In the teachers' room, the same faculty members involved with Morikawa's case gathered for a meeting.
"Now then, regarding the case of Morikawa Tomoki—does anyone have something to report?" — the principal began.
"That boy is really something. In today's presentation, he spoke about polygamy from a male perspective. Surprisingly thoughtful. He showed genuine empathy for women in that kind of relationship. But judging by his words, I don't think he's willing to accept having multiple partners. He seems to value fairness above all else." — the homeroom teacher said.
"As for me, I noticed something odd a while back. One day, he had bags under his eyes and this... expression of contempt, like the world around him disgusted him. It made me really uncomfortable. I couldn't help but wonder if something happened." — said the P.E. teacher.
"Oh, I saw him like that too. He carried Edomae-san to the infirmary when she wasn't feeling well. He looked like a mess, but all he cared about was her condition. I let them rest in the room, and when I came back, they were laughing together. She clearly lifted his spirits." — added the male nurse.
"So let's summarize. Morikawa-san doesn't seem interested in having multiple girlfriends. He prioritizes Ayame-san over himself. And she, in turn, supported him when he was down. Also, both of them are now on the student council." — The principal said thoughtfully.
"Seems like we don't need to worry about him after all." — The homeroom teacher said with a relieved smile.
"But He might just see her as a friend." — the P.E. teacher warned.
"He carried her like a princess." — the male nurse pointed out.
"!?" — The principal, homeroom teacher, and P.E. teacher were all stunned.
"I've only seen that in movies, commercials… or some weddings." — The homeroom teacher commented.
"I've got nothing more to say." — The P.E. teacher admitted.
"Even at Edomae-sensei's wedding ceremony, nothing like that happened. Every girl dreams of being carried like that at least once." — The principal said with a strange expression.
"Romantic or not, he clearly likes her. I'd bet he'll fall for her eventually." — The nurse insisted.
"Hearing that from a man somehow makes it more convincing." — The homeroom teacher mused.
"Still, I'm just glad he doesn't want more than one girlfriend. A blessing in disguise, really." — The principal said.
"There's one thing that still worries me. What'll happen if he finds out the truth about his scholarship?" — The nurse added.
"He definitely won't like it. I don't even want to imagine what could happen." — The homeroom teacher muttered, concerned.
"About that, I don't think we need to worry." — The principal said firmly,
"!?" — Everyone turned toward her.
"A few weeks ago, Edomae-sensei came to me to discuss Morikawa-san's test scores. During the conversation, she said she was willing to increase her investment to ensure he doesn't lose the scholarship. Or rather, to stop us from revoking it."
"That's madness! How can we not worry!?" — The homeroom teacher exclaimed.
"Isn't that… a bribe?" — the P.E. teacher asked innocently.
"Don't even say that out loud. It's not about public image—it's about not drawing the wrong kind of attention from Edomae Akane." — The nurse warned gravely.
"Gulp."
"It's not like I didn't understand where you were all coming from. When she started making those proposals, I felt like I couldn't just accept everything she wanted. After all, what kind of educator would I be if I couldn't even stand up for a student? That's why I told her…"
["Edomae-sensei, even if you increase your 'donation,' we won't change how we treat our students. He's free to choose whatever path he wants, and it's my job to make sure he can do that."]
"If you're still here with us, that must mean something unexpected happened." — The homeroom teacher said, half-joking,
"I won't lie. For a moment, I thought I'd lose everything." — The principal said with a sigh.
"You're brave" — the male nurse commented.
"That's… scary..." — the P.E. teacher added, looking pale.
"So? What did she say?" — the homeroom teacher asked.
"She just smiled and said—"
["Don't worry. I just want to make sure he doesn't lose his scholarship. He's a good and straightforward boy. That's why I want to help him. After all… fufu~ Even knowing everything about us, he still chose to be with my daughter."]
"WHAT!?" — the homeroom teacher were surprised.
"Seriously!?" — the nurse asked, baffled.
"Why I'm not that surprised?" — the P.E. teacher sighed.
"One day, I want to talk to Morikawa-san myself. It just seems too good to be true. No—it's too messy." — the principal admitted.
"I don't think he's after her money or anything. He takes my classes seriously and always has interesting perspectives. He's not a shallow person." — The homeroom teacher said.
"I agree. He genuinely cares about Edomae's daughter—more than himself." — the nurse nodded.
"And that's exactly what's strange. Why does he trust her that much? It just doesn't add up." — The principal said, surprised.
"So… in other words, Morikawa-san wants to stay with Edomae Ayame-san?" — the P.E. teacher asked.
"To summarize, yes. And Edomae-sensei wants us to leave things as they are." — the principal confirmed.
"So… that's it?" — the homeroom teacher asked.
"That's it." — the principal replied.
"What a turn of events." — the nurse murmured.
"Common sense doesn't apply to that boy." — the P.E. teacher said half-joking.
"Well then, since I always make you all stay late for these meetings—dinner's on me tonight." — the principal smiled,
At a yakiniku bar...
A group of adults laughed over sizzling meat and drinks.
"CHEERS!"
"Finally, I can sleep peacefully tonight! Even though I did absolutely nothing!" — the principal shouted drunkenly.
"Is she okay?" — the P.E. teacher asked.
"She was really stressed about Morikawa-kun's case. But now she's torn between relief and self-doubt." — The homeroom teacher explained
"And dealing with a walking time bomb like Edomae Akane doesn't help." — The nurse added.
"Come on, it's not like I did everything alone." — the principal said.
"Humble as always." — the homeroom teacher smiled.
"And you paid for dinner!" — the P.E. teacher cheered.
"Take care of yourself too, okay?" — the nurse reminded her.
"Thanks, everyone. I mean it. I really thought history would repeat itself. But I was wrong. So to make it up to you—let's drink! CHEERS!"
"CHEERS!"
The sounds of laughter and lively chatter filled the yakiniku bar as the group enjoyed the moment, joking about their future and wondering if they'd all end up lonely with only cats as family.
Still, they enjoyed their "discussion".
♦♦♦ Present Day ♦♦♦
"Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time just to punch myself for thinking it would be that easy..." — the principal muttered in regret.
"Not even Edomae ever pulled something like this. I never thought Ayame would..." — the homeroom teacher said, confused.
"But what happened? Weren't those two doing great together?" — the nurse asked while driving.
"Sigh... I think I know. No—I know why. When that new transfer student arrived, Morikawa completely froze. Then he had an emotional outburst. It was like he saw someone come back from the dead. I swear." — The homeroom teacher reported.
"I see… Then it all makes sense. It's just like what happened back in our high school days—but ten times worse." — the principal said bitterly.
"So in the end, she was just a friend for him..." — the P.E. teacher added.
"Looks like I lost the bet." — the nurse sighed.
"Regardless, it's our job to make sure these kids have a fulfilling student life and guide them to a better future. So I ask again—please cooperate with me. If we can save him… I promise all of you will get a raise." — the principal said firmly.
Suddenly, the car sped up—heading straight toward the Edomae residence.