Judging by Ren Amamiya's relaxed demeanor even now, Raiden Mei could tell his physical condition was still excellent; his stamina seemed bottomless, like a monster's.
The training intensity had been enough to leave the former elite members of the Kendo Club exhausted on the floor, yet Ren's energy levels were clearly far from depleted. His face was still healthily flushed, showing little sign of fatigue.
Everyone's body is different, Mei thought. Teaching according to individual capacity is the correct way.
"As for payment, it's unnecessary," Mei said gently. "I usually practice kendo in my free time anyway. If you have time, Amamiya-kun, I'm always happy to train with you."
As a sheltered young lady who grew up wealthy, Mei's recreational options were limited, mostly confined to kendo practice. After her father, Raiden Ryoma, was imprisoned, her life became even more monotonous, burying herself in kendo training to numb the pain.
She did have one friend, the transfer student Kiana. But Kiana had her own mission; after school, she was always busy rushing around the city, searching for clues about her missing father. Mei couldn't possibly ask Kiana to set aside such an important personal quest just to keep her company.
Therefore, Ren's request for extra kendo practice outside of club hours actually suited Mei's own desires perfectly. Right now, Mei desperately needed companionship. Even just practicing kendo together felt like a blissful moment of salvation.
"That's great... Then I'll be troubling you, Mei-senpai!"
Given that Ren and Mei had only just met, even with the added factor of Ren having defended her from bullies, asking Mei to spend her personal time training him still felt like crossing a line. Ren had braced himself for refusal.
He was completely taken aback when Mei agreed without the slightest hesitation. She was truly as kind-hearted as she was beautiful. Mei's understanding deeply moved Ren. To repay her kindness, he thought resolutely, I definitely need to find a way to help her deal with those former Kendo Club members bullying her!
Just as Ren was mentally plotting how to repay Mei, she suddenly spoke, as if reading his thoughts.
"Amamiya-kun, you don't need to give me any reward for teaching you swordsmanship. But... could I ask you to agree to one request?"
Seeing Ren nod immediately, Mei pressed her lips together. She took a deep breath, and then, under Ren's surprised gaze, made her request.
"I hope Amamiya-kun won't ask others about me, nor interfere in matters between me and the Kendo Club members... If you agree to this, I promise I will guide you wholeheartedly in learning Hokushin Itto-ryu!"
Mei's request was so unexpected that even Ren stared, stunned, for a few moments. Normally, victims of bullying would desperately grasp at any lifeline to escape their cruel predicament. Mei asking Ren not to get involved defied common sense.
Could it be that Mei has a very strong sense of pride and wants to resolve the bullying herself? But she's already being pushed to the brink, to the point where a Palace is forming in her heart!
Besides, from how Mei demonstrated kendo moves earlier, Ren could tell she possessed genuine skill; she wasn't just the Kendo Club captain because of connections. With such profound kendo mastery, why hadn't she simply taken her bamboo sword and taught her bullies a painful lesson? It was incredibly strange.
There's definitely more to Mei's bullying situation than meets the eye, Ren concluded. The water runs deep here. There must be unknown reasons compelling her to make this request. Delving into the truth behind the bullying would require a stronger bond than they currently shared; he'd need to persistently advance their Confidant relationship.
Ren carefully observed Mei's expression. Her delicate face was filled with guilt, her amethyst eyes constantly shifting, eventually settling on the intricate patterns of the wooden floor beneath her feet, unable to meet Ren's gaze directly. Looking closer, Ren thought he detected a deep sense of guilt hidden in the depths of her purple eyes.
...Guilt? Guilt towards whom? And why? Could it be... Mei committed some mistake, believes she carries a sin, and is therefore passively enduring the bullying as a form of atonement?
The speculation flashed through Ren's mind. However, he lacked enough information to form a complete picture. Jumping to conclusions now, forming a biased first impression, could hinder his later pursuit of the truth. He quickly banished the thought.
Whether Mei was atoning or not, Ren only had one option now: trust, trust, and trust again.
Because trust needs no reason!
"Understood. I promise, Mei-senpai, I won't go asking around about you."
Having made his decision, Ren slowly nodded, responding to the visibly nervous Mei.
"...Thank you, Amamiya-kun."
Seeing Ren tactfully refrain from prying further, a relieved and grateful smile blossomed on Mei's face.
"The Kendo Club only has me as a member right now, so it's alright if Amamiya-kun takes the bamboo sword home to practice. But please be careful! Don't push yourself too hard and disregard your body's limits with excessive training."
Mei glanced at the darkening sky outside, offering Ren some parting advice.
"It's getting late. Amamiya-kun, you should rest a bit and then head home. Also... um... would you... like to exchange contact information?"
Mei timidly produced a purple smartphone, waggling it slightly in her slender hand. Her voice trailed off, becoming quieter, while her pale cheeks grew increasingly rosy. Her gaze met Ren's for a split second before darting away again like a startled rabbit.
This was the first time in her life Raiden Mei had ever initiated exchanging contact information with someone. And that someone was an incredibly charming junior of the opposite sex!
How could Mei possibly not feel shy?!