Chapter LXXV: The Open-Minded Giant, Part 2
Toshiro woke up to the soft hum of his alarm clock. He stretched and glanced at the time: 6:30 AM. With a yawn, he rolled out of bed and began his morning routine. Today, he had a lot on his plate, starting with his usual morning meeting with the Class Rep.
After a quick breakfast, he headed out, walking briskly to the school. He reached the gates just as the Class Rep arrived. They exchanged smiles and walked into the school together, chatting about the plans for the day.
As they entered the building, a few students approached Toshiro, seeking his advice on various matters. He was well-known for his balanced perspective and knack for giving sound advice.
"Hey, Toshiro," one student called out, "I need some tips for the upcoming exams."
Another chimed in,
"And I could use some help with Flex Legends. My team's strategy is all over the place."
"And I need relationship advice," a third student added, looking sheepish.
Toshiro listened patiently, giving each student his undivided attention. He offered study tips, game strategies, and words of wisdom on handling personal relationships. Just as he was finishing up with them, Kota, Enmei, and Asahi approached him.
"Kota, Enmei, Asahi," Toshiro greeted them with a nod. "What's up?"
"We need your take on our relationships," Kota said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
Toshiro leaned against a nearby locker, crossing his arms.
"Alright, let's hear it."
Asahi spoke first.
"Natsuki and I...well, it's complicated. I keep saying she's just a friend, but there's more to it."
Toshiro frowned thoughtfully.
"Asahi, that sounds very mysterious. If you're not clear about your own feelings and her role in your life, it's bound to create confusion. You need to define what you both want and be honest with each other."
Next, Enmei piped up.
"My relationship is kind of...yandere. She's definitely the boss hehe"
Toshiro couldn't help but chuckle.
"Enmei, yandere relationships can be intense. If she's too controlling, you need to set boundaries. A healthy relationship is about mutual respect, not dominance."
Finally, Kota looked at Toshiro.
"What about me?"
Toshiro smiled.
"Kota, I'd say you have a good relationship. But remember, it's all about give and take. Make sure both of you are contributing equally to the relationship. It's important to support each other."
The three boys nodded, absorbing Toshiro's advice.
Toshiro continued,
"Overall, guys, relationships require communication, trust, and respect. Be honest with your partners and yourselves. Don't be afraid to have difficult conversations, and always strive to understand each other's perspectives."
Asahi, Enmei, and Kota thanked Toshiro and headed to their classes, feeling a bit more confident about their relationships.
The bell rang, signaling the start of the school day. Toshiro took a deep breath and headed to his homeroom, ready to tackle the day's challenges. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Helping his friends navigate their personal lives gave him a sense of purpose beyond academics and school activities.
Later that day, during lunch, the Class Rep joined Toshiro at their usual spot in the courtyard.
"Looks like you've been busy," she remarked, unpacking her lunch.
Toshiro nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich.
"Yeah, a lot of relationship advice this morning."
She laughed.
"You're like the unofficial counselor of Class 3-A."
"I just try to help where I can," Toshiro replied modestly.
The Class Rep smiled.
"You're good at it, Toshiro. We're lucky to have you."
As they ate, they discussed plans for the upcoming road trip, their recent music video project, and the various events that marked their final year. Despite the pressures of school, they found solace in these moments of camaraderie and friendship.
The school day ended, and Toshiro made his way home, reflecting on the day's events. He felt grateful for the trust his classmates placed in him and the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. As he reached his front door, he resolved to continue being there for his friends, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Toshiro, Katsu, and Tengen are in Toshiro's living room, their eyes glued to the screen as they play Flex Legends. Toshiro, ever the strategist, barks out commands,
"Tengen, cover me! Katsu, flank left! We've got this!"
Katsu chuckles,
"You sound like a general. Next thing, you'll be ordering us to do push-ups."
Tengen, barely holding back his laughter, responds,
"He's already got us playing this game like it's a military operation."
After a few intense matches, the trio decides to switch things up. Toshiro stretches,
"Alright, time for some real-life action. Let's hit the school auditorium and play some badminton."
Katsu nods enthusiastically,
"Finally, a sport where I won't just be clicking a mouse."
Toshiro, Katsu, and Tengen walk into the empty auditorium with their badminton gear.
Katsu: "So, Toshiro, are you planning to conquer the badminton world too?"
Toshiro: "Well, someone's got to keep you guys in check."
Tengen, setting up the net: "Just try not to take it too seriously. Last time, you almost knocked Katsu out with a shuttlecock."
Katsu, feigning indignation: "I'm still recovering from that trauma, thank you very much."
The shuttlecock flies back and forth, and the air is filled with their laughter and playful banter.
Katsu, after a particularly impressive smash, boasts,
"And that, gentlemen, is how you dominate the court!"
Toshiro, panting slightly, retorts,
"Don't get cocky. It's just one point."
The boys are now sitting in the bleachers, catching their breath after a few intense badminton matches.
Tengen: "Who knew badminton could be such a workout?"
Katsu: "I think Toshiro knew. He's probably been training for this day."
Toshiro, with a smug grin: "Preparation is everything, gentlemen."
After their game, they head to their favorite cafe. The atmosphere is relaxed, filled with the hum of conversations and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. They grab a corner table and dive into their usual topics: school, games, and life.
Katsu, taking a sip of his coffee, asks,
"So, Toshiro, any romantic advice for us mere mortals?"
Toshiro, grinning, replies,
"Well, Katsu, when it comes to relationships, remember: communication is key. And never forget the golden rule – happy partner, happy life."
Tengen adds,
"Sounds like someone's been reading relationship advice columns."
Toshiro laughs,
"Hey, I've got to stay well-rounded."
As their hangout winds down, Toshiro heads to the house of the Class Rep. She welcomes him with a warm smile, and they settle into her cozy living room, ready to dive into their project.
"So, what new evidence have we found?" Toshiro asks, leaning forward with interest.
The Class Rep pulls out a folder filled with notes and printouts.
"I found a few more references that might be useful. We need to piece these clues together carefully."
They spread out the documents on the coffee table, sifting through the information and brainstorming ideas.
"We need to tell the others about this," the Class Rep says thoughtfully.
"But we have to do it discreetly. If we attract too much attention, our plan could be jeopardized."
Toshiro nods in agreement.
"Let's plan a meeting with the squad. We'll present our findings and come up with a strategy together."
They spend the next hour refining their plan, making sure they have all the necessary details to share with their friends. They discuss the importance of keeping everything under wraps and how they will approach the topic with the rest of the group.
As they wrap up their discussion, Toshiro feels a sense of excitement mixed with anticipation.
"Thanks for your help, Toshiro," the Class Rep says with a smile. "I couldn't do this without you."
"Anytime," Toshiro replies, returning her smile. "We're in this together."
Toshiro then goes home after this.