The Academy's Doomed Side Character

Chapter 142: Blackmail [4]

Chapter 142: Blackmail [4]She groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "You’re the worst. You know that?"

"I’ve heard."

A tense silence hung in the air again.

She crossed her arms, tapping a finger against her elbow, eyes narrowed as she recalculated her approach. I could almost see the gears grinding behind her eyes.

Then, slowly, carefully, she said, "Alright. How about this—I drop the picture completely. For real. Delete it right here in front of you. And in exchange, you just... put your name down on the club roster."

"No introductions?"

"No introductions," she confirmed, raising a brow. "Just the name. I won’t bother you again. You won’t even need to show up. I just need the numbers for official recognition. That’s it."

I tilted my head.

"You want me to help you get your club officially recognized... by faking my membership?"

She shrugged like it was the most natural thing in the world. "That’s how half the clubs here operate. Don’t look at me like I invented corruption. I’m just playing the system."

"You’re honest for a stalker."

"And you’re smug for a walking headache."

I smirked. "You’re not denying the stalker part."

She rolled her eyes. "Fine. A re

"Looking forward to it."

"You shouldn’t be. Next time I’m making you eat cafeteria fish."

"Then I rescind the deal."

"Too late. It’s legally binding now."

We sat in another stretch of silence.

But this time, it wasn’t tense. Just... weirdly tolerable.

She leaned back in her chair, sipping her drink. "So... no introductions, huh?"

"Nope."

"Not even a tiny one?"

I gave her a look.

"Okay, okay," she said, hands raised. "No introductions. Promise."

I didn’t believe her for a second. But for now?

She’d paid for lunch.

And she’d kept her end of the bargain.

That was good enough—for now.