game tokens."
"Game tokens?"
Hearing the term from Evan's mouth, Fu Hua's face was full of curiosity. Seeing this, Evan quietly glanced at the two-player fighting game machines next to him, revealing a sinister smile.
"It seems you really haven't been to an arcade at all. Then, as a senior, I'll teach you properly, Fu Hua."
"Please guide me."
Fu Hua's answer was still rigid and formal.
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