"Il ne faut pas s'offenser que les autres nous cachent la vérité. puisque nous nous la cachons si souvent à nous-mêmes"
"We Should Not be Upset that Others Hide the Truth from Us, When We Hide it from Ourselves."
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims by François de La Rochefoucauld.
Kushida: I know it is a lot to take in, most especially you always see me as the cheerful one in the group, but I want to know, what do you guys think of me?
All of Class D remained silent as they tried their best to come up with the best response for that question. Unfortunately, nobody knows how as they also don't want to hurt her feelings as well.
Tanaguchi: I guess they are still thinking hard about it. I can't blame them, after knowing that and also comparing it to what they always see of her.
Niko: Yeah, me as well. To be honest, I also feel bad for Kushida though.
Tanaguchi was surprised by what Niko said. He didn't expect Niko to feel that way.
Niko: She may have been a bitch this entire time, I still somewhat feel some sympathy for her. I feel that inside that happy, cheerful and joyful shell lies a sad and lonely version of herself. Kind reminds me of myself sometimes.
Tanaguchi: *look at Niko who is looking at the ground* Niko-chan…
Niko: Although I don't expect anyone to feel the same way as me though me. Anybody else who watched the show or read the light novel has already told many things on why Kushida is the worst character ever. But I just can't help to feel sad for someone who is like that.
Tanaguchi: Yeah, you're that kind of person after all. Besides, you're not the only one. *points at somebody*
Niko looked at where Tanaguchi pointed his finger to see Ike standing up, about to say something.
Ike: Kushida-chan… um…
Kushida: What is it, Ike-kun? What do you want to say?
Everyone started looking at Ike. Some are saying to go for it, while others say do not as they don't trust him well.
Ike: I just want to say that no matter what happened, our opinion of you will never change.
Kushida: *looks up from the ground and to Ike with a shocked face* Eh?
Everyone: EH?!
Shinohara: What the heck are you saying?! Didn't you just see what Kushida was that time?!
Ike: Of course I did, I was paying attention to that this entire time. From what she did to Ayanokoji and also her hatred for Horikita. But isn't it normal for someone to hide something from everyone?
Everyone was surprised at what Ike said. Of all the people to defend Kushida right now, Ike of all people is something they never imagined.
Ike: Earlier I was sacred as well as you guys, to see that same Kushida we all loved and known to be actually fake is really terrifying. But I remembered what Tanaguchi said to us yesterday, all of us here in Class D have some kind of defective trait.
Hirata: He's right. Like what Tanaguchi and Ike said, everyone has some kind of secret that nobody wants to see and that same secret is also the reason why all of us here are in Class D. And that also exists with Kushida here.
Kushida: Ike-kun… Hirata-kun…
Karuizawa: I agree as well with what Hirata-kun said. Maybe she has a past or a horrible incident that happened to her that led her to be this way, who knows. But I think we should just accept her for who we are. Even if it's fake, she still accepted us as her friends, right? That fact will never change.
Everyone who remained silent looked at each other, slowly realizing what they were trying to say.
Sakura: I-I agree with them!
Satou: Yeah, me too, she's a good friend this whole time anyways.
Yamauchi: Don't forget me as well, to be honest she looked really cool back then.
Sudo: What are you saying Yamauchi?! She looked so badass right there! I never knew we had someone like her in here!
Slowly but surely, everybody started to support Kushida and continue giving her praises and cheers. Kushida, completely shocked, her leg gave up and she fell to the ground. Niko immediately went to her and noticed that she started to have tears in her eyes.
Niko: She is crying? Wait, I never remembered any moment in the light novels that she cried!
Tanaguchi: Wait, really?!
Tanaguchi immediately went to Kushida and saw her right in front of his eyes, crying.
Kushida: *crying* They don't even know everything… The incident in middle school… My friends back then…
Tanaguchi: I can't believe it. Kushida of all people, crying. She almost looked like a different person. Completely different from the light novel. Could this be the effect of everyone knowing about her secret or…
Niko: Kushida, it doesn't matter if they knew everything, because that is not a point. The point is that everyone here treats you as their real friend because of what you did for them for the past few months.
Niko, slowly hugs Kushida, to Tanaguchi's surprise.
Niko: You need to realize that everything in life is not about being in the top or being in first place or being the most popular in class, rather it is also the people you have been with all the way. Sure it was all an act and it is fake but you helped them either way and that is something that will not change. Besides the sensation of having people to truly care for you is something that being at the top will not always give you.
Kushida continued crying in Niko's shoulder while Tanaguchi was still in complete shock.
Tanaguchi: Jesus, author. You're supposed to just create a "watch their own show" fanfic, not completely change them. But either way, at least it is nice to see Kushida in a new perspective, and not always in the perspective where we see her as the main villain.
Tanaguchi smiled at the matter. Niko and Kushida stood up.
Niko: Tanaguchi, is it okay if you guys continue while I take Kushida outside for fresh air?
Tanaguchi: Oh, sure. I'll just send you a copy of the anime on your tablet, you could watch it outside.
Niko: Okay, thanks for understanding. Come on, Kushida, let's go.
Niko and Kushida open the classroom door and leave. Everyone suddenly realized.
Sotomura: Where did Kushida-san go?
Tanaguchi: Her and Niko left for her to get some fresh air. They'll be back at least before Episode 5.
Ike: Wait, are you saying we continue on without her?!
Hirata: That is not what Tanaguchi-kun is saying. The point of it is that we should leave Kushida-san some space. I think she really needs it.
Tanaguchi: Thank you for understanding. Anyways we need to continue watching. We have two more episodes before the next Interlu- I mean before the day ends.
With that everyone agrees to do so. They all settled down while Tanaguchi pressed the play button for Episode 4.
[Episode 4 Title Card]
"Il ne faut pas s'offenser que les autres nous cachent la vérité. puisque nous nous la cachons si souvent à nous-mêmes"
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims by François de La Rochefoucauld.
Yukimura: That quote really fits to what is happening right now with us and Kushida-san
Shinohara: I am really rude to Kushida-san earlier, I shouldn't have done that.
Hirata: It's okay, Shinohara-san. We can all agree it is our fault. I guess we are all a little bit upset about Kushida hiding some things from us.
Sudo: Yeah, same with Ayanokoji here.
Ayanokoji: I guess they still haven't forgotten about some of the things earlier. From this point onward, it will be troublesome for me.
[Setting: 1st Year B-Class Room]
Chie Hoshinomiya (Under the influence of a hangover): Members of Class 1-B. Let's have another great day.
Chihiro Shiranami: Yuck! Teacher, you smell like alcohol!
Chie Hoshinomiya: I had too much to drink last night. Ahh.
Hirata: Um… this is really worrying, are you sure she is allowed to say those kinds of things in front of her students?
Ike: No, Hirata, what is even more worrying is that it is obvious that she drank alcohol and everyone in her class knows it.
Chabashira: Hoshinomiya-sensei, when will you ever learn?
[Chie Hoshinomiya stands up and calls her class' attention to the board with some updated information about the class points. For class 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D, there's a corresponding 1004, 660, 600, and 87 class points, respectively.]
Chie Hoshinomiya: I will now announce this month's point totals for each class!
[All B-Class students stand up as they are worried about their homeroom adviser's condition.]
Chie Hoshinomiya: Your private points will be distributed tomorrow.
Chihiro Shiranami: Our points went up!
Yume Kobashi: Yes! Yes!
Yamauchi: *sighs* I guess our dream about reaching Class A is still far. Class B has 660 class points while we only have 87.
Yukimura: It is our fault for having our class points to be like that. We zeroed all of our class points in just the first month of the school year.
Onodera: But is it truly possible for us to reach Class A at this point?
Ike: What are you talking about?! Of course we can! We have Master Manipulator Ayanokoji with us.
Sotomura: Yeah, with him, any challenge we face is possible for us to beat.
Everyone nodded as they agreed to what the two said.
Ayanokoji: Seriously, could you please stop using that nickname?
Mako Amikura: You think it's because of our test scores? The study group brought everyone's scores up!
[Chihiro Shiranami, Yume Kobashi, and Mako Amikura glances at Honami Ichinose, standing at the back.]
Honami Ichinose: Oh, no, it's because of how hard you all worked.
Chihiro Shiranami: I love you, Ichinose-san!
Honami Ichinose: H-hey! Ch-Chihiro-chan!
Mako Amikura: So do I!
[They both hugged Honami Ichinose]
Honami Ichinose: Wait! Wait!
Chihiro Shiranami: No waiting!
Honami Ichinose: You guys ...
Chihiro Shiranami: I'm so glad I'm in Class B. Since it's the same class as you, Ichinose-san.
Sato: They looked like they really had a fun time there.
Karuizawa: Yeah, they really enjoyed having Ichinose-san in Class B.
Yamauchi: Yeah, no kidding, she is really popular, maybe more popular than you.
Ike: But we do have Kushida-chan with us as well.
Hirata: You're right. Kushida-san also made this classroom more enjoyable as well. I don't know what Class D will be like without her.
Everyone become quiet after that, to which Tanaguchi sighed and continued
[Honami Ichinose smiles and pats Chihiro Shiranami's head.]
Honami Ichinose (Monologue): I'm glad I'm in Class B, too. Our homeroom teacher might be a bit eccentric, but my classmates are all such good people. That's why I want us all to reach Class A together!
Yukimura: They're really committed to reaching Class A.
Horikita: Why wouldn't they be? Because we all attended this school because of the promise we wish to attain in this school. And to achieve that, we all need to be Class A.
Ayanokoji: Technically, not all students came to this school just for the promise. Some have other reasons, like me. All I wanted is just a normal highschool life.
[Setting: Dorm. 4th Floor. Near the Elevator.]
[In front of the elevator, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is yawning, waiting for the door to open. After a while, it opens. Suzune Horikita and Kikyō Kushida are inside. Kikyō Kushida cheerfully greets Kiyotaka Ayanokōji]
Suzune Horikita: Getting in or not?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I am. I will be getting in if you don't mind.
Sudo: Ah, I see that you guys start the day like that as always.
Ayanokoji: That's how she basically treats me everyday. To be honest, I wish that she would treat me bet-
Horikita: *immediately looked at Ayanokoji* Could you kindly repeat that, Ayanokoji-kun?
Ayanokoji: Nevermind, forget what I said.
Tanaguchi: I really feel bad for Ayanokoji.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji gets inside the elevator]
Kikyō Kushida: Morning, Ayanokōji-kun! You've got a little bedhead going on in the back.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Natural hair is in fashion these days.
Kikyō Kushida (Giggling): You're so funny, Ayanokōji-kun!
Sotomura: It is amazing that she still acts the same way to Ayanokoji despite what happened last night to them.
Tanaguchi: Yeah, that's just how great of an actress she really is. It is truly a gift that not everybody has.
[Flashback Begin]
Kikyō Kushida: If you betray me, you'll pay.
[Flashback End]
Kikyō Kushida: Maybe I'll try out natural hair, too!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): We'll be in the same dorm until graduation …
Ayanokoji: Tanaguchi, I have always been wanting to ask you something.
Tanaguchi: This is rare, what is it?
Ayanokoji: I know that Horikita is somehow involved in it but what happened back in the past that made Kushida to be like this today?
Everyone immediately faced Tanaguchi who was still thinking.
Tanaguchi: Hmm… I guess it is not bad to tell it now to you guys. But we better do this with Kushida here. I wouldn't want to say any more things personal to her without her permission.
Ayanokoji: I see…
Hirata: I think it is best if we don't think anything about Kushida-san for now. We are getting distracted from watching the whole anime.
Everyone agreed and continued watching.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Whispering): I'm surprised to see you and Kushida together.
Suzune Horikita: She was waiting for me outside my door.
[Elevator opens on the ground floor. All students inside disembark.]
Kikyō Kushida: Aww! I was really hoping we could walk to school together.
Honami Ichinose: Morning, Kushida-san!
[Ichinose appears waving to Kikyō]
Kikyō Kushida: Huh? Ah! Ichinose-san.
[Ichinose notices Kiyotaka]
Honami Ichinose: Kushida-san, is this your boyfriend?
Kikyō Kushida (Giggling): Of course not!
Honami Ichinose: Really, I was sure ...
Kikyō Kushida: Nope! Nope!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): That probably is how she really feels.
Honami Ichinose: That reminds me ... did you guys get your points today?
Kikyō Kushida: Huh?
Sotomura: Ah, I remember now. This is the time where Sudou almost got expelled because of an incident with 3 of the Class-C boys.
Sudo: You're right although I still don't know yet how and why they retracted the case so that it won't be pursued further.
Yukimura: I think a slight idea of how though *looks at Ayanokoji*
Everyone nodded at once and started looking at Ayanokoji as well.
Ayanokoji: *notices everyone's stare* Why are they looking at me?
Tanaguchi: You really have no idea.
(Opening Song)
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Sae Chabashira: There's been a bit of an issue. The provision of points to freshmen has been delayed.
[Most students react accordingly.]
Kanji Ike: Are you kidding?
Haruki Yamauchi: Do we get some kind of compensation for the school screwing up?
Sae Chabashira: There's nothing that I can do. The moment the problem is resolved, the points will be distributed. Assuming you still have points by then.
Yukimura: So what really happened to you, Sudo?
Ike: Yeah, Sudo, almost as if everywhere you go, a fight will always happen.
Sudo: Hey! Like I said, it wasn't my fault, it was theirs, I swear!
Wang: We already heard enough of you, Sudo. What did really happen?
Sudo: I swear, I-
Tanaguchi: Sudo is right, he didn't do anything. Everything will be explained with the next episodes so let's just continue watching.
[Setting: School Backyard]
[Sunset. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is walking towards Honami Ichinose, alone.]
Honami Ichinose: Sorry to call you out like this.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: What's going on?
Honami Ichinose: I'm just going to say it and get it over with.
[Flustered, Honami Ichinose blushes and looks away from Kiyotaka Ayanokōji. She wonders how to phrase properly what she wants to say.]
Yamauchi: Oh my god, don't tell me this is a romantic confession?!
Sotomura: Ah wonderful, congratulations, Ayanokoji-kun. She truly is a beautiful girl.
Tanaguchi: Um… I don't think we should be getting full of ourselves.
Honami Ichinose: I think I ... am going to get asked out! Right here!
Everyone: Eh?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Confused): Huh? Wait, um ... Won't it be better if I'm not here, then?
Honami Ichinose: But I don't know anything about dating. I found this in my locker yesterday.
[Honami Ichinose shows an envelope with a love letter inside sealed with a heart sticker.]
Sotomura: This just got complicated.
Ike: I think she called him to get some love advice from him… I think.
Satou: Love advice? From him? I don't really think Ayanokoji will be a romantic type.
Karuizawa: Yeah, I can't imagine him confessing to a girl. I don't even know if he loves someone.
Tanaguchi: Says the girl who will be his future girlfriend.
Honami Ichinose: I don't feel the same way. And I don't know how to turn the person down without hurting them. So I was wondering if you might pretend to be my boyfriend, .. and ...
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): That old cliché, huh?
Honami Ichinose (Frantic): Please!
Yukimura: Wait, he called because she wanted to have Ayanokoji to act as her boyfriend? I don't really get it.
Hasebe: Me either.
Tanaguchi looked at Hirata who looked very uncomfortable.
Tanaguchi: Poor Hirata. Can't blame him since this whole situation is seriously reminding him of his current relationship with Karuizawa. With all the acting and stuff. But I wonder how they will react with Ayanokoji's relationship with Karuizawa in the future? I am very excited for that!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You'd be better off talking it out with them, one on one.
Honami Ichinose: But …
[Ichinose notices someone. Chihiro Shiranami appears from behind them.]
Chihiro Shiranami: Eh? Ichinose-san ... who is this?
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji pieces everything together.]
Everyone: Eh?!
Yamauchi: Wait, wait, wait, hold up! Hold up, wait a minute, something ain't right!
Hasebe: HAHAHAHAHA! So the one who will be confessing to her is actually a girl!
Ike: But wait! How will that work though?
Ayanokoji: Please don't ask that question, I rather not know.
Honami Ichinose: U-Um, sorry, Chihiro-chan ... I brought someone you don't know. This is Ayanokōji-kun from Class D.
Chihiro Shiranami: Is he ... your boyfriend?
Honami Ichinose: Ayanokōji-kun is ... He's my -
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: We're just friends.
[The girls gasped at this as Kiyotaka Ayanokōji looks at Honami Ichinose]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Ichinose, confessing your feelings to someone isn't an easy thing. You spend every day in anguish, yet you still can't do it. The words "I love you" hang in your throat, and you can't seem to force them out. I think her earnest feelings deserve a proper answer, don't you?
[Honami Ichinose nods slightly as she reluctantly agrees.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Of course, it might not be my place to talk.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji walks out of the scene, leaving the girls to their talk.]
(Outside the School Building, sitting in bench)
Kushida: Eh, I never know Ayanokoji-kun could be romantic.
Niko: Yeah. In the future, he got himself a girlfriend after all.
Kushida: Wait, what?! When and how?!
Niko: Nope, not saying. I don't want to ruin the fun after all.
Kushida: Come on, Niko, you don't really have tease me you know *pouts*
Niko: Ehehe, sorry. I just love teasing people, especially Hiroshi.
The two girls continued laughing.
Niko: So are you okay now?
Kushida: I don't know… I am still not sure…
Niko: It's okay, you can take all the time you need.
Niko warmly smiles, to which Kushida smiles back as well.
[Setting: Benches near the School Backyard]
[Evening. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji looked at his phone and noticed that he didn't receive any points this month.]
[Chihiro Shiranami is running away, crying. Most likely her confession was rejected. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji glances at her direction. Honami Ichinose appears from behind and notices Kiyotaka still there.]
Honami Ichinose: Ah.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I guess you talked it out, huh?
Honami Ichinose: Yeah. I was so focused on how not to hurt her feelings. I was just trying to run away. That was wrong, wasn't it? We said we'd try to go back to normal tomorrow ... I wonder if we'll manage it.
(In the Class 1-D Classroom)
Yamauchi: So in the end, she got rejected, huh.
Ike: Must be hard for her to accept that.
Hirata: But at least in the end, everything between them is okay.
Ike: Speaking of girls… *whispers to Sotomura* So by the way, how's the mission plan going for this summer vacation?
Sotomura: *whispers back to Ike* It is almost complete but we will need to assign the codenames next week.
Tanaguchi: Oh god, these guys are so dead later.
[Honami Ichinose clasped her hands and looked up at the sky.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: That's up to you two, I guess.
Honami Ichinose: Yeah. Sorry for getting you wrapped up in this weirdness today.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I don't mind having a day like this now and then.
Honami Ichinose: Looks like I owe you one, huh?
Horikita: So that's what she meant by she owes you. I am pretty impressed.
Ayanokoji: Nothing I did was impressive. All I said to her is what she needs to do.
[Setting: Student Council Main Office]
[Inside the unwell-lit room, Manabu Horikita is seen holding a document about a violence report happened inside the school premises at June 30, 6:00 PM that involves Ken Sudō and three students from Class C (Kyogo Komiya, Daichi Ishizaki, Reo Kondō); while Akane Tachibana is seen standing behind him.]
Manabu Horikita (Grinning): Interesting.
Horikita: Brother…
Ayanokoji: Are you okay, Horikita?
Horikita: Hm? Oh, it's nothing. I am just fine.
Yukimura: What does the student council president mean by "interesting"?
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Ken Sudō (Shouting): I'm telling you, it wasn't like that! There were three of them!
Satsuki Shinohara: Still ...
Kei Karuizawa: Yeah ...
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): What's all this?
Kikyō Kushida: Ayanokōji-kun ... I think something bad might have happened.
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Sae Chabashira: Basketball club members from Class C have filed a complaint with the school against Sudō. They claim that after practice Sudō attacked and injured them with no apparent provocation.
Ken Sudō: It was self-defence! Self-defence! They were jealous because I became a regular, so they picked a fight!
Karuizawa: Is it really self-defense, Sudo?
Sudo: Yes, I swear, I didn't attack first. They attacked me first, the three of them.
Ike: Geez, Sudo, it is getting harder and harder for me to believe a single word you said.
Yamauchi: Yeah Sudo, it's because you acted like this as well in the past.
Sudo: Wait a minute, you guys, are you really serious?!
Sae Chabashira: There's no evidence of that. Though, if there was a witness, it might be a different story.
Kikyō Kushida: Everyone! Did anyone happen to see Sudō-kun's fight? Does anyone know anything about it?
[Everyone looks at Kikyō Kushida except to one person. Suzune Horikita noticed that person. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji glances at Suzune Horikita and he knows that she's up to something.]
Hirata: Wait, Ayanokoji-kun, you already know that Horikita-san is up to something by just looking?
Ayanokoji: Not just by looking, I know she has to because this could seriously ruin Class D's reputation and shot to getting to Class A.
Horikita: He's right. In this case, we need to do something to avoid that from happening.
Ken Sudō: Tsk!
Rokusuke Kōenji: Perhaps, you'd have been better off getting expelled, Red Hair-kun. Your presence is hardly beautiful!
Everyone: Booooo!
Hirata: You know, you could have said it in a more nice manner, Koenji-kun.
Koenji: Kind? Hardly. Red-Hair boy here is hardly kind to anyone so why I am the one who are you calling to be kind *swings his hair backward*
Tanaguchi: Annoying yet entertaining at the same time, this guy is really dangerous.
[Ken Sudō is quite provoked.]
Yōsuke Hirata: Sudō-kun! Don't!
Sae Chabashira: In one week, there will be a discussion with Class C, with the student council in attendance. Depending on how it turns out, there may be a forfeiture of points, as well as disciplinary measures for Sudō.
[Setting: Karaoke Bar]
Kakeru Ryūen: Those Class D apes must be throwing a fit right about now.
[Kakeru Ryūen drinks a glass of wine. From a seat afar, Mio Ibuki is seen disgusted by how Kakeru Ryūen is running things.]
[A wounded C-Class student, Daichi Ishizaki enters the club. Some people were shocked at his state.]
Sudo: Hold on, wait a minute, that is one of the guys who attacked me during that time!
Yukimura: Really? If so, then what is Ryuen talking about?
Daichi Ishizaki: Ryūen-san ... I think we might have been seen. When we fought with Sudō, I got the feeling someone else was nearby.
Albert Yamada: Bad boy.
[Albert Yamada beats up Daichi Ishizaki and turns him in front of Kakeru Ryūen.]
Everyone: oooooOOOOOO!
Ike: Yup, that's gotta hurt.
Yamauchi: No kidding, that is a big guy right there. He just delivered a big punch directly to his face.
Sotomura: I heard that Albert guy is American.
Kakeru Ryūen: You look like a proper victim now.
[Kakeru Ryūen spills his wine to Daichi Ishizaki's wounded head.]
Daichi Ishizaki: Th-thank you, sir.
Kakeru Ryūen: Perform your dance well, just as planned.
Sudo: Don't tell me… that bastard, so he planned it all along! He will definitely pay this time!
Hirata: Sudo, I know what you're feeling but it is best if you calm down.
Horikita: Yes, we don't want to go through that trouble of avoiding expulsion again, don't you?
Sudo: Y-yeah…
[Eyecatcher]
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School
At this school, Class A through D labels are provisional and can change based on class point assignments. The class with the current highest total class points will be named Class A, with B, C, and D, being named respectively in descending order.
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Kanji Ike: And it's all Sudō's fault.
Haruki Yamauchi: Another month of living with zero points.
Satsuki Shinohara: Maybe we'd have been better off if he had been expelled.
Maya Satō: I hear you …
Sudo: But hey! I just said it's not my fault! It is their plan to expel me!
Ike: You may be right, Sudo but you have done a lot of similar things like this in the past so of course we will think that you did it again.
Shinohara: He's right, you leave us with the impression that you would go to every and any fight at any time.
Sudo: But thats-
Hirata: All of them are right, Sudo. If you have changed that impression and attitude of yours in the first place, then this situation might not have happened.
Suzune Horikita: Do you agree with them? That Sudō-kun should have been expelled.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I don't have an opinion. What do you think, as one of the people who helped him?
Suzune Horikita: At the moment, we have zero points. Even if we had been penalized for losing someone to expulsion, we couldn't have lost anymore.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Yeah, sure, I guess.
Suzune Horikita: What? I don't like the way you said that.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You never know when we might be experiencing losses or gains we can't see.
Suzune Horikita: What does that mean?
(Outside the School Building, Boulevard)
Kushida: Ayanokoji-kun is right, we never fully knew all of the rules. So who knows what things we are gaining and losing all this time.
Niko: You're right, you could be too careful in this school. Even us readers still don't know yet everything about this school.
Kushida: You said earlier to me that we also have a light novel series where this anime was based, how many volumes are there?
Niko: Well in the writing of this chapter, there are 14 first year volumes and three second year volumes.
Kushida: Wait, there is also when we are in second year?! I can't believe that this series is still continuing like what you said.
Niko: Yep. And I don't think it will be ending any time soon. Besides, there is no current season 2 of the anime despite the fact of the many volumes the light novel volume already has.
Kushida: You really want a season 2, huh.
Niko: Of course I do! Any fan would like to!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: There might be negative point values we're gaining that we just aren't shown. Demerits for an expulsion might not hit us now, but rather, in the future. For instance, "no expulsions" might be a condition for ascending to Class A.
Suzune Horikita: You're splitting hairs.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: We don't know how the school system works. If you want to reach Class A, you should eliminate any threats to that goal you can conceive of. Besides, Sudō's athletic, and he has good standing in his club. He might come in handy-
(Inside the Class D Classroom)
Tanaguchi: Yeah, especially during special exams, he is an excellent team player.
Yamauchi: Special exams? What's that?
Tanaguchi: Oh, you guys didn't do your first special exams just yet.
Ayanokoji: Special exams, huh. I guess I was right about that fact. But what are those special exams? Well the only people that know are the teachers, the school and the two interdimensional travelers.
Yōsuke Hirata: Everyone, listen to me. I want to trust my classmates. Why don't we work together to hunt for witnesses and clues?
Kei Karuizawa: Cool, I'm in!
Satsuki Shinohara: If you want to, Hirata-kun ...
Kikyō Kushida: I'm in, too! If we don't believe in him, who will?
Haruki Yamauchi: If Kushida-chan says so ...
Kanji Ike: ... I'm totally in!
Kikyō Kushida: Hey, Horikita-san, Ayanokoji-kun ... You'll work with us, won't you?
Suzune Horikita: Given all you've said, I'm sure you'll be helping, won't you?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Well, it's not like I'm aiming for Class A ...
Kikyō Kushida: You'll help us? Thanks!
Ayanokoji: And she didn't even give me the opinion to accept and to refuse.
Ike: Let's give her that. At least she wants you to help right and you did.
Karuizawa: Speaking of her, where are they? It seems they are taking their time.
Tanaguchi: Maybe they are watching the episode outside right now. I did give a copy of the episode to Niko's tablet after all.
Karuizawa: I wonder, how is she now?
Hirata: I am asking that same question as well.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Yeah ... guess so.
Kikyō Kushida: Horikita-san, will you ...
[Suzune Horikita walks out.]
Kikyō Kushida: Let's do our best together. But if we're looking for witnesses, Sudō-kun himself should probably stay out of it, right?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Yeah, it wouldn't look good to get the interested party involved.
Kikyō Kushida: Yeah ... Okay. I'll tell Sudō-kun about that myself. See you after class, okay?
Sudo: What did she mean? Why wouldn't you want me guys to get involved?
Yamauchi: It is because we are afraid that when you meet those guys again, you would start another brawl.
Sudo: Okay… wait, HEY! I JUST SAID, I AM NOT THE ONE WHO STARTED THE FIGHT!
[Setting: Outside]
Kikyō Kushida: We couldn't find any witnesses or clues.
Haruki Yamauchi: There's still the chance Sudō might be lying, too.
Kanji Ike: No kidding.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: What about Hirata's group?
Kikyō Kushida: I asked, but it looks like they didn't find anything.
Honami Ichinose (Waving her right hand): Hey! Ayanokōji-kun! Kushida-san!
Kikyō Kushida: Ichinose-san?
Honami Ichinose: Some people in my class told me about it... are you investigating something?
[Timeskip. Cut Scene.]
Honami Ichinose: I see ... Class C
Kikyō Kushida: Yeah, So if anyone knows anything, we want to hear about it.
Honami Ichinose: Sorry. I don't know anything myself ... Class B will help you look for clues, though.
[Kikyō Kushida stood up and held Honami Ichinose's hands.]
Yukimura: Wait, really?! But I thought Class B is an enemy of ours as well.
Horikita: As far as I am concerned, we recently have no grudge against each other or whatsoever.
Tanaguchi: Besides, look at the two, there are great friends. I doubt Ichinose will do something bad to you guys.
Kikyō Kushida: Really? That's-
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji grabs Kikyō Kushida garments from behind to pull her away from Honami Ichinose]
Kikyō Kushida: What are you doing?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): It's probably a scheme.
Hirata: Like what Tanaguchi-kun said, I don't think that will be the case.
Karuizawa: Yeah, I mean, she was really kind enough to help us in a case that is not even related to her class.
Ayanokoji: *sighs* Fine but you guys should better be careful about your connections with the other classes.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Well, I'm not sure we should rely on the other classes for-
Honami Ichinose: Don't worry! I won't do anything weird.
[Honami Ichinose winks]
Honami Ichinose: I owe you one, remember, Ayanokōji-kun?
[The boys are jealous and along with a confused Kikyō Kushida are wondering what happened between Kiyotaka Ayanokōji and Honami Ichinose.]
Ike: I guess we should definitely thank Ichinose-san and Class B for their help.
Ayanokoji: Actually, Kushida already does so.
Tanaguchi was about to say something when his phone rang. When he looked at it, he saw the name "NIKO-CHAN" in it.
Tanaguchi: Ah, guys, I should get going first. Niko-chan is calling me. You guys continue.
Tanaguchi stood up and left the classroom. Instead of waiting, they proceed to continue.
[Setting: Track and Field Area]
Track and Field Captain: Ready? Fight!
Track and Field Members: Fight!
Track and Field Captain: Fight!
Track and Field Members: Fight!
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is looking at the bulletin board outside the area. He noticed the section where an announcement is posted.]
[What's written on the bulletin board is something like this: If you were a witness to the incident that occurred in the special annexe around 6:00 PM on June 30th, or have information on the people listed below, please contact Kanzaki in Class 1-B.]
Honami Ichinose: Ayanokōji-kun!
[Honami Ichinose and Ryūji Kanzaki walk towards Kiyotaka Ayanokōji.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Hey, this notice ...
Honami Ichinose: Yeah, it was Kanzaki-kun's idea. We're soliciting information through the class' online message board.
[Honami Ichinose checks her phone.]
Honami Ichinose: We have an email already.
Ryūji Kanzaki: What does it say?
Honami Ichinose: One of the boys Sudō-kun fought with, Ishizaki-kun, was pretty wild in middle school. It says he was good in a fight, too, and everyone in the area was afraid of him.
Ryūji Kanzaki: If the other two are in the basketball club, they're probably pretty strong. It doesn't add up that Sudō would be able to beat up all three without taking a hit.
Honami Ichinose: That's true…
Ike: So wait, they're saying that Sudo isn't lying this whole entire time.
Sotomura: I guess he was telling the truth this whole time.
Sudo: See! Told you I am not lying!
Ryūji Kanzaki: It's possible that they wanted him to beat them up. If they did this to set Sudō up, things would make a lot more sense.
Honami Ichinose: I agree ... anyway, I should pay the one who sent the information. Oh, it's anonymous. I wonder how I'll send them the points.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I know how.
Honami Ichinose: Eh? Tell me, then!
[Honami Ichinose moves closer at the right side of Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, while unconsciously pushing her chest onto his arm]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): Her guard's totally down …
Yamauchi: OH MY GOD! How is he doing it?! How is he so close to the girl all the time!
Ike: Yeah! This is unfair! We want some of that too! We need equality here, EQUALITY!
Ayanokoji: What on earth are they talking about?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I'll need to borrow your student ID.
Honami Ichinose: Sure.
[Honami Ichinose lends her phone. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji transferred the points.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): There.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji noticed something on the phone. Honami Ichinose immediately retrieves her phone.]
Honami Ichinose: There we go! Thanks! If I get any more info, I'll let you know!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Sure ...
[Honami Ichinose and Ryūji Kanzaki walk out of the scene, Kiyotaka looks after them.]
[Flashback Begin]
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji saw that Honami Ichinose has 2642219 private points. He became suspicious of her.]
[Flashback End]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): How did she get so many points?
(School Building, School Gates)
Tanaguchi: Hey, Niko-chan!
Niko: Hey, Hiroshi!
Tanaguchi: *looks at Kushida* How is she?
Niko: She's fine, she said. She is currently watching the episode.
Kushida: Hi, Tanaguchi-kun! Wow, I didn't know Ichinose-san had this amount of points. The year just started and she already has 2 million points.
Tanaguchi: Ah! I see you're in that part. Anyway, I was really worried, so are your classmates.
Kushida: Ah, you don't have to. I just needed some time to think. I guess I can talk to them again. I decided to finally be open to them and tell everything.
Tanaguchi: Great, because later, another classmate of yours will have her secrets revealed to the class and I am afraid that we need to help her.
Kushida: Wait… you don't mean…
Niko: Oh right. Come on, let's go back.
[Setting: Dorm, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's room.]
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji hears some giggling and talking. He notices that there are 4 pairs of shoes at the entrance of his room.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You guys.
Kanji Ike: Hey, welcome back.
Kikyō Kushida: Ayanokōji-kun! I rounded everyone up for you. It's a meeting to pool what we've learned!
Kanji Ike: Y'know, I can't believe how empty this room is.
Kikyō Kushida: That's right. You don't have any personal belongings.
[Kikyō Kushida checks some of Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's stuff.]
Kikyō Kushida: It's all just the stuff that's provided. Ayanokoji-kun, are you a minimalist?
(Inside the Class 1-D Classroom)
Hasebe: His room really looks plain. I thought there would be more stuff in it.
Hirata: I actually would like to visit your room someday, Ayanokoji-kun
Karuizawa: If you're going, then I am going as well.
So everyone wanted to visit Ayanokoji's room, which left Ayanokoji to be speechless.
Ayanokoji: What just happened? Did my room just become a tourist spot?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I just don't have the points to buy anything. How did you guys get in here, anyway?
Them: We had duplicate keys made!
[Kikyō Kushida, Kanji Ike, and Haruki Yamauchi showed their duplicate keys.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: When did you manage that?
Haruki Yamauchi: Well, this is our meeting place, right?
Kikyō Kushida: Huh? Wait, should we not have done that? Um ... I'll give it back.
Kanji Ike, Haruki Yamauchi: We won't give ours, though!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Well, whatever …
Hirata: You know you could have said no, I am sure Kushida-san will understand.
Ike: Yeah, I guess we get a little bit careless and didn't ask your permission first.
Yamauchi: We are really sorry, Ayanokoji
Ayanokoji: *sighs* No need. Besides there is nothing special in my room so it's not like I am hiding something anyway in my room.
[Doorbell rings.]
[Suzune Horikita is on the other side of the door.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Horikita.
Suzune Horikita: Regarding witnesses
[Suzune Horikita notices that there are a lot of shoes at the entrance of Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's room implying that he has guests.]
Suzune Horikita: I'm leaving.
Before anybody could even react, a knock was heard in the classroom door. Then it opened and revealed to be Kushida, Tanaguchi, Niko.
Everyone: Kushida!
Chabashira: Good to see that you aren't actually going to skip class.
Kushida: Sorry, sensei, I guess I just needed some time after that episode. But I am back.
Kushida sat down in her seat, while Tanaguchi and Niko went in front. Hirata and some other people were about to talk to Kushida but decided to do so later. Tanaguchi saw this and he just continued the episode.
Kikyō Kushida: Horikita-san! You came!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Whispering): I think you should share what you know. If you prefer, we can just listen.
Suzune Horikita: As you've put in so much effort for such minimal gain, let me offer you a bit of advice. There was a witness. It's someone close by.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You know who it is?
Suzune Horikita: It's Sakura-san from our class.
Everyone: Sakura?! *immediately looks at Sakura*
Sakura got flustered and immediately looked down at her table.
Sakura: Y-yes, I s-saw what h-happened.
Yukimura: I don't understand though. Why didn't you say so in the first place, it could have been easier to solve this case in the first place.
Sakura: *flustered* U-um… I-its b-because… um…
Ayanokoji: We should stop there for now. I am sure all of our answers will be answered in just a few minutes.
Sakura: *whispers to Ayanokoji* Thank you, Ayanokoji-kun...
[Setting: Dorm, Airi Sakura's room.]
[Airi Sakura is surfing the net. She receives a call from Kikyō Kushida but she ignores.]
[Flashback Begin]
[Setting: Special Annex. June 30. 6:00 PM.]
[Airi Sakura, with her unusual clothes and camera, witnessed the fight between Sudō and the students from C-Class.]
[Flashback End]
Yamauchi: So she did witness it. But still, why didn't she tell us in the first place though?
Hirata: We should wait and see.
While saying that, a few people looked at Kushida, who was looking like she was thinking of something while looking at the screen. Her face looked like it was sad, unlike her usual happy self. They decided to not talk to her yet.
[Setting: Dorm, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's room.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: What makes you think Sakura saw it?
Suzune Horikita: In class, when Kushida-san made her plea for aid, everyone but Sakura turned their attention on Kushida. She alone kept her eyes pointed downward. She is alone.
Kikyō Kushida: No use. She's not answering ...
Kanji Ike: Ehhh?
Ken Sudō: Damn. After we finally got some useful info ...
Suzune Horikita: But even if she was willing to testify, it wouldn't mean much. The question of whether it was self-defence or not is a trivial detail. Haven't you realized that?
Ken Sudō: Huh?
Kikyō Kushida: What do you mean?
Hirata: Yeah, me either, could you please explain?
Horikita: Okay, you see that even if there was a witness in the case, that is not the problem. The problem is Sudo, whom we all know have the impression of always going into fights. That is why most people believed Sudo was the one who started the whole accident.
Kushida: Horikita-san is right, and since our witness is a Class D student, they might believe that Sudo was forcing Sakura-san to be a witness for him.
Everyone was surprised when Kushida talked out of nowhere.
Hirata: I see… I get it now, thank you.
[Suzune Horikita stands up from her seat.]
Suzune Horikita: Nothing at all. Goodbye.
[Suzune Horikita walks out.]
[Setting: Dorm, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's room.]
[Evening. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is holding his phone while laying down on his bed]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): Sakura, huh? I can't seem to recall anything about her.
Sakura was saddened when she heard those words and lowered her head.
Ayanokoji: Sorry, but you didn't really have the best impression for me, so you don't stand out that much for me.
Sakura: Oh no need to apologize, it is my fault after all that I am like this.
[Doorbell rings.]
[Kikyō Kushida is at the other side of the door this time.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Kushida.
Kikyō Kushida: There's something I've been wondering. Do you understand what Horikita-san was talking about?
[Setting: Outside. Along the street with lights.]
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji walks together with Kikyō Kushida but is two steps ahead.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Even if what happened was self-defence, that's not the root of the problem.
Kikyō Kushida: Huh?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Sudō is always talking trash and lashing out. He acts in a way that inevitably earns resentment. He makes a terrible impression on those around him. Let's say that a murder takes place. There are two suspects. One has killed in the past. The other is a virtuous, law-abiding citizen. Which would you believe?
Kikyō Kushida: The law-abiding citizen, I guess.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: They might not actually be so. But with so little evidence to go on, people have to make decisions based on what they have.
Hirata: So as Horikita-san said, since there was no evidence that Sudo was doing what he did as self - defense, they made a decision based on his past actions that he was the one who started the fight.
Ayanokoji: Yeah and also like what Kushida-san said earlier, that fact that our only witness is a Class D student, they might also think that Sudo was forcing Sakura to be the witness.
Hirata: So right in the beginning, it is already a losing battle for Sudo. But how did you avoid him from expulsion?
Tanaguchi: That will be shown in the next episodes.
Kikyō Kushida: You're saying Sudō-kun brought this on himself with his history and behaviour?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: And Sudō doesn't feel he's done anything wrong. That may be why Horikita is being so uncooperative.
Kikyō Kushida: But I still think we need to say something. That's what it means to be friends.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji glances at Kikyō Kushida, thinking how twisted her words from her actual behaviour.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You should follow through on what you feel is right. I don't think it's wrong to do that.
Kikyō Kushida: Right. But I guess you really do know everything about Horikita-san, huh?
[Kikyō Kushida paused walking.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I don't think that's true.
Kikyō Kushida: Hey, Ayanokōji-kun. Do you ... do you think ... If I ... If I ...
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji looks at Kikyō Kushida.]
Kikyō Kushida: No, nevermind. Regarding Sakura-san, I'll go talk to her by myself tomorrow. She'd probably put her guard up if we all went together. See you!
[Kikyō Kushida walks out of the scene.]
Everyone felt a heavy feeling after that scene. While Kushida is still silent in here table.
Ayanokoji: Kushida, about that, what were you trying to tell me?
Kushida: About that… *silent for a long time* you know what, let's just finish this episode, okay?
Hirata: Kushida-chan, I-
Kushida: I know you guys want to talk to me and I want to talk to you guys about some things as well. But let's just finish this first.
[Setting: Along the corridor.]
[Airi Sakura walks out of the 1st Year D-Class Room. Kikyō Kushida follows her. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji and Suzune Horikita are also watching from the sidelines.]
Kikyō Kushida: Sakura-san.
Airi Sakura: Wh-what?
Kikyō Kushida: There's something I'd like to ask you ... Do you mind? It's about Sudō-kun.
Airi Sakura: S-Sorry, I ... I have plans.
[As Airi Sakura tries to walk away, Kikyō Kushida holds her left hand.]
Kikyō Kushida: It won't take long. It's important!
Airi Sakura: I-I don't know! I don't know anything!
[Kikyō Kushida let go of her hand, due to inertia, Airi Sakura falls to the ground. Her camera was also thrown, making it somehow broken.]
Kikyō Kushida: S-Sorry! Are you okay?
[Airi Sakura picks up her camera. She tested if it was broken or not. But it doesn't turn on.]
Airi Sakura: No way ... It won't turn on ...
Kikyō Kushida: Sorry! I ...
[Airi Sakura stands up]
Airi Sakura: No, it was my own fault.
[Airi Sakura runs away.]
Kikyō Kushida: Wait!
Airi Sakura (Monologue): I don't want to get involved. My mask ... I don't want anyone to know about it.
(Ending Song)
Karuizawa: First Ayanokoji, then Kushida, then even Sakura…
Hirata: I guess we have to expect this from now on. After all we are Class D.
Kushida stands up from her chair and goes toward Sakura, who is silent.
Kushida: Hey Sakura! Are you okay?
Sakura: *looks up at looks at Kushida* Hm? Oh, I am fine, thank you.
Kushida: Hm… well if you need some advice, you could always go to me, okay?
Sakura: O-ok…
Kushida smiled and went to the front of the class.
Sakura: *whispers to herself*She seems different.
Ayanokoji: Hm? What changed?
Sakura: Ah! Ayanokoji-kun… um… Kushida-san's eyes… they seem to be different than usual… it's more… calm.
Ayanokoji: I see…
Ayanokoji and the rest of the class looked at the front of the class and saw Kushida in front.
Kushida: Um everyone… I just want to say… really sorry for keeping this a secret from all of you. I am sure you want to know everything so I-
Hirata: Kushida-san, we don't have to know.
Kushida: Eh?
Karuizawa: His right, we don't want you to force yourself to tell everything to us.
Kushida: But I-
Niko: Kushida, didn't you listen to what I said earlier? You don't have to explain anything to them. Even if they know what happened in the past, the fact still remains that they are still your friends.
Kushida: Niko-chan…
Tanaguchi: Besides, what's fun spoiling everything now? Everything will be revealed later on so you don't have to do it now. Also because if you did, the author will have no idea on what to do with your reactions during the paper shuffle exam arc.
Hirata: They're right. For now, we will just accept you for who you are. And that goes for all of you, whatever you may be hiding right now, that doesn't matter. We are Class D and we support each other.
Everyone: Yes!
Kushida: You guys… thank you very much!
Then everyone started to go to Kushida and started chatting. Soon the once sad and moody mood surrounding the classroom is now replaced with smiles and laughs.
Tanaguchi: I guess that's one problem down… for now.
Niko: Yeah. Hirata is really a good leader. I guess our worries when we first decided to do this thing is actually pointless.
Tanaguchi: And also there is more of this to come. Whether they are ready for it or not, it will happen and it's up to them to handle it.
Niko: Yeah, you're right, Hiroshi. Well then, unto our next problem, Sakura.