"Takeuchi Sensei, Shimada's stomach hurts. He couldn't hold it and went to the restroom first. He asked me to let you know."

Ishida Shoya slowly stepped forward to explain the situation to Takeuchi Sensei.

Takeuchi wanted to curse outright, but swallowed the words. With parents present, it wouldn't do to say anything inappropriate—especially if their own parents happened to hear.

Besides, these two had chosen the worst possible timing—not early, not late, but right before the event started. It was hard not to suspect they were trying to mess with him.

"Alright, go back to the line," Takeuchi said impatiently, not even glancing at Shoya.

Shoya cursed silently and trudged back to his place.

After the first class finished their chorus, Shimada Ikki walked back slowly and casually.

Takeuchi's temper flared at Ikki's leisurely attitude, but he held it in and hurried over, asking worriedly, "Are you alright? Is there anywhere else you feel uncomfortable?"

Ikki glanced at him and shook his head indifferently before returning to his spot.

"Are you sure you want to do it like this later?" Shoya asked hesitantly after Ikki had settled.

Ikki's lips curved into a slight smile as he patted Shoya's back. "What's there to be afraid of? You go first, I'll follow right after. You're not alone. Besides, don't you want to teach that Bastard and Miyamura fellow a lesson?"

Shoya hesitated, still uneasy. The trouble they were about to cause felt bigger than before, but at least this time they wouldn't have to pay compensation…

"Slap!" Ikki gave a hard pat on Shoya's back and shot him a look to shut him up.

"Alright," Shoya finally hardened his heart. No matter what, Ikki was with him.

The bond between brothers couldn't be broken, and Ikki had been planning this for a month.

——————

"Akira, Akira! I'm getting nervous again, what should I do?" Shouko fretted as their turn approached.

Akira looked at her, speechless but hiding it well. "Let me think… is there a quick way to calm you down?"

Logically, distraction was best for nerves—a direct and effective approach. Other methods took too long, and time was short.

Eliminating other options, there was only one guaranteed way to distract her—and it was 100% effective.

"Alright, now it's time for sixth-grade Class B to perform the chorus 'A Monster's Narrative Poem.' Let's welcome them with applause!"

Shouko anxiously urged, "Akira, have you thought of a way!?"

Akira sighed. "Consider this an unconditional huge gain for you."

Without hesitation, he gently cupped Shoko's cheek with his right hand and kissed her left cheek.

The effect was immediate. Shouko's nerves vanished—though her face turned bright red, like she'd applied blush.

She stood frozen, staring blankly as if smoke were coming out of her head. No matter how much Akira called her, she didn't respond.

He hadn't expected such a critical hit to her "CPU."

The line started moving, and he couldn't leave her behind, so he took her hand and walked forward.

——————

She hadn't expected Akira's sudden move and was shocked to realize it happened in front of so many people!

How many must have seen!?

When his lips touched her cheek, she noticed a pleasant scent... and softness she hadn't felt since kindergarten—though that was six years ago.

It wasn't a secret kiss anymore—it was the first time he'd kissed her willingly.

Hehehe...

——————

"Shouko, Shouko! Snap out of it, it's starting!" Akira led her onto the stage, gently pulling her to her spot.

Kawai Miki, standing beside Shouko, turned to Akira worriedly. "What's wrong with Shouko? Is she okay?"

"Nothing serious. Her CPU just burned out. She'll be fine soon." Akira quickly explained, then leaned in close and whispered:

"If you don't snap out of it, I'll kiss you in front of all the teachers, students, and parents."

Shouko's brain spun. She covered half her face and said loudly, "No, no, Akira! You can't! Mom will scold you! Wait until it's just the two of us tonight—"

She realized he was teasing her and, with all the eyes on them, wanted to find a hole to crawl into.

"Alright, it's about to start. Everyone get ready!" Akira cleared his throat and shouted.

Takeuchi Sensei saw the line was ready and called out, "Yes, prepare to sing. Think of the lyrics."

The students stopped focusing on Shoko and began recalling the lyrics.

After five minutes, Takeuchi saw it was almost time. Shimada Ikki sat at the piano, Ishida Shoya stood front and center. Takeuchi nodded to the host and stepped backstage.

The host moved to the red curtain and said, "Thank you for waiting! Class B is ready—let's begin!"

The curtain slowly opened, revealing the students.

Miyamura Shizuka in the front row raised her camera eagerly.

The piano began to play, and the audience focused on Ikki.

Suddenly, the music stopped.

Takeuchi Sensei backstage and the students in line were stunned—it wasn't part of the rehearsal.

The audience waited, confused, then saw Ikki and Shoya clutch their stomachs and dash backstage.

"What are you doing?! Are you looking for death?!" Takeuchi shouted, but they ignored him and ran out of the gym.

His roar carried through the microphone to the audience of parents.

-----------

POWER STONE!!!

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