Chapter 32 Can we go back together today

I'm aware that Blake is popular among girls, but there seems to be something different in the atmosphere this time. Their gazes are not only fixed on Blake but also seem to be directed at Paul.

"What's wrong?"

I pulled Paul, who was clinging to my back, away and tossed him aside. Blake tilted his head and asked. Only then did I vaguely perceive the reason for the change in the atmosphere and the shift in the crowd around us.

"Well, nothing. Just forget I asked anything."

A shrill yell in a yellow tone came from afar, but I decided not to pay attention to it.

"Blake, you're finally back."

"I told you to keep a good watch, didn't I?"

As soon as he saw Blake, Aaron stood up immediately. However, when he spread his arms and ran over, Blake blocked him by pressing his hand on Aaron's head, clearly frowning.

"I was watching properly, but I can't endure this any longer if it continues like this."

"You were just watching literally, right?"

Hearing the conversation between the two, I tilted my head in confusion. Blake, on the other hand, gave an ambiguous smile and turned around.

"No, it's nothing."

Watching Blake pull a chair and sit beside me, I smiled even more puzzledly. It seems that he has no intention of answering my questions.

"This isn't something that must be specifically told to the teacher."

"Hmph."

Blake's reply made me let out a discontented sound. This stuffy feeling in my chest is probably a mild sense of alienation, which is truly unpleasant.

"It's just that Blake said to keep an eye on the president and prevent him from doing strange things to Ben."

"Ah?"

Aaron, who had just peeked out from the edge of the table a moment ago, muttered casually as if nothing had happened. But upon hearing his voice, Blake showed his discontent in a flustered manner, drooped his shoulders and pressed his forehead.

"Don't talk too much."

Noticing that Blake's ears had turned a bit red as he hung his head, I couldn't help but widen my eyes. Is it about that matter he mentioned this morning? I had completely forgotten about it. Or rather, in a place with so many people, I never expected anything to happen at all.

"I'm sorry for making you worry."

"No, I know the teacher isn't sensitive to such things."

Blake let out a slight sigh, propped his face with his hand, with the corners of his eyebrows drooping, showing a wry smile. I feel extremely sorry for making him worry additionally when he is already burdened with so much on a regular basis.

"Don't treat people like pests."

"He's definitely a pest, right?"

Blake said discontentedly and brushed aside Paul's hand that was trying to put his arm around my shoulder while standing beside me.

Sure enough, the two of them would immediately turn into this state whenever they are together. I shrank my shoulders because of this uncomfortable atmosphere. In the corner of my vision, Aaron also shrank his shoulders with a wry smile in the same way.

"Why do you two always start arguing so quickly?"

"I'm not planning to argue."

"It's just teasing him a bit, right?"

Paul's words made Blake's temple twitch slightly again. Sure enough, the reason lies in Paul's words and actions. I don't understand why he is so persistently trying to irritate Blake's nerves. Does he find such reactions interesting? Looking at Paul's grinning face, I couldn't say anything. I don't want to be involved in their disputes.

"Anyway, Paul, pay attention to your bad habit."

"Well, I can't really pay attention to it either."

Seeing him shrugging as always without any sign of remorse, I couldn't help but sigh. I don't think he is a bad person, but can't he change this kind of kingly air about him? However, I also feel that this is just Paul and there's nothing much to be done about it.

"Ah, right. President."

"Suddenly talking about what?"

Aaron suddenly stood up and raised his hand, breaking the indescribable atmosphere that was pervading. Even Paul narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"No, when the president is working, everyone is too scared to talk to you. It's quite troublesome, right?"

Aaron said while looking back. The people around nodded unnaturally.

"Don't be like this. Besides, I'm not going to eat you all. Speak up."

Upon hearing Paul's words, for an instant – no, it seemed that everyone was saying that they would be eaten. The atmosphere became subtle. But although Paul was muttering, he still walked towards the other students. Although he has many excessive behaviors, he is still quite good at taking care of people.

"Aaron."

"Hmm?"

After Paul left, Blake suddenly called out to Aaron who was about to chase after him.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Are we going to be kicked to death by a horse?"

After answering with a smile, Aaron left as if nothing had happened. The two of us stared at Aaron's back with wide eyes, stunned.

"Blake, what did you say to Aaron?"

"No, I didn't say anything."

"Is that so."

I let out a gentle sigh. Facing this indescribable atmosphere, I first reached out my chopsticks towards the bento that had been left open all along. While eating silently, Blake, who had been propping his face with his hand and looking at me all this time, suddenly remembered something and sat up straight.

"Right. Can we go back together today?"

"Well, yes, I guess. I have to show up here, but it shouldn't be too late."

Basically, all I need to do is approve the documents. But after school, the executive committee members from the first and second grades and some from the third grade of the student council will gather. As an advisor, I feel that I still need to show up; otherwise, it doesn't look good. Without others telling me, I also plan to come here as much as possible during noon and after school. But thinking this way, the student council members are busy from morning till night. They really have a hard time.

"Then I don't have a part-time job today. Can I wait for you in the preparation room?"

"Well, ah, yes, you can."

This unexpected invitation made my heart tighten suddenly and my cheeks flush with heat. Seeing Blake smiling happily, my heart skipped another beat.

I'm truly ashamed of myself.