I Accidentally Said “I Want a S○x Partner” in the Class Group on LINE, and the School Idol Responded - Chapter 15

“―I’m so glad you’re both safe!”

On the morning of the second day of the forest school, we put on our dry gym clothes and returned to the nature house. Everyone, led by Hoshikawa, kept expressing their relief.

Because being thrown into a stormy forest was a serious situation, and nobody made fun of me and Shinozaki as if it were some kind of romance.

The second day of forest school went simply: a light morning activity, lunch, and then we rode the bus back to school in the afternoon. It ended without any trouble.

“I’m really sorry, Hashiguchi-kun.”

After we got back to school and everyone went their separate ways, Shinozaki apologized just as we stepped outside, putting on our shoes at the school entrance.

“You mean last night?”

“Of course… it was all my fault.”

“Really, don’t worry about it.”

I had already told her last night that it wasn’t a bad thing for me. For someone like me, who’s used to a sheltered and study-filled life, a little trouble was exciting and refreshing.

“I’m not just saying that… I really mean it.”

“Thank you…”

“…Are you heading to work after this?”

I switched the topic so it wouldn’t stay heavy. I spoke softly because she seemed to hide her part-time job from others. I guessed she didn’t want people to find out about her family situation.

I still didn’t know the details of why she had to work. I knew she needed to earn her own living, but not the reason behind it. I also felt it wasn’t my place to ask her personal questions, and it’s intrusive.

Shinozaki nodded in response to my question.

“Yes. I had the energy, so I took a shift. I need to save money… And also, the pay you gave me for work, I’ll return today’s part.”

“I knew you’d say that.”

I had covered Shinozaki’s pay for the last two days so she could join the forest school. Since she could work today, she wanted to pay me back. But I refused.

“Don’t worry about returning it. I don’t know why you’re working so hard, but I want you to use it.”

“But…”

“No, it’s fine. See you later.”

I felt that if I stayed any longer, she’d convince me to accept it, so I left before she could argue.

Just as I reached the school gate, I noticed a black car parked at the roadside.

My heart skipped a beat… It was my dad’s car.

“Get in.”

The back seat window rolled down.

…Why did he come to pick me up?

Had last night’s incident somehow reached him, and was he coming to lecture me? Or was it something else?

I thought it wouldn’t be good if he had found out about any trouble, but I got in the back seat anyway. The car started moving and drove in a direction away from home.

“There’s a party tonight at a teacher’s place who’s been helping me. You’re coming too.”

His words made me both relieved and annoyed at the same time.

A party… in other words, it was one of those political fundraising events. It wasn’t unusual for him to bring me along. The point of bringing me was simple. To make small talk easier. “Are you his son?” “Yes, I am.” That’s how the conversation would start, helping him make connections with influential people he didn’t yet know. My dad often did this. He was basically just using me. I really hated him for that.

※

“Oh, is this your son? He looks just like you, smart and capable.”

“No, he’s still inexperienced.”

When we arrived at the party, the main event hadn’t officially started yet, but people were already mingling and eating while talking.

I had been forced into formal clothes and was immediately being used as my dad’s decoration. The man my dad was talking to seemed to be the president of some company. Having non-politicians at the party made it perfect for making connections.

The party was in a hotel hall, with easily hundreds of guests. It was big, but political parties are usually like this unless they’re secret. The host collected funds by selling overpriced tickets, and attendees paid a lot just to network. Behind it all, there were schemes and agendas swirling around. It was far from normal.

Of course, I wasn’t enjoying it. Every time my dad bragged about my grades, the important people or their beautiful companions would praise me, but that didn’t make me happy. Being forced to a place I didn’t want to be was not fun at all.

“Alright, you can leave now. I’ll stay a bit longer. Thanks for your help.”

It was around 9 p.m., and he handed me a stack of bills. I guessed it meant to take a taxi home. His driver would wait for him separately.

I silently took the money and left. Once inside the taxi, I let out a deep sigh. Another stressful day… and I had just been relaxed at forest school a short while ago.

But about thirty minutes later, something happened that made all that frustration disappear.

“…C-can you stop here?”

As the taxi approached my local station, I saw something through the window I couldn’t ignore. The driver looked confused but pulled over.

“…Is this okay? Your address is still a little further away.”

“It’s fine, thank you.”

I paid and got out.

I headed straight for the nearby square.

Because there, I saw Shinozaki being harassed by a middle-aged man.