There's a heavy tension in the air. The only thing I'm sure of is that I messed up in the cooking club kitchen. Beyond that? I have no clue.
For now, I'll just listen and see where this is going.
"So, Morikawa-san, do you know why you were called here?" - the principal asked.
"Sorry, I don't."
"You see, Edomae-san reported a case of gender discrimination in the cooking club. Is that correct?"
"Yes..." - Ayame-san answered. - "And every member of the club witnessed it."
Wait—Ayame-san reported it!? So Ryuichi was right after all...
Man, I really need to listen to him more seriously.
But even now, I can't think of anything that counts as gender discrimination.
"So, Morikawa-san, do you recall anything unusual?"
This is bad. If I deny everything, I'll only cause trouble for Ayame-san. But I can't lie either.
"Not really. I thought I was called here because of the mess I made in the kitchen."
"!?"
Both Ayame-san and the club chief looked surprised. The principal looked skeptical.
"Morikawa-san, could you recount what happened in the club?"
"Well… I tried to make omurice like everyone else, but I rushed, didn't pay attention, and made a mess. The chief gave me a stern warning about how dangerous that was, and told me to fix my attitude before joining the club."
"Is that true?" - the principal asked the chief.
"Yes… but I said it more harshly than I should have…" - she replied softly.
"Can you tell us exactly what you said?"
"…Don't think you can do whatever you want just because… you're a man."
The principal sighed - "Morikawa-san, can you confirm she said that?"
"Yes. Now that I think about it… she did say that. Is that the harsh part?"
"!?"
Oops. Maybe I shouldn't have asked that.
Ayame-san, the chief, and the principal all looked shocked.
"Morikawa-san, could you elaborate further?"
I met the chief's eyes. She looked desperate. But I had to be honest, especially in front of the principal and Ayame-san.
"Well… the part that stung the most was when she said I treated cooking like a game. Which, honestly, wasn't wrong..."
The principal let out another sigh. - "I think I understand the situation now. Morikawa-san, are you aware that you were a victim of gender discrimination?"
Honestly, I still wasn't sure. So I tried to guess.
"Because… a woman reprimanded a man?"
"It seems you really didn't notice. I'm surprised..." - said the principal. - "Edomae-san, could you explain?"
"Tomoki-kun, she said, 'You can't do whatever you want just because you're a man.' Do you see the problem?"
Oh… Now I get it. It didn't click before because of my old world's common sense.
If the roles were reversed—if someone said "because you're a woman"—people would've immediately called it out.
And in this world, men are in a more vulnerable position. Now it makes sense.
"Yeah… I understand now. Thank you, Ayame-san."
"Then it's settled. As for your punishment..." - the principal turned to the chief. - "you'll write a letter of apology and resign from the cooking club."
Wait—what!?
Isn't that too much? I know she said something wrong, but that doesn't mean her future should be ruined.
What she needs is just some time to reflect on her actions—just like I did.
"Excuse me, but isn't resignation too harsh?"
"That's actually a light punishment. I considered expelling her. Morikawa-san, this school is the most prestigious co-ed high school in the country. We cannot tolerate gender discrimination."
Again, I'm reminded that my old common sense doesn't apply here. This really is another world.
But even so—I have to try.
"I still think resignation is too much. She said that in the heat of the moment. I'm sure she understands now."
"I don't get it. Why are you defending her?"
I looked into the chief's eyes, then back at the principal.
"She made a mistake, but it's not beyond redemption. That's why I want her to learn from it—so she won't repeat it in the future. After all, we're attending the most prestigious high school, right?"
"…Morikawa-san." - the principal smiled faintly. - "I look forward to meeting your parents one day."
Ayame-san said nothing. The chief, on the other hand, was crying.
"As per Morikawa-san's request, you'll remain president of the cooking club. Just write a letter of apology. Understood?"
"Yes... sob... thank you!"
"Edomae-san, Morikawa-san, you're dismissed."
We left the office. It seemed the principal still had more to discuss with the chief.
"Sorry." - Ayame-san said.
"Huh? Why?"
"I should've asked you first… I don't think I made the wrong choice, but still…"
I don't know if she needed to ask me. But I knew what I needed to say.
"Thank you, Ayame-san."
"!?"
"You did it for my sake, right? Of course I'm thankful."
"…I see. You can always count on me."
She always helps me and still trying to comfort me.
It's my turn to return that support.
"Same goes for you, Ayame-san. If you ever need help, I'll be there."
I'm not confident. I mean, how can I help a girl who's smart, beautiful, and comes from a wealthy family?
But I can't just take her kindness for granted. I need to step up—little by little.
"..."
She said nothing. But that's okay.
Let's just get back to class. I'm already exhausted, and I bet Ayame-san feels the same.
I wonder if Ryuichi will scold me for doubting him… I deserve it.
"Excuse me!" - the cheerful upperclassman from the cooking club called out to me.
She wasn't alone—several of her friends were with her.
"We want to apologize for our president's behavior. We're really sorry." - They bowed deeply.
I don't really know what to say. Should I just brush it off and say "It's okay"? I don't think so—I'm aware this is a serious matter now.
But I don't want them to carry guilt either. I hope I can express this properly.
"She's still with the principal, but she won't have to resign. If she reflects on her words, then I have nothing to add."
They all let out a breath of relief.
"Morikawa-san, if you're still interested, we'd love to have you join the cooking club. We already spoke with the chief."
Suddenly, I felt a small tug on my sleeve.
I glanced at Ayame-san. Her expression looked worried.
I really am lucky to have a friend like her.
"Thank you for the offer, but I need some time to think about it."
"We understand. Thanks for listening." - They bowed again and headed toward the principal's office.
Finally—
"Tomoki-kun, are you planning to join?"
"Honestly, no. I don't think I will."
"But you were so eager to learn cooking. If you want, I can ask our family chef to teach you."
"No need. I already have a great teacher at home." - I said with confidence.
"I see… well, let's think about clubs later."
"You're right! But—hahaha."
"What's so funny?" - Ayame-san asked, grinning.
"I mean, we already had to deal with all this before class even started!"
"Fufu~ now that you mention it. Want to ditch class?" - she teased.
"Hey! I need to show I'm a good student. Otherwise, my scholarSHIP will sink! Get it?"
"Fufu~… Ahaha! … What even was that? Was it supposed to be a pun?"
For some reason, I found myself talking more casually and openly with Ayame-san than ever before.
I don't know why, but after everything that happened… I just wanted to laugh with her.
Today was tough. And it might stay that way.
But with friends like her—I think I can enjoy school life after all.
...
Thanks Ayame!