COTE: Horikita Is My Childhood Sweetheart

Chapter 175: Wait a minute, I have a question

_____

"Secondly, Nagumo-kun, you must properly address the issues regarding the swimming club," Narumori continued.

"Yes, Mr. Chairman. I will handle the swimming club matters appropriately!" Nagumo assured loudly, his voice trembling slightly, and Rin smacked his lips with a smirk.

"Finally, Nagumo-kun, you are required to write a detailed report about your actions. Furthermore, you must personally seek forgiveness from the boys you expelled from the swimming club and obtain written letters of apology from them."

Nagumo felt a wave of bitterness rising inside him. He now had to humble himself and plead with those same boys to write forgiveness letters for him.

"I expect your report and the letters of apology to be submitted within one week. Can you manage that?" Narumori asked.

"Of course, I can!" Nagumo responded firmly, though his inner turmoil was evident.

Rin glanced at Nagumo, noting his unexpectedly cooperative demeanor. He sighed internally, thinking it would have been far more entertaining if Nagumo had reverted to his usual rebellious self.

Despite Nagumo's seemingly humble attitude, it didn't deter Narumori from delivering further punishment.

"In addition, the school will deduct half of your personal points," Narumori declared.

"Half of my personal points? That's... too much," Nagumo murmured, his expression growing increasingly bitter. After having already lost one million points to Rin's blackmail, he had worked tirelessly to gather 1.5 million points as "tribute" from second-year students. His total now exceeded four million points.

Half of that would be over two million!

The thought of losing so many points made Nagumo feel as though the air had been knocked out of him. His chest tightened, and he struggled to mask his distress.

Watching Nagumo's disheartened face, Rib smirked and said, "Chairman, judging by Nagumo's expression, it seems he may not fully accept the school's punishment. It looks like he still hasn't grasped the gravity of his mistakes. Perhaps..."

Before Rin could finish, Nagumo quickly interjected. "I have completely realized my mistakes! I accept the punishment issued by the school wholeheartedly!"

Losing half is better than losing it all, Nagumo thought bitterly, trying to console himself.

"Good." Narumori nodded slightly before continuing. "However, there is more."

More?!

Nagumo felt completely numb. Wasn't this already harsh enough? He questioned internally. Did my actions really warrant such extreme punishment?

"The school will also publicize your misconduct and the subsequent punishment on the bulletin board of the official website and the one located in front of the teaching building," Narumori announced.

Students could easily access the school's official website through their phones, and any announcement posted there would be visible to all students and faculty. Similarly, the bulletin board outside the teaching building, which displayed various notices like club announcements and test results, would ensure that no one missed the news.

"And finally," Narumori added, "you will be required to publicly reflect on your actions."

The last two punishments were a devastating blow. Nagumo clenched his fists under the table, his nails digging into his palms. Anger and humiliation surged through him, and he desperately wanted to refuse.

But he couldn't. Nagumo understood that he had no leverage to negotiate or protest. The school's authority was absolute, and he had no choice but to accept.

"Understood," he muttered through gritted teeth, his head lowered in a futile attempt to hide the rage simmering beneath the surface.

The deduction of two million points was painful, but the public announcement of his actions and punishment was more

The most important thing to the arrogant and unruly Nagumo was his pride and reputation.

"Okay... fine. I accept all the punishments from the school," Nagumo said through clenched teeth, her fists tightening as he lowered her head.

"Very well, Nagumo-kun. That concludes the punishment handed down by the school," Narumori said.

It's finally over. Nagumo let out a silent sigh of relief, feeling as though he had narrowly escaped disaster. But just as he began to relax, Rin spoke up.

"Wait a moment, I have a question," Rin said.

His words sent a jolt through Nagumo, making his heart tighten. That ominous feeling returned like a shadow looming over him.

"Matsuoka-kun, if you have any questions, feel free to ask," Narumori said calmly.

"Chairman, you may not know this, but Nagumo and I have an irreconcilable conflict," Rin began.

"..." Nagumo's face twitched as she gritted her teeth. What is this bastard planning to do by bringing this up now?!

"Well, so what?" Narumori asked with a raised brow.

"I want to join the swimming club and represent the school in swimming competitions," Rin explained. "But since I have conflicts with Nagumo and he is still a member of the student council, I'm worried he might use the authority of the student council to persecute me."

"No, absolutely not! I swear I'll turn over a new leaf!" Nagumo quickly assured, panic evident in his voice.

"I don't believe a leopard can change its spots," Rin retorted.

Nagumo's face darkened. 'Again with these insults!'

"Therefore, Chairman," Rin continued, "I propose that Nagumo sign a contract here and now, in your presence. The contract will state clearly, in black and white, that he will not persecute me in any way. Should he violate this agreement, the school will be obligated to expel him."

"Wha... what?!" Nagumo shouted in fury. This audacious freshman wants to put my expulsion on the table?!

Nagumo immediately protested, "Chairman, I strongly disagree! Expulsion is too severe a punishment!"

"It's only severe if you plan to break your word," Rin replied with a sly smile. "You've already assured the chairman that you won't persecute me, so there's no issue with adding a penalty for breach of contract. Unless, of course, you were lying to the chairman again and planning to retaliate against me in the future?"

"No! I said I wouldn't do it, and I mean it," Nagumo said, forcing a smile that was clearly fake. "You can rest assured, Matsuoka."

"Then you shouldn't have a problem signing the contract I proposed, right?" Rin pressed.

Narumori, who clearly favored Rin, nodded in agreement. "Nagumo-kun, if you truly have no intention of persecuting Matsuoka-kun, then signing the contract should be no issue. It's a reasonable request to give Matsuoka-kun peace of mind."

"...Since you, the chairman, have said so, I have no objections," Nagumo said reluctantly, suppressing the rage bubbling within him.

'Humph, it's not like you have a choice anyway!' Rin thought smugly.

Although Rin hadn't succeeded in completely removing Nagumo from the student council, he had effectively placed a noose around his neck in the form of this contract. With this agreement in place, any attempt by Nagumo to target, frame, or plot against Rin would carry the risk of immediate expulsion if evidence were found.

Under the watchful eye of Chairman, the aggrieved and humiliated Nagumo begrudgingly signed the contract drafted by Rin.