Chapter 250: Rumors

Rumors—something that spreads faster than the flu virus. They can start with just a few words or a simple incident and then multiply at a geometric rate.

One day, a rumor began circulating in the literature department, sparked by a few photos taken by an unknown source.

The photos featured both men and women, but they had one thing in common: the woman in all the pictures was the same person, though the men she interacted with were different in each.

It was said that a journalism student had captured these “real-life compensated dating” scenes in Shinjuku.

Compensated dating, known as enjo-kosai, refers to a practice where female middle or university students engage in relationships with older, often unknown men in exchange for “allowance money,” branded clothes, handbags, or similar perks. However, everyone knows that this behavior is essentially no different from prostitution—just dressed up with a more palatable name.

Although enjo-kosai is fairly common in sexually liberal Japan, it’s rare for students from prestigious universities to engage in such behavior.

The girl in the photos, however, was rumored to be a current student at Teikyo University. This explosive piece of gossip became the source of the rumor.

“Kazumi, let’s go,” Takeshima Shinobu said softly after gathering her belongings.

Kazumi nodded and stood up, but they were quickly surrounded by five female students. The rest of the class turned to watch the scene unfold.

A tall girl gave Kazumi a disdainful look. “Who would’ve thought that Miss Gennai would stoop to something like this? Truly shocking.”

The girl in red standing beside her chimed in mockingly, “What can you do? People need part-time jobs. We should sympathize with Miss Gennai.”

“Exactly. After all, everyone has their needs,” a few of them said with smug laughter.

“Stop spreading nonsense! Kazumi would never do something like that!” Takeshima Shinobu shouted angrily.

“Oh, really? Then how do you explain these photos? Tsk tsk, the journalism seniors sure know how to take good pictures. By the way, Miss Gennai, how much do you usually charge per session?” The tall girl held up a few photos and sneered as if admiring them.

“The person in the photos isn’t Kazumi!” Takeshima Shinobu was trembling with rage.

“Still denying it at this point? Don’t make me guess—you might even be doing it with her,” another girl jeered coldly.

“You…”

Takeshima Shinobu was about to retort when Kazumi suddenly placed a hand on her shoulder. “Shinobu, don’t waste your energy on them.” She then took Takeshima Shinobu’s hand and tried to walk around the girls toward the door.

But the group didn’t intend to let them go. They quickly blocked their way again.

“What’s the matter? Still too scared to admit it, Miss Gennai?” one of the girls sneered, pointing at the figure in the photos.

Kazumi, her face expressionless, replied, “A few photos showing someone’s profile prove nothing. Please move aside.”

Seeing her indifferent demeanor only made the girls more furious.

If this had been just any ordinary girl, even if she was a Teikyo student, it might have simply been a topic of gossip and nothing more.

But ever since Ogata Yasuda and Ashiro Hideyuki—two extremely popular heirs among the female students—had shown clear interest in Kazumi, she had become the focus of attention. This also sparked jealousy among many girls who liked either of the two men.

However, being the sister of the infamous “human weapon,” no one dared confront Kazumi directly. The basketball club’s Okada Akio had already proven how dangerous that could be.

Things changed two days ago when photos showing a girl, whose profile resembled Kazumi’s, engaging in enjo-kosai began circulating on campus. Fueled by jealousy, the girls who had grievances about Ogata Yasuda or Ashiro Hideyuki now had an excuse to target her.

The attacks weren’t physical but rather came in the form of malicious insults behind her back and intentionally spreading the rumors further.

As the gossip escalated, some even claimed that Kazumi had once undergone an abortion.

It’s said that when a lie is repeated over a hundred times, people start to believe it. And with “evidence” in the form of photos, the rumor spread like wildfire.

Within two days, the rumor had spread widely across campus, and more students began to believe it. Wherever Kazumi appeared, she would draw stares and whispers from curious onlookers, along with strange, judgmental glances from others. Those few photos were being shared everywhere.

At that moment, the girl in red pointed at Kazumi and deliberately raised her voice. “You shameless woman! You’ve utterly disgraced Teikyo University. Just the thought of sharing a classroom with you makes me sick.”

Kazumi replied coldly, “Feeling nauseous? I didn’t expect your pregnancy symptoms to show this early. Careful, or you might have a premature delivery.”

Her indifferent response infuriated the group of girls even more.

The tall girl sneered, “I wonder what Ogata-senpai and Ashiro-senpai would think if they knew your true colors. What’s the point of playing mind games? In the end, you’re still stuck in this mess.”

Just as she finished speaking, a male voice suddenly sounded from behind them. “What a lively scene. I was wondering why Kazumi was taking so long to come out. So this is the reason.”

“A-Ashiro-senpai?” The girls turned their heads, only to see Ashiro Hideyuki standing behind them, smirking coldly.

Ignoring them, Ashiro walked directly up to Kazumi and said, “Kazumi, let’s go.”

The girl in red quickly stepped forward, holding out the photos. “Ashiro-senpai, don’t you know this woman has been involved in enjo-kosai?”

Glancing briefly at the photos, Ashiro responded with unwavering certainty, “I trust Kazumi. She would never do such a thing.”

“But the person in the photos is clearly her! Look again!” The girl, who had a deep admiration for Ashiro, spoke urgently.

“I said I trust Kazumi. She wouldn’t do such a thing. I suggest you stop this nonsense,” he said firmly. “Kazumi, let’s go.”

Kazumi glanced at him briefly, then took Takeshima Shinobu’s hand and walked past him and the group of girls without a word.

Seeing her continue to maintain her distant and aloof demeanor, Ashiro couldn’t help but give a bitter smile before following after her.

Once the three of them had left the classroom, the girl in red furiously threw the photos to the ground and stomped on them. “What is this? Why does Ashiro-senpai still trust that woman?”

The other four girls also wore expressions of frustration and anger.

The tall girl said hatefully, “Just watch. I’ll make sure that woman is too ashamed to stay at Teikyo.”

“What are you planning?” another girl immediately asked.

“We just need to find solid evidence against her and then report it to the student council. Let the students handle this matter. Let’s see how she has the nerve to stay here after that.”

Hearing this, the other girls’ faces lit up with malicious delight.

Outside the academic building, Takeshima Shinobu quickly noticed Ogata Yasuda waiting nearby.

When Ogata saw Ashiro following behind Kazumi, a flash of irritation appeared in his eyes. He was about to approach them when someone dashed past him.

A breathless Rumi, the kendo girl, ran up to Kazumi. “Kazumi!”

Rumi had also heard some of the rumors. Worried about Kazumi, she had rushed over as soon as her class ended.

“Look at you, all sweaty.” Kazumi smiled slightly and handed her a packet of tissues.

Rumi wiped her sweat while saying, “Let’s go quickly. Senpai is waiting for us at the campus restaurant.”

Takeshima Shinobu hesitated. “Kazumi, maybe we should eat somewhere else,” she suggested nervously, fearing the judgmental stares and whispers.

Kazumi thought for a moment before responding, “Shinobu, you know I’m dealing with some trouble lately. It’s probably better if you don’t stay with me for now. You don’t need to come to the restaurant.”

Shinobu was stunned. She immediately grabbed Kazumi’s hand and asked, “Kazumi, what do you mean by that?”

Kazumi looked at her gently. “Don’t misunderstand me. I mean no harm. The rumors are about me, but if you’re seen with me, they might affect you as well. Until this matter blows over, it’s better if you avoid being seen with me.”

“But…”

Kazumi raised her hand to stop Shinobu from continuing. “Listen to me, this is just temporary. Besides, we still live together, so there will be plenty of chances to meet. Alright, that’s it for now. I’m leaving.” With that, she grabbed Rumi’s hand and walked away.

Takeshima Shinobu stood there, staring blankly as Kazumi turned and left. Watching them leave from a distance were Ogata Yasuda and Ashiro Hideyuki.

“Ogata-senpai, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” As the living room door opened, Miyu Himeko entered, wearing a carefully prepared smile and an outfit she had clearly put effort into.

Ogata Yasuda glanced at her but said nothing.

After dismissing the servants, Miyu Himeko walked over and refilled his cup with tea herself, smiling warmly. “I never expected you to visit me, Ogata-senpai. I’m really happy. How is Ogata-oji doing these days?”

“He’s fine,” Ogata replied indifferently before suddenly pulling out a stack of photos and tossing them onto the table.

“Did you do this?” His sharp gaze locked onto her expression.

Miyu Himeko picked up the photos and glanced through them. “Ogata-senpai, I don’t quite understand what you mean,” she replied.

Ogata’s expression grew colder. “I’m asking you, were these photos fabricated by someone you hired?”

Miyu Himeko’s tone became serious. “I didn’t do this, Ogata-senpai. I swear.”

Ogata sneered. “Save it. I’ll ask you one more time—did you orchestrate this?”

Tears welled up in Miyu Himeko’s eyes, and before long, she was crying. “Senpai, do you really think I’m such a malicious person? Yes, I hate Gennai Kazumi, but I would never stoop to such low methods to harm her.” Her sobbing grew louder with every word.

Watching her cry so bitterly, Ogata felt a twinge of doubt. Could it really not have been her?

After a while, seeing no sign of her stopping, Ogata said in a low voice, “Regardless of whether you’re telling the truth, I will get to the bottom of this.” With that, he stood and turned to leave.

Miyu Himeko suddenly grabbed his hand. “Ogata-senpai, why are you so determined to defend that woman? Don’t you understand how I feel about you? I really like you.”

Ogata looked at her helplessly. “Himeko, some things just can’t be forced.”

She clung to him tightly. “Am I not as beautiful as her? Ogata-senpai, Gennai Kazumi is just an ordinary woman. She’s not worthy of you. If Ogata-oji finds out about this, he’ll definitely oppose it too—you know that. Didn’t you say before that you liked me? Why have you changed now?”

Feeling the softness of her body pressed against him, Ogata couldn’t help but feel a surge of desire. Truthfully, before he met Kazumi, he hadn’t minded the idea of getting closer to this beautiful and charming woman. And no man truly dislikes being admired by a woman. Deep down, he even hoped she wasn’t involved in this matter.

Suppressing his impulses, Ogata gently pushed her away. “I’ll investigate this thoroughly. I’m leaving now.” He turned and walked out of the living room.

After Ogata Yasuda left, Miyu Himeko wiped away her tears, and a sly smile crept across her face.

She sat down in a chair by the table, picked up the stack of photos, and examined them one by one. The more she looked, the more she felt the girl in the photos resembled that detestable Kazumi. Her smile grew wider.

She could sense that Ogata Yasuda wasn’t entirely resistant to her; his earlier actions made that clear. And with the girl in the photos looking so much like Kazumi, it was impossible for him not to harbor at least a small seed of doubt. Once that doubt was planted, the crack in their relationship would only grow larger.

Feeling satisfied, she set the photos down and picked up her teacup, taking a relaxed sip.