Having guessed Hajime's feeling, his back was patted by Yue and her kindness made him want to cry again.
Maybe thanks to Hajime ignoring the serious mood and entering his own world(?), Aiko was given the time to regain her sense from the impact, she took one deep breath and even without any courage to confront his rage, she didn't move from her spot then grasped Shimizu's hand, and talked quietly.
"Shimizu-kun. Please calm down."
"Wh-What's with you! Let go!"
He was surprised by the sudden touch and Shimizu immediately tried to shake her off, but Aiko said she wouldn't let go and further increased the power of her grip. Maybe because Shimizu couldn't look back at Aiko's serious gaze, he gradually calmed down as he looked down again, and his expression was hidden by his forelock.
"Shimizu-kun... I have understood your feelings. You want to be "special." Your feelings aren't mistaken. It was a natural wish for a human. Following that, you surely can become "special." After all, although your method was mistaken, it is the truth that you can do that much... however, don't go to the demon race's side. Having heard your story, that demon race was just trying to use your desire. Sensei, can't entrust her important student to that kind of person at all... Shimizu-kun. Let's do it over, okay? I don't want anyone to fight, but if Shimizu-kun wish for it, sensei will support you. If it is you, you definitely can fight as equal with Amanogawa-kun and the others. Then, some day, let's return together when we found the method to return to Japan, okay?"
Shimizu heard Aiko speaking in silence, and before one knew it his shoulders trembled. Even the students and the guard Knights thought Shimizu was shaken by Aiko's words and began to cry. Actually, Sonobe Yuka, who famous to be easily moved to tears in the class, was already crying when she saw Aiko and Shimizu.
However, it wasn't something sweet as it wouldn't simply went her way. Aiko patted the trembling Shimizu's head with gentle expression, but Shimizu suddenly gripped the outstretched hand in return and pulled her, then he turned her over and coiled his arm around Aiko's neck. Aiko unintentionally groaned because her arm was bound behind her and he took out a 10 cm long needle from god-knows where, then he pointed it at back of her neck.
"Don't move! Or I will pierce it!"
Shimizu shouted hysterically. His expression was twitching in convulsion, in his eyes had the same madness when he was cursing Hajime. His previously trembling shoulders was apparently from laughter.