I begin to walk towards the storage unit, although my legs feel like they’re made out of lead and I’m practically dragging myself over there. I really would rather just go to the classroom and doze off while waiting for classes to start. But seeing Kurebayashi smile at me like I’m the messiah in the middle of his second coming compels the humanity in me to push forward.

“I’m so glad you could make it, Sugiyama-san.”

Kurebayashi excitedly said, her hands still grasping at the water hose.

“Yeah well, It was either this or go to hell with Mr. Hirashi acting as Vergil. And I don’t see him being that good of a guide.”

“Oh, are you referencing Dante’s Inferno by any chance? It’s a truly marvelous read, is it not?”

I’m surprised she actually knows about that. Not many high school students even know about classic literature, let alone read it. Of course, that’s an assumption on my part, but it’s a reasonable one to make.

“Y-yeah… Anyway, what am I supposed to do?”

“Well, as members of the volunteers club, we provide assistance to people and help them with any tasks they wish to accomplish. Right now, I’m helping Mr. Sawamura with re-organizing the school’s storage shed. If you would be so kind as to lend us a hand, I would really appreciate it.”

As soon as she said that, the segment of the watering hose she was holding was taken by the groundskeeper, who looped it around itself and securely tied it before placing it inside the shed. I guess his name is Mr. Sawamura, going off of what Kurebayashi said.

“Ah, and who is this young man?”

“He’s a new member. Mr. Hirashi was kind enough to introduce him to me and informed me that he wished to join.”

So that’s how he orchestrated this whole thing, huh? Yep, he’s definitely on the top of my list.

“I’m Sugiyama Jo. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Sugiyama-san, this is Mr. Sawamura. He’s been our school’s groundskeeper for 16 years now.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Kurebayashi almost looks like a daughter proudly introducing his father by how she presented him. It’s strangely wholesome in a way.

“Now, now Reina, you’re spilling the beans on just how old I am. I don’t want anyone to know just how decrepit I’ve become.”

“Oh no, I didn’t mean it that way. I just wanted to make your great achievement known.”

“Ahaha, I know that. I was just funnin with you. You’re a sweet child but you can be so serious at times.”

Mr. Sawamura huffed out a laugh while Kurebayashi puffed her cheeks and pouted. I take it back, the dynamic between them is not like a father and daughter. It’s more like a grandfather with his great great granddaughter. Again, wholesome in its own way.

“Well, I’m sure glad a young man like yourself joined up as a volunteer. Reina here is always running around the school, helping anyone who needs it. Honestly, I’m glad that she has someone to help her this time around.”

Mr. Sawamura lets out the kind of smile that has the message of I’m entrusting her to you so keep her safe and happy. I’m telling you now, it’s not like that, old man. I’m just an unfortunate victim in an elaborate plot here.

“You’re overexaggerating, Mr. Sawamura. But certainly, I am thrilled to have Sugiyama-san join me. It’s always nice to do things with other people.”

I don’t even know how to respond to that. I can’t help but tilt my head down and look away out of embarrassment. Please just give me something to do so we can move on now.

“S-so, I’ll just get started with these pots. Do you want them in the shed?”

“Yes, that helps a lot. Thank you, young man.”

Finally able to get out of that sickeningly wholesome situation, I hurriedly take a stack of pots and carry them over inside the shed. I then find a place to put them in so they wouldn’t get in the way. It looks rundown and old from the outside, but the interior is actually quite modern and well-maintained. The paint is relatively fresh, the shelves look sturdy and are neatly placed, and there isn’t any hint of dust or cobwebs to be seen. I guess this is mostly because of Kurebayashi and Mr. Sawamura’s earlier efforts at cleaning and reorganizing.

As I step back outside, I see Kurebayashi now sweeping away dust and bits and pieces of what were once Christmas decorations. By this time, the sun has now fully risen and enveloped the surrounding area with its light. The blinding rays of sunlight striking against Kurebayashi’s pale white skin makes her glow in a dazzlingly hypnotic way. Like Twilight vampires but without the cringe.

“Guess I can’t let her do all the work.”

I mumble to myself as I take another stack of pots to put in the shed.

As the knights of the wall once said, and so my watch begins.