Ino frequently gets sent to diffuse tension between students or talk to problem children who won’t obey. It's not exactly part of his job description as the student council president, but the teachers trust him so much that they know he’d be the best choice (or rather, they like working him to the bone). He has a calming atmosphere, they said. He knows just what to say.

 

At least, he usually does, except today he was sent to a freshman’s house because she’s been skipping classes. 

 

Skipping classes isn’t uncommon. Sometimes when work piles up, Ino finds himself hiding behind the gym for a few hours to nap or smoke, too. But this kid has a bit of… a reputation.

 

He rings the doorbell once.

 

No answer. 

 

Ino puts a hand into his hair. Isn’t she home? Should I come some other time? 

 

He rings the doorbell again.

 

Ino glances up at the windows. Hm… No movement…

 

He’s about to turn around and leave when he hears a dull thud. “Ah, who– what are you doing here?”

 

“Sua,” He turns to greet her. She dropped her bag on the ground, its contents spilling out. Nothing but snacks and a pack of cigarettes.

 

"Ah, senpa–president. Why are you…" She stutters a little, but she doesn't look scared. Maybe just a little caught off guard.

 

"Wanna smoke?"

 

They walked for a while till they got to a bridge just down the street. Ino bought her a cola, and she borrowed his lighter.

 

"How's home life?"

 

They've never really talked before, but she knows who he is. Ino's pretty popular with the freshmen. Something about how funny his welcome speech was during the entrance ceremony. He sounded like a robot! Do you think he has a girlfriend?

 

Ino's hoping he can bank on that to gain her trust.

 

"I live alone, so it's… normal, I guess"

 

They're leaning on the railing, watching the sunset glitter on the water.

 

"I'll get to the point," he sighs out the smoke, letting his words linger. "You've been skipping classes. I'm not here to snitch on you, but I need to at least give them a reason."

 

He glances to his side and notices how she doesn't look the least bit worried. 

 

"I want to drop out."

 

Ino stays silent. 

 

"There's… something, someone more important. More important than school."

 

He brings the cigarette to his lips again, looking out into the water.

 

"Okay."

 

"That's it?"

 

"Is it alright if I tell them you have health issues and need to drop out for medication? They won't question you that way."

 

"Wait wait wait, you're just letting me go?"

 

"It's not my job to drag you back."

Sua's grip on the railing tightens. She's looking at him with big round eyes. 

 

"Senpai…"

 

He doesn't turn to look back at her. Too awkward.

 

"I–"

 

He holds his breath.

 

"I'm in love with Mr. Daren!"

 

He wants to swallow his cigarette. 

 

"I know… the whole school knows."