Chapter 147 - Plans

"By the way, do you have any idea what the school will do to Koharu?"

They had been talking about what the girl did and what she might be planning, but they hadn't talked about what the school planned on doing to her. After all, Okada Koharu just ruined the school's reputation to the Homura House. Suzuki Ara didn't think Koharu would be let off lightly.

"Ah, she's been suspended for a week – at least, for now."

Eh?

"But isn't next week our final exams. It's starting on Monday, right?"

The next week, the graduating classes would be taking their final exam, and the graduation preparation would come after that. They didn't need to go to school a lot until the graduation day as long as they finished all their requirements. Seniors, however, tend to hang out until the last day so they could spend time doing their club activities.

"She will be taking the final exams at home. A teacher and the principal would go to their house to give her the tests and the papers will be graded on the spot so she can't try any tricks. After the fiasco the other day, the principal doesn't want to give her a chance to do anything."

Ara was thoughtful. "Well, it's understandable. In their eyes, Koharu had tarnished the school's reputation. But Koharu is also a graduating student. She never had a bad record before. They just can't dismiss her because of this one-time mischief although the scale was big. If they do, the Okadas can file a complaint to the Board of Education for a plea since Koharu is showing signs of a derailment, they can use mental breakdown as a reason and they will win."

Japan was a country lenient towards people who were suffering from mental illnesses even if they did something very grave. Even if Koharu killed someone, she would be let scot-free if she pled as a mental case.

Well, she's indeed a mental case, so the school wouldn't bother with the possible backlash if they dismissed Koharu. Because, aside from winning the case if the Okadas filed a complaint against the school, the school's name would be dragged into the mud further with the Homura House by saying they were ganging up against a poor girl with a mental condition.

They had no choice but let Koharu take the exam and let her graduate as long as she's able to complete her requirements.

"Her parents will take her for counseling after the exam," Rin informed them. "They are thinking that Koharu snapped because of pressure from studying and because of them."

"Why would they blame themselves?"Ara knew that the couple had always treated their daughter nicely and took good care of her.

"Because they're thinking it's their fault. They were focused on Yuichi too much because he's sick and they felt Koharu became like that because she always had to be understanding of their situation and act nicely even if she's having some internal problems." Rin informed them although her tone and expression were dripping sarcasm.

"If only they knew their daughter really did try to kill someone," Midori shook her head. "If only we have evidence to show that she caused the accident, she'd be all locked up by now."

Again, Sonoda who had busied himself with the snacks looked at them as if their concern was of no concern at all.

"If you don't have evidence now why don't you just make one?" he asked as he popped a mochi in his mouth.

"What do you mean?"

Sonoda Hiroaki shrugged. "You know, just like on TV dramas, you have no evidence, so set up the culprit to get one."

"You mean like following Koharu and taking videos and record voices? Like those?" Rin was intrigued. The idea of playing the detective was great.

"Yeah like those," Sonoda confirmed.

"I think that could work," Miharu agreed.

Ara thought so too. "Considering Koharu's shamelessness, I think once her suspension's lifted she will try to go to any one of us."

"What do you mean any one of us? She would go straight to Ara once she learned about her archer prince is also the Koutaishidenka," Midori stated matter-of-factly. "Did you forget what she did to me when Hiroaki and I got together first? She took me to the side for a pep talk and tried to convince me to break up with him."

Geez!

"That happened?"Ara was disgusted. Okada Koharu was really crafty.

"Yeah. She even said it's because you have been eyeing Hiroaki for a while," Midori giggled when Ara looked horrified.

"Oh dear God no…"

"Why do I feel like I've been insulted?"Sonoda asked comically seeing the offended expressions on the other females at the thought of Ara liking him except Midori's.

"It's an insult okay? It's an insult to Ara's, taste" Rin told Sonoda with a bullying grin.

"You –"

"Hey, hey – no fighting!" Miharu the referee chopped the air between Rin and Sonoda with her hands, and everybody laughed. "Let's put everyone's contact numbers to a group, and then speed dial. In case she approached anyone of us, immediately press the button to alert us and one of us will definitely come to record."

All five of them exchanged numbers. Ara actually already had everyone's number in her phone. Her brother had saved all data from her destroyed phone to the new one so she always had Rin's and Miharu's numbers, while Sonoda and Midori gave theirs to her on the day she talked to them in that empty classroom.

"What time are you getting married tomorrow?" Midori asked afterwards.

"I actually don't know, but probably in the morning." Kou had failed to mention to her about the time so she had no idea.

"Do you already have a dress?"

"A dress?"Ara was surprised. "We will just register so I don't think I need a dress."

"Of course you do. Suits, dress, clothes – whatever – you need one Ara," Rin sounded aghast. "Even if you are just registering, for now, it's still a wedding. You should prepare at least for clothes."

Well…

"I think so." It had never occurred to Ara, and she realized just now that she indeed didn't have anything to wear for tomorrow.

EEEEEEEEEH!

Rin closed her eyes as she put up her hands dramatically. "Guys, do you feel that?"

Everyone was clueless. "Feel what?"

"Feel the need to go shopping! What else?" Rin answered as she wiggled her brows, and the girls grinned.

Oh well…

Ara normally would just ask Kou to send clothes over, but she felt it would be fun to go out with her friends to choose the clothes she'd wear on her wedding day. Come to think of it, she wondered if she could ask Ryuu if she could invite them here tomorrow to have a small celebration after they registered.

"I'll tell Kou we'll go…"