Chapter 073 Booking an Infirmary Checkup? / Airi's Peace of Mind / Senpai's Belongings!!
Friday after school.
Shimizu Akira's phone received several messages in quick succession. He picked it up to find they were all from Hoshinomiya Chie.
Hoshinomiya Chie: Shimizu-kun, you should have received word from little Honami by now, right?
Hoshinomiya Chie: To ensure a healthy intimate relationship between you and Honami, I need to ask you some private questions in detail and perform a comprehensive physical examination on you.
Hoshinomiya Chie: Anyway, it's hard to explain clearly over text or phone. I need you to come to the infirmary in person.
Hoshinomiya Chie: Are you free after school today?
'Is it still about that same thing?'
Shouldn't it just be a few casual questions over the phone? Now she's added a "checkup" phase and insists on him going to the infirmary in person?
Shimizu Akira: The thing is, I'm busy today. I need to head to the Boxing Club for practice. Hoshinomiya Chie: Busy? Then how about tomorrow or the day after? I'm free all day Saturday and Sunday. If you have time, call me in advance and we'll head straight to the infirmary for the checkup.
Tomorrow and the day after are Saturday and Sunday. Usually, wouldn't this person be out looking for a man to drink with? Can she actually stay at school properly?
Shimizu naturally had no intention of going—it was far too suspicious! But a flat refusal would be hard to explain to Honami. He thought for a moment and decided to simply pretend he hadn't seen the messages. If she saw he didn't reply, she should understand he was declining. It wasn't an important matter anyway, so she likely wouldn't bother him further.
"Akira? What are you busy with? Let's go eat!"
Shimizu looked up to see his girlfriend, Haruka, walking over energetically. On the other side, Kushida Kikyo had already packed her things and was smiling at him. Sakura Airi also stole a glance at him.
His three girlfriends were ready.
"Let's go, let's go!"
Shimizu put his phone away and waved. Kikyo stepped forward to take his arm, while Hasebe Haruka and Sakura Airi walked beside them. The four of them walked out of the classroom openly.
"Wow, those four are going to eat together again!"
"They look so happy!"
"One guy and three girls... Shimizu is definitely the harem protagonist of this school! If I stick close to him, maybe even I'll find a girlfriend, heeheehee."
The classmates watched the scene, having grown used to it. It had been about a month since Shimizu officially announced his harem; eating with his girlfriends was now considered normal.
The four of them slowly exited the school building.
"Where are we eating today?" Kikyo asked, clinging to his arm. "The school cafeteria. I haven't been there in a while," Shimizu said. "Okay!"
They crossed the playground and entered the cafeteria. Shimizu found a window seat and the three girls sat down.
"I'll go get the food. What do you guys want?" Shimizu stood up. "I'll go with you." Kikyo stood up as well, turning to Haruka and Airi.
"What do you two want?"
"Pork cutlet bowl!" Haruka raised her hand.
"Me... me too," Airi said softly.
"Alright, two pork cutlet bowls it is."
The two of them lined up at the corresponding window. Since there weren't many people in line, Kikyo leaned in and whispered, "Darling, I plan to make my move within these next two weeks."
Shimizu didn't catch on immediately. "Make what move?"
"Against that dead baby-face, of course," Kikyo cursed gently. "Since your reputation issue is completely solved and Shiina-san has gathered the evidence, it's time to hold an explanatory meeting to show everyone the crap he pulled during the last island exam."
"By the way, is he still in the infirmary?"
"Yeah. I asked some students from Class 1-B; he hasn't returned to class yet. What do you think? Do you agree with me taking action?"
"I won't stop you if that's what you want to do. But don't forget, besides Yagami Takuya, there's also Shiba Katsunori."
"That guy..."
"Yes, he's staying at this school too. He's also from the White Room and can fight even better than Yagami. He might protect him. You need to be careful there."
"Ah, true. I'll have to plan carefully then."
Shiba Katsunori was the homeroom teacher for Class 1-D; usually, their paths didn't cross. Even if Kikyo wanted to pull something, he was a hard target. Conversely, since he was a teacher, it would be difficult for him to mess with them openly either.
But no matter how well that guy fought, he couldn't beat her boyfriend. There was absolutely no need to worry about combat power.
They bought the food and returned to the table with their trays.
"Itadakimasu!" Haruka put her hands together, picked up her chopsticks, and started eating heartily. Airi ate very slowly, taking small bites like a little animal. Kikyo ate with perfect etiquette, one bite at a time.
Watching this, Shimizu took the opportunity to bring up what Chabashira-sensei had told him. "Kikyo, Haruka, Airi—there's going to be a Special Exam called 'Unanimous Vote' soon this semester. It involves an expulsion phase."
"Expulsion?" Haruka stopped her chopsticks, her expression souring. "What do you mean? Who's getting expelled?"
"It's not that someone has to be expelled, but there's a segment in the rules where the whole class must vote to choose someone to leave," Shimizu explained. "Chabashira-sensei hasn't given the full details yet, but she gave me a heads-up."
Airi turned pale and adjusted her glasses, stopping her meal. Kikyo remained calm; she set down her chopsticks, took a sip of water, and slowly lowered her glass.
"The whole class votes for one person to be expelled? Is it like the Class Poll exam from last year?"
"Not exactly. This time you can choose to agree or disagree," Shimizu shook his head.
"However, the cost of disagreeing might be missing out on a large amount of Class Points. Conversely, to get those points, you either have to vote someone out or pay twenty million personal points."
"Twenty million?" Haruka's eyes widened. "Akira-kun, you have them, but where would our class get that many points?"
"Is someone going to leave again?" Airi looked anxious, glancing between Kikyo and Shimizu, hoping they could find a solution.
Kikyo said thoughtfully, "So, Chabashira-sensei wants you to guide the vote?"
"Yeah."
"Who does she want out?"
"She wasn't specific. She just said the weakest person on the OAA, or someone I don't like."
"Heh, she hasn't even picked a target and she's pushing all the dirty work of offending people onto you?" Kikyo sneered. "So, what benefit did she give you this time? Another million personal points? That's hardly enough."
"She didn't specify the reward either. Anyway, I don't plan on doing what she says. I just wanted to tell you all so you can prepare. I've sent messages to the others as well," Shimizu said.
Notifying everyone meant Ichinose Honami and Kamuro Masumi were also in the loop. Currently, only Ryuen's Class C was likely in the dark. This wasn't great for class competition, but that was the reality of Shimizu having so many girlfriends.
"So, Akira-kun, is there anyone in the class you particularly dislike?" Kikyo asked with a smile.
"No, honestly, none."
Since Yamauchi Haruki had already left, there was no one left he found eyesore.
"Alright, I get it. How about you leave this to me? You don't have to think about it for now, and don't tell the other classmates yet—it'll only cause unnecessary anxiety," Kikyo said after considering for a few seconds.
"Okay, I'll leave it to you." Shimizu felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Kikyo knew the secrets of many people in class; she was the best person to handle this.
Haruka and Airi listened quietly. Once the conversation between Shimizu and Kikyo paused, Haruka said, "So... only we few know about this for now?"
"Yeah," Shimizu nodded. "Just ignore Chabashira-sensei. Do what you need to do and don't let this ruin your mood."
"But..." Airi said fearfully, "The next person to be expelled wouldn't be...!" She didn't finish, but looking at her terrified face, she was clearly worried she might be the one voted out.
Kikyo reached out and patted Airi's shoulder, her voice tender. "It definitely won't be you or Haruka. Your OAA data is around 30th place, right? There are still eight or nine people below you. Don't be so afraid."
Haruka added comfortingly, "Yeah, Airi. Kikyo-chan, Akira-kun, and the three of us will all protect you."
Shimizu smiled and patted her head. "What are you thinking? We won't vote for you. Besides, even if something unexpected happens, I have twenty million points in my hand. I can save you."
Airi's expression finally relaxed, and a smile of relief appeared. "Mm."
That was true. She wasn't alone anymore like she was at the start of school. She had good friends and a boyfriend. She would stay at this school and remain by their side.
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After dinner, Shimizu went to the Boxing Club.
Today, the captain had gathered everyone for a meeting regarding the Cultural Festival.
"Based on specific contributions over the past few months... for the second years, Shimizu-kun, Yamada-kun, and Karuizawa-san will receive 'Ace-level' bonus points for this festival. Ace-level is the highest tier. According to the school, each person gets 3,000 extra personal points. Additionally, based on club rewards, each person is granted another 30,000 points.
As for the first years and other new members, they will receive 1,000 points and a 5,000-point reward based on their contributions. Amasawa-san, as the manager responsible for recruiting and handling various chores, will receive 1,500 bonus points and an 8,000-point reward."
Shimizu and Yamada Albert were fine, but Karuizawa Kei pumped her fist happily. "Yes!"
Amasawa Ichika, standing nearby, giggled. "My, my, getting an extra 500 points and extra salary isn't too bad, is it?"
After the meeting, Shimizu sparred with Yamada for a while before stepping through the ropes and off the ring. Amasawa Ichika immediately approached him, holding a brand-new blue towel. "Senpai, wipe your sweat!"
"Amasawa!" Karuizawa Kei ran over immediately, pouting. "Akira-kun is my boyfriend. Handing him towels and water is my job. You're not allowed to steal it!"
Amasawa smiled at her. "Karuizawa-senpai, that's not quite right, is it? I'm not trying to steal your boyfriend; I'm just being kind and offering a towel. Don't tell me... you think a single towel can steal a man away? You underestimate Senpai too much."
Kei's face turned bright red with frustration.
Shimizu stood in the middle, looking left and right, and decisively took the towel from Kei's hand. "Kei, I'm thirsty. Could you get me some water?"
Kei blinked, then beamed. She shot a triumphant glare at Amasawa and ran off to get the water. "On it!"
Amasawa watched her go and clicked her tongue softly, pulling the towel back.
"Senpai, you're biased."
"And?" Shimizu wiped his face. "Kei is my girlfriend."
"So what!" Amasawa said righteously. "Senpai is a good person; you should treat everyone equally." Shimizu flicked her forehead. "If you don't treat people differently, how will the person you like know you're being extra good to them?"
Amasawa covered her forehead. "Senpai, are you teaching me how to fall in love?"
"I suppose so." Shimizu withdrew his hand. "You did just come out of the White Room, after all. You still have a lot to learn."
Amasawa said confidently, "Senpai, I feel like I've learned enough already."
"You've only been out for a few days. How are you learning? Books?"
"No, I've been binge-watching short videos. I feel like I've learned so many useful things."
"What can you learn from short videos? Everything there is edited; you can't tell truth from fiction."
"But I find them quite useful! Like how to chat with people, how to read facial expressions... they teach all that in short videos. You can't learn that in the White Room."
"Have you tried it yourself?"
"I have." Amasawa thought for a moment. "A few days ago, when I was chatting with Karuizawa-senpai, I used a method I learned online."
"And the result?"
"The result... she said I was annoying."
"See? Useless."
"That's Senpai's problem, not the method's problem."
"Alright, stop talking nonsense and read more books. Short videos are fragmented information; books contain systematic knowledge," Shimizu said, exasperated.
"Okay, okay." Amasawa agreed verbally, then sat on a nearby bench, pulled out her phone, and started scrolling again.
"Senpai, I found a really good short drama called The Days I Was Forced to Live with my Little Devil Kouhai. It's great! I sent it to you, check it out!"
'Hey! Short dramas are just like short videos. If you keep watching them, you'll just lose your patience and become useless!'
Shimizu's lip twitched. It seemed Amasawa had completely let herself go now that no one from the White Room was monitoring her.
Kei finally returned with the water and handed it to Shimizu.
"Here, Akira-kun."
"Thanks." Shimizu took it and had a long drink.
"That Amasawa is up to something. Be careful."
"Alright, alright. Anyway, how's your boxing practice coming along?"
He remembered correctly that these people from the White Room had excellent hearing; Amasawa could definitely hear them.
Kei puffed out her chest. "It's going quite well!"
Since she joined the club, she had been practicing for over six months. While she wasn't as diligent as Shimizu's daily routine, she dedicated at least seven or eight hours a week to her stance, stamina, and techniques. She could likely win a one-on-one fight against an average adult.
"Fine, want to spar a bit right now?"
"Eh? Fight you? I can't beat you."
"Stupid, I'll hold back. Just treat me as a sparring partner. I want to see your current level."
"Okay! Now that you put it that way, I'm excited!"
Shimizu turned and climbed back into the ring. Kei followed immediately, standing opposite him and clenching her fists.
"No gloves for now, just the basic moves," Shimizu said. "You attack, I'll only defend."
"Okay." Kei took her stance. Her center of gravity shifted lower, hands protecting her chest. Though still a bit green, she looked like a boxer.
"Not bad. Come at me."
Kei stepped forward with her left foot and threw a right punch toward Shimizu's chest. Shimizu shifted and dodged easily. "Again."
Kei wasn't discouraged and threw a series of punches... jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. "Stop," Shimizu called out. Kei withdrew her fists, breathing slightly. "How was it?"
"Big improvement," Shimizu said honestly. "Your movements are much more standardized than they were three months ago, especially the way you generate power from your punches. It's much smoother."
"Really?" Kei said happily.
"Yeah. But there are still small issues." Shimizu walked up to her and lifted his hand to correct her arm angle. "When you punch, keep your shoulders more relaxed. Don't be so tense. If you're too tight, the power won't come out."
Kei listened intently and adjusted her stance according to his instructions.
"Yes, like that." Shimizu stepped back. "Try again."
Kei punched again. This time, the punch felt significantly more forceful.
"Very good. How's your stamina? How long can you go continuously?"
"Maybe three minutes," Kei thought. "Any longer and I get tired."
"That's not enough. In a match, one round is three minutes. You need to be able to go for at least three rounds."
"Three rounds?" Kei's eyes widened. "That's too long!"
"Professional matches are three minutes per round; amateurs are two. You need to train your cardio. Running, jump rope, shadow boxing—stick to it daily and you'll see results in a month."
Kei said fearfully, "I won't turn into a muscle-bound 'Hulk' girl, will I?" Shimizu flicked her head.
"What are you thinking? It's not that easy to build that kind of muscle." Kei rubbed her forehead and muttered, "Good. I don't want to become a girl who's hard all over."
"Don't worry." Shimizu withdrew his hand. "It's harder for women to build muscle than men. Your current training volume will, at most, give you better body lines. You won't turn into what you're imagining."
"Really?"
"Really. Have you ever seen a female boxer who looks like a bodybuilder? They just have low body fat and clear definition, but they still have curves."
Kei thought about it and decided it was true. If she could develop clear abs, wouldn't her boyfriend like her even more?
"Alright!" She felt motivated again. "I'll keep practicing from now on."
"That's enough for today then," Shimizu said.
"Go back and rest. We'll practice again tomorrow."
"Mm."
The two of them walked off the ring. Amasawa Ichika, who had stopped playing with her phone at some point, approached with two towels. "Senpai, Karuizawa-senpai, wipe your sweat!"
Kei couldn't help but pout. "Why are you bringing towels again?" Amasawa giggled.
"Karuizawa-senpai exercised too, after all. Once you're on the ring, you're a boxer, not a manager. As a manager, it's normal for me to bring towels to both of you. Besides, you're drenched in sweat; I couldn't bear to let you run to the locker room for a towel yourself. There's water here too."
"Thanks," Kei said awkwardly as she took the towel.
"You're welcome." Amasawa smiled and handed the other towel to Shimizu.
"Here, Senpai."
"Thanks." Shimizu took it and wiped his face.
Amasawa thought for a moment and added, "Karuizawa-senpai, I took a peek in the office earlier. Consumables like bandaids and ice packs are running low and need restocking. Also, the Jump Rope Club next door borrowed our ropes days ago and hasn't returned them. We need to go get them."
Kei wiped her neck. "You saw all that just by taking a 'peek'?"
"Of course," Amasawa grinned. "I am a manager, after all. A manager's duty isn't just to make sure members train comfortably and efficiently; they should know the club's equipment like the back of their hand. If you ever feel I'm doing something wrong, feel free to give me feedback."
"...No," Kei said sullenly. Set aside her frequent pestering of Shimizu, Amasawa was actually doing an excellent job.
"Good." Amasawa studied her thoughtfully for a moment. "By the way, Senpai, I saw a few points in your sparring earlier that could be improved. Want me to help you out?"
Kei blinked. "You?"
"Don't look at me like that. I am a former White Room assassin, after all." Amasawa cracked her knuckles. "I might not know boxing, but I understand the rhythm of combat breathing. Giving a beginner some pointers should be no problem."
Kei hesitated and looked at Shimizu. Shimizu looked at Amasawa as well.
Amasawa gave an "I've got this" expression. Currently, there seemed to be nothing suspicious, and with him watching from the side, she shouldn't be able to pull any tricks.
Shimizu finally nodded. "Let her have a look. You might gain something new."
"Then... fine," Kei reluctantly agreed.
Amasawa walked up to her, had her take her stance and punch slowly, then began correcting her movements and breathing.
"Akira-senpai pointed out your movements, so I'll check your breathing. Try to keep breathing while punching, and keep your eyes on your opponent. I noticed you barely looked at Senpai earlier; that's wrong. You must keep a close eye on your opponent's every move. Your punching and movement rhythm should also stay synchronized; otherwise, it's easy to get caught in your opponent's pace. You need to pull them into your rhythm."
Amasawa's tone was serious, completely lacking her usual playful grin. Kei was resistant at first but gradually realized Amasawa made sense, so she followed the instructions and practiced diligently.
"You're improving fast," Amasawa nodded with satisfaction. "Seems you're quite talented."
"Thanks," Kei said stiffly, unused to being praised by Amasawa.
"You're welcome." Amasawa smiled. "Being able to help you is my blessing. After all, Senpai helped me out a lot. Staying at this school is all thanks to him."
Shimizu cleared his throat. "Well, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and I saved you together. Besides, Yagami Takuya and Shiba Katsunori stayed at school just like you after Tsukishiro left. Maybe you would have stayed from the beginning anyway."
"Would that have been the same?" Amasawa said seriously. "No one knew exactly what would happen then, and I didn't expect those two to be allowed to stay. Besides, I've completely severed ties with the White Room now. Senpai did me a huge favor; I definitely won't forget that. As for Ayanokouji-senpai, he tricked me so badly last time, so we'll call it even."
Shimizu watched her for a while. "Amasawa, your parents might come to see you during this Cultural Festival."
"Senpai, are you joking? My parents? I've never even met them. Even if it's open to the public, they are corporate tycoons; there's no way they'd come back to see me." Amasawa said amusedly.
Shimizu explained steadily, "Do you think I'd just make that up? When Chairman Sakayanagi called to thank me the other day, he told me that the White Room people wouldn't be coming for now. I specifically asked who would be attending the festival, and the name 'Amasawa' was there. Most likely your parents."
"Really?" Amasawa asked in shock.
"You can go ask the Acting Chairman if you don't believe me." Shimizu shrugged.
"That's great! Thank you, Senpai!" Amasawa suddenly hugged his waist excitedly.
Shimizu patted her back. "Don't thank me. Thank the Chairman. He said that since you're no longer under the White Room's control, your parents should be notified. Apparently, they happen to have time, so they intend to visit you."
Amasawa was, after all, a sixteen-year-old girl. Although she had been tossed into the White Room by her parents, deep down she still yearned for family. Hearing she could see them made her incredibly excited.
Then again, Amasawa's parents were quite something—dumping their daughter in the White Room only to come looking for her now that she was out. From Shimizu's perspective, he couldn't say much. What mattered was what Amasawa thought.
Kei, standing nearby, was fuming. She wanted to pull them apart. But hearing that Amasawa hadn't seen her parents in sixteen years made her feel a bit bad for her.
'Fine, fine. I'll give her two... no, one and a half more seconds. If she keeps clinging, I'm pulling her off.'
Once Amasawa calmed down, she let go of Shimizu and stepped back. She cleared her throat with a slight blush. "My, my, even if those heartless people come, it's absolutely impossible for me to call them Mom and Dad! Unless they give me 100 million yen, buy me a huge villa after I graduate, and a mountain of clothes and food... in that case, I might consider it. What do you say, Senpai?"
Actually, for a tycoon, those things should be quite simple to achieve. Shimizu shook his head. "Your parents, your decision. Just don't make a choice you'll regret."
"Then if those parents don't acknowledge me, Senpai will support me after graduation, right?" Kei shoved her way between them, glaring at Amasawa.
"What do you mean 'Senpai support me'? What do you think Akira-kun is? A charity?"
"Charities won't support me for life. Senpai is different. He's nice and rich; I like him so much."
"What does you liking him matter? Besides, Akira-kun's money is his own. What does it have to do with you?"
"How does it not? I'm his kouhai and his manager. I've helped him so much; it's only natural for him to take care of me, right?"
"How is that natural?!"
"Alright, alright." Shimizu quickly intervened, placing a hand on each of them. "Stop arguing. Amasawa, talk about that once your parents actually arrive. There's no point overthinking it now."
Kei snorted and took Shimizu's arm.
"Fine then, Senpai, see you tomorrow!" Amasawa picked up the towel Shimizu had set aside, intending to make a break for it.
Kei, with her sharp eyes, snatched it back. "Wait! You're not taking the towel Akira-kun used!"
"Hey, I was just going to wash it!"
"If it needs washing, I'll do it!"
Amasawa's face went through several shades of color.
'Argh! This Karuizawa Kei! Why does she have to interrupt my collection of Senpai's used belongings?! With this towel, his used items would have broken twenty!'
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