my cheek.”

“I..It is not Gezalan Bazalan..”

“Student Handbook, Section 1, “Daily Principles”. Always maintain dignity in speech, action and behavior, and do not be crude.”

“It’s selfish.. It’s already funny and weird rumors are exciting.”

“Okay.”

I finally let go of Iwasawa.

Aside from Iwasawa crumpling to the floor like kelp washed up on the beach..

“Arakawa!”

“What’s wrong Kengo?”

“There’s a strange rumor going around again!?”

“Eh? I was watching it too, but I thought you were going to kiss her rather seriously.. Oh, no! I wonder why! That’s so weird!”

“Damn, what am I supposed to do..!”

I’ve been trying to stop all the rumors about her since the incident at the school gate..

“Somehow! Every time I take action, there’s a new rumor!”

“Pure standouts, both Saki and Kengo.”

“.. I had a.. blind spot!”

Arakawa’s statement was absolutely spot on. It was not only Saki Takane who was the center of attention.

I was no different in the sense that I am a bad publicity seeker.

“I wonder if it would be better for Saki Takane if I didn’t get involved with her at all in the future..”

There is a saying that goes, ‘A rumor lasts 75 days.’

After all, what else can we do but sit back and watch?

As I racked my brains like that, I heard..

“No, I don’t think so..”

Arakawa said matter-of-factly.

“Why, why?”

“I’ve heard some of the rumors about Saki before, but many of them were terrible, you know? Something like that.”

“.. Well, I can’t deny that.”

“But the rumors about Saki that are going around now are pretty cute compared to that, aren’t they? Kengo confessed his feelings for her, kissed her, etc.”

“..Mmm.”

That being said, is that so?

Certainly the rumors and accusations being circulated did nothing to discredit Takane Saki herself..

.. Or perhaps the subject of the rumors has somehow been switched from “Takane Saki” to “me”!

Also, I never tried to kiss her!

“I think your actions may have helped to overwrite the rumors.”

“Even if that’s true, it’s dishonest to overwrite one false rumor with another! And nobody wants to be the subject of a rumor about a person they don’t like!”

“Hmm~~~ well, in general, that’s true..”

Arakawa seemed somewhat baffled.

“I wonder what Saki came to talk to Kengo about after all..”

“Again with the obvious.”

There is only one reason why Saki Takane would approach me, the Discipline Committee President.

“Of course she came to me for advice about the last rumor. I’m sure she must have summoned up a lot of courage. And when the onlookers were swarming around her, she was so emotional that she started cr-..”

“Oh, what?”

“..No, it’s nothing.”

I decided to keep the crying part to myself.

I was unworthy. When I thought of how Saki Takane was feeling, I felt ashamed of my inability to even consult with her. What was I supposed to do “to improve public morals and maintain public order on campus” after making a student cry?

I must fulfill my duties as the Discipline Committee President.

“In any case, the Discipline Committee members must continue their investigation into the defamation of Saki Takane! That’s all! Now, go away!”

“Hey.”

“..”

I told Arakawa (and Iwasawa, who was stretching), and.. slowly touched my own cheek.

“Eh? Kengo, what are you doing?”

“..I was wondering if there was any more Kesaran Pasaran left..”