"Reina, breakfast is ready."
"Okay, Mom," Reina replied to her mother who was downstairs.
At the dining table.
"Is everything ready? Your homework? Books? Change of clothes?"
Nodding, "Yes, everything's ready, Mom. Don't worry."
Her father, who was reading while drinking coffee, looked at Reina.
"If there are any problems at school, call Dad."
"Mm, don't worry."
I finished my breakfast and prepared to leave.
"I'm leaving now, Mom, Dad."
"Take care."
"Be careful."
——
On the way.
Since the annual cultural festival was coming up soon, my schedule was very busy reviewing all the submitted forms that needed approval or rejection.
Not that I hated it—in fact, I quite enjoyed it since this was one of the fun events.
Upon reaching the intersection, Reina stopped and waited before crossing.
"Hey pretty girl, are you alone?"
Reina turned toward the voice and found two men who looked like delinquents approaching her.
"I'm heading to school. Please leave."
I refused politely, but they didn't listen to me at all and began forcing themselves.
"Come with us. We guarantee we'll treat you well~"
"No, thank you." I tried to stay calm, but my hands were trembling with fear.
"Hah!? We're being nice by inviting you!"
I couldn't speak out of fear... someone, anyone... help me! Please!
"Please stop that."
I felt slightly relieved that someone was trying to help me and looked in his direction.
Ixa Pendragon, someone just as delinquent as them... no, even worse than them based on the rumors I'd heard.
I didn't really believe rumors, but his rough and intimidating attitude at school made me somewhat believe them.
"What do you want, brat!? Can't you—"
As the two delinquents began raising their hands, Ixa easily subdued them with ease.
"You... thank you. I guess what I've heard about you is just rumors after all, even though you skip school often."
I felt that it was just a rumor—maybe just his aura that was dangerous, but...
He turned to look at me. I was nervous to speak, but I saw his eyes...
For some reason, my instincts told me those crimson red eyes weren't looking at me but trying to peer into my very soul, as if checking whether I was a living person or not.
"No problem. And those aren't just rumors."
He said that after finishing looking at me. I wanted to say something else, but I was still a bit confused about what that gaze was just now...
And also, he didn't deny the rumors and said they were true...
Has he changed? I don't know, but what's certain is he saved me.
———
Student Council Room.
"Thank you, Yuichi-kun, for helping me move these boxes."
"Ahh, it's no problem. It's my duty, Reina-san." Yuichi laughed softly.
I also laughed softly in response.
I recruited him when we were short on student council members, and Yuichi was someone who had been quite helpful in several previous activities, so we recruited him and he accepted.
I have a good impression of him as a friend.
After finishing, I returned to the student council desk to handle every form piling up. It took almost a full hour.
"Hahhh, there's so much, but thank goodness it's done."
I stretched my sore arms and drank the chocolate from the bottle I brought from home.
"Taking a short break in the school hallway would be nice."
Reina stood up and left the student council room.
In the school hallway, Reina heard about Ixa's different temperament from usual.
"So, is it true that Pendragon has changed?"
"I think he's become better." Nodding.
"Alright, that's enough. Time to clean up and finish today's schedule."
Reina returned to the student council room.