“Ah! My bad my bad, I totally forgot!”

“It’s somehow unsettling to hear that from a teacher, sensei..”

Sensei had this not-so-sincere look as she asked atonement for her sins, her hands clapped together with one eye closed shut. And the receiving end of that apology had a reasonably disappointed expression as she listened to sensei’s frivolous banter. Me on the other hand, chose to stand on neutral grounds and merely focus my attention on the small bonsai tree on display atop sensei’s desk.

She didn’t seem like the type of person to have a liking to these sorts of stuff, so it was kind of surprising to see one here. If I were to take a guess to what sensei had on display before seeing the tree, I would probably have to say it was either GunPla or some random shounen figure from Akihabara.

I wasn't really fond of bonsai trees in the least, I just somehow found peace in staring at it in silence. I'm still a bit startled with the surprising events that unfolded just a while back, so I ended up staring at the ornament instinctively.

Stealing a quick glance at the person in question, I couldn't help but think that she really was a two-faced person like she had confessed just then. She seems like a completely different person compared to how she was before. And as a type of person who wishes to lead a completely honest life, a life where I could just be myself; I naturally looked down on people like her. But after hearing her side of the story, I can't really say that she was in the wrong. It wasn't her fault that she was forced into isolation. So it kinda makes me question my way of life itself. But since our circumstances are completely different, I can't really say that the way I do things is wrong. So screw it.

“Look, I’m really sorry that the two of you had to go through all that just now, so I’ll give you two a little something in exchange.”

With that, sensei dug a hand into her track suit’s pocket and drew out two ‘50% off’ discount coupons to mister donut, flashing it optimistically in front of the two of us with a sparkling expression on her face. What, is this supposed to be some sort of bribe? How unbefitting of a teacher.

“Do you seriously expect us to let you off the hook with a simple brib-”

“We gladly accept.” Segawa interjected, swiftly snatching the coupons from sensei’s hand. What was with that high-speed snatch just now..who’re you supposed to be, the saiyan prince?

“Why the heck did you give into it just like that..?” I gave Segawa a questioning look.

“But it’s 50% off on donuts,” She nonchalantly replied with a slight tilt of the head, casually holding up the two coupons she had in hand. “If you don’t want yours, then I’ll gladly take it in your place.”

Oh, it seems like Segawa was the type of person to go off character over something they like. How clichéd.

“You can have it, I’m not really fond of sweets.”

“Oh, thanks then.” She kept the coupons on her blazer’s pocket, a completely grateful smile on her face. What, you really like donuts that much?

“Arara, you two seem to be getting along just well.” Sensei teased with a smile.

“Nah, it’s not like that..right Segaw-”

At that moment, the rest of my words were left hanging on the tip of my tongue with the sight of Segawa, who had been struck silent with sensei’s statement, her face slightly flushed.

“W-what..is it weird that I happen to get along well with someone? Stop teasing me will you sensei..I’m a pretty capable person if I seriously try.” Segawa said with a slightly trembling voice.

“Ah, right right. Segawa’s a very capable girl. Mhmm.” Sensei nodded with a smile on her face.

Uhh..why the heck was I here again exactly? I thought we were just gonna get the keys for a bit. Why is there a defenseless-looking Segawa asking sensei to stop teasing her in a somewhat cute manner. It feels like something out of completely different world line. Are you seriously the Segawa Haruna from yesterday?

“A-ahem.” Segawa sheepishly coughed as she regained her composure. “G-going back to the topic, can we have the key to the clubroom sensei?”

“Ah, right.” At that, sensei took a quick glance at the clock on the wall. “Since the academic clubs are about to close an hour from now, the two of you can have the day off. We’ll just officially start club activities tomorrow.”

“Guh...so you mean we went all the way here for nothing..?”

“What are you talking about, I gave both of you a donut coupon each, just in case you’ve forgotten. Don’t blame me if you suddenly had a change of heart and wanted it in the end.”

In response to sensei stupid statement, I extended my palm out to her. “Give it back…give me my precious time back.”

And with that, sensei gently put her hand on top of mine, giving me a gentle look with her soft-looking eyes. “Go kill yourself.”

“..are you sure a teacher should really be saying that to a student?”

“Classes are already over, so I’m just your ordinary working citizen now.”

“Yeah but, we’re still both her in school, wearing out respective school uniforms.”

“Ahh! Geez!” Sensei exclaimed in sudden frustration, a full-forced slap roughly hit my palms. “Drop the small details will ya!? You'll never get a girlfriend if you're too nitpicky!”

“Nghh!” The sudden impact made me take a step back, shaking my hands around to somehow ease the pain. "I-it's not like I'm interested in getting one though.."

Crap..that seriously hurt. Would you learn how to control yourself every now and then, and learn not to resort to violence ninety-nine percent of the time? You’re gonna kill someone unintentionally in the future.

As if tired of watching our stupid exchange, Segawa coughed softly to cut in between.

“Since it seems like there isn’t any club for the day, I’ll be going my way now.” Segawa told sensei with a small smile on her face. She seemed to be in a good mood for some reason. Probably because of the donut coupons.

“Mhmm, have a safe trip home.”

After that, Segawa directed her gaze my way and remained silent. Not a single word slipping pass her mouth, complete silence.

“W-what..?” I asked in unease.

“Ah, umm..” She averted her gaze. “See you tomorrow.”

“A-ahh..uhh, r-right. See you tomorrow.”

Crap, that seriously caught me by surprise..I wasn’t able to answer without stuttering one bit. Screw me and my inborn male hormones.

And with that, Segawa made her way out of the room. And the deal was sealed with a soft clatter on the door.

It was already almost 4:30 pm. I should probably head home myself by now.