Continuation of the previous chapter...
We finally slipped into our classroom, a mere two minutes to spare, and released a collective sigh of relief.
"We need to talk about what just happened out there," Reiko said, her voice uncharacteristically serious. She tugged me toward her desk, and I sank into the empty seat beside her.
"What's the big deal? They started it," I retorted, crossing my arms, my voice edged with a cold indifference. "If you let bullies walk all over you, they'll only get worse. Power doesn't give them the right to act like gods."
Reiko's frustration was palpable. She buried her face in her hands. "That's exactly the problem! You're new here, and you've already picked a fight with someone who isn't just anyone—it's the student council president! You have no idea what she's capable of, how far her influence reaches. You're in serious danger, and you've definitely made yourself a target. I'm worried about you. You shouldn't have defended me, or us. It puts us all at risk, my club included!"
"Fine, whatever. My bad," I conceded, scratching the back of my neck. My voice, though reluctant, held a thread of sincerity. "But I won't stand by and watch you, me, or anyone else get treated like pushovers by those little brats."
Reiko sighed, the sound laced with defeat, and facepalmed. "Just... be careful around the council, especially President Hanaoka, from now on, please," she pleaded, her eyes locking onto mine, worry etched into her expression.
"Yeah, yeah, I will," I replied, a sigh escaping my lips as I tried to project an air of calm seriousness.
Reiko wrapped an arm around my shoulder in a comforting gesture.
I glanced around the classroom, and it became clear that we had an audience. Every eye was on us. Whispers rippled through the room like a sudden gust of wind. It seemed our entire conversation had been overheard.
"Hey! So, that's the new girl who allegedly clashed with the entire student council earlier?"
"So, it's true? I didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to cross President Hanaoka!"
"And there's Reiko, the delulu! Looks like she's involved in this to some extent!"
"But that new girl, she's beautiful, though! Look at that face card, what a sigma!"
Well, it seemed the speed of gossip hadn't changed much over the years.
"Well, you should get used to this. Hehe!" Reiko whispered sarcastically in my ear.
"Yeah, it's fine," I replied nonchalantly, stifling a yawn.
Gossips are part of the daily life of a PSB agent, so you don't have to worry about me, dear.
The room fell silent as the door burst open, and our homeroom teacher strode in.
The class president rose as soon as the teacher appeared.
"Stand," he commanded.
The entire class stood in unison.
"Bow."
We all bowed respectfully.
"Sit."
We returned to our seats in practiced synchronicity.
So, this kind of culture is still being done in this generation? Fascinating.
The teacher cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the silence. "Alright, because it's Club Recruitment Week, we won't be conducting classes for the next seven days. This week is for you to relax, enjoy, and recruit new members for your respective clubs." He paused, letting out a cough. "The reason I called you all here today is to introduce someone who will be joining our class to this day, onwards. You may stand and introduce yourself to everyone. The floor is yours."
"Time to shine, go on now!" Reiko whispered enthusiastically in my ear.
I rose gracefully from my seat and walked calmly to the teacher's side, ready to formally introduce myself.
This sucks. I've been through this before, and I'm going through it again. So redundant, but whatever.
"I am Reika Higashihama, 17. I'll be joining this class starting today. The pleasure is all mine," I said with calm seriousness, bowing politely.
A wave of applause filled the room.
Damn, this is awkward. Just end it already...
"Thank you for your wonderful introduction, Reika! You may return to your seat now," the teacher said, clearing his throat.
I walked back to my seat and sat down, maintaining my composure.
Finally, the introductory phase is officially over...
"That's all. You may now proceed with your duties for Club Recruitment Week. Also, Reiko, since you seem to be close to the new student, kindly show her around the school and explain the university's systems to her. Adjourn!" the teacher announced, before calmly exiting the classroom.
"Alright, what are these 'systems' he's talking about? I can infer that it's something those council thugs have implemented here," I said coldly, my words laced with defiance.
"Hey, shut it! Someone might hear you!" Reiko hissed. "Anyways, yes, I'll explain everything later. For now, let's do what needs to be done for Club Recruitment Week. Shall we?" She grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the room, her enthusiasm bubbling over.
"Damn, can you slow down a bit?" I said, scratching my neck, trying to maintain my composure.
"My bad!" Reiko said sarcastically, slowing her pace slightly.
After a few minutes of brisk walking, we arrived at the school gymnasium, where the Club Recruitment Week was being held.
"What are we going to do here?" I asked, peering around the corner, my curiosity piqued.
"We're going to start prepping our booth and our flyers!" Reiko said, gasping for air.
"Aren't you scared? What if we fail to find three more members? What would you do then?" I asked, locking my eyes on hers.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, right? But, it is what it is! I just need to do my best to at least get closer to my dream. Thank you for joining me, Reika...that means a lot to me," Reiko said sincerely, struggling to hold my gaze.
"I'll be here. We'll find those three people right here and right now. I'll prove those council dogs wrong, and I'll slap it on Suzune's face," I said coldly, my voice filled with determination.
I actually just joined to make up for your birthdays and Christmases that I've missed, and also to have a perfect cover for my investigations.
"Let's start prepping then!" Reiko said, clapping her hands together, her enthusiasm infectious. "Come on, double time!"
"Yeah, yeah!" I said, feigning enthusiasm and rolling my eyes.
Don't boss me around. I'm 30 years older than you, and I'm your godmother.
Suddenly, a shout pierced the air inside the gym, a girl's voice rising above the general din.
"What was that?" Reiko muttered, her voice laced with nervousness.
I immediately rushed toward the commotion.
"Our flyers... the flyers... suddenly... they suddenly burned!" The girl shouted, her voice filled with anxiety, fear, and frustration evident in her wide eyes.
"Is this an arson case?" I muttered to myself, a cold smirk playing on my lips. "Alright, it seems Reika Higashihama finally has her first case... the detective club is in action..." I muttered arrogantly, a thrill coursing through me.
—TO BE CONTINUED—