Too rigid, unable to adapt?
Before the holidays, Kiana, who had been frequently lectured by Fu Hua for various infractions, held a terrible impression of this Class Monitor. She had vented similar complaints in private more times than she could count.
However, if Hua Yi were to truthfully recount Kiana's various grumbles at this moment, it wouldn't be honestyit would be pure stupidity. Judging by Fu Hua's current expression, now was not the time for jokes.
"How could that be? You are the Class Monitor, and your serious, earnest attitude perfectly fits that role. Even if people say such things in private, it's likely just a momentary lapse of frustration after being disciplined. Once they calm down, they naturally understand right from wrong. In fact, many in our class call you an elegant and cool Big Sister, don't they?"
Hua Yi's final phrase, "elegant and cool Big Sister," caused Fu Hua to look quite troubled.
"Titles filled with such flowery prefixes make me feel very unnatural. Please, let's leave it at that."
"Alright, my apologies."
It was a perfectly ordinary conversation, yet Hua Yi had already apologized twice. Even knowing he was simply being polite, it reinforced the idea that she truly gave off an overly stern impression.
Fu Hua sighed inwardly.
Judging by Hua Yi's words and actions, he was the type who understood proper etiquette. She had always believed that the friendship of gentlemen should be as plain as waterneither intentionally distancing herself from anyone nor becoming particularly close. Was there a problem with that approach?
Perhaps she should make a small change. At the very least, she shouldn't make people feel hesitant or guarded when speaking to her during the holidays, a time meant for relaxation and joy.
"Since we are on break, Hua Yi, you don't need to address me as Class Monitor. You can just call me by my name."
"Then you should call me by my name as well, without the formal suffix."
Fu Hua nodded. She glanced out the window at the colors of dusk and couldn't help but sigh. "Without realizing it, has the day already passed?"
"...Don't tell me you stayed in the training room all day?"
"Yes."
"I recall you saying that training should be done in moderation. Fu Hua, could it be that you have some misunderstanding of what 'moderation' means? Even if the training volume itself isn't massive, doing the same thing all day longespecially something as taxing as trainingwill eventually take a toll on your mental health."
Hua Yi had pushed himself to the limit in the past. While his sessions hadn't been as long as Fu Hua's, the intensity had been far greater. Back then, he had carried an immense psychological burden. If it hadn't been for Raiden Mei's care, he felt that even if he had endured the physical strain, he would have spiraled into depression.
Even though Fu Hua was far from an ordinary person, Hua Yi didn't believe this was the right way to live.
"Mental damage... I do sometimes feel as if I have forgotten many important things."
Fu Hua's tone became slightly ethereal before she quickly returned to normal. she looked at Hua Yi with a serious, inquisitive expression. "In that case, do you know of any suitable forms of entertainment?"
"..."
There were many ways to have fun. Murata Himeko liked to drinkinitially to numb the pain of her injuries, but now it had become a personal hobby. Theresa loved reading manga, Bronya loved playing games, and even Raiden Mei would occasionally make snacks just to watch the others eat with happy smiles.
What did Fu Hua like? Hua Yi actually didn't know. Even when playing the game where Fu Hua was the secretary on the bridge, most of her dialogue revolved around martial arts and training.
However... it seemed Fu Hua had mentioned a certain place once.
"If you're free, how about we go to the arcade together?"
"An arcade?"
"It seems you've never been. It's a place for games, though they're a bit different from computer games. Want to go check it out? I saw one while I was wandering around St. Freya Academy earlier. We can go give them some business."
St. Freya Academy was called an academy, but it was essentially an academic city. Aside from the school and work departments, it had plenty of shops. It possessed almost everything a normal city would have.
"I shall trouble you then."
Fu Hua didn't seem to care about the distinction between men and women, nor did she show any bashfulness at the prospect of going out with Hua Yi. Hua Yi didn't bring it up either. This invincible young girl was not going to be an easy one to win over.
Ten minutes later, the two arrived at a rather quiet arcade. It lacked the lively, boisterous atmosphere Hua Yi associated with such places.
After all, most people who enjoyed arcades were boys. In St. Freya Academy, where the population was almost entirely female except for Hua Yi and Mr. Yang, few people went out of their way to visit an arcade. The girls were more likely to spend their time at clothing boutiques or dessert shops. Those like Bronya were more likely to stay cooped up at home.
The staff member in charge was dozing off at the counter until Hua Yi stepped forward and tapped on the surface to wake them. Aside from selling game coins, the arcade seemed to double as a snack bar, offering various snacks and drinks.
Remembering that Fu Hua had been training hard all day and needed to hydrate, Hua Yi turned to her. "What kind of drink do you like? My treat."
"Eh? Considering I am the Class Monitor, by all logic, I should be the one to"
"Didn't we just agree? It's the holidays. Forget about our student identities. We are just ordinary friends hanging out. As the man, it's only reasonable for me to offer to pay, right?"
Fu Hua finally experienced what it felt like to be on the receiving end of a lecture. She wanted to argue but found herself without ground, as she had indeed agreed to his earlier words.
"You decide then. I have no dietary restrictions. Thank you."
Fu Hua shook her head slightly and stopped refusing.
"I'll decide, then... Since we're in an arcade, we should have drinks that fit the environment. Two sodas, please. And I'll buy some game coins as well."
"Game coins?"
Standing to the side, Fu Hua looked at the coins with a face full of curiosity. Seeing this, Hua Yi cast a stealthy glance at the two player competitive cabinets nearby and flashed a sinister smile.
"It seems you really have never been to an arcade. Well then, as your senior, I shall teach you well, Fu Hua."
"I look forward to your guidance."
Fu Hua's reply was as serious and formal as ever.
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