8. The Yeti's circumstances

"So... what would be your excuse?"

After inevitably arriving late for class, both Shibata and I had been called by the counseling teacher.

Given my oddity of arriving late, the looks on my classmates' faces seemed like they had actually spotted a yeti for the first time, not to mention that the Princess was also late.

By making 1+1, it was easy to come to one conclusion, leading to the birth of unpleasant rumors.

Since Shibata was always the center of attention, I guess she's used to such situations, whereas for me who was left out of the group, it was practically torture.

The teacher's call was a salvation from all those not at all subtle rumors but now we had to find a good reason for the cause of it all.

"It's my fault! I'm so sorry!"

Unexpectedly, Shibata gave in rather easily.

"... May I have the reason?"

Looking away, Shibata was trying to endure the pressure with some finger exercises.

"... It's rather embarrassing to admit.... You have to promise me that you won't tell around..."

Sighing, the teacher looked exhausted.

"... I'm a teacher, I don't have time to go around spilling my students' secrets."

As if convinced, Shibata looked relieved.

"So I can trust you..."

Hey, hey, are you really going to tell the whole story of this morning!!!?

"Actually, the elevator in the apartment building I live in got stuck and I was trapped. I was calling for help until Fujita came to my rescue and kept me company until the technician arrived to save me."

"..."

The nerve she's telling this lie....

"Fujita, I know that you two live in the same apartment building. Do you confirm her story?"

"... Yes..."

Even if I wanted to contradict her, I didn't want to tell the truth.

Of the two options, it was best to go along with her, even if there was no way everything was going according to Shibata's plan.

"Understood. I'll take care of explaining to your teachers later. Shibata, you can go. Fujita, you stay here."

"Teacher, wait a...!"

Shibata, panicking as if her lie had been exposed, was looking for an excuse to stay.

"Shibata, go ahead."

Looking into my eyes, Shibata was worried.

"I'll see you later."

Her anxiety was still visible, but she seemed reassured by my words and left the teacher's lounge.

"... Since when you could make that expression again?"

"... Was my expression that bad?"

Touching my face, I was worried that I had given Shibata more worries.

Sighing again, the teacher changed her tone.

"Ah... And I thought you were finally back to enjoying your youth, my adorable nephew."

"And I thought teachers didn't gossip, Auntie."

That's right, the teacher in front of me was my aunt, and she's also my guardian who helped me get the apartment I live in.

"What am I supposed to think about my little nephew who only thinks about work and his studies coming late to school for the first time, accompanied by the Princess?"

"..."

Without being able to counter, I could only remain silent.

"It wouldn't have been a problem if you had stayed and lived with me."

"... I have no problem living alone"

Looking at my aunt's face, my gaze was caught by the ring she wore on her ring finger.

... I can't bother you when you just got married.

"I wish you could depend on me more, but maybe you and Shibata could make a nice couple."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Shibata is a somewhat troublesome student. Although she is the center of attention, her grades are not excellent. She's giving my colleagues a lot of headaches. It's a mystery how she managed to pass the entrance exam."

I was surprised to hear this unexpected side of Shibata.

She seemed like an energetic girl, ready to break through all the obstacles in front of her.

"While you are another of the troublesome students. Your valedictorian status is helping you suppress rumors, but you're not interacting with your classmates at all. You even skipped the cultural festival to work."

Looking away, I knew I couldn't retort.

The distance I put between other and myself was intentional and I had no plans to do otherwise.

Giving my chest a gentle tap, my aunt's hand was trying to nudge me.

"Because of that, I'm glad there seems to be at least one person you're interacting with."

"..."

The ringing of the bell interrupted our conversation.

"So it's okay if you give me more trouble. I'll remind you that we're family."

Getting up from her chair, she left the room to walk towards her classroom.

"... Would you believe me if I told you that, at the moment, Shibata is my girlfriend?"

These words were weightless and no one, not even me, would believe them.