"Whew! I feel so much better! Thanks so much! Thanks for giving me such a huge role! I was so happy!" Ichinose cried.
"Huge role?" Shinohara asked. "What's that about?"
Ichinose eyes widened, "Oh! It was after the negotiation."
"Negotiation?" Ike asked.
"It was before Sudo-kun's trial." Horikita answered.
"Well, it was more like you just did as you pleased, Ichinose."
"Ha ha ha, yeah. I guess so. But the case is closed, eh?"
Yeah, it really was.
"I was wondering what you were up to when you asked me to lend you some points yesterday."
"Eh? You lent class D some points, Honami-chan?" Amikura asked surprised.
"Yeah. It was worth it though! Sudo-kun was not expelled and we gained an alliance with class D." Ichinose smiled happy.
"I never knew why those class C bastards withdrew their complaint." Sudo leaned in to whisper to Horikita who looked straight ahead. "Is this the reason?"
Horikita sighed, "Ayanokoji-kun, Ichinose-san, Kanzaki-kun and I agreed on a plan with them helping us with a few points in exchange of an alliance."
We returned to the hot and humid special building and set up a stepladder.
"I couldn't believe you wanted to install security cameras."
"Eh?! You installed security cameras?!" Sato exclaimed shock.
'So that's how he made them withdrew.' Manabu sent a impressed gaze at Ayanokoji while Nagumo just watched with amusement. Apparently, this was the case he didn't attend because of his busy schedule. Who knew that the case was that interesting?
"You tricked us?!" Ishizaki, Komiya and Kondo exclaimed.
The teachers mainly Mashima was impressed.
'This kid is getting more and more interesting. Why did the chairman placed him in Class D? He clearly belong to Class A.' Unlike the other teachers, Mashima genuinely thought of this based on of the skill Ayanokoji keep on showing.
Yes, that's right. The school hadn't actually installed those security cameras. Ichinose and Kanzaki bought them, and together with the Professor, installed them during our lunch break. Ishizaki and the other two students were terrified of leaked footage from the cameras, but those cameras were
fakes.
"Professor was involved too?" Ike, Yamauchi and Sudo asked.
"I was. But my assistance was only guiding them to pick the best security cameras to used and the best angle to place them." Professor said.
I was surprised at first that the school sold such equipment. Then again, while you wouldn't think of using them for crime prevention, they could be useful in measurement and recording. In other words, study tools. Perhaps calling them network rather than security cameras would make it easier to comprehend.
The heat had compromised the Class C students' ability to think. They'd been in crisis mode, without a chance to relax. In addition, they'd felt psychologically threatened during that standoff. There was no way that they would have figured out we were bluffing. Even if they'd doubted it, they had no time to investigate.
"Didn't you tell them that the spot they called in Sudo has no cameras?" Ibuki whispered harshly to Ryuuen.
Ryuuen only smirked in response. "I didn't. It's a waste to tell them that when they can blabber it to the other classes, thus losing our advantage when it comes to the school's structure."
"Well it bit us back." Ibuki glared.
Ryuuen ignored her, "For the mean time, I found out the penalties when it comes to lying and dragging the school."
The purpose of him framing Sudo was simple. He wants to find out the punishment the poor boy will get after beating up his classmates. The number of class points it will take, if he's expelled or suspended and how many days.
"When the day comes, you guys will probably become formidable rivals for Class C, Ayanokouji-kun."
"If such a day ever comes, I guess."
"It will come!" Ike said confidently.
"Hmm?" Ryuuen glared at him. "More like, never."
"As long as Horikita-san and Ayanokoji-kun worked together to lead the class then it will come true!" Sato yelled. Every student in class D yelled with her.
"Guys..." Horikita stared at them before looking down. 'He will not likely help me or us ever again as our agreement was he'll help me reach class A in exchange of never prying into his life. We are currently watching his memories right now. Yet, I'm still unsure the extent of it's capabilities of showing us the memories, and if it includes the future. Our agreement may be all null and void at this point.' Horikita sighed.
Ayanokoji blankly stared at them. His only concern is whether this projector will show that place or that man's plan.
However, Ichinose might well be in Class A by then.
"If Horikita-san were in Class B, we might have gotten to Class A right away."
"Probably."
I removed the camera and handed it down to Ichinose, who steadied the
stepladder.
"I'll definitely return the points I borrowed. Just tell me when you want
them."
"Sure. As long as you pay me back by graduation, it's fine. So what are you going to do now? Wait in front of the student council room?"
"Probably…"
I suddenly remembered seeing Sakura. She'd said that she had plans today, but what in the world was she doing?
Earlier, when she'd been waiting for me after class, what had she wanted to tell me? She seemed like she'd resolved to do something, judging by her expression. Right? She'd said she had courage. But what for?
"Airi-chan?" Haruka asked confused.
Airi squeak, "A-airi-chan?!"
Haruka grinned, "Don't you like it?! It's cute."
"I like it." Airi mumbled, cheeks tint with a red hue.
"Hey? Did something happened during this time?" Shinohara asked.
Airi slowly realized the scene that was about to be watch. "Oh, just watch please." She shrunk to her seat. She didn't want to watch the older man has done to her.
"Airi-chan...?" Haruka called worried.
"Hasabe." Ayanokoji called her, "It's best that we watch this scene fast for Sakura's sake." He watched as Haruka glanced at him confused before following his instructions.
Ichinose also glanced at the girl worried. What the older man did was horrible, she can't fathom the thought of Airi watching the man assault her again.
Everyone quietly stop their conversations hearing what Ayanokoji said. They watch the screen intently.
The feeling plagued me, as if the back of my head were going numb while my thoughts swirled.
"Oh, yeah, that reminds me. There was one thing I wanted to tell you,
Ayanokouji-kun."
Before Ichinose could say anything, though, I was already running away. Whatever she wanted to tell me, it was going to have to wait.
"Huh?! W-wait a minute!"
"Why did Ayanokoji ran away?" Ike loudly asked.
"Shh!" Shinohara glared and harshly reprimanded him. "Didn't you heard Ayanokoji-kun? He said it's best we watch quietly and fast this scene."
"I can only guess that something horrible happened to Sakura-san." Matsushita muttered. Sato and class D students who is close to her heard her and decided to watch quietly.
Even though she couldn't understand what was happening, for some reason Ichinose followed me. My phone's tracking data displayed the entrance of the electronics store. Not to be put off, Ichinose came running after me and stuck close. As we approached our destination, I was incredibly winded. I had to stop and catch my breath. Just as a precaution, I signaled Ichinose to be quiet.
"Please don't contact me anymore!"
"Why would you say something like that? You're my treasure… Ever since I first saw you in a magazine, I've loved you. Meeting you again here, I felt like it was destiny. I love you… I can't stop feeling this way about you!"
"What the hell...?" Karuizawa quietly utter.
"Isn't that the creepy store clerk?" Ibuki asked. "Whatever's coming from his mouth absolutely disgust me."
"What..." The teachers were too stunned to speak.
"Stop… Please, stop it!" Sakura shouted. She took something out of her bag. Letters. It looked like dozens…no, hundreds of letters. I wondered how many this man had sent.
"How did even this man know her room number?" Tachibana asked concerned. Manabu and Nagumo watched the screen silently.
"I'm seriously getting scared and creep out right now." Yume shivered.
"What does he want?" Haruka glared at the screen.
Sakayanagi smiled sinisterly. Why this man was employed to work in a high school, her father's precious school is beyond her. One wrong move and she'll end his whole life and career.
"I don't like where this is going." Horikita whispered to herself. Even Kushida who was quiet up until now tensed.
Ichinose, Ayanokoji and Airi who already knew this watched silently, the two former, for the sake of the girl. While the latter was shaking. It feels like she's remembered the sensation of the man's hand on her.
"How do you know my room number? Why do you keep sending these?"
"Why? Of course I would know your room number and send you letters. It's because our hearts are connected."
Sakura had probably been suffering ever since she started school here. Her fan knew her identity, and she had to deal with his attention every day.
However, Sakura had had enough and, thanks to her newfound courage, was going to break away. She'd decided to free herself from him here and now. Her resolve made sense now.
"I would have cried." Sato said.
Haruka smiled despite the situation. Airi seemed to be changing albeit slowly but gradually. She admired her courage and gut to face the man who sends her letter everyday. Not every girls, no, people have the courage to confront their fears; may it be a thing, animal, places, or people. Unbeknown to Haruka and Airi, many people admired Airi's action.
"Please stop it. It's bothering me!"
She tossed the bundle of letters to the floors, rejecting the man's unrequited love.
"Why… Why would you do something like that? Even after I wrote out my feelings to you!"
"D-don't come any closer!"
"Hey, hey, hey, what is he doing?!" Shinohara freaked out.
"Honami-chan?!" Amikura urgently asked her classmate.
"Oh yeah, Ayanokoji and Ichinose was there. What are you two doing?" Ike asked them.
"I was readying my phone to record solid evidence to have the man sent to prison" Ayanokoji explained. "We're about to rescue her anyway."
The man closed the distance between him and Sakura. He walked with an intensity that made it look as though he were about to attack. Latching onto Sakura's arm, he shoved her up against the store's shuttered door."I'll show you just how much I love you now… If I do that, then you'll understand, Sakura."
"Hey asshole!"
"Oh my god!"
"What is he doing?!"
"Sakura-san!"
"Airi-chan!"
"This motherfucker!"
"Mashima!" Hoshinomiya and Chabashira eyes widened. Even Sakagami was in loss.
Mashima feels his blood boiling. He can't believe a student was assaulted in a school, a school he worked in. A glanced between the teachers speaks that this case will not end here. They planned to bring this up to the higher ups to prevent accidents like this from happening again.
Airi felt her eyes turning glassy. Even though her eyes where on her lap, she heard the projector loud clear. She silently cried, wishing to never experienced that ever again. She looked up in shock when she felt someone hugged her. She was met with Haruka's figure who hugged her. She silently teared up clutching the girls uniform tightly.
"That man is the worst!" Karuizawa furiously stood up before walking to where Airi and Haruka are hugging. Airi was sitting at the back, in front of Ayanokoji, with the seats next her empty.
Karuizawa embraced her other side, sympathizing with the shy girl. As a person who experienced bullying, she knows what it feels to be in that type of situation. She can only rubbed the girls' back in a soothing manner to support the her. Every girl from class D went to them and whispered encouraging things to the crying girl.
"This is disgusting." Ibuki clenched her fist. Next to her, Hiyori can only watched horrified. Even Ryuuen watched seriously.
Ichinose frowned remembering the scene. She certainly don't want any of her classmates and friends, girl or boy to experience that kind of situation.
Hashimoto and Kamuro glanced at their leader when they heard a crack. Sakayanagi's cane broke a bit it seems. The girl was staring at the screen with dark eyes and unreadable expression.
Kushida silently cursed the man inside her head. How dare he, how dare he touched a girl with his filthy hands? She vowed to find the man after todays viewing.
The boys glared at the man. They may have dirty mind and thoughts about the girls sometimes but they will never assault or touch a girl without their consent. Even Ike and Yamauchi was disgusted.
"No, let me go!"
Ichinose tugged on my sleeve. Apparently, we couldn't leave things alone any longer. I'd wanted to wait until we could catch him in the act with something definitive, but it looks like I had no choice. Taking Ichinose's arm, we strutted out like a delinquent couple. While walking by, we took pictures with our phones, our cameras clicking repeatedly.
"Ah, looks like we caught them! That old guy's doing something naughty!"
"I know the situation is tense and all, but what's with that tone?" Ike whispered to his friends.
"Was that supposed to be a delinquent tone?" Miyake unimpressed and amused looked at Ayanokoji.
Ayanokoji only looked away and found Ichinose's face who's silently laughing at him. 'What's even funny? Is my voice that hilarious?'
"Huh?!"
Sakura was completely dumbfounded after hearing me speak in the unfamiliar tone of a delinquent. It was incredibly embarrassing, but I dealt with it.
"It looks like your poker face is pretty handy with this situation." Horikita remarked.
"Stop it. I'm already embarrassed as it is." Ayanokoji complained.
"Why were you even impersonating that kind of voice?" Horikita asked.
"Because I wanted to sound intimidating?" Ayanokoji answered unsure.
"That was supposed to be intimidating?" Katsuragi asked confused. His earlier anger slowly diminishing. He felt pity towards the girl. He can't imagine his sister being in that situation. If that ever happens, he might become a criminal. He'll avenge his sister, no question and amount of sympathy to the man will stop him.
"Ooh, 'Adult harasses high school girl.' I can just see the headlines tomorrow; it'll be a huge scandal!"
"N-no! That's wrong. You're wrong!"
"How was he wrong with the position you're in? Looked at Sakura-san's face. It's clear she's being forced" Yume angrily pointed to the man in the screen.
"Hmm, it certainly doesn't sound wrong. Does it? It kind of looks that way, don't you think?"
Ichinose tried to match my performance, but her tone was cruel. The man, now flustered, hurriedly pulled away from Sakura. But we were prepared with our cameras.
"Honami-chan?!" Amikura albeit the situation giggled at her friends voice and tone.
Ichinose who was laughing at Ayanokoji's impersonating stop, she looked at her friends face and realized her own voice and tone. She felt blood spreading across her creeks.
"Wrong? I don't think so. Whoa, look at all those letters! Gross. Are you a stalker?"
"Obsessed, you mean." Kamuro said.
She pinched her nose as she picked up the letters, as if grabbing someone else's socks. She picked them up by their corners, using only her index finger and thumb.
"You're wrong. It's just…yeah, that. She said she wanted someone to teach her how to use a digital camera, so I said I'd teach her one-on-one. That's all."
"Then how will you explain the position you are in, old man? Not to mentioned the hundreds of love letters." Nishikawa said.
The teachers are currently recording the screen to be shown later at the chairman to have the man sent to jail.
Airi who stopped crying, thanked the girls for comforting her.
"It's fine, Airi-chan." Haruka said softly.
"Yeah, us girls gotta stick together, you know?" Shinohara wink at her. The girls walked back to their seats with the exception of Haruka who stayed beside her.
"Aren't you going back to your seat?" Airi asked confused.
Haruka hugged her, " Nah, I will seat here next to you. Besides, Miyachii have Yukimura-kun to accompany him." As Haruka said, Miyake and Yukimura are seated beside each other after the girls exchanged seats with one another.
"Hmmm."
I drew closer to the man, pressing him up against the shutter.
"Me and my girlfriend saw everything. So we took pictures. If you show your face to that girl again, or send her any more disgusting letters, we'll expose you. Got it?"
"Girlfriend?!"
"Hey, what is this Ayanokoji?!" Ike directed his glare to his classmate.
"It was only an act." Ayanokoji explained.
Ichinose on the other hand was relentlessly teased by her girl friends from her class.
"Girlfriend, huh?" Amikura wiggled her brows up and down.
"It's not like that and you know it!" Ichinose complained loudly.
"Ha ha ha ha! What are you talking about? I really don't…know what you're talking about."
"You don't know what I'm talking about? You're not weaseling out of this, old man. If you so much as raise a hand at or even just ogle this idol, that'll be the end for you. I'll beat the shit out of you. Got it?"
"Eek!"
After he completely lost his will to fight, I deliberately gave him some time to escape.
"Huh?!" Ike made a sound
"Why did you let him escaped, Ayanokoji?!" Yukimura asked.
"We didn't had the time to call the cops. I rushed to find her." Ayanokoji said.
Ichinose who was saved from her friends teasing spoke up, "We we're also caught up with Sakura-san we forgot, I guess." Ichinose scratches her head. "The important part was that Sakura-san was rescued and saved from that man."
"G-goodbye! I won't do that ever again!"
"As if we'll believe that."
The store clerk raced back inside the store to get away from us. With the source of her terror gone, Sakura suddenly looked exhausted. She looked like she was going to topple over and collapse, so I hurriedly grabbed her arms and held her up.
"You did really well."
I'd preached at her a lot, but that was probably unnecessary now. She'd been trying to vanquish the suffering she'd faced on her own. I had to consider her feelings.
"Ayanokouji… kun. Why are you here?"
"I'm really glad that I exchanged contact information with you."
I took out my phone, which showed Sakura's location.
"I guess I'm no good after all… I couldn't do anything by myself in the end."
"That's not true, Sakura-san." Ichinose smiled gently at her. "Despite all of that you stood strong and brave. Not many people can handle that intense atmosphere and situation, you know?"
Airi looked at her.
"Yeah, Airi-chan." Haruka spoke up, "You stood your ground against him."
"I admired you for your bravery, Sakura-san." Sakayanagi who was quiet until now said. "Having the courage to do what you did takes a lot. You fought to the bitter end." She smiled at her genuinely.
"That's not true. It was really cool when you threw those letters to the ground." I pointed to the mess of multicolored paper scattered everywhere.
"Hey, hey. Who's this mystery person you mentioned? Some idol?"
Ichinose tossed one of the disgusting letters to the ground, tilting her head in
confusion.
"That's…"
Although I didn't want to hide anything from Ichinose, I hesitated to speak without Sakura's permission. However, Sakura met my eyes and gave me a slight nod.
"Take note, old man! Consent is important!" Haruka yelled but paused. "But never do that kind of stuff with underage people, you hear me? I'll chop of your balls." Haruka threateningly pointed at the boys private area. The boys only gulp before covering their pride and joy quickly. The boys who's sitting close to her also changed seats.
"Sakura over here was an idol when she was in junior high. Her name was Shizuku."
"Huh?! Idol?! That's amazing! She's an entertainer! Ooh, shake my hand, shake my hand!" Ichinose was filled with childlike excitement.
"You looked like a child, Ichinose-san." Kanzaki chuckled.
"It's not like you get to meet idols and celebrities everyday." Ichinose pouted. "Sakura-san was so nice letting me shake her hand."
"No, I was thankful that you and Ayanokoji-kun saved me, Ichinose-san." Airi said to Ichinose with a raspy voice from crying so much.
"But I never appeared on TV or anything…"
"Even so, that's so amazing! I've never thought about becoming an idol or anything."
I didn't know about that. I thought that Ichinose had the face and figure for it… No, rather, I thought she had the necessary qualities.
"Oh, he said that you have the qualities of one." Amikura teased her friend again who went red.
"Please don't be disgusted, Ichinose. I meant that genuinely with no ulterior motive or dirty thought. But I apologize if I made you uncomfortable." Ayanokoji said to her.
"No need to apologize, Ayanokoji-kun. I didn't think that you have any meaning other than a sincere compliment." Ichinose shook her head.
"When did you realize,Ayanokouji-kun?" Sakura asked.
"A little while ago. Sorry. Several other people in class realized, too."
Since she was going to find out eventually, I decided to just tell her.
"I think I'm actually glad about this, though… It's been hard to lie."
If this situation had given Sakura the ability to finally remove her mask, then it was a good thing.
"At any rate, you were way too brave. I was going to have to step in if something happened."
"Ha ha… Yeah, you're probably right. I was so scared."
"I think anyone who was in your position would had been scared." Tachibana said.
"If that happened to me, I don't think I'll be able to look at older men the same." Chihiro said.
"Isn't that a bit far-fetched though?" Shibata looked at her confused.
Chihiro just looked at him like he's the biggest idiot she ever met in her entire life.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shibata cried out. He was creeped out by the way Chihiro stared at him.
"Don't question him, Shibata. Women language is hard to learn, better yet, a complex problem that was meant to never be solve." Kanzaki patted his back.
The girl who had openly cried in front of me yesterday was now laughing in a rather peculiar way. She laughed while seemingly on the verge of tears.
"Ayanokouji-kun… Don't look at me with such strange eyes."
"Strange eyes?"
"Strange eyes?—Oh nevermind, I remembered." Sato face palmed.
"Girls really have that sharp intuition, huh?" Miyake said.
"Other boys have them too." Ayanokoji informed him.
"Really?! That's so cool, dude." Miyake smiled.
Ayanokoji nodded, 'And ten percent of the population have in fact, out of this world intuition. Could I meet someone who belong there? Probably not.'
"Never mind, it's nothing." Sakura didn't clarify, but she wore a slightly happy smile on her face.
"Do you think everyone would notice if I came to class without my glasses, and changed my hairstyle?"
"They would at most, mistaken you for a upperclassman." Hirata said.
"It's amazing how changing your hairstyle and choice of clothes you'll look like a whole different person." Ayanokoji mumbled. 'If I tried it, would it work? Eh, probably not.'
"I think there's a possibility that people at school might panic when they notice…but I think it'll be fine."
I suddenly pictured a beautiful girl, with tons of spectators rushing forward to catch a glimpse of her. She had a gentle disposition, and qualities that would make boys naturally crowd around her.
"Beautiful."
"Pretty."
"How to be you?"
"I wished I was that beautiful."
Multiple mumbles were heard in the gymnasium
"Huh, looked like she have the potential to surpass you, Ichinose." Ryuuen said.
Ichinose nodded, "Sakura-san is really pretty. Not to mention, kind and honest too."
"Heard that, Airi-chan?" Haruka wiggled her brows at Airi who only blushed.
"Stop it, Haruka-chan!"
"Whoa… You're so amazingly cute! You make a completely different impression without your glasses!"
It seemed as though Ichinose had looked up Shizuku on her phone. She seemed excited by what she found. Even though the incident with Sudou might have endangered our class and highlighted our lack of unity, at least it had given Sakura a chance to grow. Maybe it was all worth it, in the end.
Wait. I really wasn't the type of person to think like that. Or, perhaps, I should say that I didn't know what kind of person I was in the first place. Was this the real me? I felt a bit confused.
"Huh?"
"Why don't you know yourself?"
Katsuragi remembered the conversation they had regarding Ayanokoji's analyzing skill. "Teenagers are just in the height of their development. It's normal that someone in our age is still finding their self. May it be in their choice in career, college course, skills, hobbies, likes and dislikes."
"For now, let's say you like studying, and then the next day or year, you despise it." Yukimura added.
"So, Ayanokoji is in that stage in his life?" Ike asked. Katsuragi and Yukimura nodded.
"Stop talking about me like I'm not here." Annoyed, Ayanokoji interrupted them.
"Sorry dude!"
"Sorry. For being quiet for so long."
"It's nothing you have to apologize for. We don't have to talk about it. However, I think that now we have the type of relationship where we can talk about things. If you're suffering or if you feel lost, you can talk to me. You should consult Horikita and Kushida, too."
Behind me, Ichinose purposefully flopped over in an exaggerated manner.
"Are you okay, Ichinose-san?" Hiyori asked.
"Don't worry about her, Shiina-san. Ichinose here is quite dramatic." Amikura and Yume giggled.
"Hey! What do you mean dramatic?" Ichinose pouted.
"Who knows?"
"Hey, that's Ayanokoji-kun's line."
"Since when was that my line?" Ayanokoji asked confused.
"Just now." Both girls answered.
"So, you're telling her 'You can talk to me.' I wonder what you mean?"
I had no answer for that.
"Okay. I understand," Sakura murmured.
"Ah, I'll help out too." Though Ichinose didn't know her too well, she still smiled at Sakura.
"Too bright!"
"Ahh! My eyes are burning!"
"Precious! So precious!"
"Oh, my Ichinose-chan... Can you marry me?"
"Ichinose-san is just so nice and pretty."
"Her future boyfriend is so lucky."
Ichinose just smiled and scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"Our Honami-chan is so popular!" Shibata teased her.
"I'm Ichinose, from Class B. It's nice to meet you, Sakura-san."
Sakura looked a little hesitant, but shook Ichinose's outstretched hand.
"By the way, didn't you want to tell me something in the special building a little while ago?" I asked, thinking back to my conversation with Ichinose.
"Ah yeah, that's right. There was something important I wanted to talk to you about."
"Were you about to confess?" Yume asked.
"Huh? No! I was about to tell him something about Sudo-kun's case that's all." Ichinose said.
"And she said it was serious, so no funny business." Kanzaki said.
"But confessing is not a funny business though...?"
"You know what I mean."
"Actually, I don't."
Ichinose took a moment to catch her breath, and then adopted a serious look.
"I probably shouldn't be saying this right now, but…there was someone pulling the strings behind this whole Sudou incident."
"Pulling the strings?"
Because Ichinose looked so deadly serious, I didn't think this was just a hunch of hers.
"To tell the truth, there was a dispute between Class B and Class C students before. That time, though, the school didn't get involved. Someone named Ryuuen-kun masterminded that one."
"Ryuuen? I don't recognize the name."
"Now imprint that in your mind. Because I'll be the one to graduate from class A." Ryuuen smirked.
"Is that so?" Sakayanagi cut in before anyone said anything. "I'll gladly play with you then. Come at me with everything you've got and I'll show you the massive difference with our abilities." She smiled haughtily.
"We're going to win." Ishizaki said.
"Maybe in a billion years." Hashimoto said.
"I'll crush you." Ryuuen said seriously at Sakayanagi.
"Prove it." Sakayanagi said.
Class B and D just watched the showdown happening between them. The two realized that it's better for the two classes to be fixated with each other because that will give them more time to grow and prepare as a whole class and individually.
Horikita herself, despite not knowing Ryuuen's full abilities and Sakayanagi's a unknown enemy made her cautious and wary.
"That's because he hasn't seen any reason to reveal himself just yet. There's no reason that you'd know him."
Ichinose, who always looked so bright, now appeared somber and grim.
"I'm the most vigilant of all the first-years here. I think he set up Sudou-kun to look like a liar, and instigated the dispute with Class B. This
was all his handiwork. He doesn't hesitate to hurt other people for the sake of his own interests. He's a formidable opponent."
"Kukuku, Why thank you." Ryuuen laughed
"I don't thinks that's a compliment, Ryuuen-san." Ishizaki said.
"Do I look like I care?"
"Uh... No, Ryuuen-san. Forgive me." Ishizaki shivered under Ryuuen's gaze.
"Ryuuen-kun! Stop intimidating him!" Hiyori scolded him. Ryuuen just scoffed.
"When Class B had trouble, did you manage a peaceful resolution?"
"Somehow, yeah. However, if you looked at it like a game, I can't say whether I won or lost… Anyway, I think because what he devised was easier to see through this time, I've started to understand how this school is structured. You should be careful."
I didn't know who this Ryuuen was, but he was undoubtedly a very dangerous opponent. Someone who developed merciless strategies that could lead to our expulsion if we missed a single step.
"That's right. Fear me." Ryuuen crackled.
'Someone who used necessary means to get a satisfactory results; may it be cruel or not. As the saying goes, The end justifies the means. What an interesting mindset.' Ayanokoji thought.
He glanced subtly at Ryuuen who's watching and Sakayanagi who somehow catched him looking. Sakayanagi sent him a closed eyed smile and waved.
Unfortunately, Horikita saw this. 'Do Ayanokoji-kun and Sakayanagi-san know each other?'
"So if anything ever happens, you can come to me for help. Talk to me whenever you need it."
"Yeah. I'll keep that in mind."
"May I leave now, Chabashira-sensei?"
"Oh it changed to the student council room." Ike said.
"Your trial was already over that time, Sudo-kun?" Shinohara asked.
"Yeah. I remember Chabashira-sensei and Horikita being left behind though." Sudo answered.
"Wait just a moment. There's something I want to talk to you about, Horikita. You two leave first, though."
Chabashira-sensei urged my older brother and Tachibana-san to leave. Once they were gone, she looked deeply interested, crossing her arms before her on the table.
"So. What methods did you use, Horikita?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't try to dodge the question. They wouldn't withdraw their complaint without a reason, would they?"
"I'll leave that to your imagination."
We'd fabricated a lie because we were backed into a corner.
"Was that Ichinose did earlier?" Onodera asked.
"Yeah, Ayanokoji-kun and I made the three of them to withdrew the complaint." Ichinose answered.
"But isn't its wrong too fabricate a lie? Not to mention the president and teachers are watching with us." Sato asked.
"How can we fabricated a lie if there was nothing to lie about?" Horikita asked slyly.
"Huh? What do you mean? The class C's complaint, remember?" Shibata asked.
"You can't lie about something, Shibata if there's nothing to lie about." Ayanokoji calmly said. "A class didn't fought over a fight that happened between its students, no one sent a complaint, there was no trial, and therefore, simply nothing."
"So it's a secret, hmm? Well, allow me to change the question. Who came up with the strategy that defeated Class C?
"Why do you care about that?"
"Ayanokouji isn't here, so I'm a little curious."Chabashira-sensei had been rather preoccupied with Ayanokouji-kun ever since we started school. I could somewhat understand why, now.
"She seemed to be obsessed with him, I swear." Ibuki muttered.
"You have some odd fixation with him, Sensei." Matsushita said.
"I'm simply asking who thought of the method. You'll understand me more later." Chabashira-sensei uttered without taking her eyes away from the screen.
"I don't want to admit this, but Ayanokouji-kun…might have something exceptional to him."
I surprised myself by saying this, which could be taken as an admission of defeat. However, our victory would not have been as decisive without him.
"I see. So you recognize that, hmm?"
"Is that surprising? You were the one who first put me together with Ayanokouji-kun, Chabashira-sensei. You did it because you couldn't overlook Ayanokouji-kun's potential, right?"
'You're still trying to graduate from class A, huh Sae-chan? Too bad for you, I'll crush your class.' Hoshinomiya inwardly giggled before putting on a fake smile. "Ayanokoji-kun is truly a genius, huh? I wonder why he's in class D when he belong to class A. Honestly, what a waste of talent."
Chabashira glared at her.
" Hmm, what's your defect Ayanokoji-kun?" Inogashira asked.
"Hey, that's rude!" Karuizawa hissed.
"Oh, sorry! I was just curious." Inogashira flinched back.
"Yeah, why is he at class D?"
"He seemed to be a normal guy. Albeit a little on the awkward side."
"Maybe because of his inability to talk or socialize with others?"
"That's not true. You watched him talked and socialize perfectly fine."
"His potential, hmm?"
"Though he does try to hide his ability by pretending to be an idiot, for some mysterious reason."
Yes, he was truly incomprehensible. I could not find meaning in such behavior. It was likely that he was simply being absurd.
"Or, he despise the fact people will use him, manipulate him, forced him, after knowing his true abilities?" Sakayanagi directed her statement to Horikita and Chabashira, the former flinched while the latter remained unfazed. "People use gifted people as a means to reach their goal without a care about that persons feelings."
"Despicable." Hashimoto added.
Horikita who heard Sakayanagi ignored everything around her. She focused on the screen, watching intently.
'The nerve to call herself superior over Ayanokoji despite the fact that you're nothing more than just a pawn and cover for him to used. You're nothing but garbage. A person that's all bark and no bite. I bet that will be shown later on. Your attitude's disgusting.' Sakayanagi sneered, she let her eyes wonder over class D, assessing them.
"There are various things to consider. But if you want to reach Class A, I'll give you one bit of advice."
"Advice?"
"The students in Class D all have some kind of defect, more or less. To borrow an expression used by others in this school, Class D is an assemblage of people that could be called 'defective products.' You already understand this quite well though, don't you?"
"I don't intend to admit that I have a defect. But I do understand."
"Even though, Ayanokoji here already told you?" Sakayanagi said amused with the girl's audacity. "It seemed it didn't sink in your head."
"Sakayanagi be gentle. Most people are delusional, they tend to think of themselves as perfect with no flaws. Let the girl dream." Ryuuen laughed.
"Hey! Stop mocking, Horikita!" Sudo yelled angry.
"Yeah! Yeah! At least Horikita-san don't beat up, forced and threatened her classmates!"
"Uh... I think she forced Ayanokoji-kun though." Karuizawa said
"Shut up!" Shinohara exclaimed.
"That's beside the point!" Ike said.
"Well, what do you think is Ayanokouji's defect?"
Ayanokouji-kun's defect…One thing immediately came to mind.
"We've already established it. He already knows what his own defect is."
"Oh? And what is it?"
"He 'dislikes trouble,'" I answered, with confidence. However, I felt a strange sense of discomfort that I couldn't explain.
"He dislikes trouble, hmm? Is that what you perceive when you look at Ayanokouji?"
"Well he did said it himself." Hirata said.
"Then why help your class?" Ibuki asked confused.
"Because Horikita forced him." Karuizawa answered.
"Hey! Shut your mouth! It's for the good of the class!" Sudo glared at her.
Karuizawa stood up, "Huh? Good for the class you say? Is it right to forced someone to carry the class because he have the abilities to do so? He literally said that he had a hard and sad childhood. Mostly consist of being forced against his will like Horikita-san's been doing right now. If she wants to move up to class A then why only forced the labour to one person? What's your use? You did nothing but bring trouble to the class since school started. What about Koenji-kun who's clearly also capable? Yukimura-kun who's smart? Why didn't they helped with the study group? All you did is complain and complain. You all did nothing to improve yourselves. But I'm not saying I'm innocent either. I spent my money all during the first month after all. But I at least tried to change." She angrily pointed at her classmates.
Class D was shocked with her outburst.
Sakayanagi smiled amused. Ryuuen laughed and Ichinose stared at their class in worry.
"I'm saying this in behalf of my boyfriend, Hirata-kun. You did nothing but rely on him. Stop complaining, improve yourselves to be of use to our class. Stop relying on Hirata-kun and Ayanokoji-kun."
"No… It's because he said it himself."
Chabashira-sensei snorted and chuckled. She spoke again, her tone firm.
"Well, Horikita. Let's try to learn as much as we possibly can about the boy called Ayanokouji, without delay, shall we? Otherwise, it'll be too late. You already seem to have fallen into Ayanokouji's trap."
"What do you mean?" Fallen into his trap? That was nonsense.
"Why do you think Ayanokouji purposefully got scores of 50 points across on the board on his entrance examination? Why do you think Ayanokouji is helping you? Why do you think that Ayanokouji doesn't put himself forward as a superior student, despite having superior ability? Is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka really someone who 'dislikes trouble'?"
Everyone was silent.
They noticed that sometimes Ayanokoji contradict himself. Through his thoughts and actions. Was that the result of being forced against his will? The body is moving to accomplish the given task but the mind scream what he really wants?
But something's missing. The puzzle is incomplete.
No matter how hard they think, they can't solve the mystery that is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Based on the scenes they watched so far, it looks like it's the first time he's seeing the world with his eyes. The way he act around certain things, his actions.
It's all not normal. Scoring fifty in every subject during the entrance examination? That's not the way you avoid the spotlight. Helping the class once in a while and a friend is normal. But the way he do things attracts attention, thus, trouble which he dislikes. So why go through that far?
'This is getting annoying.' Ayanokoji's eyed the scene in front of him.
"That's…"
If he truly wanted to prioritize peace and tranquility, then why score 50 points in all subjects and allow himself to draw this much attention? Had he deliberately poked his nose into this incident as well? I wondered if he ought to have been carefully monitored, like many other students.
As Chabashira-sensei said, his behavior didn't fit the pattern of someone who "disliked trouble." That unconscious realization must have been the cause of my earlier discomfort.
"In my personal opinion, Ayanokouji is the most defective student in Class D."
"He's the most defective?"
"Higher functioning products are more difficult to handle. If you misunderstand how to handle him, the class might be completely destroyed in short order."
"Wha...?"
"Destroy the class?"
"What does sensei mean?"
Nervous whispers were heard in class D's place, casually glancing at the boy.
Hirata stood up, "Now, now. Let's all calm down. I'm sure sensei meant no harm. Let's be thankful that Ayanokoji is helping the class."
"I'm sure what sensei meant was to be grateful and appreciate Ayanokoji's efforts for the class and don't ask for more. It's tiring to work hard after all." Horikita added.
"I think its best for us to try and removed all our bad hobbies and improve ourselves to graduate from class A. As Karuizawa-san said, we can't keep depending on Hirata-kun, Ayanokoji-kun and Horikita-san." Matsushita agreed too.
Class D remained quiet, letting the words to sink in their brain before nodding to themselves. They are all determine to improve themselves and contribute to the class more. After all, unity, teamwork, trust and efforts are the key to graduate from class A.
While Class D was talking to themselves quietly. Kushida is having an internal debate with herself. Her heart and mind is torn apart between two things. Her mind screams to destroy anyone who knows about her past. While her heart yearns to be accepted despite the things she did and said.
"Chabashira-sensei, do you really understand what about him can be considered defective?"
"Get to know the person called Ayanokouji. What is he thinking? What focal point does he base his actions around? What is his fatal flaw? There's
definitely an answer there."
Why was Chabashira-sensei telling me such things? As our homeroom teacher, she usually appeared unaware of and unconcerned with her class. But, if someone so disinterested thought this way, then… Chabashira-sensei said nothing more.
'Your desperate attempts to graduate from class A is futile, Sae-chan. As long as I worked in this school, you'll never surpass me. Not after what you did! It's your fault in the first place. If you only followed your mind than your stupid heart!" Hoshinomiya blankly stared at nothing.
I waited outside the student council room until the meeting had concluded. The students from Class C and Sakagami-sensei left first, with Sudou following a little while later. He wore a bright, cheerful expression.
"Looks like it went well," I said.
"Man, I don't understand what happened, but Horikita did something for me. Right?"
I nodded.
"I knew it. I knew she'd come through for my sake. Heh heh heh." He looked incredibly happy. "Well, I gotta head to my club. We should have a party tonight."
"Ayanokoji's room again, I guessed?" Hashimoto said.
"How did you know?" Ike looked at him suspicious.
"No need to looked like that to me, man. It's pretty obvious." Hashimoto said.
"Ike," Chabashira called out to her students. "You and whoever else that have a copy of the key to Ayanokoji's room will give it to me. That's a breach of privacy in the school and will not be tolerated." She said harshly.
Ike, Yamauchi, Sudo and Kushida walked up to her and gave her the key.
"Yeah."
The next people to exit were the student council president and Secretary Tachibana.
"Excellent work."
I thought we'd just exchange a light greeting, but the president stopped in his tracks to address me. "I have approved Class C's request to withdraw their complaint."
"Is that so?" I said. "Well, I guess miracles do happen."
Horikita's brother remained still and looked me in the eyes. I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
Tachibana felt her heart beat loudly and fast. 'How can he look so handsome even with a stern face? This is not good for my heart.' She breathes loudly.
Manabu glanced at her, "Tachibana, are you okay?"
Tachibana opened her eyes in shock. "Yes, President!"
Beside them, Nagumo stared at them unamused before rolling his eyes. "Dense." He muttered. 'Can I change seats?'
"So this was all to prove that Sakura wasn't a liar, as you said? I suppose if Class C withdrew their complaint, then talk would spread quite naturally. If Sudou or Sakura weren't the liars, then Class C was."
"Your little sister handled things well. I didn't do anything."
"If that's your answer, then I'm impressed. Even though it's a simple
story." The unflappable Secretary Tachibana clapped her hands.
"You know the truth too, Tachibana-senpai?" Matsushita asked.
"I was the head of their trial, it's only natural for me to know things." Tachibana answered.
"It also helps that Horikita-senpai and her have eyes for each other." Nagumo commented.
Tachibana blushed bit red. "Nagumo-kun!"
"What's that suppose to mean?" Manabu asked.
"Nevermind."
"Tachibana. Do you still have one seat open for secretary?"
"Yes. A first-year Class A student applied the other day, but was rejected after the first interview."
"Ayanokouji. If you wanted it, I would appoint you to the position."
"Huh?!"
"President offered him a seat in the student council?!"
"That's so cool!"
"Imagine being praise and asked by the president!"
Katsuragi stared in shock. He was rejected when he applied for the student council. He thought that he's lacking in some areas and thus, not yet suited for the council in this school. But up to this day, he wondered if there's another reason.
Nagumo froze. Horikita-senpai offered him a seat? What's this supposed to mean? Is the president recruiting students to compete with him during the election? Or to tip the balance in the president's direction? Whatever the reason is, Nagumo eyed Ayanokoji. He still didn't know the extent of his abilities.
Perhaps being vigilant and cautious for the time being is not bad. He'll treat him like an opponent if he deserved to be, if not, then he have another play thing to play with. Especially after the president graduated.
I was surprised, but Secretary Tachibana appeared even more shocked than me. "S-student council president… Do you really mean that?"
"Do you disapprove?"
"N-no. If you say so, I have no objections. But…"
"Nah, I hate troublesome stuff. Besides, being in the student council is no joke. I want to lead an ordinary student life at this school," I replied.
"True, being in the student council is no joke and tiring. But oddly fun and satisfying as well!" Ichinose said.
"He rejected, nii-san." Horikita mumbled. How long did she dream to apply for the student council as well? She wants to join to be closer to her brother. But her brother never paid her any attention and directed it towards her classmate. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
Secretary Tachibana was even more shocked by my response.
"Huh? Are you refusing an invitation from the student council president?!"
"Well, I'd just never do anything that I'm not interested in…"
"Samee."
"Likewise."
"It's a pain."
I didn't do what I didn't want to do. Besides, there was no reason to invite me onto the student council in the first place.
"Let's go, Tachibana."
"Y-yes."
Their interest in me had apparently run out with my refusal, so they left. A short time later, Horikita and Chabashira-sensei appeared.
Chabashirasensei just gave me a slight glance, leaving without saying anything in particular.
"Yo." I raised my hand as I greeted Horikita, but was met with an intense glare the likes of which I'd never seen from her before. She quickly returned to her neutral expression, though.
"What were the results?" I asked.
"You already know it, right?"
"Why asked?"
"You'd already know, right?" she replied.
"I'm glad to hear that. Looks like your strategy worked well."
"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun. Am I just your puppet?
"Puppet?"
"What's Horikita-san's talking about?"
"I'm confused."
"So am I."
"You're not the only one."
"My puppet? What are you talking about?"
"Ayanokouji-kun, you brought up the idea of surveillance cameras in the classrooms. Next, you took me to the special building and made me realize that there were no cameras. Then, you guided me to the idea of inventing false evidence, so that we could parse the truth from lies… When I look back on it now, that's all I can think of."
"Uh... And that lead you to think that you're a puppet?" Hiyori asked confused. "To me, it's more like he guided you."
"A mentor with his student, aye?"
"You're not learning and improving if someone keeps telling you the things you should do." Katsuragi advised.
"You're overthinking it. It's just coincidence."
"Who are you?"
"What do you mean, who am I? I'm just a guy who dislikes trouble, right?"
I realized that I had gotten involved a little too much this time. I'd need to reflect on that. The always-sharp Horikita probably guessed my thoughts, to some extent. I had to dial it back a little. I just wanted my life here to be peaceful.
"Someone who dislikes trouble. If that's—"
"I know we're all curious and all. But aren't you being straight forward, Horikita-san?" Haruka said.
"Yeah, it's Ayanokoji's business after all. It's not nice to poked at a person life just because you're curious." Yukimura said. "Who knows about the things he went through. It might be sensitive."
"Try to learn to be sensitive, Suzune hmm? Don't always be a bitch. Even I know my limits." Ryuuen said.
Horikita glared at him for calling her bitch.
As Horikita started to speak, a male student walked towards us. This was not a conversation that we wanted overheard, so both Horikita and I fell silent. We waited for him to pass, but the guy stopped in front of us.
It wasn't on accident. He had black hair, styled so it was worn long. He appeared to be around the same height as me, maybe a little taller. I glanced at his profile and noted that he wore a wide grin. His smile looked ominous.
"Ryuuen-san?" Ishizaki asked. "Is that you?"
"Yeah." Ryuuen said.
"Setting up a camera? You really did something funny, huh?" The boy didn't even turn to face us entirely as he spoke.
"Like you didn't do anything funny, either." Horikita hissed.
"Don't be angry." Ryuuen mocked her.
"And you are?" Horikita asked the mystery student, seemingly perturbed.
"Next time, I'll be your opponent. I look forward to it."
The boy walked on without answering Horikita's question. We never got a clear look at him. We were only able to watch in silence as he walked away.
"Well. I'll be heading back now." I had the feeling it would be better for us not to be seen together, and turned my back on Horikita.
"Wait. We're not done talking, Ayanokouji-kun."
"I think you should stop talking, Horikita-san." Ichinose said worried.
"It's in the past. No matter how many time you tell me to shut up it already happened." Horikita sighed.
"I'm done talking." I kept going without looking back.
"You promised, right? You promised you'd help me reach Class A."
"You forced him too."
"Technically, he promised her after the fight with the president remember?"
"It's more like pity than anything at all if I looked back."
"You sort of forced me to. You helped Sudou in this case, too. Right?"
"That's not what I meant. I want to know what you're thinking."
"I'm thinking 'This is annoying,' and 'I don't have any motivation to do this.' Stuff like that. That's what I'm thinking. Even if you took back what you said just now, Horikita, I do intend to live my life quietly. Whether we aim for Class A or whatever, that's it."
Students felt pity for the boy for being forced to work with the class. It's annoying it be forced against your will after all. It seemed to not satisfied her as Horikita poked and poked about Ayanokoji's past and all.
This is beyond being insensitive. Well, I guess if you're desperate to reach class A then you'll be the same as her.
I'd hoped that answer would satisfy her, but Horikita didn't listen.
"If you really hated drawing attention, you wouldn't make all this effort to get involved. You say you're someone who 'dislikes trouble,' after all. Yet you act all evasive and non-committal even while you help me. Why?"
"Didn't you forced him, Horikita-san?" Hirata spoke up, "I'm grateful for Ayanokoji-kun for helping the class but if it's against his will then I want you to stop. I know you want to reach class A and reach your brother but it's rude to forced someone to work for you. Especially since you also hate being poke on and forced."
Horikita remained quiet. She knows that now. It slap her in the face during the special exam. "I apologize, Ayanokoji-kun. I'm only thinking about myself and my goals. I never thought of or considered your feeling regarding being forced to work with me. I also want to apologize for the things I did and said to all of you. From now on, I want to work with you all to reach class A together." Horikita apologized to Ayanokoji and Class D.
"It's okay, Horikita-san." Sato said.
"Yeah, we're also thankful for you helping the class and having the patience to deal with us." Shinohara said.
"At least our class is slowly improving and reflecting from their mistakes." Yukimura said.
"Count me out, glasses-kun. I, the perfect existence do not make mistakes." Koenji said.
I assumed that this change in Horikita's behavior was Chabashirasensei's doing. She was probably pulling the strings here. I wouldn't be surprised if she knew about my past.
"I thought that I should help the first friends I've ever made. Probably."
If I kept talking, I might say something unnecessary. I walked faster. By now, I had reached one absolute conclusion. If Horikita were truly aiming for Class A, it would be impossible under our present circumstances. We'd received a declaration of war from some guy apparently known as Ryuuen. This could be just the start of a cunning, audacious, and brutal attack.
He would probably stand in our way as a vigilant enemy in the future. Then there were Ichinose and Kanzaki from Class B. They were two capable people who took only small, indirect steps. Ichinose probably had more plans lined up in her ambition to reach the top than I could imagine. It was impossible to fully understand how we'd landed in this situation, or her methods and process.
I didn't understand what she wanted, but her goals would most likely prove a huge obstacle for us. In other words, it was fair to say that trying to reach Class A in three years was hopeless. Even if we tried to tackle this situation head-on, then…
Everyone blinked.
"Huh, what?"
"I didn't get that."
"Can someone explain?"
"My head hurts."
'Splended thinking as always.' Sakayanagi smiled, 'I can't wait to bury the false genius.'
"This kind of thinking." Katsuragi muttered.
"Katsuragi-san?" Yahiko asked concerned.
"Nothing." Katsuragi dismissed him. 'As I expected, Ayanokoji-kun seemed to be the biggest threat out of everyone in here.'
"Kukuku, this is interesting." Ryuuen laughed to himself. 'I seemed to have found an opponent. Change of plan. I'll crush you first before moving on to Sakayanagi.'
"Ichinose." Kanzaki said. Ichinose turned to him and understood the stare Kanzaki gave her.
'I'm not telling you to stop being friends with him and all but please be careful. Don't tell him anything valuable about our class and things that he might picked on.'
Ichinose nodded, 'I won't.'
Horikita and Matsushita stared at the screen dazed. Was that Ayanokoji's thought process? He barely interacted with the other class and yet he already analyzed them that quickly? He's amazing.
Manabu was correct. There was something in Ayanokoji that is special. He was correct on his analysis. Perhaps Ayanokoji might be the key to stop Nagumo once he become president. He can only hope.
Nagumo narrowed his eyes. 'That thought process, it seems you're more mysterious and interesting Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. It's official. You'll be my new plaything.'
The teachers, even Chabashira who first hand know her student's capabilities was shocked.
'This kid is special. No matter what I think, I can't find a possible reason why the chairman placed him in D and not A. This is an insult to his abilities.' Mashima thought.
Hoshinomiya was seething inside, 'How dare Sae-chan get a student like him and not me? It's unfair!'
Chabashira, unlike Hoshinomiya was elated. Finally! She can ascend to class A and achieve her dearest wish.
"Ugh!" I unintentionally let out a small noise.
I really was an was I getting worked up for? I had arbitrarily started analyzing Class D and considering the options. I didn't want to. I mean, she was the one who chose this school, right? Horikita and Ichinose were aiming for the top, not me. All I wanted was an ordinary, regular life where nothing ever happened. Otherwise? I couldn't do this.
'Confused. He's confused on which action to take. Follow his mind or follow his heart? He constantly contradict himself. I wonder what things you've been to, to end up your current self?' Manabu thought.
I knew more about me than anyone else. I knew just how defective, just how foolish I was. I was a horrible human being.
"Horrible human being?" Ichinose muttered.
"Aren't you being too harsh on yourself, Ayanokoji-kun?" Haruka asked.
"I spoke nothing but the truth about what I said." Ayanokoji said before leaving since it was the last scene they will be watching today.
-x-
Previous Chapter: Truth and Lies.
Next Chapter: Intermission — SS: Dangers Lurk in Everyday Life.
Word Count: 9754
Hi guys! This is the last chapter for Volume 2. I won't be updating this upcoming week because class is officially starting after our mental health break; which was just 1 week. So yeah, the teachers will definitely give us many assignments to do. Fun. Anyway I hope you had a great day!