Amidst the cheers, Imai Kasuko still stood there.
Kiyono Lin turned her gaze toward her, "Imai Kasuko, has your handling of the French horn become more meticulous? Have you managed to achieve an unbroken sound?"
"A talented newcomer will join us in the new semester, and I will select the A group members based on ability," Kiyono Lin said in an indifferent tone that shot straight to the heart.
One of the girls behind Imai Kasuko tugged at her sleeve.
Imai Kasuko found her way out, conceding with a stubborn glance at Kiyono Lin, and followed the other to practice.
The issue resolved, Ayane Kumi completely relaxed.
"Miss Kiyono, I really thank you!" she bowed to Kiyono Lin.
"No need to thank me," Kiyono Lin crossed her arms, "I didn’t do it to help you or the Wind Instrument Club. It’s just that Mr. Dubian asked for my help and I promised to take responsibility until the end."
"You think that by saying that, you can make me forget about the cheating just now?" Dubian Che said.
"Who said cheating is not allowed?" Kiyono Lin smiled a bit, looking quite pleased with herself.
"I thought you were a rule-abiding beautiful girl."
"Indeed, a beautiful girl," Kiyono Lin nodded in agreement.
What else could Dubian Che say?
"Mr. Dubian, will you also return to the Wind Instrument Club?" Ayane Kumi asked after the two finished their topic.
Sighing, Dubian Che said, "Since Miss Kiyono will be there, then I..."
"Don’t worry about me, just do what you want," Kiyono Lin interrupted Dubian Che’s decision, her gaze lingering on him.
"Ah, I see. Then I’ll pass," Dubian Che, disinterestedly waving his hand, "Playing in the club is really not interesting."
Kiyono Lin glared at Dubian Che fiercely.
"Hm? What’s wrong?" Dubian Che asked, puzzled.
"Nothing," Kiyono Lin said, her tone cold.
Indeed, she supported whatever decision Dubian Che made, but the moment she spoke up, this man abandoned her right away at the Wind Instrument Club... and she had taken on these troublesome matters all because of him.
Just like that, Lady Kiyono took control of the Goda School’s largest club once again.
And Dubian Che ended up cleaning the activity room for a week.
As time passed, the atmosphere in the school became more restless as February 14th drew near.
February 11th, Friday.
"The teachers seem very busy lately?"
"Yes, there’s a lot to handle at the end of the term, including preparing for exams and interviews."
"Exams and interviews?"
"The entrance exams for Goda."
Dubian Che was moving a pile of thick lectures while Xiaoquan Aonai could barely carry anymore in her hands.
"How about going to a movie tonight since it’s Friday?" The two walked into the office to see Akiko’s excited face due to the holiday.
"Sure, let’s go have dinner outside as well," Xiaoquan Aonai said, placing the lectures on the table.
"What should we eat?" Akiko took out her phone to reserve a restaurant, spinning in her chair.
"Is there anything you’d like to eat, Dubian?" Xiaoquan Aonai looked over.
"I won’t be joining," Dubian Che said, "I’m going to see Meiji today."
Xiaoquan Aonai nodded, "Will you be back tonight? Should we bring some food back for you?"
"Uh—I probably won’t be back."
"Bad influence, write me a five-page reflection!" Akiko said with a stern face.
"Talk to me about that when you’re my homeroom teacher. Goodbye."
"Aonai, see how arrogant your student has become? You’re not disciplining him properly!"
"You know Dubian is my student too."
"You’re bullying me as well? Waaaah, I’ll cry for you to see!"
That was how the English teacher Akiko, not in the classroom, behaved.
Dubian Che went back to the classroom to grab his backpack for the club activity.
Pulling open the door, in the peaceful winter air of the clubroom, Kiyono Lin sat like an exquisite life-size doll.
She sat in her usual spot, lifted her head from the hardcover book in her hands, gently flicking her long hair, revealing a soft smile:
"Good afternoon, Mr. Dubian."
A simple exchange, an everyday scene, yet Dubian Che felt the beauty of life.
Walking to school every day, he was filled with a pleasurable sense whenever he thought that Kiyono Lin would be waiting here for him after class.
"Spring is about to come," he remarked absent-mindedly as he sat down.
"Do you like spring, Mr. Dubian?" asked Kiyono Lin.
"Not particularly, just felt like saying it," Dubian Che paused for a moment, "Miss Kiyono, which season do you like out of spring, summer, autumn, and winter?"
"Eliminate winter first."
Kiyono Lin propped her chin with her hand, pondering, "Not an exact season, but I like the time just after the rainy season ends and before summer officially begins."
"When hydrangeas bloom."
"When roses flourish."
"No, just felt like saying it."
Dubian Che spread his hands, "Lady Kiyono, the royalty fee is one hundred yen."
"If that’s called plagiarism, then so far, Mr. Dubian, please calculate how much money you owe me," Kiyono Lin teased.
"End of debate," Dubian Che pulled out "Long Night’s Journey."
Yet another day where Dubian Che was defeated...
"Knock knock knock!" A knocking sound interrupted the voice-over.
"Come in," Kiyono Lin’s voice was clear and cool, with a sense of distance.
’Now that I think about it, since I joined the club, I’ve never knocked on the door. I’ll try it next time.’
Dubian Che would never admit he just wanted to hear the aloof tone of Kiyono Lin.
Perhaps the next time, the two would engage in a new match of wits over the topic of "knocking on the door"?
Dubian Che was drafting an argument for a ’debate that might or might not happen’ when the knocker entered.
Ichiki Aoi, Hanaoka Chaozi, and Yuzao Haomei walked in.