294 Please Listen and Understand These Words!

"I don't know," Seiji answered. "It depends on the situation."

After a momentary silence, Mayuzumi looked up at Seiji's face. "Thank you so much for protecting me, Haruta-kun," she said, bowing respectfully.

"Sensei…"

"If it wasn't for you, I… I really don't know what would have happened. I'll remember this debt I owe you for the rest of my life," the manga author told him in a serious voice.

"Please raise your head, Sensei," Seiji said softly. "I've received your gratitude. I actually didn't do all that much; Houjou-senpai, President Yoruhana, and Shika-chan were the ones who contributed the greatest."

"Of course everyone else is deserving of thanks as well, but the one I should thank most is still you." Mayuzumi lifted her head and something flashed in her eyes. "It's truly wonderful that I was able to get to know you, Haruta-kun. You're a truly cool boy." Her face was tinged with red as she expressed the words in her heart.