After getting a full understanding of the situation, Mr. Takeuchi was tempted to scold Ishida Shoya, who sat nearby, quietly sniffling.

"Head back to your classroom," he said flatly, waving off Kawai Miki, who had just finished giving her account.

Relieved that her part was done, Miki nodded quickly and left the teacher's office without looking back.

"So exhausting…" Takeuchi muttered as he rubbed the back of his head. He pulled his phone from his pocket and found Ishida Shoya's mother's contact info. He dialed.

Ishida Miyako, still in the middle of cutting a customer's hair, felt her phone buzz repeatedly. She paused and said, "One moment, please," before brushing hair clippings off her hands and answering.

"Hello? Who's this?"

"Ishida-san—" Takeuchi began.

But she cut him off immediately. "I understand. I'll finish with my client and come right away." And she hung up before he could say another word. Staring at her screen, she let out a long sigh.

Meanwhile, Akira used his smartwatch to call his mother, Miyamura Shizuka. As for Shouko's mom, Yaeko, he didn't bother calling—he already knew she'd be showing up whether anyone called or not.

Seeing Akira had already made the call, Takeuchi decided not to bother phoning Yaeko himself. He figured the situation spoke for itself.

After finishing her call, Miyamura Shizuka turned to Yaeko Nishimiya, still processing what she'd heard.

"I can't believe this... Shouko actually hit someone—with a stick?"

Yaeko stood from the tatami mat, gave her a look, and tugged her arm.

"What's there to be surprised about? She only did it because she was worried Akira would get hurt."

Her tone was calm, but her intuition was sharp—only something that serious would push her daughter that far.

Knock knock knock. The firm sound of knocking echoed through the office.

Mr. Takeuchi looked up to see Miyamura Shizuka at the door with another woman beside her—one he didn't recognize. Shizuka continued knocking despite the door being slightly ajar.

"Mom?!" Shouko exclaimed, stunned. It was the first time her mother had come to the school office during her elementary years.

Only now did Takeuchi realize the unfamiliar woman was Shouko's mother. Although he'd briefly seen her once during the school's singing competition, he hadn't remembered her face amidst the chaos.

Shizuka gave a nod of greeting before hurrying to Shouko and crouching down to examine her.

"Let me take a look—are you hurt anywhere?"

She didn't forget to shoot a glare at Shoya, still quietly sniffling on the side. Ever since Akira and Shouko had entered the sixth grade, every parent call had involved Shoya. He might've been on the receiving end of most scuffles, but he had also caused enough of them. She even thought Akira had been holding back—he clearly didn't inherit her fiery temper.

Yaeko, seeing Shizuka had taken over the inspection, walked calmly to Akira and crouched next to him.

"Ah, Auntie, I'm really fine!" Akira flinched and backed up a bit, waving his arms. "Really, there's no need to check."

Not convinced, Yaeko raised an eyebrow, but when she saw his flustered face, she chuckled and withdrew her hand. He was clearly old enough to feel embarrassed now—especially in front of Shouko.

That thought, however, was short-lived.

"That's right, Mom, Akira's fine. I already checked him really carefully," Shouko added helpfully, stepping beside him.

"..." Yaeko stared at the two of them, utterly speechless.

Mr. Takeuchi cleared his throat. "Please, have a seat. Ishida-san should be arriving soon."

The two mothers nodded and took seats on the nearby sofa, with Akira and Shouko beside them. Classes had resumed, and there weren't many teachers around, so they paid little attention to whatever stares they might've gotten.

About ten minutes later, the door opened in a rush.

"Sorry—sorry I'm late!" Ishida Miyako panted, wiping sweat from her forehead as she stepped in.

"Take a moment to rest—" Takeuchi began.

But she interrupted. "Shoya! Are you alright?!"

Seeing her son's bruises, she rushed to examine his face.

Shoya looked into her worried eyes and noticed the sweat on her brow. A strange, unfamiliar feeling rose in his chest. Looking away, he muttered, "I'm fine… they're just light bruises. It only hurt a little at first."

Miyako ignored his reassurance and turned toward the group seated on the sofa. Her expression darkened, clearly about to say something.

Sensing this, Takeuchi stood and quickly intervened.

"Let's take a moment to understand the full story before reacting, Ishida-san."

She paused, drew a breath, and nodded stiffly.

The explanation took another ten minutes. Takeuchi gave a full account, even calling in a few students to clarify the details. By the end, Ishida Miyako's tightly clenched fists had finally relaxed.

Her eyes swept over Akira and Shouko on the sofa. After a long breath, she bowed deeply.

"I'm truly sorry. This was Shoya's doing. I clearly failed to teach him better."

She straightened but remained solemn.

"I understand an apology alone won't cover it. I'll take care of any medical costs—let's consider that part of an apology for the emotional distress the children went through."

Shoya, still beside her, looked up in disbelief. Why did it suddenly feel like everything was his fault? He hadn't meant for things to go that far. He just wanted to scare them a little—how did it turn into this?

He bit his tongue, resisting the urge to bring up the teasing and pranks others had played on him earlier. A part of him now doubted if his mom would even listen.

On the other side of the room, Shizuka and Yaeko exchanged glances. They were still angry—but what could they do? Their kids had been the ones to retaliate, and even if it was for the right reasons, it had gone too far.

There were no cameras, no footage, and the chair hadn't actually hit Akira.

So maybe, for now, this would have to be the end of it.

----------

POWER STONE!!!

Also if you have time please try my another Fanfiction hehe

Support me at patréon com/Lukas25