My Idle System

After a moment of contemplation, the assistant principal, with her voice steady and authoritative, said.

"After hearing both sides and considering Teacher Clayton's opinion, for the issue of cheating, student Christian White will be placed under close surveillance during the next exam to ensure that he is not engaging in any cheating behavior."

"This surveillance will continue for the remainder of his final year at our school until we can be confident that he is not engaging in any cheating behavior."

Hearing what the assistant principal said about the exams, Christian didn't care at all since he hadn't cheated in the first place. And this way, he didn't have to worry about being accused of cheating again.

Even his sister and the math teacher didn't say anything about this issue. But after finishing what she said about cheating, the assistant principal looked him in the eyes and continued.

"Since your final year of high school is coming to a close, we're willing to give you a chance to reflect on your behavior and get back on track. However, we need you to take a five-day break from school to help you understand the gravity of your actions."

"I want to make it clear that this suspension is not just about punishment, but also about teaching you a valuable lesson. You need to learn to respect your teachers and pay more attention in your classes, and this suspension is a chance for you to do just that."

At first, Christian was stunned and didn't react, but as she continued, even going as far as calling it a valuable lesson, he was shocked by the amount of bullshit she was spouting.

Just as he thought she would be easy to get along with and friendly, she shattered his preconceived notions, revealing that she was cut from the same cloth as the damn math teacher.

While Christian remained silent, unsure if he should say something and risk making an even bigger mess like last time, his sister Annabelle, upon hearing that he would be suspended, and knowing how it would stay on his record, potentially affecting him in university and even when he started working.

Feeling angered by the unfair treatment, Annabelle shouted.

"Kennedy, Assistant Principal, what do you mean by 'chance' and 'valuable lesson'? You know exactly what suspension would means for a student."

"It will follow him all his life. Even after he finishes his studies and enters society, he will be reminded of it."

"After everything you've heard, and considering how it all started with Math Teacher Clayton accusing my brother of cheating—an accusation that still hasn't been proven—you should understand."

"This is his treatment? A punishment for being outstanding and scoring well on his exams?"

The assistant principal, who listened to his sister till she finished without interrupting, responded.

"This has become more than just a matter of cheating; it's now about him disrespecting his teacher."

"Or as you mentioned earlier, it's also about morals—he disrespected someone older than him."

"His behavior at the time of the incident was by no means acceptable, even if he was treated unfairly."

"So we, at the school, will give him the harsh and bitter lesson on how he can't make the same mistakes with his superiors in the future, as when he's in the workforce, he won't just be suspended—he could be kicked out immediately."

"Not to mention, since you entered the school office with student Christian White, I have been observing him, and he hasn't shown any sign of regret or an effort to improve."

While the assistant principal spoke with her naturally calm and aged voice, his sister pressed her teeth together tightly, glaring at her and not even attempting to conceal her emotions.

'How should I show these signs in the first place?' And Christian with this brief thought, considered whether he should add acting to one of his Idle Practicing slots but dismissed the idea just as quickly.

Annabelle tried to argue with her some more, but she was as stubborn and tenacious as a bull. In the end, she didn't change her opinion at all.

Finally, the assistant principal turned her head toward the math teacher and said

"I understand that you're a seasoned teacher, but it's clear that there have been some issues with student Christian White's behavior under your supervision. Can you reflect on what you think might be contributing to this behavior and how you plan to adapt your teaching strategies to better meet his needs?"

Hearing how she addressed the math teacher—not even scolding him but asking about his teaching plans—and how he would go unpunished, while he, who hadn't done anything wrong, would have the dark stain of suspension on his school file for the rest of his life.

This made Christian furious. It's not that he cared about the school, his record, or even the diploma, but being treated this way still filled him with indignation.

He still held a small hope that she would be impartial and not show bias toward anyone. If punishments were given fairly toward both off them, he might have been able to accept her decision a bit more. But!

'What kind of bullshit is this? I thought you weren't in it together. It turns out, it was a jointly acted charade.'

How the hell did the one who did wrong not receive any punishment, while he, for merely standing up for his rights a little, gets punished? Christian still didn't understand.

As his irritation and annoyance, were scaling up high, with no signs of dropping.

Turning his head to look at his sister, who was also fuming at the situation, helped him calm his rage somewhat, and he nudged her to signal that she should say nothing more.

He feared his sister might apologize out of desperation, and the last thing he wanted was to see that happen. As it was clear now that nothing they said would change the situation, as everything that could have been said, was said and even more.