Mr. Hirashi once again sits down on his chair, giving his knees a slight tap before completely settling down in place. I guess he’s reaching the age where his joints are starting to ache. Poor guy.

“Thank you once again for coming here. I really appreciate it.” Mr. Hirashi said with an uncharacteristically gentle expression on his face.

“It’s no trouble at all, Mr. Hirashi. I couldn’t possibly refuse a request from you. In fact, I was delighted when you asked for my assistance.” The female student said in response.

She is very formal in the way she speaks and her voice is mild and incredibly serene to the ears. It’s like a gentle breeze blowing through the wide Mongolian grasslands. I’m pretty sure I can fall asleep to just her saying random words.

Of course, there’s absolutely no way I’m saying that out loud. These thoughts will forever be stored within the confines of my iron-tight mind.

“I see, I’m glad to hear it then. Now, before we get started, I’d first like to introduce you to Sugiyama Jo. He’s an on-going case of mine.”

Mr. Hirashi points to me with both arms extended, like how prize show hosts present the grand luxury prize for the evening that makes the audience all giddy and excited. Funnily enough, I don’t feel like a prize. More like a freakshow being shown off by the circus owner.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sugiyama-san. My name is Kurebayashi Reina. I’m looking forward to working with you from now on.”

Kurebayashi gives me the most respectful bow I’ve ever received in my life. To be honest, I’ve never been spoken to like this. So, I was completely caught off guard by her demeanor. Right now, she resembles how a princess from medieval times would act.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Ah, yeah, sure. Nice to meet you too.”

It’s no use. I’m too dazed by her to even return the favor. At this rate, I’m going to look like an absolute peasant who doesn’t even know how to act politely.

Wait a minute. Did she just say that she’s looking forward to working with me?

My initial shock has now turned into confusion. I look toward Mr. Hirashi, who now has a silly looking smirk on his face.

“Now that that’s done, let’s get down to business. Jo here will be helping you with your daily activities as a school volunteer. Feel free to work him to the bone, it’ll do him some good since he’s never worked a day in his life!”

Mr. Hirashi lets out a hearty laugh. But I’m not laughing. Hell, I’m not even smiling. Does he seriously think he can just decide things for me? I was about to speak up and protest this sudden development, but Kurebayashi suddenly claps her hands together and lets out a gleeful cheer.

“I was so delighted when Mr. Hirashi asked me to take one person on as an additional volunteer. Thank you so much for joining!”

She has a smile that seems to exude genuine happiness. I see now. When a girl like Kurebayashi puts her hopes and expectations on you, failure is an impossible option. Declining now would be the equivalent of going out in the middle of a busy street and shouting I hate babies and dogs. Not only will I get beat up and scorned by society, but worst of all, the pure and innocent smile of Kurebayashi will turn into a dejected frown.

Damn you, Mr. Hirashi. He really knows how to play into my social awkwardness. He knows I won’t outright refuse when faced with such a situation. But I can’t let myself be a pawn in his mind games. Too long has he treated me like a wide-open book and psychoanalyzed everything I said and did.

No more.

I face Kurebayashi, a blank expression on my face to signify my disconnect from this reality. As I once again see her radiant smile, my gaze shifts towards her eyes, which are far more enticing than I thought.

I must steel my resolve. Even though I’m a socially awkward husk of a human being, I open my mouth, prepared to turn down her invitation and dispel the twisted plan of Mr. Hirashi.

“Y… Yeah, I look forward to it too.”