Insensitive Bocchi-kun ~Reluctantly Heading to School Today~ [Dropped] - Chapter 98: A Moment of Relief

Chapter 98: A Moment of Relief

“Alright! So, it’s decided for the boys. Now, is there anyone among the girls willing to be on the committee?”

“…”

Indeed, I had acted boldly, but what would happen now?

Personally, I’d be glad and relieved if Yamamoto and Alice could help out. 

But maybe I was being too optimistic…

At the end of the day, our relationship wasn’t that strong yet.

“Yes! I’ll do it!”

“I-I’d also like to try it!”

As I pondered, my eyes caught Yamamoto and Alice, who had confidently raised their hands towards the teacher.

“…”

Honestly, I’m genuinely happy about this situation.

There was a real possibility that no one would volunteer, leading to an awkward atmosphere. Actually, that was more likely. Being on the organizing committee was honestly troublesome.

But now, both of them volunteered. I’m truly happy.

“Wow, both of you? Great, great. This seems to be going smoothly. Good initiative!”

Just as the teacher said, things were going smoothly when suddenly— “Hold on. I’ll join!”

That didn’t go as expected…

I heard his voice in my ears. I thought this might happen, and it did.

“What’s the deal, Sakaki? The boys are settled with Mamiya, aren’t they?”

Yes, that should’ve been the case. No one other than me had raised their hand earlier.

“No, think about it. It won’t work with Mamiya. He’s socially awkward. Hahaha.”

“That’s true. What’s up with him all of a sudden wanting to take part in something? That guy.”

“Weirdo, weirdo.”

Before I knew it, Sakaki’s words had spread throughout the classroom, and his entourage was wearing ugly smirks on their faces.

This pattern again?

This really sucks.

But strangely enough, I wasn’t as irritated by the situation as I used to be.

I wonder why.

“Hey, Sakaki! Don’t say things like that! Mamiya is trying to be proactive here. I’ll get mad.”

“Ha? Even if he’s proactive, it’s impossible for someone socially awkward.”

Sakaki continued to defy the teacher’s words, relentlessly insulting me.

“Hey, Mamiya. Swap places with me! What’s with that face, huh?”

That should be my line. I’m just as usual.

And before I knew it, Sakaki was heading my way.

“Hey, what’s gotten into you? Huh? Trying to make a new-semester debut after summer break is over? Haha, been reading too many coming-of-age manga? Well, you’re a weirdo anyway, so don’t even try. So you’re gonna swap places with me on the committee, right?”

Saying that, he brazenly put his arm around my shoulder.

“No, I’m not swapping.”

Strangely, what I was thinking came out of my mouth effortlessly.

“Huh? You really have some nerve, don’t you?”

Sigh… this guy really is trash. The one who’s getting carried away is clearly you. Even now, he’s gripping my collar where the teacher can’t see, trying to intimidate me.

But I understand now. Yeah.

I now understand why I’m not as irritated by his words and actions as I used to be. 

Why did I ever feel inferior to this guy?

Why did I live my life constantly watching for his mood?

Right. Maybe it’s because I’ve gained some peace of mind. He’s really not a big deal at all; I’ve been thinking that ever since earlier. 

For now, I grabbed the wrist Sakaki had on my collar.

“Huh? What the…?”

See, he’s not a big deal. Just a little bit of pressure, and look at him now.

“W-What the hell are you doing… Hey, let go… Stop…”

“…”

“Hey, you… are you serious?”

“…”

“Wait… ugh… it hurts… seriously, let go… ah!”

“Hey! What are you doing?”

Ah, the teacher finally noticed.

Well, that makes sense. Sakaki, blinded by rage, is kneeing me. While crying, no less. 

But I have no intention of letting go.

“H-Hey, what the hell are you doing?!”

Next up are Sakaki’s minions, Moriya and Takasago.

They’re being quite noisy in my ear, too.

“Hey! What are you all doing?”

And with that, the teacher approached us with a furious look on his face.

But I’m sorry, I have no intention of letting you easily stop this situation.

I’ll be the one to end it smoothly.

“Ugh…”

Yeah. It’s over.

Sakaki had already fallen, kneeling before me. 

Just moments ago, he was acting all high and mighty, but now he was just crouching, clutching his stomach in front of our classmates. 

His face was flushed red, and he seemed frustrated as he continued to cry from the pain he’d just experienced.

Really, why had I ever felt intimidated by people like him?

I noticed the atmosphere around me had become quite tense.

Those who were laughing at me with Sakaki just a while ago now had dumbfounded expressions, as if they had been shot by a peashooter.

Takasago and Moriya were also silent now, looking at my face; they quieted down after I landed a punch on Sakaki and glared at them.

“H-Hey, Mamiya. Let’s, um, talk later…”

“Yes.”

Clearly, I was acting in self-defense, and the teacher couldn’t be angry with me for that. 

I feel sorry for causing the teacher trouble, and I know that violence isn’t the answer. But honestly, I was fed up with letting people like this push me around any longer.

So, for now… I have no intention of continuing my school life as it has been.

“…”

And don’t bother taking any more pictures of that guy.

Tanaka-kun…