NOVEL NEXT Episode 30 - The Plant Behind the Classroom (Continued)
Episode 30: The Plant Behind the Classroom (Continued)
Why had Niwa-kun, typically so guarded about his family background, suddenly become so open about it today? The answer would likely reveal itself tonight. Of course, until now, none of this had concerned him directly.
The novelist reclined in the back seat, fighting against the drowsiness creeping over him in the dim light. Sharing the car with female classmates meant he couldn’t risk any “accidents” like “falling onto them while sleeping” – that would definitely earn him a beating. He forced himself to stay alert, occasionally sipping cold water to combat his dry throat.
“I can’t believe we’re actually going to Niwa-kun’s house…”
“It’s unexpected, none of us imagined this.”
“Yeah, and he’s never really talked about his family before.”
The girls in the car gradually relaxed, their excited chatter filling the space.
“Well, he’s just modest. By the way, how are you feeling about this, Maho-chan?”
Someone asked with a teasing lilt.
“Eh~ Why are you singling me out?”
The questioned girl’s face flushed crimson.
“Because everyone knows… Class Rep and Niwa-kun are super close!”
The girls erupted in laughter.
In Class 2-1, this was practically an “open secret,” one she had never denied. Itou Maho, with her short hair and position as Class Representative of 2-1, commanded respect among the female students. Her serious, methodical nature had earned her classmates’ trust.
Come to think of it, she was the girl he’d spoken with most in class – though not due to any special relationship, simply because of her role as Class Rep. Recently, his conversations with Ogiwara-san (all two of them this semester) were threatening to overtake that record.
… Huh, what? Too pathetic?
Well… hadn’t he already said it? He wasn’t hurt about it. Not at all.
“Whoever ends up with Niwa-kun probably won’t have to worry about their next life,” someone joked.
It was a common sentiment, but the Class Rep didn’t share it. Her expression turned serious as she spoke:
“Th-that’s not it, at least for me… Takahito is a very kind person, so that’s why I…”
The word “like” seemed to catch in her throat, her shy nature holding it back.
“Indeed, Niwa-kun is very good at taking care of others.”
“Right! And he’s so helpful, willing to help anyone!”
“Actually…” the Class Rep began, a nostalgic smile playing across her face. “There’s something that probably only I know about. One morning, I came to school early because I had forgotten something. That’s when I saw Takahito watering the potted plant. When he saw me, he looked really embarrassed.”
“Even though the plant has always been at the back of the classroom, nobody really paid attention to it… except Takahito. The fact that the plant is still growing strong must be thanks to his careful attention.”
“Even without anyone asking him to do it, or anyone thanking him, Takahito still does it. And it’s not just for show or to gain favor…”
The other girls exchanged touched glances.
“It’s like something out of a manga!”
“Yeah, so wonderful~”
“So touching!”
“Ahem… *cough cough!*”
The novelist nearly choked on his water, coughing violently.
“…”
His sudden reaction drew all eyes to him. The seating arrangements had placed him in a car full of girls, some of whom had already seemed displeased by his presence. Now they all frowned in his direction.
“Is something wrong, Liang-kun?”
The Class Rep’s inquiry carried a sharp edge.
“Ah… um, well, it’s not really important…”
He hesitated, wondering if he should stay quiet.
“That statement implies there is indeed some issue. Please speak directly.”
The Class Rep’s tone had turned cold and formal, worlds apart from how she’d spoken about Niwa Takahito moments ago.
Eh~ Do I really have to say it?
This won’t help the atmosphere.
But under the Class Rep’s pressuring gaze, he answered honestly.
“…The plant in the classroom doesn’t need watering. If it gets too much water, it might die.”
He kept the rest to himself – that the person quietly tending to the neglected plant wasn’t Niwa-kun at all, but Ogiwara.
Silence fell over the car.
Awkwardness settled heavily in the air.
The novelist tightened his water bottle cap, closed his eyes, and let out a quiet sigh.
See, I told you so.
Once said aloud, this is how things always turn out.
Of course, it wouldn’t last long—
“B-but Niwa-kun just didn’t know about this, he was taking care of the plant out of kindness! So it’s not a bad thing!”
Right on cue, someone broke through the tension.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Niwa’s just super nice~”
Yes, you’re all correct.
As long as someone acts out of kindness, even harmful actions must be forgiven, right? After all, plants can’t speak, nor can they cry out in pain like humans when they suffer.
That’s just how it is.
The novelist turned to the passing scenery outside his window, remaining silent. No one had realized his words meant that if the plant had truly been under Niwa Takahito’s care as the Class Rep claimed, it would have withered long ago.
…Or perhaps someone had realized but simply didn’t care.
After that, he faded into his usual role as invisible presence in the car.
*
Meanwhile—
A car horn disturbed the quiet of Amazu Manor.
Moments later, the main gate swung open.
A young woman in high heels and a dress hurried out.
“Now it’s time for the surprise~”
Just imagining that boy’s surprised expression lifted Aki’s spirits.
…No, rather, simply seeing Landlord-san made her happy. Since honestly acknowledging her feelings, this had become increasingly clear – it was a feeling she couldn’t have imagined before meeting him.
“Even pursuing someone has its limits.” Though she had thought this before, stopping clearly wasn’t an option.
“‘Remember to take safety precautions even when approaching other girls’… though I said that, it’s probably better to go check in person.”
Miyagi-san mused as she walked toward the waiting car.