Chapter 6: Rias with Proof!

As I brushed off the dust from my clothes, a voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Hey! What's going on here?!"

I turned to see Saji approaching, his expression firm and authoritative. The group of boys froze momentarily before quickly standing and dusting themselves off. Without missing a beat, one of them pointed at me and began to spin his tale.

"He attacked us out of nowhere!" one of them exclaimed.

"Yeah! We didn't even do anything to him!" another chimed in, the feigned innocence dripping from his tone.

"We were just minding our own business!" added a third.

"And he just started swinging!" the fourth finished, as though rehearsed.

Saji crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at me. "Alright, you're coming with me to the student council room. Fighting on school grounds is prohibited."

"Wait," I interrupted, stepping forward, "don't I get a say in this?"

Saji shook his head. "There are four of them, and only one of you. Why would I believe someone who just transferred yesterday over them?"

Before I could argue further, a calm but firm voice echoed across the yard.

"Really? Is that how the student council works?"

The crowd parted slightly, and I turned to see her—Rias Gremory. Her crimson hair swayed lightly in the breeze, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto Saji with authority. I immediately used Observe out of instinct.

[Observe:

Name: Rias Gremory

Gender: Female

Race: Pure-Blooded Devil

Title: President of the Occult Research Club

Fame: Sirzechs' Little Sister

Sacred Gear: None

HP: 1250/1250

MP: 1000/1000

Stamina: 400/400

Strength: 32

Endurance: 32

Agility: 30

Intelligence: 50

Wisdom: 50

Luck: 20]

Saji's stern demeanor faltered slightly at her presence. "Miss Gremory," he said, trying to regain his composure, "I was just escorting this student to the council for starting a fight. Four people here confirm he attacked them without reason."

Rias tilted her head, her tone calm yet cutting. "And in doing so, you didn't think to let him explain his side? That's not exactly fair now, is it?"

Saji stiffened. "I'm inclined to believe the four over him. I've known them longer than this transfer student."

Rias sighed and crossed her arms. "I saw the whole thing. Those four attacked him first, ranting about something ridiculous involving Koneko. It's not the first time these boys have caused trouble."

The color drained from the boys' faces. Saji's eyes widened as he turned to look at me. "Shiro, is this true?"

I nodded. "Yes. But since they outnumber me, I assumed I'd still be in trouble."

The boys visibly relaxed at my words, thinking they had escaped unscathed. But Saji frowned, clearly conflicted.

Rias stepped in again. "If you don't believe me, Saji, then check the security footage. It'll show exactly what happened."

Saji nodded reluctantly. "Alright, let's go to the student council room and review the footage."

….

At the Student Council Room

Sona Sitri sat behind her desk, her expression one of mild annoyance as she looked at Saji. "Why are we looking at the security cameras, Saji?"

Rias, standing to the side with her arms crossed, answered instead. "Because we need proof that Shiro didn't start the fight. I witnessed it, but apparently, that's not enough."

Saji flinched at her words but remained silent as the footage was pulled up. The scene played out exactly as Rias described—the four boys confronting me, making their accusations, and throwing the first punch.

Sona's gaze shifted back to Saji. "Saji, how many times do I have to tell you not to jump to conclusions? Always gather the facts before taking action."

Saji bowed his head. "I'm sorry, President. It won't happen again."

Sona then turned to me, her tone softer. "Shiro, I apologize for Saji's mistake. Please forgive him. You're free to go."

I nodded. "Thanks."

As I walked out of the room, I couldn't help but glance back at Rias. She gave me a small, knowing smile before turning back to Sona.

After that I made my way to cooking class, I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic "yay" in my mind.

Walking into the classroom, I noticed that the teacher hadn't arrived yet. I headed to the station I shared with Koneko, only to see that she was already there. Settling down on one of the stools, I greeted her casually.

"Morning," she said, her voice as calm as ever.

"Morning," I replied before adding with a smirk, "I ran into your fan club earlier."

Her eyes widened slightly at my words. "You mean those four perverts who are obsessed with lolis?"

I glanced at her, feeling a mischievous urge bubbling up. I knew I was asking for trouble, but I couldn't resist.

"So, you're admitting you're a loli?" I teased.

A faint blush dusted her cheeks, but she didn't let me off easy. Instead, she flicked my forehead with enough force to make me wince.

"Ow!" I whined, rubbing the spot with my hand.

As I did, her gaze shifted to the gloves I was wearing. Her brow furrowed in curiosity.

"Why are you wearing gloves?" she asked, her tone tinged with suspicion.

"Uh… my hands get cold easily," I stammered, cursing inwardly at how obvious my lie sounded.

Her eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "Take them off."

"But my hands are really cold," I tried again, though even I didn't believe the excuse.

Her expression remained unchanged, but her tone carried a warning. "Fine. If you won't, I'll take them off myself. If you're not hiding anything, I'll apologize and even give you a chocolate bar."

"That's not fair!" I protested, feeling a growing sense of dread. "I'll definitely win!"

'He stutters when he lies.' Her thought must have echoed in her mind because she tilted her head slightly, unrelenting. "Then you shouldn't have a problem with it."

Resigned, I placed my hand on the table, watching as she carefully removed the first glove. Her eyes darkened the moment she saw the cuts on my hand.

Her expression shifted, her face dipping slightly so I couldn't see her full reaction. With even more care, she pulled off the second glove, though her rough handling made me wince.

"Ow! Not so rough," I muttered.

Ignoring my complaint, her gaze locked onto the shallow cuts lining my fingers. There was a spark of anger in her eyes as she looked up at me.

"Did those four guys do this to you?" she asked, her voice low but brimming with barely contained frustration.

"No, they didn't," I said quickly, shaking my head.

"Then how did it happen?" she pressed, still suspicious.

Avoiding her gaze, I scratched my chin sheepishly and mumbled, "Well… I tried cutting vegetables like you showed me this morning, and it didn't end well."

Her lips curled ever so slightly into a small smile—so faint I almost missed it. But just as quickly, her expression returned to one of concern.

Without another word, she walked over to the first aid kit, brought it back to our station, and began tending to my hands with surprising gentleness.

Though I felt embarrassed, a small part of me appreciated the care she showed. Despite her stoic demeanor, Koneko clearly had a soft side—one she wasn't afraid to show when it mattered.

——

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