Conflicted Asumi

When her threat had no effect, Asumi didn't know what to do.

What she said about throwing away money was just talk; it was impossible for her to actually discard money, as she could never indulge in such extravagant actions.

"Please take back the money." In the end, Asumi could only ask him to accept the money.

Initially, she felt the job was quite good—not only easy but also well-paying. However, as the working hours increased, she felt her conscience becoming uneasy, and she pitied herself greatly.

Then, she submitted a resignation request.

"No."

Ren's response remained a rejection.

"Why?" This time, it was Asumi questioning him.

Ren explained, "I've already given the money, so I won't get it back."

"It's already my money, so it's fine if I give it back to you, right?" Asumi followed up.

"Okay, but why should I accept it?"

There are no rules in this world stating that if someone gives you money, you have to accept it.

After realizing she couldn't convince Ren, Asumi suddenly felt defeated.

With a sigh, Asumi gathered the money and pointed to the nearby park, saying, "Since you don't want to accept the money, can you chat with me for a while?"

"Sure."

Ren wouldn't refuse something like chatting.

So, the two of them walked towards the park together.

Entering the park and finding a bench, Asumi placed her school bag and approached a vending machine not far away: "What drink do you want? I'll treat you."

"Whatever." Ren casually replied while sitting on the bench.

"Alright."

Hearing his answer, Asumi felt a bit pressured and inserted coins, choosing the coffee she often saw advertised.

Taking the coffee from the vending machine, Asumi approached him and handed him the coffee.

"Thank you."

After taking the coffee, Ren expressed his gratitude, and then he noticed her empty hands: "Aren't you going to drink?"

"Besides, I'm not thirsty, so there's no need to drink." Asumi honestly said without hiding anything.

A bottle of drink cost several hundred yen, equivalent to her lunch. How could she afford it?

"Oh."

When he heard Asumi say it was too expensive, Ren planned to return the coffee to her. However, after hearing her say she wasn't thirsty, he gave up on returning it to her.

"It's a bit expensive, why do you want to treat me to a drink?" Ren held the coffee in his hands, not quite understanding her approach.

"Just consider this bottle of coffee as a reward for your promise to chat with me." Asumi explained casually.

"Okay."

This way, it could be explained.

After opening the coffee and taking a sip, he led and asked, "What do you want to talk about with me?"

"Of course, we'll talk about the job as a teaching assistant." Asumi answered without beating around the bush, "Otherwise, what else can we talk about? Studying?"

"Okay."

Ren didn't mind chatting with her about studying in this place.

"Although I want to chat with you and study, unfortunately, I'm not in the mood right now." Asumi looked very stressed.

"Yes." Ren agreed gently.

After composing herself, Asumi began to speak: "Honestly, I really don't want to quit this job. After all, an easy and well-paying job like this can't be found elsewhere."

"But precisely because this job is easy and well-paid, I want to resign from it. Do you think I'm very contradictory?"

"It's indeed contradictory." Ren nodded.

"There's nothing I can do. Who made this job too easy? If you gave me a more challenging job, I wouldn't say anything, let alone resign."

Asumi turned to him and continued, "And I feel there's no need for the position of this assistant at all. Otherwise, as an assistant, do I not need to do anything?"

Faced with her question, Ren didn't know how to answer, so he chose to escape and just stared at her calmly without speaking.

"You stay silent for now. It seems I've guessed it." Seeing Ren not responding, Asumi also understood something, "So, after you failed to give me money directly at that time, did you decide to wander around for a while and then give me money?"

Ren remained silent. In this situation, silence was the best choice.

"I thought you really needed an assistant, but thank you, Kouhai-kun."

"You're welcome." Ren answered absentmindedly.

"Although I don't know why you wanted to give me money or even used this method, I can't accept your money calmly."

In fact, Asumi had begun to think about why Ren did this from the beginning, but she dismissed those speculations without exception, so she still didn't know Ren's purpose in giving her money.

Ren: "😐"

After thinking for a moment, Asumi said slowly, "But unfortunately, I've already accepted your money, and since you're unwilling to take the money back, we'll have to find another way."

"Another way?"

"Yes." Asumi then asked, "But before explaining the method, I need to confirm one very important thing with you, okay?"

"Okay." Ren agreed firmly.

It was just to make sure of one thing, and he had no reason to refuse.

"Kouhai-kun, do you want me to continue being your assistant next time?" Asumi looked into his eyes and said very seriously.

"Sure." Ren honestly replied.

"Is that your answer?" Asumi confirmed.

"Yes."

"I see."

Ensuring that his answer didn't sound like a lie, Asumi suddenly laughed, "Well, according to your wish, I'll continue being your assistant, but the payment method needs to be revised."