A New Bug Appears

My joy is truly short-lived as another problem cropped up just as I hope for the week to end in a good note.

It was lunch time and I called for a meeting with Ron, one the reason is to know the details of what happened last day and also to help me finish this big ass lunch boxes that Mrs. Anna filled to the brim.

I have expected him to come because there is something he could gain when he does, the man is so strict to himself that only money and benefits could sway him.

And he did came at a record time, together with him was the full report of the job he did yesterday.

His clever use of threads to make the bushes sound like their some critters walking in it and also the unexpected appearance of the brown rabbit at the end of it.

It was so funny that I almost laugh out the contents in my mouth not once but three times. Meanwhile Mr. Serious who's in front of me did not seemed found the story hilarious, his focus was more on the food. He's already at his second stack and I expected him to eat another two of it, as a stack full of love was enough to fill my light stomach.

However in the middle of my delight he suddenly stopped swallowing food like he'll die tomorrow and told me a shocking piece of news.

"Right, did you know that someone set his eyes on your sister?"

He once again continued his business not bothering to elaborate what he said leaving me in the stunned state.

I hope he choked.

"...What? Who? Why?"

He first gulped the food in his mouth and faced me, his brown eyes shine with unconcealed greed while his thumb repeatedly rubbed over the tips of his index and middle finger.

This guy does really not let the money escape once he smells it, a path of an entrepreneur would suit him well and I feel that he would grow his money to billion in short span of ten years if he become one.

"Tsk, how much?"

"Just add a bit in the bonus you'll give me."

"Mhm. So who is it?"

He did not answered immediately instead took a sip from his water bottle, I want slap it so that he might lose a few teeth in the process, I am starting to feel irritated by this.

"I forgotten his name, but I know he's a third year who's famous around the school."

"A senior? He should focus on his studies not Lea. What makes him famous though?"

"Uhm...girls maybe, I am not sure."

I thought that he already have all of information about the guy when he informed me the news paired with the tension he's been doing but...I really want to smack him now.

"That's all?"

"Of course. Why would I waste my time with him?"

I sighed. I forgot that he had no pay no work policy.

"Then can I write it off in my tab—"

"No."

"You didn't even let me finish."

"I won't do your job, pay your debt first."

He looked so serious, any kind of pleading I do would surely cause nothing, he is stubborn as mule when it comes to money.

Do I have to wait until next week before I could gather a dirt about this guy?

"And even if you pay me I will not do it?"

The guy suddenly said rendering my thoughts of borrowing money to dust.

"Why?"

"I need to start reviewing for the first term."

"Its still about two months away though."

"Did you not know that there is a saying, 'the early fish catches the worm.''"

I sit their astounded not only because of him casually revising the quote but also due to his grit to strive for the best.

"So this the reason why Lea could not topple your score?"

I bet she's going to throw another tantrum once the result comes out.

"Right the first term is coming and I can't let the guy you are talking about annoy Lea at all, that's why if you have any trustworthy friend that could help, please mediate between us I'll pass the job to them."

Ron stopped moving without warning after he heard my words, his face is colored with pain. Did he got choked like I wished?

"...I can't."

"What?"

"I said I can't. I have no friends here."

I could not even pretend not to hear it again. The space between us turned awkward, all of a sudden I found him pitiful.

This man's so serious that he did not even seek companions in his journey for his dreams. He's solo playing his highschool life.

"...T-Then do you know any one that could solve this problem?"

I used Change Topic towards this uncomfortable situation. I hope its effective.

"No I don't—wait, maybe you could get help from Mystery Solving Club."

It is effective!

"Do we have that kind of club?"

"Did you not go to the club expo?"

Club expo. I remember an event like that when the school just started, but my homeroom teacher did not said that its compulsory so I did not attend.

"No, and it's not like I want to join a club I am busy making my sister happy."

"You really did not participated, you siscon."

"What? Its not like you did participate last year did you?"

I just guessed but I most likely hit the bull's eye as I found him turning his attention back to the food. Maybe there is a deeper meaning in his silence but I try hard not to dig it further in case my hard earned win becomes useless, so I turn the topic back to the club.

"So where is this club that you say? And are they even helpful?"

"I don't know the exact location but you could probably find it in the old school building.

"From the rumors they are good, I heard that they even solve a theft case for the school."

Solving a case for the school? I don't know if it is exaggerated by the rumors but if at least 80% of it is true then they might do a good job.

However what if they don't accept this kind of stalker-like job? Should I try to hire a private investigator just in case?

No. Getting one would just leave me a surface information about the person. The children here are mostly sons and daughters of those who have power and money, and this people are taught on how to properly wear a mask once they are inside the society, even at their homes they keep their facade. Only at this school does most of them let their guards down and a PI would not even be able to step here unless he could change everything about himself and be a student.

I am left with no choice but to hope that the Mystery Solving Club is free and bored to accept a job as minor as this.

I took out my phone and glance at the time. Lunch is few minutes away from ending so there was not enough time for me to search for this club.

"The end of the break is close, let's go find them later in the afternoon."

"Who said I'll come with you?"

I pointed at the lunch boxes in front of him, and he grunted with the frown in his face.

"Just kidding, you really hate to waste your time don't you Mr. Serious. How could you have any friends with that kind of attitude?"

Ron took his last bite and drank all of his water, I watched him stack the boxes to each other and cleaned the table we used with his wipes. He did it without uttering any noise making the atmosphere surrounding us dropped by a few degrees.

"I have much more problems than having friends that will only throw you like a trash once they find you useless."

Ron said with a solemn face before walking away from our table.

I scratched my head, I did not meant it as a joke but I accidentally pissed him off with my words.

A boy like him must have been wounded and scarred countless times for him to turn into the man he is now.