It was the next week, and Akane's return from her suspension didn't faze Shampoo in the slightest. As far as Shampoo was concerned, life was as it always was: busy, unpredictable, and entirely in her control. During lunch, she sat with Yuka and Sayuri, chatting about trivial things, her usual confident air firmly intact.
"So, Akane's back today," Yuka mentioned, glancing around the cafeteria. "Think things will get dramatic again?"
Shampoo shrugged, uninterested. "Akane do what Akane want. Shampoo no care," she said casually, sipping her drink. "If she cause problem, Shampoo deal with it."
Sayuri chuckled. "You really don't let anything bother you, do you?"
"Why should Shampoo care?" she replied, flipping her hair back. "Akane no important to Shampoo's life."
Yuka smirked, leaning forward. "You're probably the only person not curious about what she'll say or do. Everyone else has been whispering about it all day."
"People need better hobbies," Shampoo said with a wave of her hand. "Shampoo focus on more important things—school, cafe, training."
Sayuri and Yuka exchanged a glance, both amused by Shampoo's nonchalant attitude.
As the bell rang, Shampoo stood gracefully, her confidence radiating. "Come. We go to class now," she said, leading the way. Whatever drama Akane might bring with her return, Shampoo wasn't concerned. She had no time for petty distractions.
Shampoo walked to her fifth period, art class, her bag slung over her shoulder and her usual confident stride carrying her through the hallway. As she turned a corner, she crossed paths with Akane, who was walking in the opposite direction.
The tension in the air was palpable as students nearby watched, expecting some kind of exchange. Akane paused mid-step, her expression a mix of curiosity and lingering annoyance, but Shampoo didn't even blink.
"Shampoo," Akane said, her tone guarded.
Shampoo simply looked at her, tilting her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "Akane," she replied coolly, her tone neither friendly nor hostile, but dismissive, as if the interaction wasn't worth her energy.
Akane crossed her arms. "I heard you've been pretty busy lately."
"Always busy," Shampoo said with a shrug. "Shampoo have no time for silly things." Her eyes flicked briefly over Akane, then she started walking again, her steps light and deliberate.
Akane frowned but said nothing, watching Shampoo's back as she disappeared into her classroom. The spectators who had gathered to see a confrontation were left disappointed, murmuring as they returned to their own classes.
Shampoo smirked to herself as she entered the art room. Whatever Akane's problem was, Shampoo wasn't going to let it ruin her day—or even take up any more of her thoughts.