Double Dagger Delinquent

Chapter 49 Yumi's Past (3)

Yumi entered her final year of high school, trying to keep her head down. She checked her class assignment and walked inside. Her body froze.

At the far side of the classroom sat Rio and her clique. Fresh chapters posted on noveⅼfire.net

Yumi’s stomach twisted into knots. She forced herself to move forward, even as she heard them whispering, mocking her. Her eyes scanned the classroom. There was only one available seat. At the very back.

Beside him.

A guy she had never seen before.

His disheveled uniform, messy dark brown hair, and sharp, mean eyes gave him an air of danger. He sat casually, arms resting behind his head, exuding an intimidating presence.

Yumi hesitated.

Why is it always me? Swallowing her fear, she walked toward the seat.

The guy glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, but said nothing.

She hurriedly sat down, making herself as small as possible. Rio and her clique were in her class. And now, she was seated beside this scary-looking delinquent.

Her senior year had only just begun... but it already felt like another nightmare.

The first class passed in a blur. Yumi couldn’t focus. Her mind was too tangled in worry, her nerves gnawing at her thoughts.

Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at the delinquent sitting beside her. He’s probably ogling me like the rest of them. But to her surprise, he wasn’t paying her any attention at all.

He was asleep. Head resting on the desk, arms folded, completely indifferent to the world around him.

For some reason, that made her feel slightly at ease.

The class ended without incident, and she hurried off to her next subject.

"Fuhh..."she exhaled in relief.

Rio and her group weren’t in this class. But the sense of peace didn’t last long.

By the time third period arrived—Physical Education—Yumi’s luck ran out.

Rio was there.

Though she wasn’t with her usual group, the sight of her alone was enough to make Yumi tense up.

As the students gathered in the gymnasium, the teacher was calling roll. “Yumi Chiisai.”

“Agh... h-here,” Yumi responded weakly. Her voice barely carried across the gym.

The new P.E. teacher was… striking.

She had long, fiery red hair tied into a ponytail, piercingly beautiful eyes, and an aura of unwavering confidence. She was incredibly tall, towering over Yumi, and her powerful curves rivaled Yumi’s own. Yet, unlike Yumi, she carried herself with absolute ease—completely unbothered by the attention her figure drew.

Even in her simple sportswear—shorts and a plain white t-shirt—she exuded both strength and beauty.

Unlike Yumi, she didn’t shrink under the weight of wandering gazes. Alessandra met the stares head-on, her sharp eyes challenging anyone bold enough to ogle her. The moment she looked their way, the lingering gazes quickly dropped.

She wasn’t afraid of anything.

With a firm clap of her hands, the teacher spoke, her voice clear and commanding.

“My name is Alessandra Mamoru. You can call me Alessandra. This is my first year teaching, so let’s do our best together! Now, I want everyone to participate in today’s exercises!”

Yumi found herself staring.

She’s so strong… so confident. I wish I could be like her.

After changing into her gym clothes, Yumi joined the others, standing in formation as they waited for further instructions.

Then—A presence behind her. She realized she had lost sight of Rio.

A sharp tug. Yumi gasped. Hands gripped her shorts, yanking them down.

Panic exploded inside her. She was in the middle of the gym. Boys were around. If they fell—if she was exposed—But before she could even react—A hand shot out, gripping Rio’s wrist with force.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Alessandra-sensei’s voice rang through the gym, sharp as a blade.

Rio flinched. Yumi looked up, eyes wide in disbelief. The teacher’s glare was piercing, her presence suffocating.

Rio’s hands trembled under the pressure of Alessandra’s grip. “I... I tripped, sensei,” Rio said, her voice laced with false innocence, her face carefully composed.

Alessandra narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing her for a long moment.

Finally, she released Rio’s wrist.

“Hmm. I’ll believe you—this time. But don’t let me catch you doing something like that again.” Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Then, she turned to Yumi, her gaze softening. “Are you okay?”

Yumi nearly broke down right then and there. But she swallowed back the lump in her throat and nodded. For the first time in a long time, someone had stood up for her. Someone had protected her.

The class continued, but Yumi couldn’t shake the feeling. A spark. A glimmer of hope.

After lunchtime, Yumi headed to her next class. Unlucky again—Rio and her goons were there.

This time, she chose a seat at the front of the classroom, hoping to avoid them. But almost immediately, she heard Rio’s mocking voice behind her.

“Ugh, smells like a dirty cow.”

Why me… Yumi thought, clenching her fists under the desk.

Then, a paper ball hit the back of her head. She tensed but didn’t turn around. Instead, she shrank into her seat, trying to make herself invisible.

The door suddenly slid open, and the room fell silent for a moment as the new delinquent guy from before—walked in. His presence commanded attention, with a sharp, mean gaze.

Yumi, out of instinct, looked up at him. Their eyes met for the briefest moment before she quickly averted her gaze.

Don’t make more enemies… she thought anxiously, keeping her head down.

Behind her, Rio and her group continued their taunts, growing louder, more obnoxious—until someone abruptly stood up.

“Please stop. Are you children?”

A clear, composed voice cut through the tension. Yumi turned slightly to see a girl with long, sleek black hair standing with unwavering poise.

Reika Rizumu.

The most sophisticated girl in school. Yumi had heard of her but had never spoken to her before. Yet, here she was, standing up for her.

Twice in one day—someone had defended her.

The rest of the day passed without incident.

The next morning, something surprising happened. Rio and her group didn’t bother Yumi at all. They kept to themselves—even during P.E. Alessandra-sensei, sharp as ever, seemed to keep an eye on Rio’s movements.

For the first time in a long while, Yumi felt a sense of calm settle over her.

Is this it? she wondered. Maybe… I can finally be at peace.

But she celebrated too soon.

As Yumi walked through the hallway toward the exit, she suddenly felt hands grip her arms—one on each side.

“W-What—?!” She tried to scream, but another hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her cries. Before she could resist, she was dragged into an empty classroom.

Inside, Rio’s group was waiting. The two guys who had grabbed her held her firmly in place as Rio stepped forward with a smug grin.

“Oh, little Yumi, don’t be scared” she cooed, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. “I’m not gonna hurt you.” But the sadistic glint in her eyes said otherwise.

Yumi trembled, tears already welling up in her eyes.

Rio leaned in close, whispering in her ear. “Listen here, you stupid midget, you’re gonna come with us without making a sound.”

Yumi let out muffled protests, “Mmmhhmm—!” struggling against the tight grip on her shoulders and mouth. One of the guys tightened his hold, digging his fingers into her skin. “Just shut it already.” His harsh tone sent a shiver down her spine.

Rio smirked. “If you don’t come with us… well, let’s just say a certain old granny at a certain food stand might get an unexpected visit.”

Yumi’s eyes widened in pure horror. No… Grandma…

Rio grinned at her reaction. “That got your attention, huh? Just this once—come with us, and after today, I promise I won’t bother you again.”

Yumi was frozen in fear. Helplessly, she followed as they pulled her out through the school’s back door, leading her toward the empty baseball field.

Surrounded by Rio and her clique, Yumi felt her body trembling.

“Move faster, stupid cow,” one of the girls sneered, shoving her forward. Rio, laughing, smacked Yumi’s head lightly. “Let’s go, midget”

Yumi kept her head down, silent as tears rolled down her cheeks. Somebody… please… she thought desperately.

Then—

A strong, commanding voice rang out.

“What’s happening here?”

Everyone turned.

Standing behind them was Alessandra-sensei—a baseball bat casually resting on her shoulder, her beautiful sharp eyes locked onto the group.

Rio’s smugness wavered, but she quickly put on an innocent act. “Oh, Sensei! We’re just going to karaoke, that’s all.”

Alessandra’s gaze shifted to Yumi, who was still held by one of the guys. Yumi wanted to speak, to say something—but fear kept her frozen.

Then, Alessandra smirked. “Too bad Yumi has baseball practice with me.”

Yumi’s breath hitched. She looked up, eyes wide, tears still threatening to fall. “Y-Yes… Sensei,” she managed to whisper, stepping toward her.

Rio and her group moved to block her.

“Sensei, you should come with us too! We can all have a good time together,” one of them said with fake cheer.

But Alessandra wasn’t fooled. Her grip on the bat tightened slightly.

“No thanks. I’ll be holding after-school training sessions with Yumi from now on.” She smirked. “And I’ll be walking her home every day.”

A heavy silence fell over the group.

Rio’s expression twisted in frustration, but with Alessandra’s unwavering presence, there was nothing she could do.

“Tch. Whatever,” Rio muttered, turning on her heel. “Let’s go, guys.”

One by one, her followers trailed after her.

Once they were out of sight, Yumi’s knees buckled as she sobbed.

Alessandra knelt beside her, placing a firm yet gentle hand on her shoulder.

“It’s okay now. I’ll protect you.”

Yumi clung to her words, crying until she had no more tears left.

After calming down, they sat on a bench near the field, the cool evening air wrapping around them.

“Thank... you..., Sensei…” Yumi whispered, her voice small. “I… I didn’t know... what to do.”

Alessandra gave her a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to face this alone. I’m with you.”

Her words were gentle yet firm, carrying a weight that made Yumi’s chest tighten—not in fear, but in something unfamiliar. Something warm.

That evening, Alessandra walked Yumi home.

As they approached the house, Yumi hesitated, slowing her steps. “Sensei…”

Alessandra stopped, turning to her. “Yeah?”

Yumi bit her lip, hesitating before finally speaking. “Please… don’t tell my grandma about this. I don’t want her to worry.”

Alessandra sighed, studying Yumi for a long moment before nodding. “Alright. But if anything else happens, you have to tell me. Got it?”

Yumi nodded, feeling a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.

The next day, Yumi entered the school gates, accompanied by Alessandra.

The tall, confident teacher walked with pride, her presence unwavering. Yumi glanced up at her, feeling a deep sense of admiration.

As they reached her classroom, Yumi hesitated at the door. Those guys… they’ll be in there.

Her stomach twisted with unease, but she forced herself forward, quietly taking a seat at the back.

Then something strange happened. The class began, but there was no sign of Rio or her group of friends.

Yumi felt a small wave of relief. Maybe they’re just late… she thought, but a nagging worry remained.

"What if they suddenly attack me when I’m not paying attention?" she whispered to herself.

She also noticed that the new delinquent guy, was absent as well.

The day passed without incident. Maybe Sensei really did scare them off, she thought.

At the end of the school day, Alessandra stood waiting at the door of Yumi’s classroom, arms crossed and a confident smirk on her face. “Come here. Let’s hit some baseballs.”

"Eh?!"Yumi blinked in surprise. She had expected Alessandra to simply walk her home—not pull her into an unexpected training session.

Still, she followed Alessandra to the field, gripping the bat hesitantly. They practiced together for a while, and to Yumi’s surprise, it was actually… fun.

By the time they were heading home, Yumi was practically dragging her feet.

“Ahh… I feel so sore, Sensei… I’m so tired…” she groaned.

Alessandra smirked. “That’s not good, Yumi. You need more stamina—it’s good for your health.”

A comfortable silence settled between them as they walked. Then Alessandra suddenly asked,

“Yumi, did you see a student today named Iryoku Taiyou?”

Yumi frowned. “Who?”

“He’s new. About this tall…” Alessandra gestured. “Mean-looking eyes, messy uniform…”

Yumi thought for a moment before shaking her head. “I saw him yesterday, but not today. I have two classes with him.”

Alessandra’s expression darkened slightly. She looked up, concern flickering in her eyes. “Don’t worry about it.”

The next day, class started again.

Just like yesterday, Rio and her group were nowhere to be seen.

But this time, Iryoku Taiyou—the delinquent—was back.

Yumi’s eyes widened when she noticed small bruises on his arms and face.

The class immediately started whispering.

"Did he get into a fight?"

After a few minutes, a teacher entered the classroom, holding a piece of paper.

“Students, I have an important announcement.”

His next words stunned everyone—especially Yumi.

He mentioned that Rio and her friends had been badly injured.

For reasons undisclosed, they had withdrawn from the school.

They weren’t coming back. Ever.

A heavy silence filled the room.

Then, instinctively, the entire class turned to look at Iryoku.

Yumi's breath caught as her eyes landed on his face.

Iryoku leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable—until a wide, confident grin stretched across his face, accentuating his sharp, mean-looking eyes and imposing demeanor.

A silent confirmation.