Chapter 17: Poor Yuriko Okata

The sunlight at three in the afternoon was no longer scorching. On the school sports field, two or three teams in athletic uniforms jogged in neat formations, chanting slogans as they ran laps for exercise.

“Nation!”
“Go for it!”
“Nation!”
...

The spirited and enthusiastic members shouted their mottos, drawing admiring glances from passing students. Particularly, girls in pretty short skirts paused to watch, sometimes whispering and giggling with their friends.

With an audience gathered, the club members shouted even more energetically, especially the freshmen who could train with the team, feeling proud and honored.

In contrast to the boisterous, passionate atmosphere outside, the classroom was exceptionally quiet.

“Um... hello, Qingling...” Yuriko Ogata spoke softly, her voice as gentle and timid as her demeanor, her gaze evasive, hesitant to approach Qingling Meirong, who stood at the classroom door.

For the well-behaved Yuriko Ogata, the likes of Lady Qingling, the notorious school troublemaker, were precisely the sort of person she hoped to avoid.

Qingling Meirong paid her no heed, merely glancing at Kasuga Haruno, who held a mop, before walking to her seat with an indifferent expression.

Passing the podium, Qingling scowled and kicked aside a chair that blocked her path. The chair tumbled to the floor with a loud “bang bang bang,” the noise echoing and accentuating the silence of the classroom.

Yuriko Ogata was startled by the scene, her small frame trembling, her big eyes reddening.

Qingling Meirong acted as if nothing had happened, nonchalantly taking her seat and playing with her phone.

Haruno sighed helplessly, walked to the podium, and quietly set the overturned chair upright. The yellow wooden chair, its paint chipped at the edge from the impact, likely wouldn’t appeal to any beauty-loving girls anymore.

Tsk, poor Yuriko... Who knows what’s gotten into Qingling Meirong today?

“I—I’m sorry, Haruno...” Yuriko Ogata suddenly lowered her head and apologized quietly to Kasuga Haruno.

“Huh?” Haruno was momentarily confused.

“This chair is yours. I—I’m really sorry!” Yuriko even bowed deeply to Haruno, her voice choked with emotion.

“Uh?” Kasuga Haruno was even more bewildered.

Why is it my chair???

[Event triggered.]

[She had wanted to step on Haruno’s chair wearing socks, to leave her scent on it, but didn’t expect to damage it in the process. She’s very sorry. Upon understanding the girl’s mindset, you decide:]

[A. Pretend nothing happened, smile, and say it’s alright—you forgive her. (Mission reward: 30,000 yen)]

[B. Tell the girl your chair was damaged because of her, and ask her to compensate for your loss, letting her interpret the meaning herself. (Triggers special plot)]

[C. Care more about your chair than the girl, refuse to forgive her.]

[D. Forgive the girl, and “educate” Qingling Meirong in front of Yuriko Ogata. (It’s only been a day since the last spanking, and your hands are itching again!!!)]

What the heck? Why would she want to leave her scent on me? I don’t recall offending her! She wants my butt to carry her smell?!

Curious, Haruno pulled up Yuriko Ogata’s profile panel.

[Character: Yuriko Ogata]
[Charm: 83]
[Figure: 88 (A certain group with special preferences likes petite girls, hence the score)]
[Stamina: 40]
[Affection: 71! (Special preference: Due to being small and delicate, Yuriko Ogata naturally favors tall, strong boys, especially those with a sweaty scent...)]
[Profile: Always seen as the well-behaved girl by outsiders, but harbors undisclosed secrets. Her special preferences make it hard to confess to those she likes. Since entering high school, these feelings have become harder to suppress, especially after meeting her classmate Kasuga Haruno. After gym class, Haruno’s scent becomes even more intoxicating. (Comment: Gentle on the outside, fiery on the inside—worth having for the player...)]
[Current status: Feels sorry for damaging Haruno’s chair, wishes to be punished by Haruno as part of her apology. Today, Haruno seems even more handsome than usual...]
[Stage tasks:]
[Task One: Affection reaches 40 (completed), holding hands and kissing (not completed). Task reward: 10 million yen]
[Task Two: Not unlocked.]
[Task Three: Not unlocked.]
[Task Four: Not unlocked.]

???

Seeing the notes on affection, Kasuga Haruno was startled. So Yuriko Ogata had her eye on him long ago? Tall and strong—the whole class seemed to fit only him...

Haruno closed the panel, his gaze complicated as he looked at the bowing girl before him.

White blouse, pleated skirt—the uniform on Yuriko Ogata made her look like a middle-schooler, her hair braided into two plaits draped over her shoulders. Bent over, her face was hidden, but her exposed pale neck showed her skin was in excellent condition.

“Stand up, it’s alright,” Kasuga Haruno reached out and helped her up. Yet the girl’s eyes remained red, making her appear even more pitiable.

“I’m really sorry...” Yuriko Ogata apologized again.

“I told you it’s fine. Go ahead, I’ll finish the cleaning.” Kasuga Haruno smiled and waved her off.

Hearing this, Yuriko Ogata glanced cautiously at Qingling Meirong. At that moment, the delinquent girl looked up at them, frightening Yuriko into fleeing, not daring to look back as she ran out of the classroom.

Just as Yuriko Ogata left, a voice echoed from the hallway—Heisuke Yoji’s.

“Ogata, where are you rushing off to?”

“I...” Yuriko stammered, unable to answer, and could only bow apologetically to Heisuke Yoji.

“I—I’m sorry, Heisuke...” she said.

Heisuke was baffled, scratching his head and muttering as he entered the classroom, “Why is she apologizing to me?”

He turned to Haruno and asked, “Do you know what’s wrong with Yuriko, Haruno?”

Kasuga Haruno shrugged, saying nothing, merely carrying the chair back to his seat.

Noticing Qingling Meirong absorbed in her phone, Heisuke, who had intended to help his friend clean, was stopped by a single glance from her. Nervously swallowing, he said,

“Haruno, the kendo club needs me. I’ll go first. Tomorrow I’ll show you something interesting!”

With that, he dashed out of the classroom, his dramatic voice echoing down the hallway,

“Haruno, don’t worry, I’ll avenge you when I return victorious!”